Biden starts democracy summit with $690M pledge for programs
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is opening his second Summit for Democracy with a pledge for the U.S. to spend $690 million bolstering democracy programs around the globe.
Poll: Cut federal spending — but not big-ticket programs
AP-NORC PollMarch 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — In the federal budget standoff, the majority of U.S. adults are asking lawmakers to pull off the impossible: Cut the overall size of government, but also devote more money to the most popular and expensive programs.
Israeli PM, Biden exchange frosty words over legal overhaul
March 29, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebuffed President Joe Biden's suggestion that the premier “walks away” from a contentious plan to overhaul the legal system, saying the country makes its own decisions.
Harris out to reframe US views on Africa, foster partnership
March 29, 2023 GMTACCRA, Ghana (AP) — If U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has a favorite number on her trip to Africa, it's undoubtedly 19.
Basic training without yelling: Army recruits get 2nd chance
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Last August, Daysia Holiday decided to try one more time to join the Army.
She’d taken the academic test and failed three times. So, when she was offered a slot in a new Army prep course to help improve her scores and qualify for basic training, she jumped at the chance.
Senate poised to vote on repeal of Iraq war powers
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is poised to vote Wednesday to repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, which would end more than 20 years of authorization for U.S. presidents to use force in that country and return those war powers to Congress.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
AP sources: No more action from Trump grand jury this week
March 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money paid on Donald Trump’s behalf is not expected to take up that inquiry again this week, meaning any potential vote on an indictment probably won’t happen until next week at the earliest, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.
Biden: GOP policies would surrender tech economy to China
March 29, 2023 GMTDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Republicans' ideas for cutting the budget could undermine U.S. manufacturing and help China dominate the world economy.
Army quickly plans new ads after Jonathan Majors’ arrest
March 29, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Army is working to quickly pull together some new recruiting ads to air during the NCAA's Final Four basketball games this weekend, after being forced to yank commercials that featured actor Jonathan Majors, in the wake of his arrest last Saturday.
Top EU official switches jobs as Qatar questions linger
March 29, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A top European Union transport official who accepted free flights and accommodation in Qatar has been transferred to another post at his own request, the European Commission said Wednesday, but it remains unclear whether the man is suspected of any wrongdoing.
Sweden summons Russian envoy over ‘retaliation’ remark
March 29, 2023 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Sweden’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's ambassador Wednesday after Moscow’s diplomatic mission in Stockholm said the Scandinavian country would become a “legitimate target for Russia’s retaliatory measures” if it joined NATO.
Russia launches drills of its nuclear missile forces
March 29, 2023 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — The Russian military conducted drills of its strategic missile forces Wednesday, deploying mobile launchers in Siberia in a show of the country's massive nuclear capability amid the fighting in Ukraine.
Ukraine can’t falter in Bahkmut or Russia will ‘smell that we are weak,’ Zelenskyy says
AP ExclusiveMarch 29, 2023 GMTAlabama police officer killed, another wounded in shooting
March 29, 2023 GMTHUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama police officer has died and another was critically wounded after being shot by a man who was captured after barricading himself inside an apartment, authorities said.
Spanish judge releases fugitive Catalan Euro MP
March 29, 2023 GMTMadrid (AP) — A Spanish Supreme Court judge on Wednesday ordered the release of Clara Ponsatí, a Euro MP and a former regional Catalan government Cabinet member who fled Spain five years ago after a failed independence bid for Catalonia.
Taiwan leader’s US meeting plans draw Chinese threat
March 29, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China threatened “resolute countermeasures” over a planned meeting between Taiwan’s president and the United States House speaker during an upcoming trip through Los Angeles.
Sri Lanka slashes fuel prices in welcome relief amid crisis
March 29, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s government on Wednesday announced significant cuts in fuel prices, providing welcome relief for many after a year of shortages and skyrocketing prices amid the country’s worst economic crisis.
38 dead in Mexico fire after guards didn’t let migrants out
March 29, 2023 GMTCIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — When smoke began billowing out of a migrant detention center in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, Venezuelan migrant Viangly Infante Padrón was terrified because she knew her husband was still inside.
Spain clean energy case shakes confidence in EU investment
March 29, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Renewable energy investors who lost subsidies promised by Spain are heading to a London court to try to claw back $125 million from the government — a decadelong dispute with ramifications for clean energy financing across the European Union.
Georgia lawmakers eye vouchers, mental health on last day
March 29, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia lawmakers face multiple key decisions on the final scheduled day of their 2023 session.
