Biden’s Justice Dept. keeps hard line in death row cases
March 26, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Rejon Taylor hoped the election of Joe Biden, the first U.S. president to campaign on a pledge to end the death penalty, would mean a more sympathetic look at his claims that racial bias and other trial errors landed him on federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Gap grows between TikTok users, lawmakers on potential ban
March 26, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — On the one side are dozens of lawmakers on Capitol Hill issuing dire warnings about security breaches and possible Chinese surveillance.
On the other are some 150 million TikTok users in the U.S.
GOP states press voter photo ID rules, with unclear effects
March 26, 2023 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — As Ohio’s primary approaches, a strict new photo ID requirement is stirring concerns for military veterans and out-of-state college students, in Amish communities and among older voters.
Trump, facing potential indictment, holds defiant Waco rally
March 26, 2023 GMTWACO, Texas (AP) — Facing a potential indictment, Donald Trump took a defiant stance at a rally Saturday in Waco, disparaging the prosecutors investigating him and predicting his vindication as he rallied supporters in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
Bank failures and rescue test Yellen’s decades of experience
March 25, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Working against the clock to stop a developing banking crisis, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had until sunset on Sunday, March 12, to come up with a plan to calm the U.S.
Vice President Harris’ trip aims to deepen US ties in Africa
March 25, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris will try to deepen and reframe U.S. relationships in Africa during a weeklong trip that is the latest and highest profile outreach by the Biden administration as it moves to counter China's growing influence.
Trump rally falls during anniversary of Waco’s dark past
March 25, 2023 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former President Donald Trump picking Waco, Texas, for the first rally of his 2024 campaign Saturday will put him in the middle of a big Republican state that has reliably delivered him big crowds.
Iran-backed fighters on alert in east Syria after US strikes
March 25, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Iran-backed fighters were on alert in eastern Syria on Saturday, a day afte r U.S. forces launched retaliatory airstrikes on sites in the war-torn country, opposition activists said.
Canada pledges Great Lakes funding after Trudeau-Biden talks
March 25, 2023 GMTTRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Canada has pledged a significant increase in spending to improve water quality in the Great Lakes following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, whose administration also has boosted funding for the shared waters.
Biden’s moves on Alaska drilling, TikTok test young voters
March 25, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Recent moves by President Joe Biden to pressure TikTok over its Chinese ownership and approve oil drilling in an untapped area of Alaska are testing the loyalty of young voters, a group that’s largely been in his corner.
US, Canada end loophole that let asylum-seekers cross border
March 25, 2023 GMTST. JOHNSBURY, Vermont (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday announced a plan to close a loophole to an immigration agreement that has allowed thousands of asylum-seeking immigrants to move between the two countries along a back road linking New York state to the Canadian province of Quebec.
Rwanda frees Paul Rusesabagina of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ fame
March 25, 2023 GMTKIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwanda's government has commuted the 25-year sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses years later in a widely criticized trial.
Biden, Trudeau say ‘inseparable’ nations won’t fail Ukraine
March 25, 2023 GMTOTTAWA, ONTARIO (AP) — President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday celebrated the close, “inseparable” U.S.-Canada relationship and vowed that the two nations remain committed to defending Ukraine as it tries to repel a Russian invasion that has no end in sight.
Biden: US will ‘forcefully’ protect personnel in Syria
March 24, 2023 GMTOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that the U.S. would respond “forcefully” to protect its personnel after U.S. forces retaliated with airstrikes on sites in Syria used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard following a suspected Iranian-linked attack Thursday that killed a U.S.
Connecticut hopes to move up its presidential primary date
March 24, 2023 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Both Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut are backing a proposal to move up the date of Connecticut's presidential primary in hopes of giving the small state a bigger say in choosing presidential candidates.
Watchdog: Israel promotes bids for 1,000 settlement homes
March 24, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government authorized construction bids for over a thousand new homes in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, a watchdog group reported Friday, despite an Israeli pledge to halt settlement construction as part of efforts to curb a deadly wave of violence in the territory.
ConocoPhillips details gas leak cause, remedies at hearing
March 24, 2023 GMTANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — ConocoPhillips, which last week received U.S. government approval for the massive Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, detailed reasons for a natural gas leak at another North Slope field that prompted the evacuation of 300 employees last year.
Women soccer leaders target breakthroughs in World Cup year
March 24, 2023 GMTLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — In a World Cup year set to drive faster progress in women’s soccer, elections in Europe next month will have a global audience for a potential breakthrough in gender equity.
France bans TikTok, Twitter from government staff phones
March 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — France announced Friday it is banning the “recreational” use of TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and other apps on government employees' phones because of concern about insufficient data security measures.
