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Blinken pushes for progress on Gaza cease-fire-for-hostages deal in meetings with Egyptian mediators

CAIRO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed ahead with a diplomatic tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, meeting Egyptian leaders as part of his efforts to secure a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages. Such a cease-fire would come in exchange for the release of hostages held by the militants in Gaza. Blinken’s visit Tuesday also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israel’s stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians. Egypt fears an expansion of combat to the Rafah area could push terrified Palestinian civilians across the border, a scenario Egypt is determined to prevent. Blinken has said repeatedly that Palestinians must not be forced out of Gaza.

Suspected drones used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels attack 2 more ships in Mideast waters

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Two ships traveling in Middle East waters have been attacked by suspected Yemen Houthi rebel drones. Tuesday’s attacks are the latest in the Iranian-backed fighters’ campaign of targeting vessels over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The first attack happened in the southern part of the Red Sea, west of the Yemeni port of Hodeida. The British military said the projectile caused “slight damage” to the vessel’s windows on the bridge. The private security firm Ambrey identified the vessel as a Barbados-flagged, a U.K.-owned cargo ship. A second ship later came under attack off Yemen’s southern port city of Aden. No injuries were reported in the two attacks.

House Republicans are ready to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, if they have the votes

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House is ready to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Tuesday’s vote is expected to be deeply partisan and a highly unusual attack on a Cabinet official. Focused on border security, Republicans in the House argue that Mayorkas has “refused to comply” with immigration laws resulting in the record surge of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and “breached the public trust” by his actions and comments. The effort has drawn concerns from constitutional scholars and rebuke from Democrats, who say the charges are policy disputes and hardly grounds for impeachment. Not since 1876 has a Cabinet secretary faced impeachment.

Donald Trump deploys his oft-used playbook against women who bother him. For now, it’s Nikki Haley

MAULDIN, S.C. (AP) — Donald Trump has a well-worn playbook against women who challenge him. For now, it’s Nikki Haley’s turn. The former South Carolina governor, like Trump a Republican, is the latest in a long line of women who have proven to be some of his most stubborn opponents. But where Trump emasculates male opponents like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, he attacks women for their appearances and questions their right to challenge him. After Trump won the New Hampshire primary last month and Haley refused to drop out, the former president called her an “impostor” and insulted her dress. Haley has taken his sexism in stride, saying Trump is threatened by her.

King Charles III’s cancer was caught early, UK prime minister says

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s prime minister says King Charles III’s cancer was caught early and the whole country is hoping for a speedy recovery. The remarks came as the monarch’s son Prince Harry reportedly flew from the U.S. to visit his father. Buckingham Palace announced Monday evening that the king has begun outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The palace said it was found during his recent hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate but is a “separate issue” and not prostate cancer. Less than 18 months into the reign that he’d famously waited decades to begin, the 75-year-old monarch has suspended public engagements but will continue with state business. That includes weekly meetings with the prime minister. He won’t be handing over his constitutional roles as head of state.

Nevada will hold presidential primaries and caucuses, creating voter confusion but little suspense

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The presidential primary campaign is headed west to Nevada this week, where dueling caucuses and primaries are creating confusion among voters but little uncertainty about the expected results. First comes the Nevada presidential primary on Tuesday. Competing in the Democratic race is President Joe Biden, author Marianne Williamson and a handful of less-known challengers. The president is not expected to face any danger of losing the primary. There will also be a Republican presidential primary on Tuesday featuring Nikki Haley and token opposition, but the results don’t count toward the GOP nomination. The Nevada Republican Party has instead decided to hold caucuses on Thursday. Former President Donald Trump is expected to prevail and win all the state’s delegates.

Better equipment and communications are among Maui police recommendations after Lahaina wildfire

HONOLULU (AP) — Better communications and equipment are among the recommendations being made by the Maui Police Department following the wildfire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina nearly six months ago. A preliminary “after-action” report released Monday credits the department’s officers, other first responders and community members with extraordinary bravery and resilience. It also suggests that officers should have earpieces for when high winds make it tough to hear their radios and that some patrol cars should have gear for clearing downed trees off roadways. The Aug. 8 wildfire was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century. It killed at least 100 people.

Country singer-songwriter Toby Keith has died after battling stomach cancer

Country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith has died. He was 62. A statement posted on his website says Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family. The statement says: “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” He was diagnosed in 2022. Sometimes a polarizing figure in country music, the 6-foot-4 singer broke out in the country boom years of the 1990s, crafting an identity around his macho, pro-American swagger and writing songs that fans loved to hear. His hits included “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson.

Less rain forecast but historic Southern California storm still threatens flooding and landslides

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rainfall from one of the wettest storms in Southern California history is easing off but forecasters say floods are still possible and saturated ground raises the threat of potentially deadly landslides. The National Weather Service says the slow-moving storm that parked itself over the region on Monday could linger into Wednesday. Authorities are warning people to remain on high alert and most of Southern California remains under flood watches. By Monday night, downtown Los Angeles had received nearly half its annual rainfall total in just two days. Meanwhile hundreds of landslides were reported. One near the Hollywood Hills sent mud and boulders down hillsides dotted with multimillion-dollar homes.

A look at events surrounding the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria a year ago

ISTANBUL (AP) — A year after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria, a massive rebuilding effort is still trudging along. The quake caused widespread destruction and the loss of over 59,000 lives. It lasted for 85 seconds and was followed by more than 570 aftershocks within 24 hours — including a magnitude 7.5 temblor to the north of the original epicenter in Turkey’s Kahramanmaras province. According to the latest figures, some 680,000 homes either collapsed or were left too damaged to live in, leaving hundreds of thousands in desperate need of shelter. Despite the passage of time and the efforts so far, many questions remain about the future of the devastated areas.