Most importantly, the General Assembly must still pass a budget. But senators and representatives are also trying to reach agreement on plans to improve mental health care.
Myanmar junta dissolves Suu Kyi’s party, much of opposition
March 29, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government took another major step in its ongoing campaign to cripple its political opponents on Wednesday, dissolving dozens of opposition parties including that of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi for failing to meet a registration deadline ahead of elections.
Harris, in Africa, confronts painful past, envisions future
March 29, 2023 GMTCAPE COAST, Ghana (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas.
Deadly fire highlights immigration pressures on Mexico
March 29, 2023 GMTSAN DIEGO (AP) — The fire that killed 38 people at an immigration detention center in Mexico happened as Western hemisphere countries face pressure to address the extraordinary number of people fleeing their homes.
Ex Starbucks CEO to defend union opposition before Senate
March 29, 2023 GMTLongtime Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz will face sharp questioning Wednesday when he appears before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to defend the company's actions during an ongoing unionizing campaign.
Video shows guards walking away during fire that killed 38
March 29, 2023 GMTCIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday.
Another effort to make NC sheriffs aid ICE approved by House
March 29, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's sheriffs would be required to help federal agents who are interested in picking up jail inmates they believe are in the country illegally in legislation approved by the state House on Tuesday.
New California gas price law another defeat for oil industry
March 29, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — It was just a few weeks ago that California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the oil industry the second most powerful force on earth, trailing only Mother Nature in its ability to bend the elements — both physical and political — to its will.
Kansas moving to raise age for buying tobacco to 21 from 18
March 29, 2023 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is moving to increase its legal age for buying cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21 from 18 after the federal government and most other states already have done it.
Revived N. Carolina sports wagering bill wins big House vote
March 29, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sports gambling in North Carolina soared over a major hurdle on Tuesday as the House voted for legislation to permit, regulate and tax wagering activities less than a year after the chamber scuttled a similar effort.
Missouri House votes to ban diversity spending in government
March 29, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican-led House on Tuesday voted to ban state government spending on diversity, equity and inclusion, including at public colleges and universities.
During work on the state budget, lawmakers voted to prohibit government funding from paying for staff, vendors, consultants and programs “associated with diversity, equity (and) inclusion."
Seattle, feds seek to end most oversight of city’s police
March 29, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and Seattle officials asked a judge Tuesday to end most federal oversight of the city’s police department, saying its sustained, decade-long reform efforts are a model for other cities whose law enforcement agencies face federal civil rights investigations.
Puerto Rico governor unveils solar energy plans in address
March 29, 2023 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Gov. Pedro Pierluisi announced new solar energy initiatives on Tuesday during his annual state of the territory address, a speech viewed by many as critical as he fights plummeting ratings amid growing discontent over costly electric bills, government corruption and slow-moving hurricane reconstruction.
Delaware lawmakers give final approval to marijuana bills
March 28, 2023 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — The Delaware Senate gave final approval Tuesday to bills legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry, setting up a potential battle with Democratic Gov.
Carlson, Hannity among potential witnesses at Fox News trial
March 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Bret Baier are among the stars who both Fox News and the voting machine company suing it for defamation have signaled could testify if the case heads to trial next month.
Youngkin signs hundreds of bills, vetoes 3 from Democrats
March 28, 2023 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 738 bills into law, proposed amendments to another 78 and vetoed three, taking action on the legislation ahead of a bill-review deadline this week, his office said Tuesday.
State Senate votes to override gun bill veto, sends to House
March 28, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Republican-controlled Senate voted Tuesday to override the Democratic governor's first veto of the session on legislation to loosen gun restrictions, teeing up the House's first test of party unity under new operating rules.
N.C. board removes election officials who refused to certify
March 28, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s state elections board on Tuesday removed two local election officials who had refused to certify their county's 2022 results after officials determined they violated state law.
Feds offer $20K rewards in search for ex-Maryland official
March 28, 2023 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — Federal authorities offered rewards of up to $20,000 Tuesday as their search continues for former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s ex-chief of staff, two weeks after he failed to appear for trial on corruption charges.
Debt ceiling impasse: McCarthy presses Biden to negotiate
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Tuesday he's increasingly concerned about President Joe Biden's unwillingness to negotiate on lifting the nation's borrowing authority, saying in a letter to the president that the White House position could "hold dire ramifications for the entire nation.”
What is the filibuster, and why does it matter in Nebraska?
March 28, 2023 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A group of lawmakers is continuing this week to filibuster all bills that come before the Nebraska Legislature — even the ones they support — in protest over a bill that would ban gender-affirming treatments for minors.