Mexican president pushes back on US criticism on violence
March 24, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s president on Friday angrily rejected comments by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the Mexican government has lost control over parts of the country.
However, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged that Mexican cartels had placed people inside Mexico's drug regulatory agency to approve imports of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China.
US sanctions Belarus’ election officials, president’s plane
March 24, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. imposed sanctions Friday on seven Belarusian elections officials, two state-owned automotive manufacturers and President Alexander Lukashenko's aircraft.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, intensified his repression after a wave of protests in 2020 following a presidential election that the West and Belarus’ opposition denounced as a sham.
Why does US see Chinese-owned TikTok as a security threat?
March 24, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — U.S. lawmakers have grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about data security and harmful content, with some pushing to ban the popular short-video app nationwide.
Pakistani court grants protection to Imran Khan from arrest
March 24, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani court on Friday shielded from arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan until at least next week, amid a roiling political crisis that has pitted the celebrity politician against the current government and spilled over into street protests.
House China panel turns focus to plight of Uyghurs
March 24, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Two women who experienced life in Chinese “reeducation” camps for Uyghurs told lawmakers Thursday of lives under imprisonment and surveillance, rape and torture as a special House committee focused on countering China shined a light on human rights abuses in the country.
A look at the uranium-based ammo the UK will send to Ukraine
March 24, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Russia threatened to escalate attacks in Ukraine after the British government announced it would provide to Ukraine a type of munition that Moscow falsely claims has nuclear components.
TikTok CEO grilled by skeptical lawmakers on safety, content
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly six-hour grilling of TikTok’s CEO by lawmakers brought the platform’s 150 million U.S. users no closer to an answer as to whether the app will be wiped from their devices.
House GOP fails to override Biden veto of ESG investing ban
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House failed Thursday to override President Joe Biden's first veto — of a Republican-led bill that would have banned the consideration of environmental, social or governance issues in retirement and other investment decisions.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew: 3 things to know
March 23, 2023 GMTTikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified Thursday at a congressional hearing over concerns about user data collected by the popular video-sharing app and potential Chinese spying.
Under his helm, TikTok reached 150 million users in the U.S., the majority of them teens and young adults who are attracted to the app’s simple interface and addictive algorithm that serves up short videos on just about any imaginable topic.
Pentagon: Budget readies US for possible China confrontation
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military must be ready for possible confrontation with China, the Pentagon's leaders said Thursday, pushing Congress to approve the Defense Department's proposed $842 billion budget, which would modernize the force in Asia and around the world.
Paraguay launches corruption probe of former president
March 23, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Paraguay’s attorney general launched a criminal investigation Thursday into U.S. allegations that a former Paraguayan president and the current vice president were involved in corruption and had ties to a terrorist group.
DeSantis walks back ‘territorial dispute’ remark on Ukraine
March 23, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is walking back his characterization of Russia’s war in Ukraine as a “territorial dispute,” following criticism from a number of fellow Republicans who expressed concern about the potential 2024 presidential candidate’s dismissive description of the conflict.
Why TikTok’s security risks keep raising fears
March 23, 2023 GMTThe battle between the U.S. and China over TikTok came into full view on Thursday when the social media platform's CEO testified before Congressional lawmakers.
Shou Zi Chew's hearing in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is happening at what he's called a “pivotal moment” for the hugely popular short video sharing app.
Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok
March 23, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — A growing number of countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific have banned the popular video-sharing app TikTok from government devices as privacy and cybersecurity concerns increase. A handful have prohibited the app altogether.
Biden approval dips near lowest point: AP-NORC poll
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Approval of President Joe Biden has dipped slightly since a month ago, nearing the lowest point of his presidency as his administration tries to project a sense of stability while confronting a pair of bank failures and inflation that remains stubbornly high.
Uganda LGBTQ leader says gay bill threatens homelessness
March 23, 2023 GMTKAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A prominent leader of Uganda's LGBTQ community said Thursday he was worried about becoming "homeless,” describing anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a harsh new anti-gay bill.
Chinese diplomats oppose US military presence in Philippines
March 23, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Chinese diplomats expressed their strong opposition to an expanded United States military presence in the Philippines in closed-door talks with their Filipino counterparts Thursday in Manila, a Filipino official said, underscoring the intense U.S.-China rivalry in the region.
China criticizes possible US plan to force TikTok sale
March 23, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s government said Thursday it would oppose possible U.S. plans to force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the short-video service as a security risk and warned such a move would hurt investor confidence in the United States.
Iraq WMD failures shadow US intelligence 20 years later
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — In his U.S. Capitol office, Rep. Jason Crow keeps several war mementos. Sitting on a shelf are his military identification tags, the tailfins of a spent mortar and a piece of shrapnel stopped by his body armor.
