Lebanon, Israel have first

direct talks in decades in DC

WASHINGTON — Lebanon and Israel have held direct diplomatic talks for the first time in decades. Tuesday’s more than two-hour meeting in Washington came after more than a month of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The State Department praised the two sides for what it called “productive discussions.” Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. hailed what he called a convergence of opinion about removing Hezbollah’s influence from Lebanon. Lebanon’s ambassador to the U.S. called for a ceasefire and to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. Hezbollah opposed the direct talks and wasn’t represented. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks a “historic opportunity.”

Diplomats try to arrange more

peace talks between Iran, US

ISLAMABAD — Diplomats are working through back channels to arrange more talks between the United States and Iran.

As Washington blockaded Iranian ports, Tehran threatened to retaliate by striking targets across the region. Though last week’s ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities. Talks last weekend aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Iran failed to produce an agreement. Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days. In Washington, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon concluded Tuesday. The U.S. State Department said they were “productive.” They were the first such negotiations in decades.

California woman accuses

Swalwell of rape in 2018

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California woman says she was raped by Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2018 and now plans to make a report to law enforcement. Lonna Drewes said during a news conference Tuesday that she believes Swalwell drugged her and then sexually assaulted her at a hotel. Drewes says Swalwell choked her, and she lost consciousness. Swalwell’s attorney did not immediately comment on the allegations. Swalwell has denied prior accusations of sexual assault by another woman. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly. Swalwell dropped out of the California governor’s race Sunday.

The Associated Press

Justice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to throw out the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders who were sentenced to prison terms for leading members of the far-right extremist groups in attacking the U.S. Capitol over five years ago. Trump commuted the prison sentences of several Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders last January in a sweeping act of clemency for all 1,500-plus defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Tuesday’s requests by the Justice Department would go a step further and erase the convictions for the extremist group leaders, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

Attorney for suspect in attack at Sam Altman’s home says he was in midst of ‘mental health crisis’

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The public defender for a man accused of throwing an incendiary device at Sam Altman’s home says her client has autism and was experiencing an “acute mental health crisis.” San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Diamond Ward said Tuesday that Daniel Moreno-Gama has been overcharged by prosecutors. He faces charges including attempted murder. She says prosecutors have overcharged Moreno-Gama to curry favor with Altman, who is the chief executive officer of OpenAI. Authorities say he targeted Altman and was motivated by his hatred of AI technology. The San Francisco District Attorney says prosecutors have evidence to back up their charges. The suspect was ordered held without bail and his arraignment was set for May 5.