Man accused of stabbing Senate staffer after prison release
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Senate staffer remained hospitalized Tuesday after police say he was attacked leaving a restaurant in Washington this weekend by a man who had been released from federal prison a day earlier.
Arkansas sues TikTok, Meta over privacy, child safety claims
March 28, 2023 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The state of Arkansas sued TikTok and Facebook parent Meta on Tuesday, claiming the social media companies were misleading consumers about the safety of children on their platforms and protections of users' private data.
3 dead, 13 missing in Caribbean sinking; 14 Africans saved
March 28, 2023 GMTSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — At least 14 people from the African nation of Cameroon were rescued from waters in the eastern Caribbean early Tuesday after their boat capsized, but three people were dead and 13 others missing, authorities in St.
McConnell opposes as Senate nears repeal of Iraq war powers
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he opposes repeal of the 2002 and 1991 authorizations of force against Iraq, arguing that that authority “bears directly on the threats we face today in Iraq and Syria from Iran-backed terrorists.”
Pakistan says it will skip US democracy summit amid turmoil
March 28, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan announced Tuesday it will not participate in this week's U.S.-led Summit for Democracy, a move seen in part as an effort by the impoverished Islamic nation to assuage longtime ally China, which was not invited.
MI5 hikes Northern Ireland terror threat level to ‘severe’
March 28, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — The U.K.’s MI5 intelligence service on Tuesday raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland’ to “severe” amid an increase in activity by dissident Irish republican militants.
Charleston church attack survivors push for hate crime bill
March 28, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two survivors of a 2015 racist massacre that killed nine of their friends at a Charleston church told a group of state senators Tuesday that South Carolina's lack of a hate crimes law is an insult to what they suffered through at their Bible study.
Military members file claims for fuel in Hawaii Navy water
March 28, 2023 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — A Navy sailor, an Army colonel and an Army major are the first active-duty military members taking the initial step toward suing the U.S. government over jet fuel that contaminated drinking water in Hawaii.
Michigan attorney general says income tax cut is temporary
March 28, 2023 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Tuesday that an income tax rate reduction expected to be triggered for the 2023 tax year by the state's high revenues will be temporary and will revert back to the normal rate the following year.
EPA cites 2 oil and gas firms over Permian Basin pollution
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Two Texas companies have resolved Clean Air Act violations with the Environmental Protection Agency by agreeing to reduce emissions of planet-warming methane and other harmful pollutants wafting from the nation's largest oil and gas producing region.
Israel’s Netanyahu may have tough time saving judicial plan
March 28, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put his contentious judicial overhaul plan on hold this week, he vowed to pass the package through parliament “one way or another.” But he may have a hard time keeping that promise.
Israel’s Netanyahu: Mossad helped Greece uncover terror plot
March 28, 2023 GMTATHENS, Greece (AP) — Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Tuesday said his country's intelligence agency Mossad helped Greece prevent a terrorist attack planned against at least one Jewish site in Athens.
US, Russia stop sharing nuke data under faltering New START
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Russia have stopped sharing biannual nuclear weapons data under the faltering New START treaty, the last arms control pact between the two countries, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
French court refuses to extradite Italian former militants
March 28, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — France’s highest court ruled Tuesday against extraditing 10 former far-left militants who were convicted of attacks in Italy carried out in the 1970s and 1980s.
The two women and eight men fled Italy after their convictions and before they could be sent to prison.
German governing parties agree on energy, climate measures
March 28, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany’s three ruling parties announced Tuesday that they have an agreement on a series of energy and climate policies following weeks of infighting that threatened to paralyze the government.
US Supreme Court won’t review GOP’s Kansas congressional map
March 28, 2023 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court won't review a congressional redistricting law enacted by the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature that some voters and Democrats saw as political gerrymandering.
IOC details advice to let Russia, Belarus athletes return
March 28, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Some Russian athletes can soon return to international sports, although their status for next year's Paris Olympics is still up in the air.
The International Olympic Committee recommended Tuesday that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to return to competition under a neutral status as long as they have no military links.
Clean Virginia offers endorsements, plans 8-figure spend
March 28, 2023 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Clean Virginia, the advocacy group formed to counter the influence of Dominion Energy at the state Capitol, rolled out 52 legislative endorsements Tuesday and announced plans to boost its spending by nearly $700,000, with more to come, to help those mostly Democratic candidates get elected.
Why does Russia want tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus?
