Drones target Iraqi city where US forces are based as US-Iran fighting escalates

IRBIL, Iraq (AP) – Drones carrying explosives targeted a city in northern Iraq where U.S. forces are stationed, and sirens rang out in Bahrain on Friday, hours after the American military said it finished its 13th night of strikes against Iran.

German leader Merz reshuffles top posts to counter far-right advance

BERLIN (AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled top posts on Friday as he tries to boost the fortunes of his deeply unpopular government ahead of regional elections. Merz’s presentation of an incomplete set of changes, however, raised questions and risked undermining his effort to generate new momentum.

ICC chief prosecutor removed over sexual misconduct allegations

UNITED NATIONS (AP) – Member state representatives of the International Criminal Court voted to remove the global tribunal’s chief prosecutor on Friday, nearly two years after sexual misconduct allegations against him first emerged, two diplomats have confirmed to The Associated Press.

Editorials from The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

White House correspondents' dinner, redux: What will Trump have to say?

When guests arrive for the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday at Washington’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, security will be much tighter, the guest list smaller, the partying pared down.

Russia gingerly cuts rates, caught between business complaints and inflation

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) – Russia’s central bank made a smaller than usual interest rate cut on Friday, a compromise move to support stagnating economic growth even as inflation fueled by war spending remains higher than the bank’s target.

50 people killed and 700,000 displaced by India floods after monsoon rains

GUWAHATI, India (AP) – Flooding in India’s northeastern Assam state has killed at least 50 people and displaced 700,000 after days of heavy monsoon rain that overflowed the Brahmaputra River, officials said Friday.

Former President Barack Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars at practice

CHICAGO (AP) – Caitlin Clark was in awe after meeting former President Barack Obama after he surprised the WNBA All-Stars on Friday at his Presidential Center.

Nicaragua moves to eliminate elections as Ortega tightens grip on power

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Nicaragua’s lawmakers said they will carry out a plan by President Daniel Ortega to abolish elections in the Central American country, prompting renewed criticisms Wednesday by the international community.