UN Set to Vote on a Watered-Down Proposal to Open Strait of Hormuz

The final draft of Bahrain’s resolution, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, authorizes the use of defensive — but not offensive — action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait. One-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the waterway where Iran’s stranglehold during the war has sent energy prices soaring. Bahrain’s initial draft …

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South Korea, France to Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership, Blue House Says

(Refiles to fix dateline on story) SEOUL, April ⁠3 (Reuters) – ⁠South Korean President Lee ⁠Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron are set ​to upgrade relations between the countries to a “global strategic partnership,” Korea’s Blue House ‌said in a statement on ‌Friday. Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a two-day state …

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Cuba Pardons 2,010 People as the US Pressures the Island’s Government

HAVANA (AP) — The Cuban government said Thursday it had pardoned 2,010 people at the same time the Trump administration has placed extreme pressure on the government and suffocated the island with an oil blockade. Cuba’s government said the pardons were a “humanitarian gesture” in connection with Holy Week and didn’t mention mounting pressures with …

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Hubbard’s Bold Finish Gives Him a 1-Shot Lead in Texas Open

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Mark Hubbard was bold all the way to the end, taking on a creek at the par-5 18th and converting his sixth birdie over his final eight holes Thursday to post a 7-under 65 at dark for one-shot lead in the storm-delayed opening round at the Valero Texas. Hubbard broke out …

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Gucci Mane kidnapped, robbed at gunpoint in Dallas studio ambush involving rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, DOJ says

Nine people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, have been federally charged in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery targeting music industry figures, including Atlanta rap superstar Gucci Mane, at a Dallas recording studio, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. Eight of the nine defendants were arrested this week in Dallas and Memphis. Prosecutors …

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Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that he will allow service members to carry personal weapons onto military installations, citing the Second Amendment and recent shootings at bases across the country. In a video posted to X, Hegseth said he is signing a memo that will direct base commanders to allow requests for troops to …

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A Look at Todd Blanche, the Ex-Trump Lawyer Who’s the President’s Pick for Acting Attorney General

Blanche, whom Trump elevated Thursday from deputy attorney general to acting U.S. attorney general, rose to prominence representing the president in criminal cases that consumed the four years between his first and second terms. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and law firm partner, led Trump’s criminal defense team, representing the Republican in matters including his …

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Exit of Trump Officials Including FBI Director Patel Under Discussion, Atlantic Reports

April 2 (Reuters) – ⁠There ⁠are ⁠discussions about FBI ​Director Kash ‌Patel, Army Secretary ‌Daniel ⁠Driscoll ⁠and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer ​leaving the Trump ​administration, the Atlantic reported ⁠on ⁠Thursday, citing ⁠people familiar ​with White House ​plans. The ⁠timing is uncertain and ⁠President Donald Trump has not yet ⁠made up his mind, the Atlantic reported. …

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Cuba Announces Decision to Pardon 2,010 Prisoners

HAVANA, April ⁠2 (Reuters) – ⁠Cuba ⁠on Thursday ​said it ‌would free ‌2,010 ⁠prisoners from ⁠the island’s jails, ​according to ​state-run media, the ⁠second time ⁠this ⁠year the country ​has announced ​a ⁠prisoner amnesty ⁠amid ongoing talks with the United ⁠States. Cuba’s state-run Granma newspaper called the decision a “humanitarian and ⁠sovereign gesture.” (Reporting by …

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