Deadly incident at Canada's CFB Wainwright, Champi spares Guam, Russia sanctions waiver
Deaths and injuries in a major fire at an Alberta military base, Super Typhoon Champi passes just south of Guam, Trump defends waiving new Russia sanctions, settlers attack European diplomats in the West Bank, and the Rays tie the ALCS.
Canada's Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed both fatalities and injuries after an incident Saturday caused a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, about 200 km southeast of Edmonton. Officials have not released a death toll or a cause, and the RCMP is involved in the investigation. Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h pushed the fire past the base fence; local officials said no evacuation order was in effect Saturday evening. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a serious incident, and McGuinty said more details would come in the coming days.
Champi strengthened to a super typhoon with 150 mph sustained winds as its small eye passed about 10 miles south of Guam early Sunday, local time. The National Weather Service said a direct hit would have been devastating and preliminary reports show no widespread significant damage, though the far south had not yet been assessed. Gusts at the airport reached about 80 mph. A typhoon warning remained in effect for Guam and Rota Sunday midday, with coastal flood and high surf warnings until 4 a.m. Monday.
On Saturday evening President Trump called his Friday executive order waiving sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act "a very good decision" that is "good for the country." The order also waived tariffs on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas. The White House says enforcing the sanctions now would impede U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable peace between Ukraine and Russia. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the move, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it helps only the Russians.
The White House saysSpokeswoman Taylor Rogers said enforcing the sanctions now would "impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace agreement," and the president can use these authorities later. Trump called it "a very good decision."
Critics in both parties saySen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called it "beyond irresponsible," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called it a mistake, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said it gives the Russian economy "life support."
Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, European diplomats and a French mayor on Saturday during a visit to the Christian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, where the group had joined the olive harvest. The group included Belgium's consul general and French and Polish diplomats; French mayor Bernard Baudoux said he was struck with metal bars and thrown to the ground. Israel's military called it a "severe act of violence" and Israeli police opened an investigation. The attack came a day after masked settlers assaulted a Washington Post photographer, who was hospitalized.
Israel's government saysForeign Minister Gideon Saar condemned "severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters" and suggested the visit should have been coordinated with the military; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office warned against "premature conclusions" and a "coordinated campaign to smear Israel."
European governments sayBelgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said "impunity for violent settlers must end" and Belgium will push for EU sanctions; France urged Israel to "put an end to this criminal violence"; Poland called attacks on diplomats "absolutely unacceptable."
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on Saturday, tying the best-of-seven series 2-2. Yandy Díaz hit a double and a two-run homer and Junior Caminero added an RBI double. Game 5 is Sunday.