US denies Chinese claim it drove away American destroyer
March 23, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The United States denied Chinese claims Thursday that its military had driven away an American guided-missile destroyer from operating around disputed islands in the South China Sea as tensions rise in the region between the two powers.
Netanyahu seeks to soothe US concerns over settlement repeal
March 23, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to back down on Wednesday, saying his government has no intention of returning to four abandoned settlements in the occupied West Bank under a law that was repealed by parliament this week.
African Union urges nearly $90 million for its Somali force
March 23, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The African Union appealed for nearly $90 million Wednesday for its peacekeeping force in Somalia, which is providing support to its military forces battling al-Shabab extremists.
Asian shares decline after Fed hints rate hikes may end soon
March 23, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower Thursday after the Federal Reserve raised a key interest rate, while noting the end may be near for its economy-crunching hikes to interest rates.
Senate votes to keep 2001 authorization for war on terror
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to continue congressional authorization for the use of military force in the global fight against terror, turning back an effort by Kentucky Sen.
Big jump in migrants crossing Panama’s dangerous Darien Gap
March 23, 2023 GMTPANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama’s government said Wednesday that 50,000 migrants crossed the treacherous Darien Gap linking Colombia and Panama in the first two months of 2023, five times more than in the same period last year.
TikTok sends influencers to Washington as its troubles grow
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — TikTok is ramping up a public relations campaign to fend off the possibility of a nationwide ban by the Biden administration, and it’s bringing some unconventional advocates to help: online influencers.
US review of Afghanistan withdrawal to be released in April
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The results of the long-delayed government review of the chaotic U.S.
US history, gov’t class for NC college students passes House
March 22, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Passing a U.S. history or government class would become a graduation requirement for future North Carolina public university and community college students in legislation approved Wednesday by the state House.
Vote on Biden’s pick to run FAA delayed amid GOP opposition
March 22, 2023 GMTA vote on President Joe Biden's choice to run the Federal Aviation Administration was delayed indefinitely Wednesday in the face of an opposition blitz by Republicans, who say the nominee lacks enough experience in aviation to lead the agency, which is under pressure to stem a surge in dangerous close calls between planes.
New bill aims to outlaw caste discrimination in California
March 22, 2023 GMTCalifornia may become the first state in the nation to outlaw caste-based bias, a safeguard people of South Asian descent say is necessary to protect them from discrimination in housing, education and the tech sector where they hold key roles.
Bipartisan support emerges for Senate railroad safety bill
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan consensus that Congress should act to toughen regulations on railroads emerged Wednesday as senators heard fresh testimony on the fiery hazardous train derailment last month on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
Oil exec held for 5 years in Venezuela sues Citgo for $100M
March 22, 2023 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — One of the Citgo oil executives who was held for nearly five years in Venezuela has sued his company for $100 million, alleging it conspired in his detention and then abandoned him and his family as he wasted away in horrific prison conditions for a crime he didn’t commit.
Americans’ faith in banks low after failures: AP-NORC poll
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Only 10% of U.S. adults say they have high confidence in the nation’s banks and other financial institutions, a new poll finds. That's down from the 22% who said they had high confidence in 2020.
Sen. Scott poised to give 2024 ‘political update’ to donors
March 22, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is inching ever closer to a presidential bid in 2024, scheduling his latest swing through early-voting states before returning home afterward to give donors a “political update."
Presidential waiting game: GOP hopefuls hold off campaigns
March 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — They are meeting with campaign donors and giving frequent interviews on cable news. They’re delivering speeches in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire and hobnobbing with local Republican groups.
Trump’s potential indictment caps decades of legal scrutiny
March 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — For 40 years, former President Donald Trump has navigated countless legal investigations without ever facing criminal charges. That record may soon come to an end.
China calls Xi’s Russia visit one of friendship, peace
March 22, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Wednesday said President Xi Jinping’s just-concluded visit to Russia was a “journey of friendship, cooperation and peace,” and again criticized Washington for providing military support to Ukraine.
China and Russia: explaining a long, complicated friendship
March 22, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping just concluded a three-day visit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a warm affair in which the two men praised each other and spoke of a profound friendship.
North Korea fires cruise missiles as allies stage drills
March 22, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched cruise missiles toward the sea on Wednesday, South Korea’s military said, three days after the North carried out what it called a simulated nuclear attack on South Korea to protest its military drills with the United States.
Asian shares advance on back of Wall Street rally
March 22, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares advanced Wednesday after a Wall Street rally led by the banks most beaten down by the industry’s crisis.
Oil prices fell back and U.S. futures were little changed.
