Trump says pilots are fine after US helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A U.S. Army helicopter has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, but President Donald Trump says the two crew members were not injured. Trump made the comments to journalists late Monday while at John F. Kennedy International Airport after watching the NBA Finals in New York. The New York Times first reported that a U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter went down near the strait in unclear circumstances. The crash came after Iran and Israel exchanged fire on Monday, imperiling talks over solidifying a shaky ceasefire in the Iran war. Iran said at least two members of an air defense unit had been killed in the attacks.
Christian leaders in Lebanese city of Tyre call for quick international action after Israeli warning
SIDON, Lebanon (AP) — Christian religious leaders in the Lebanese city of Tyre have urged for swift international and local action to prevent Israeli attacks on the Christian district. This call follows Israeli airstrikes on nearby neighborhoods that killed eight people and wounded dozens of others. Israel issued an evacuation warning on Tuesday for Tyre including the Christian district. The order prompted hundreds to flee. The leaders emphasized the district's cultural and historical significance. They warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if it's targeted. Tensions have risen after Israel and Iran traded strikes with Israel targeting Hezbollah in Beirut. The ongoing conflict has caused significant destruction in Tyre. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Graham Platner tries to clinch Senate nomination in Maine
WASHINGTON (AP) — Voters across Maine, Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota head to the polls for another day of primary elections in America. But much of the political world will be focused on Maine’s high-stakes U.S. Senate contest. The results are not in question. Neither Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins nor Democratic challenger Graham Platner faces serious opposition for their party’s nomination. But Tuesday still marks a big moment for Platner, the embattled veteran and oyster farmer, who's fighting to rebuild his credibility in a campaign rocked by controversy. Elsewhere, President Donald Trump’s clout within his party will be tested in South Carolina and Nevada, where he's endorsed his favored candidates.
House is set to fund Trump's immigration actions for the rest of his time in the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are working to get $70 billion for immigration enforcement over the finish line. The funding is enough to propel the Homeland Security agencies through the next three years and the rest of President Donald Trump’s term. Speaker Mike Johnson will need near perfect attendance and unity to pass the bill Tuesday. Democrats vow to oppose it. The bill got sidetracked when Republicans sought to include $1 billion for enhanced security on the White House grounds, including for Trump’s new ballroom. Then the Trump administration tried to create a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who claim they've been unjustly investigated and prosecuted. Those proposals proved politically toxic and were scrapped.
32,000 people displaced by the Philippine earthquake that killed at least 37
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines (AP) — Rescuers are searching ruined buildings in the southern Philippines to ensure no one was still trapped a day after the strongest earthquake to hit the country in a half-century killed at least 37 people and displaced more than 32,000. Only four people were considered missing on official records in the southern provinces near where the 7.8 magnitude quake struck Monday morning. However, the Office of Civil Defense acknowledged several collapsed and heavily damaged buildings must be thoroughly inspected for possible survivors or casualties. The earthquake was centered off Mindanao and displaced more than 20,000, most of whom fled to emergency shelters.
Congo's Ebola outbreak rises to over 100 deaths out of 550 cases as conflict slows response
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — At least 100 people have died from Ebola less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak of the disease in eastern Congo. Attacks on health workers from angry residents, skepticism among some locals and armed conflict in hot spots continue to challenge efforts to stop the spread. Out of the 550 cases of the disease confirmed as of Sunday, there have been 101 deaths and 19 recoveries. That's according to the latest situation report late on Monday. However, the number of cases is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed weeks late, and the response has been challenging in part because the virus has no approved vaccine or treatment.
From tennis to T-ball, the White House's South Lawn is no stranger to sports. But not like the UFC
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House's South Lawn has hosted many sports over the decades but never a UFC fight like the one President Donald Trump is organizing for his 80th birthday. The lawn is known for low-contact sports like T-ball and putting and joyful events geared toward children or bipartisanship. Now the lawn features an octagon cage and arena seating for upward of 5,000 people. This marks a shift from past presidential sports traditions. Teddy Roosevelt introduced sports to the White House with a tennis court in the early 1900s. Other presidents added their own sports facilities. Trump's love for UFC reflects his cage match approach to politics and his connection with UFC chief Dana White.
Rob Reiner’s son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, is seeking funds from a trust his parents established. He says he needs the money for his defense against charges that he killed them. His attorneys filed a petition Monday in Los Angeles County court, saying trustees have unjustly denied him access to the funds. Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder. He retained a high-profile lawyer, but funding issues led to the lawyer's withdrawal. The trust, established in 1993, was supposed to provide Reiner with funds at ages 30 and 35, but he says he never received them.
Wall Street rises as AI stocks recover more of their losses and oil prices ease
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market is climbing as artificial-intelligence stocks regain more of their sudden and sharp losses from last week, while oil prices ease. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% early Tuesday and pulled back within 2% of its all-time high set a week ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 291 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8% higher. Companies selling computer chips, memory and other building blocks of the AI boom again helped lead the market. Micron Technology rose 2.5%, for example, a day after jumping 9.9% and two days after plunging 13.3%. Brent crude fell 2.4%.
World Cup ref from Somalia who was denied entry to the US was about to make history for his country
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami and subsequently dropped from the tournament by FIFA had been set to make history for his country. Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup. He is one of Africa's top referees. U.S. Customs and Border Protection say in a statement he was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday over “vetting concerns.” It didn't give details of those concerns. Somalia was one of the countries subjected to new travel restrictions last year under the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
