Nation & World Watch
vPalm Beach, Calif.: Trump aide shifting to Singapore
A top national security adviser to President Donald Trump is the latest official heading out in an ongoing shuffle within the National Security Council.
K.T. McFarland came into the White House as a deputy to Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Flynn was asked to resign in February amid revelations that he misled officials about his contacts with Russian officials.
McFarland’s impending move was confirmed Sunday by a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official announcement hasn’t been made. The administration is still awaiting approval from Singapore and the post requires Senate confirmation.
vCamarillo, Calif.: Price of gas up 9 cents in 2 weeks
The average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline rose 9 cents nationally over the past two weeks, to $2.43.
Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday that increased oil prices and the U.S. missile strike on a Syrian air base contributed to the rise. She said that unless oil prices retreat quickly, consumers should expect gasoline prices to climb a few more cents.
The national average is up 33 cents per gallon over the price a year ago.
vModesto, Calif.: Flight diverted over fire warning
Authorities say an Alaska Airlines flight headed from Sacramento to San Diego was forced to make an unexpected landing after a warning light indicated a possible fire in the plane’s cargo area.
Alaska Airlines Flight 3391 landed without incident at Modesto City-County Airport on Sunday. The Modesto Fire Department said firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to examine the cargo area and received a “positive heat signal” but saw no flames. They say the plane’s fire extinguishing system had been activated.
SkyWest spokeswoman Marissa Snow said the 55 passengers were put on buses and taken back to Sacramento.
vSweden: Truck attack suspect had sought asylum
The Stockholm truck attack suspect was a rejected asylum-seeker from Uzbekistan who eluded authorities’ attempts to deport him by giving police a wrong address, Swedish police said Sunday while announcing the arrest of a second suspect.
Jan Evensson of the Stockholm police told a news conference that the 39-yearold suspect’s request for a residence permit was rejected in June 2016, but police could not find him to deport him. Swedish police started formally seeking him on Feb. 24. The suspect has not been named.
A second person has been arrested in connection with the attack and is suspected of offenses including murder, spokeswoman Karin Rosander said.
vSaudi Arabia: Six Flags park coming to kingdom
Saudi Arabia has announced that a Six Flags theme park will be built in a new entertainment city that will be the first of its kind in the kingdom.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says the project will also include a safari area.
The Saudi kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, known as the Public Investment Fund, will be the main investor in the project.
In a statement Saturday, the prince said the city will serve as an important landmark for young Saudis’ recreational and social needs, and will create more jobs for young people.
The entertainment city southwest of the capital Riyadh is part of a broader effort to appeal to the country’s young people and diversify the economy.