US attacks Iranian nuclear site while Tehran hits oil tanker off the Dubai coast

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A likely strike by the United States hit the central Iranian city of Isfahan, sending a massive fireball into the sky, and Tehran struck a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. The attacks Tuesday were testament to the sustained intensity of the monthlong war the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, closing off the vital waterway for global energy shipments, sending oil prices skyrocketing and roiling world markets. Meanwhile, Israel said another four soldiers have been killed in its invasion of Lebanon, as have two more United Nations peacekeepers, prompting the U.N. Security Council to schedule an emergency session later in the day.

Seizing Kharg Island would risk US troops' lives and may not end Iran war, experts say

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening to deploy ground troops to seize critical oil infrastructure on Iran’s Kharg Island. It's a military gambit that experts say would risk American lives and could still fail to end the war. Trump has said he could hobble Iran’s oil industry and attack power plants if the country doesn't reach a deal to end the conflict. Trump also says the U.S. could seize Kharg Island. Experts say a better option might be setting up a blockade at sea against oil tankers leaving the island. They say that's because Iran could strike easily from the mainland, and a U.S. seizure of Kharg Island might not force the country to capitulate.

Gulf allies privately make the case to Trump to keep fighting until Iran is decisively defeated

WASHINGTON (AP) — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf allies of the United States are urging President Donald Trump to keep prosecuting his war against Iran, saying the month of strikes has not weakened Tehran enough. That's according to U.S., Gulf and Israeli officials who were not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive diplomatic conversations and spoke on condition of anonymity. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pushing the hardest, with the UAE favoring a ground invasion. Oman and Qatar prefer diplomacy. Gulf leaders want big changes in Iran’s behavior, including ending its nuclear and missiles programs. Meanwhile, Iran is threatening Gulf neighbors' infrastructure if the war expands.

Oil steadies and Asian stocks are mostly lower on mixed signs on Iran

HONG KONG (AP) — Oil prices have steadied and Asian stocks are mostly trading lower, as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remain mixed. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 is down 1.2%, and South Korea's Kospi has lost 3.4%. With the Iran war in its fifth week, there is no clear end to the war, and global energy supply disruptions have remained a pain point with the Strait of Hormuz still largely closed. On Monday, Wall Street stocks were mixed. The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.7%.

Schumer had a plan to win back the Senate. But some Democrats aren't on board

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are trying to win back the Senate. But they are fighting over how to do it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing establishment candidates in key races. Some of his own senators are breaking ranks and endorsing more progressive challengers. The clashes are playing out in Maine, Michigan and Minnesota. They reflect deeper frustration after the 2024 election and growing doubts about the party’s strategy. Allies argue Schumer is recruiting strong candidates and expanding the map. Critics say the old playbook no longer works. The outcome of the midterms could decide both the majority and Schumer’s future as leader.

Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube aren't fully complying with child account ban, Australia says

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia is considering bringing court action against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube after alleging they are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their platforms. Australia banned young children from holding accounts on 10 social media platforms in December. The first report from the eSAfety commission about compliance with the law was issued Tuesday. It found significant concerns with five platforms and was gathering evidence against them before deciding whether to initiate court action. The law also applies to Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, but they aren't under investigation.

Georgia proposal could take DNA swabs from immigrants in custody for minor offenses

ATLANTA (AP) — A proposal in Georgia could allow DNA to be collected from immigrants taken into custody for minor offenses. The bill awaiting a final vote in the state legislature would make Georgia the third state to single out immigrants believed to be in the U.S. illegally for the collection of genetic materials that wouldn't be taken from others. Supporters say DNA helps solve crimes. But critics say the legislation could create a two-tier system based on perceived immigration status. Legal experts question whether federal immigration detainers meet Fourth Amendment standards for DNA searches.

Federal 'God squad' poised to exempt oil and gas drilling in the Gulf from endangered species rules

Trump administration officials will soon consider exempting oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from the Endangered Species Act. The exemption was requested by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who cited unspecified national security concerns. Critics say such a move could doom Gulf populations of endangered Rice's whales. The exemption request comes amid global oil shocks and soaring energy prices brought on by the U.S.-Iran war. The Gulf of Mexico is one of the top oil-producing regions in the U.S. Republican President Donald Trump has made increased fossil fuel production a central focus of his second term.

China factory activity rebounds in March as Iran war looms over growth

HONG KONG (AP) — China is reporting that factory activity expanded in March, reversing two straight months of contraction. However, analysts say the prolonged impacts from the Iran war could weigh on growth prospects. The National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday that the manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 50.4 from 49 in February, its highest level in a year. A years-long property sector slump in China has weighed on economic growth and weakened domestic consumption and investment demand in China, the world’s second-largest economy after the U.S. It has been reliant on growth in exports to help drive its economy, which analysts say could now be prone to rising global energy costs caused by the Iran war.

Oil-thirsty Asian nations seek Russian crude as Iran war strains supplies

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian nations are increasingly competing for Russian crude oil as an energy crisis mounts amid the U.S. and Israeli war in Iran, which has choked off roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Much of the oil from the mostly shut Strait of Hormuz was headed for Asia, hit hardest by recent energy shocks. To shore up global crude oil supplies, the U.S. has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil shipments already at sea — first for India, then for the rest of the world. Experts say there's a limit to how much Moscow can boost its exports of crude oil, and it is already exporting at a level close to its previous peak.

Canucks take 6-game losing streak into matchup with the Avalanche

Penguins host the Red Wings after Rakell's 2-goal game

Kings aim to break home losing streak in game against the Blues

Guardians play the Dodgers leading series 1-0