March 28, 2023 GMTRussian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that he intends to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the conflict in Ukraine.
Montenegro’s president: EU’s neglect gave Russia a platform
March 28, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro's pro-Western president criticized the European Union for allegedly allowing Russia to spread its influence in the Western Balkans, saying Tuesday that the volatile region has become a “platform” for anti-EU policies due to the bloc’s “negligence.”
DeSantis to visit Israel to speak at Jerusalem museum
March 28, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will travel to Jerusalem next month and speak at a museum event as Israel faces a spiraling domestic crisis, giving the potential 2024 presidential candidate a stage to tout his foreign policy credentials.
Georgia high court considers whether abortion law is void
March 28, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's highest court is considering whether the state's restrictive abortion law is void because it violated U.S.
US makes corporate transparency commitment with 20 nations
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed America’s commitment to enhancing corporate transparency along with more than 20 other countries participating in this week's Summit for Democracy.
US, New Mexico settle with oil company over emissions
March 28, 2023 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Texas oil company has reached a $6.2 million settlement with the federal government and the state of New Mexico to resolve air pollution violations.
State and federal environmental regulators announced the settlement with Matador Production Co. on Monday.
Lawmakers back Paris Olympic law despite surveillance fears
March 28, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — A proposed French law for the 2024 Paris Olympics that critics contend will open the door for privacy-busting video surveillance technology in France and elsewhere in Europe passed an important hurdle on Tuesday with lawmakers overwhelmingly voting for it.
Liberal outraises conservative in Wisconsin court race
March 28, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Democratic-funded candidate in Wisconsin's pivotal state Supreme Court contest has raised more than five times as much money as her Republican-backed opponent ahead of the April 4 election.
EU defends its Libya migrant work as UN points the finger
March 28, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Tuesday defended its work with migrants in Libya after U.N.-backed investigators accused the 27-nation bloc of abetting human rights abuses and other crimes in the largely lawless north African country.
Muslim leader for Scotland a sign of UK political diversity
March 28, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Humza Yousaf was confirmed as first minister of Scotland on Tuesday, becoming the first person of color to head the Scottish government, and the first Muslim national leader in any Western democracy.
Bill nears passage to ban outside election cash in Georgia
March 28, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's DeKalb County could keep its $2 million in private grant money to help run elections, under a bill nearing final passage. But the next Georgia local government official who accepts an outside election grant might end up a convicted felon.
Wisconsin lawmakers approve settlement with factory farm
March 28, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature's finance committee approved a $215,000 deal Tuesday between the state Justice Department and a factory farm to settle pollution allegations.
EU deal to move migrant children from Greece officially ends
March 28, 2023 GMTATHENS, Greece (AP) — A voluntary scheme by European Union member states to accept unaccompanied migrant children from Greece officially ended Tuesday, raising concern over delays still facing the bloc in hammering out a comprehensive new migration agreement.
US, UK sanction 6 Syria-linked amphetamine traffickers
March 28, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. and U.K. on Tuesday slapped sanctions on four Syrians and two Lebanese involved in manufacturing and trafficking the amphetamine drug Captagon, the two governments said. The six include cousins of Syrian President Bashar Assad and notorious Lebanese drug lynchpins.
UN says Afghan girls’ education activist arrested in Kabul
March 28, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — An Afghan rights activist who has campaigned for girls' education has been arrested in Kabul, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
The U.N. mission in Afghanistan said Matiullah Wesa, founder and president of Pen Path — a local nongovernmental group that travels across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library — was arrested in the Afghan capital on Monday.
Georgia bill is latest GOP effort targeting prosecutors
March 28, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A new Georgia commission to discipline and remove wayward prosecutors would be the latest move nationwide to ratchet up oversight on what Republicans see as “woke prosecutors” who aren't doing enough to fight crime.
China ambassador arrives in North Korea in sign of reopening
March 28, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China said Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages.
Russia says it test-fired anti-ship missiles in Sea of Japan
March 28, 2023 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Moscow test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday, with two boats launching a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away.
Kim wants N. Korea to make more nuclear material for bombs
March 28, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on his increasing range of weapons.
Australian soldier charged over Afghan killing freed on bail
March 28, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — A former elite soldier charged with murder for allegedly killing an unarmed man in Afghanistan was released on bail Tuesday by a magistrate who concluded he would face danger from Muslim extremists in prison.
House GOP to subpoena Blinken over Afghanistan dissent cable
March 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans plan to deliver a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday for classified cables related to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking an unprecedented effort to force the release of sensitive documents to Congress.