California firefighters make progress as wildfires push devastation and spread smoke across US West

California firefighters make progress as wildfires push devastation and spread smoke across US West

FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters made progress and were aided by improving weather Sunday in the battle against wildfires covering massive areas and leaving a trail of damage in the western United States, but further evacuations and resources have been necessary as thousands of personnel tackle the flames. The so-called Park Fire, the largest

Continue reading

Maduro locked in standoff with opponents as each side claims victory in presidential elections

Maduro locked in standoff with opponents as each side claims victory in presidential elections

As it happened: Catch up on the highlights from AP’s live coverage of the Venezuelan elections . CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition and President Nicolas Maduro’s government were locked in a high-stakes standoff after each side claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential vote, which millions in the long-suffering nation saw as their best shot to

Continue reading

Indonesian leader starts working in new capital despite construction work and lack of facilities

Indonesian leader starts working in new capital despite construction work and lack of facilities

PENAJAM PASER UTARA, Indonesia (AP) — Outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo started work Monday from the new presidential palace in his country’s ambitious new capital, where he intends to spend the last few months of his presidency. “Today I have started receiving officials for meetings here, in the president’s office,” Widodo told reporters at the

Continue reading

Blinken says US has ‘serious concerns’ about announced result of Venezuelan election

Blinken says US has ‘serious concerns’ about announced result of Venezuelan election

TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States has ‘serious concerns’ about the announced result of Venezuela’s hotly contested presidential election that authorities say was won by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. Speaking in Tokyo on Monday shortly after the announcement was made, Blinken said the U.S. was concerned that the result

Continue reading

Japan, US, Australia, India at Tokyo talks on maritime and cyber security amid China concerns

Japan, US, Australia, India at Tokyo talks on maritime and cyber security amid China concerns

TOKYO (AP) — Top diplomats from Japan, the U.S., Australia and India met Monday to discuss security concerns and joint support to reinforce maritime safety and cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing tensions with China. At the meeting hosted in Tokyo by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian

Continue reading