Pence seeks ‘common sense’ Social Security, Medicare reform
March 22, 2023 GMTAs he mulls a 2024 presidential bid, former Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday called for “common sense and compassionate solutions" to reform entitlement programs and the nation's debt burden, suggesting changes to Social Security and Medicare programs hurtling toward insolvency, particularly for younger generations, without naming specific recommendations.
Only 1 Black rep gets role in talks on Mississippi policing
March 22, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — One Black lawmaker and nine white ones have been chosen to negotiate final versions of bills that could expand the territory of a state-run police department inside Mississippi's majority-Black capital city.
US: No reason for China to react to Taiwan leader stopover
March 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is putting out the word that planned stopovers in the United States by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in the coming weeks fall in line with recent precedent and should not be used as a pretext by China to step up aggressive activity in the Taiwan Strait.
Apaches tell court copper mine would harm sacred sites
March 21, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — A Native American group that's trying to stop an effort to build one of the largest copper mines in the United States told a full federal appeals court panel Tuesday that the project would prevent Apaches from exercising their religion by destroying land they consider sacred.
Biden creates national monuments in Nevada, Texas mountains
March 21, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he is establishing national monuments on more than half a million acres in Nevada and Texas and creating a marine sanctuary in U.S. waters near the Pacific Remote Islands southwest of Hawaii.
Man gets 4 years for attacking police at Jan. 6 Capitol riot
March 21, 2023 GMTA Virginia man who assaulted police with a stolen baton and used a flashing strobe light to disorient officers trying to defend the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in prison.
Israel repeals 2005 act on West Bank settlement pullout
March 21, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli lawmakers on Tuesday repealed a 2005 act that saw four Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank dismantled at the same time as Israeli forces withdrew from the Gaza Strip.
DC braces for ‘robust oversight’ after criminal code fiasco
March 21, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's signature on a bill nullifying an overhaul of the District of Columbia criminal code ended a public fight between Congress and local lawmakers.
What to know about Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney
March 21, 2023 GMTA New York grand jury investigating hush payments made on Donald Trump's behalf during the 2016 presidential campaign has refocused attention on the Manhattan district attorney steering the case. Alvin Bragg's decision to convene the grand jury early this year could lead to the first criminal charge against a former U.S.
Trump legal woes force another moment of choosing for GOP
March 21, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — From the moment he rode down the Trump Tower escalator to announce his first presidential campaign, a searing question has hung over the Republican Party: Is this the moment to break from Donald Trump?
Army of lobbyists helped water down banking regulations
March 21, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — It seemed like a good idea at the time: Red-state Democrats facing grim reelection prospects would join forces with Republicans to slash bank regulations — demonstrating a willingness to work with President Donald Trump while bucking many in their party.
TikTok updates rules; CEO on charm offensive for US hearing
March 21, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — TikTok went on a counteroffensive Tuesday amid increasing Western pressure over cybersecurity and misinformation concerns, rolling out updated rules and standards for content as its CEO warned against a possible U.S.
Russia’s reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions
March 21, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Like a salesman buttering up his best customer, President Vladimir Putin gushed about China's economic success as he welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the Kremlin.
Top Israeli minister: ‘No such thing’ as Palestinian people
March 21, 2023 GMTTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A firebrand Israeli minister claimed there’s “no such thing” as a Palestinian people as Israel's new coalition government, its most hard-line ever, plowed ahead on Monday with a part of its plan to overhaul the judiciary.
Asian stocks rise ahead of Fed’s next interest rate decision
March 21, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets followed Wall Street higher on Tuesday ahead of a Federal Reserve decision on another possible interest rate hike amid worries about global banks.
Trump indictment would be unprecedented in US history
March 21, 2023 GMTThe decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies with a Manhattan grand jury that has been hearing evidence in secret for weeks.
Venezuela’s oil czar resigns amid corruption investigations
March 21, 2023 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s oil czar announced his resignation Monday as officials investigate alleged corruption among public officials in the state oil industry and other parts of the government.
Biden signs measure nullifying DC criminal code revisions
March 21, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law legislation nullifying the recent overhaul of the District of Columbia criminal code, but the fight between Congress and local lawmakers is continuing.
US aid worker and French journalist freed in West Africa
March 20, 2023 GMTNIAMEY, Niger (AP) — An American aid worker and a French journalist kidnapped and held by Islamist extremists were freed and flown to Niger's capital Monday, four days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the country.
Biden issues first veto, taking on new Republican House
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden issued the first veto of his presidency Monday in an early sign of shifting White House relations with the new Congress since Republicans took control of the House in January — a move that serves as a prelude to bigger battles with GOP lawmakers on government spending and the nation's debt limit.
Biden signs bill on COVID origins declassification
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill Monday that directs the federal government to declassify as much intelligence as possible about the origins of COVID-19 more than three years after the start of the pandemic.