US and Iran hold separate meetings in Qatar and agree to continue discussions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators have met separately with Qatari and Pakistani mediators and host Qatar is reporting positive progress in talks. The plan is to continue discussions after the funeral of Iran’s previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which is set to start on Saturday. The talks focus on ending the war and resolving issues over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists on controlling ship routes and charging fees, which the U.S. and Gulf Arab states oppose. Meanwhile, a U.S. Navy helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea, with one crew member missing.
As the Pentagon stays quiet, AP reconstructs a US strike that killed over 100 Iranian children
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Feb. 28 attack on a primary school in southeastern Iran was the deadliest reported strike in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Most of the victims were children. In almost any other conflict, these haunting truths would be seared into national memory. Yet more than 120 days since at least one U.S. missile struck the school in Minab, there remains no final accounting of what happened. The rapid pace of U.S. bombing and chaotic death tolls have left families without resolution. President Donald Trump has denied U.S. involvement, while Iran blames the U.S. The Pentagon’s investigation remains incomplete.
Ex-CIA Director John Brennan seeks court order requiring records from investigations be preserved
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former CIA Director John Brennan is suing the Trump administration, demanding a court order that would require officials to preserve records from investigations that are targeting him. Brennan says in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that the records would be essential for him to mount a defense on vindictive prosecution grounds in the event of a future indictment brought by the Republican administration. The lawsuit says Brennan is facing separate investigations based in Florida. No charges have been brought and the Department of Justice has denied claims of weaponization.
Venezuelan medics fear earthquake aftermath will trigger widening medical crisis
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — With far more dead than living people taken from the rubble a week after Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes, doctors say the biggest dangers now facing survivors were untreated wounds and infectious diseases. Because of the destruction of clean water infrastructure and dismal sanitary conditions among the thousands of displaced Venezuelans sleeping in crowded shelters or out in the open, aid workers said that the earthquakes that struck last Wednesday remained a major medical crisis that, unless quickly controlled, would take more lives in the days and weeks ahead. Even as the window of opportunity narrowed in the search for survivors trapped under the rubble, expert teams from more than two dozen countries pressed on Wednesday with rescue operations.
Crypto, real estate, watches: How Trump made over $1 billion last year
NEW YORK (AP) — The latest disclosure report listing President Donald Trump's financial holdings shows he took in about $1.2 billion last year from crypto holdings, overshadowing a real estate business that first brought him fame. It's a stunning development, sped along by his own friendly policies toward the industry and help from billionaires and others with business before the presidency. The report also shows Trump took in tens of millions from new properties in countries beholden to the U.S. for military support or seeking tariff relief. He got tens of millions more suing media companies. The White House says the president has no financial conflicts with his government role and only acts in the public interest.
Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has taken his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One. Trump's plane landed in North Dakota on Wednesday morning. The retrofitted Boeing 747-800, worth $400 million, was a gift from Qatar. Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force One blend into the sky. The refurbished jet is painted in Trump’s preferred color scheme: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes. It has luxury features like plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling and a presidential seal on the seat belts. Trump is in North Dakota visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Climber couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building antenna for apparent marriage proposal
NEW YORK (AP) — A daredevil couple has been arrested after scaling the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurling a banner about “the power of love” and peace. It was apparently part of an audacious, high-altitude marriage proposal. The Russian climbers go by Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus. They were the subject of a 2024 Netflix documentary called “Skywalkers.” It’s unclear how the pair gained access to the antenna. Police identified the two climbers by their formal names, Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov. They were arrested on burglary, reckless endangerment and other charges. It's not immediately clear whether they have attorneys who can speak to the charges.
16 children rescued from Ohio home were 'almost feral,' authorities say
HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say 16 children from the same family who were rescued from a run-down home in rural Ohio were living in horrific conditions and were confined to just one room over much of the past four years. Investigators say some of the children discovered Tuesday were unable to speak. The children’s parents and two grandparents are now charged with felony child endangerment. They appeared in court Wednesday where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. Authorities say they found the children while carrying out a search warrant in an unrelated investigation. They also say it seems as if no one outside the family knew about the children, who weren’t enrolled in school.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to host their wedding Friday at Madison Square Garden, AP source says
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will host their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. That's according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans. The official said the festivities will kick off with a smaller rehearsal dinner planned for Thursday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the events. Speculation about the superstar singer and football player’s nuptials has built to a frenzy in recent days. Unconfirmed reports said it would take place over July Fourth weekend at one of New York’s iconic landmarks. Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite multiple requests for comment.
Belgium comes back from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time at World Cup
SEATTLE (AP) — Belgium stages a dramatic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the World Cup. Senegal led 2-0 with just five minutes left, but late goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans pushed the match into extra time. Tielemans then scored a penalty in the 125th minute, marking the latest goal in World Cup history. The referee awarded the penalty after a video review, despite protests from Senegal. This win marks the second time in 11 World Cups that a team has overcome a two-goal deficit in the knockout round. Belgium will face the United States.
