Israel takes over 13 more hostages released by Hamas as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military said Monday it had taken custody of the 13 other living hostages still in the Gaza Strip. The military said it received the hostages from the Red Cross. The 13 hostages will be transferred to a military base in southern Israel to be reunited with their families. They’ll then be taken by helicopter to Israeli hospitals. Hamas earlier said it would release the 20 living hostages in the Gaza Strip in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange comes as part of the ceasefire reached in the two-year Israel-Hamas war as President Donald Trump visits the region.
Trump sets off for the Mideast to mark a ceasefire deal and urge Arab leaders to seize the moment
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump has left for Israel and Egypt to celebrate the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. He told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One that he believed the ceasefire would hold and that “the war is over.” He says he hopes to go to Gaza someday, but said it would take years to rebuild. Trump’s first stop is in Israel to meet with hostage families and address the parliament. Then, he will go to Egypt to meet with leaders from more than 20 countries.
Madagascar’s president says a coup is underway after soldiers joined anti-government demonstrations
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — The president of Madagascar says an attempted coup is underway in the Indian Ocean island country, a day after soldiers joined anti-government demonstrations. A statement from President Andry Rajoelina’s office said it “wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force” has been “initiated” on Sunday. The statement did not immediately identify who was behind the alleged attempt. Members of the armed forces had joined youth-led protests against Rajoelina on Saturday. The protests against service failures and alleged government corruption and nepotism have been going on since Sept. 25.
Steve Martin, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn are among stars paying tribute to Diane Keaton
Fans and fellow actors are paying tribute to Diane Keaton after news of her death at age 79. The Oscar-winner’s performances and style shaped iconic films like “The Godfather” and “Annie Hall.” Co-stars such as Bette Midler, Steve Martin and Mandy Moore shared heartfelt messages. Midler praised Keaton’s originality and humor. Martin recalled their delightful relationship. Cynthia Nixon called Keaton her idol. Mandy Moore cherished working with her. Octavia Spencer thanked Keaton for her authenticity. And Ben Stiller hailed her as one of the greatest film actors ever.
New Jersey declares emergency as nor’easter approaches, while Alaska flooding carries away homes
A nor’easter is churning up the East Coast, prompting declarations of a state of emergency in New Jersey and parts of New York state. Another storm has struck farther south with heavy rain and flooding through the Carolinas. Across the continent in western Alaska, the remnants of Typhoon Halong brought hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding to coastal communities, pushing entire houses off their foundations. Officials said Sunday that rescue crews headed to tiny Alaskan villages to respond to reports that up to 20 people might be unaccounted for. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy says all efforts are being made to help storm victims.
Trump warns Russia he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawks if Moscow doesn’t settle war soon
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump is warning Russia that he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn’t settle its war there soon. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described the Tomahawk as an incredible and offensive weapon. He suggested Russia does not need that kind of escalation. Trump added that he might tell Russia the U.S. could send the missiles if the conflict isn’t resolved. His comments came after a phone call earlier Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier that day.
Vance warns ‘deeper’ cuts ahead for federal workers as shutdown enters 12th day
Vice President JD Vance is warning of deeper cuts to the federal workforce the longer the government shutdown goes on. Vance spoke Sunday as the shutdown entered its 12th day. He warned that the new cuts would be “painful,” even as he said the Trump administration is working to ensure that the military would be paid and some services would be preserved for low-income Americans, including food assistance. Hundreds of thousands of workers have been furloughed in recent days. In a court filing on Friday, the White House said well over 4,000 employees would soon be fired. Vance said the new cuts would be “painful.”
Shooting at packed South Carolina bar kills 4 and injures at least 20 others
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A mass shooting at a crowded bar on the idyllic South Carolina island of St. Helena has left four people dead and at least 20 injured. Officials from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office say it happened early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island. Among the injured, four were in critical condition at hospitals. The victims’ identities have not been released. Bar owner Willie Turral was inside and heard a burst of shots outside the bar. He said people were screaming in panic and fear. He said the bar was packed for a high school alumni event.
Community near site of deadly Tennessee plant blast recalls the lives of the 16 killed
NUNNELLY, Tenn. (AP) — Churches near the site of a devasting blast at a rural Tennessee plant devoted Sunday services to the 16 victims and their families as surrounding communities mourn. Several congregants at nearby Maple Valley Baptist Church in Nunnelly worked at Accurate Energetic Systems. The company supplies and researches explosives for the military and is a well-known employer in the area. The cause of Friday’s blast remained under investigation. Crews were cautiously going through the incinerated property, searching for possible evidence. Authorities warned of smaller controlled explosions on Sunday as they dispose of hazardous materials.
Naked bike riders demonstrate against federal troops in ‘quintessentially Portland’ protest
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Protesters are pedaling through Portland’s streets wearing nothing or close to it to rally against the Trump administration. It’s an “emergency” edition of the annual Portland World Naked Bike Ride. Crowds are donning inflatable costumes as they face off with federal law enforcement. The bike ride usually happens in the summer. Organizers of Sunday’s hastily called event said another nude ride was necessary to speak out against attempts to mobilize of the National Guard to quell protests. The city is awaiting the ruling of an appeals court panel on whether Trump can send out the federalized troops.