G7 vows to intensify sanctions on Russia over war in Ukraine
KARUIZAWA, Japan (AP) — Group of Seven foreign ministers vowed to intensify sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine as they wrapped up their meeting hosted by Japan on Tuesday. “We remain committed to intensifying sanctions against Russia, coordinating and fully enforcing them,” the G-7 ministers said in a communique released after the meeting. “There can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities such as Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure,” they said. The ministers also agreed to continue their utmost support for Ukraine. Other key issues at the G-7 foreign ministers’ meeting included China, Taiwan and cooperation with the so-called Global South countries.
Why are teen girls in crisis? It’s not just social media
Many studies say American youth are in crisis, facing unprecedented mental health challenges that are burdening teen girls in particular. Adults have theories about what is going on but what do girls themselves have to say? The Associated Press asked teen girls in four states about it. They say social media is only part of the problem. School pressures are big. So are unwanted sexual attention, worries about social issues, and pressure from a society that puts a premium on women’s looks. One girl says they’re just trying to survive “in a society that is out to get us.”
Man charged in front-door shooting of Black teen Ralph Yarl
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An 84-year-old white man in Kansas City, Missouri, has been charged with first-degree assault for shooting a Black teen who mistakenly went to the man’s home to pick up his younger brothers. Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said at a news conference Monday that there was a “racial component” when Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, but nothing in the charging documents says the shooting was racially motivated. Yarl is recovering from the Thursday night shooting at home after being released from the hospital. The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison.
LA mayor wants $1.3B for homeless crisis, hotels for housing
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is recommending the city spend what she called a record $1.3 billion next year to get homeless people into housing. The former Democratic congresswoman was elected in November after promising to take on the city’s out-of-control homeless crisis that has seen tent encampments spread into virtually every neighborhood. She says the funding could be used in part to buy hotels that could be converted to housing. Meanwhile, the city is combing through its properties to identify those that could be used for sheltering homeless people. Bass’ proposed budget also will include funds for substance abuse treatment beds. LA has over 40,000 homeless people.
Fox News-Dominion libel case set to begin after brief delay
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A voting machine company’s $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News is scheduled to begin after the judge delayed the opening of the trial. The one-day delay raised the prospect that the two sides might try to settle before the eagerly watched case can go before a jury. Neither Fox nor Dominion Voting Systems were commenting on whether settlement talks were in the works. Attorneys for both sides who appeared in court Monday also would not comment. The case is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Delaware Superior Court. It centers on whether Fox defamed Denver-based Dominion by spreading false claims that the company rigged the 2020 presidential election.
How some WH hopefuls inflate their fundraising success
WASHINGTON (AP) — Long before ballots are tallied and reliable polls are conducted, one of the earliest ways to gauge the popularity of presidential candidates is with dollars. Those who raise ample amounts of cash will have the resources to pay for ads, travel and hold events deep into the primary. Those who struggle, or run out of cash, often drop out. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the release of fundraising numbers at the advent of a new presidential campaign season often involves a degree of gamesmanship. That telegraphing is only heightened in 2024, as former President Donald Trump, a historically prolific fundraiser, tries to retain his hold as the most dominant figure in the Republican Party and win the presidency again.
Supreme Court hears mail carrier’s religious tolerance case
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is being asked to decide under what circumstances businesses must accommodate the needs of religious employees. A case before the justices Tuesday involves a Christian mail carrier in rural Pennsylvania. He was told that as part of his job he’d need to start delivering Amazon.com packages on Sundays. He declined, saying his Sundays are for church and family. U.S. Postal Service officials initially tried to get substitutes for the man’s shifts, but they couldn’t always. When he didn’t show, that meant more work for others. Ultimately, the man quit and sued for religious discrimination. The case is the latest religious clash the high court has been asked to referee.
Alabama birthday girl begged dying brother to ‘stay with me’
DADEVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Alabama officials are renewing calls for the public to aid in their investigation of a fatal shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party in Dadeville Saturday night. In a statement Monday, authorities gave no indication of any arrests in the case. Four people were killed, including two high school seniors, and 32 people were injured in the melee. Alexis Dowdell, whose brother is among the dead, tells The Associated Press she remembers trying to tell him to hang on. Phil Dowdell was one of two Dadeville High School seniors who died in the shooting.
Sudan’s generals battle for 3rd day; death toll soars to 185
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) — Sudanese are huddling in their homes for a third straight day as the army and a powerful rival force fight in the streets of the capital and other cities for control of the country. The U.N. envoy to Sudan says at least 185 people have been killed and more than 1,800 wounded. But there were many more bodies uncollected in the streets. Airstrikes and shelling intensified on Monday in parts of Khartoum and the adjoining city of Omdurman. Rapid, sustained firing was heard near the military headquarters, with white smoke rising. Several hospitals have been forced to shut down. The clashes are part of a power struggle between the armed forces chief and the leader of a paramilitary force.
China’s GDP grew by 4.5% in quarter, boosted by consumption
BEIJING (AP) — China’s gross domestic product grew 4.5% in the first quarter of the year, boosted by increased consumption and retail sales, after authorities abruptly abandoned the stringent “zero-COVID” strategy. The growth in the world’s No. 2 economy from January to March compared to the same quarter last year outpaced the 2.9% growth in the previous quarter, according to official government data released Tuesday. The growth comes amid a rebound in consumption, as people flocked to shopping malls and restaurants after harsh COVID-19 restrictions were removed. Other economic indicators with weaker growth such as industrial output and fixed-asset investments indicate an uneven recovery. Earlier this year, China’s government set this year’s economic growth target at “around 5%.”
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