Politics

Russian forces simulate nuclear strike as parliament rescinds ratification of test-ban treaty

By Associated Press

The drills on Wednesday took place hours after the upper house of the Russian parliament revoked the ratification of a global nuclear test ban in what Moscow has described as a move to establish parity with the United States.

Food insecurity shot up last year with inflation and the end of pandemic-era aid, a new report says

By Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press

A new Department of Agriculture report released Wednesday paints a sobering picture of post-pandemic hardship with "statistically significant" increases in food insecurity.

Biden condemns retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank

By Aamer Madhani, Seung Min Kim, Colleen Long, Associated Press

Biden said the attacks by what he calls "extremist settlers" amounted to "pouring gasoline" on the already burning fires in the Middle East since the Hamas attack.

UN warns Gaza blockade could force it to sharply cut relief missions as Israeli airstrikes continue

By Najib Jobain, Samy Magdy, Lee Keath, Associated Press

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has warned that without immediate deliveries of fuel it will soon have to sharply cut back relief operations across the Gaza Strip.

Trump fined $10,000 over comment about judge's staff in New York civil fraud trial

By Jennifer Peltz, Jake Offenhartz, Associated Press

The judge in Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial has fined the former president $10,000. The judge says Trump violated a limited gag order barring personal attacks on court staffers.

Mike Johnson elected House speaker on first ballot with support from all Republicans

By Lisa Mascaro, Stephen Groves, Farnoush Amiri, Kevin Freking, Associated Press

Republican congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been elected House speaker. Republicans eagerly voted to give Johnson the gavel on Wednesday.

Israel support becomes big issue for Iowa evangelicals heading into caucuses

By Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press

Conservative activists say supporting Israel is a now top priority for evangelicals who plan to participate in the Republican presidential caucuses in Iowa.

Michael Cohen is questioned by Trump's lawyers in the former president's civil business fraud trial

By Jennifer Peltz, Jake Offenhartz, Associated Press

Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been cross-examining Cohen. She's emphasizing Cohen's federal criminal convictions and working to portray him as a liar.

WATCH: Biden calls Australia 'an anchor to peace and prosperity' during state visit from Albanese

By Chris Megerian, Associated Press

It was the ninth and most high-profile meeting between the two leaders, reflecting their work toward closer ties on climate change, technology and national security.

WATCH: House meets again to vote for new speaker after GOP nominates Rep. Mike Johnson

By Lisa Mascaro, Stephen Groves, Farnoush Amiri, Kevin Freking, Associated Press

Both relieved and exultant, Republicans unanimously elected Rep. Mike Johnson as House speaker on Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority.