AP-Newswatch

Trump says no right of return for Palestinians in Gaza under his plan for US ‘ownership’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory. That contradicts other officials in his administration who have sought to argue Trump was only calling for the temporary relocation of its population. Less than a week after he floated his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and turn it in “the Riviera of the Middle East,” Trump said “No, they wouldn’t” when asked if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory. Trump made his comments in an interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier that was set to air on Monday.

Trump says he will announce 25% steel and aluminum tariffs Monday, and more import duties are coming

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’ll announce Monday the United States will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada and Mexico, as well as other import duties later in the week. Shares of U.S. steel companies rose sharply in futures trading before the opening bell Monday. Trump also reaffirms he’ll announce “reciprocal tariffs.” That means the U.S. would impose import duties on products in cases in which another country has levied duties on U.S. goods. The Republican president spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew on Sunday from Florida to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Hamas says it will delay the release of more hostages, putting fragile ceasefire at risk

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hamas says it will delay the further release of hostages in the Gaza Strip after accusing Israel of violating a fragile ceasefire that now faces its most serious crisis since it began three weeks ago. Israel and Hamas are in the midst of a six-week ceasefire during which Hamas has committed to freeing dozens of the hostages captured in its Oct. 7, 2023, attack in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Three more Israeli hostages had been scheduled for release on Saturday, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. In a bid to improve relations with the U.S., the Palestinian president has ended a controversial system that paid stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of deadly attacks against Israel.

What’s happening in the Gaza Strip and Sudan that sparked a protest at the Super Bowl halftime show?

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A brief protest by a performer at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show unfurled a flag emblazoned with the words Sudan and Gaza, two wars in the Middle East that have killed tens of thousands of people. The New Orleans police said Monday the performer would face no charges. In the Gaza Strip, much of the territory has been obliterated in an Israeli offensive triggered by a Hamas-led attack in 2023 that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. The Israeli offensive has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to local authorities. In Sudan, a civil war since April 2023 has killed more than 28,000 people. Other estimates suggest a far higher death toll.

Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and ‘Not Like Us’ into history-making Super Bowl halftime show

“Salutations!,” the actor Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam introduced Kendrick Lamar at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. It was a powerful, commanding creative choice by the first solo hip-hop artist to ever headline the coveted slot. As if there were any doubts of the Pulitzer Prize winning rapper’s ability to put on a show. In a review, The Associated Press’ Maria Sherman describes Lamar’s performance as a continued victory lap. SZA was a previously announced guest performer and frequent Lamar collaborator. Lamar performed his Drake diss track “Not Like Us.”

Super Bowl delivers moving tributes, memorable action and a historic presidential visit

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the first Super Bowl to be held in New Orleans in a dozen years. It was played amid heavy security — and with President Donald Trump in attendance — just 41 days after a man plowed a truck into New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street. There were tributes before the game, and some big plays during it. The Eagles defense dominated with six sacks and two interceptions of Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Jalen Hurts passed for two TDs and scored another on the Eagles’ renowned tush push play.