NATION & WORLD WATCH
Kansas Senate GOP leader charged in DUI faces ouster vote
TOPEKA, Kan. – Republicans will vote on removing a powerful Kansas lawmaker charged with drunken driving from his leadership job following the release of document saying he taunted the Highway Patrol trooper who arrested him and called the officer “donut boy.” The move against Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, 69, would be the first time in at least several decades that a Kansas legislative leader faced an ouster vote before the end of a term. Senate President Ty Masterson committed Friday to a vote
Kremlin says it fears full-scale fighting in Ukraine’s east
MOSCOW – The Kremlin said Friday it fears the resumption of full-scale fighting in eastern Ukraine and could take steps to protect civilians there, a stark warning that comes amid a Russian troop buildup along the border. The statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, reflected the Kremlin’s determination to prevent Ukraine from using force to try to retake control over separatist-controlled territory in the country’s east. Ukraine’s military chief dismissed the Russian claims of an impending attack.
Explosive eruption rocks volcano on Caribbean’s St. Vincent
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – An explosive eruption rocked La Soufriere volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent on Friday following mandatory evacuation orders from the local government. Emergency management officials said the ash column rose about 20,000 feet high and that the ash was headed east into the Atlantic Ocean. Heavy ashfall also was reported in communities around the volcano, said Erouscilla Joseph, director of the University of the West Indies Seismic Center. There were no reports of casualties.
Iran frees South Korean ship it held amid dispute over funds
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A South Korean oil tanker held for months by Iran amid a dispute over billions of dollars seized by Seoul was freed and sailed away early Friday, just hours ahead of further talks between Tehran and world powers over its tattered nuclear deal. MarineTraffic.com data showed the MT Hankuk Chemi leaving Bandar Abbas in the early morning hours. By Friday afternoon, it was off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, having passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz.