AP-Newswatch

Putin agrees in principle with proposal for Ukraine ceasefire and says more discussions are needed

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. But he emphasized that the terms are yet to be worked out and noted that any truce should pave the way to lasting peace. Putin spoke Thursday at a news conference in Moscow. He said more discussions are needed with the U.S., including President Donald Trump. In Washington, Trump offered guarded optimism about Putin’s statement and reiterated that he stood ready to speak with him. The Russian leader made the remarks just hours after the arrival of Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow for talks.

Senate Democrats refuse to go along with GOP spending plan, as shutdown deadline nears

WASHINGTON (AP) — A day before a shutdown deadline, Senate Democrats are mounting a last-ditch protest over a Republican-led spending bill that already passed the House. The Democrats want to slap limits on President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in their efforts to gut the federal government. But they have few options. Democrats are pushing a stopgap 30-day funding bill as an alternative. But its prospects are dim in a Congress controlled by Republicans. And it’s unlikely the Democrats would allow a government shutdown. As the Senate opened with one day to go before Friday’s midnight deadline, the Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said: “It’s time to fish or cut bait.”

RFK Jr.’s first month as health secretary: Touting French fries and casting doubts on vaccines

WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to a Steak ‘n Shake in Florida this weekend for an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity to endorse the fast-food franchise’s new fries. Many of his public statements and interviews have raised doubts about immunizations. Kennedy’s first month in office has been dominated with high-profile resignations – successes with reshaping Americans’ diets by pressuring fast-food chains like Steak ‘n Shake to cook with beef tallow, instead of cooking oils.

Belgian prosecutors arrest suspects in Huawei bribery probe targeting EU Parliament

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian federal prosecutors say they’ve arrested several people as part of a corruption probe linked to the European Parliament and Huawei. The Chinese company is suspected of bribing EU lawmakers. Prosecutors said on Thursday that suspects were arrested for questioning in “connection with their alleged involvement in active corruption within the European Parliament, as well as for forgery and use of forgeries.” Lobbyists working for Chinese telecoms giant Huawei are suspected of bribing current or former lawmaker Huawei didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Iconic pet reindeer in Alaska falls mysteriously ill after someone tampers in his pen

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A beloved reindeer in Alaska’s biggest city is fighting for his life after falling mysteriously ill after someone tampered with his pen. Star is well-known in Anchorage. He has been in parades, featured on reality TV shows and visited by schoolchildren and tourists. Someone cut the locks off Star’s pen Feb 20. The 8-year-old reindeer was found wandering around downtown. The next night, likely the same person was seen spraying something into Star’s face and pen. Star’s veterinarian says the animal’s chance of recovery is uncertain. Police says no viable tips have come in about the suspect.