Politics

U.S. sanctions Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad, its CEO and Hamas cryptocurrency financiers

By Fatima Hussein, Abby Sewell, Associated Press

The sanctions come as Israel's bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip continues and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq launch regular strikes against bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. and British militaries bomb more sites in Yemen used by Iran-backed Houthis

By Lolita C. Baldor, Tara Copp, Associated Press

Officials say the U.S. and U.K. used warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites and launchers.

Blinken begins Africa tour in Cape Verde, touting the U.S. as a key security and economic partner

By Chinedu Asadu, Associated Press

Blinken has begun a tour of four African countries, meeting with the leaders of Cape Verde and Ivory Coast and touting America as the continent's key economic and security ally at times of regional and international crises. Blinken is visiting…

Ohio county board stands by disqualification of transgender candidate, despite others being allowed to run

By Samantha Hendrickson, Associated Press/Report For America

The Stark County Board of Elections disqualified Vanessa Joy of Massillon because she omitted her former name, also known as a "deadname," from circulating petitions.

Divided Supreme Court allows federal agents to cut razor wire installed by Texas on U.S.-Mexico border as lawsuit continues

By Associated Press

The justices, by a 5-4 vote Monday, granted an emergency appeal from the Biden administration, which has been in an escalating standoff at the border with Texas and had objected to an appellate ruling in favor of the state.

AI robocalls impersonate President Biden in an apparent attempt to suppress votes in New Hampshire

By Ali Swenson, Will Weissert, Associated Press

The apparent attempt at voter suppression using generative AI is one example of what experts warn will make 2024 a year of unprecedented election disinformation around the world.

Possible Trump testimony in E. Jean Carroll defamation trial postponed due to juror illness

By Jennifer Peltz, Larry Neumeister, Associated Press

Trump had been expected to testify as early as Monday about why he has spoken disparagingly about Carroll since she revealed her claims in a 2019 memoir. One of the jurors reported feeling ill and was told to go home…

Western Balkan nations pledge support for new EU growth plan, as they seek membership in the bloc

By Konstantin Testorides, Associated Press

The leaders of Western Balkan countries have pledged to make full use of the European Union's financial support plan of six billion euros (about $6.5 billion) as they continue to seek membership in the bloc.

Families of hostages held in Gaza storm Israel's parliament demanding deal for release

By Melanie Lidman, Wafaa Shurafa, Associated Press

Dozens of family members of hostages held by Hamas stormed a committee meeting in Israel's parliament, demanding a deal to win their loved ones' release.

Dexter Scott King, younger son of Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 62

By Associated Press

As an adult, Dexter King focused on shepherding his father's legacy and protecting the King family's intellectual property. Dexter King was serving as the King Center's chairman at the time of his death.