Veto brings end to UN panel monitoring enforcement of NKorea nuclear sanctions

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia has vetoed a U.N. resolution in a move that effectively abolishes the monitoring by United Nations experts of U.N. sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear program, though the sanctions themselves remain in place. Russia’s vote on Thursday prompted Western accusations that Moscow was acting to shield its weapons purchases from North Korea for use in its war against Ukraine, in violation of sanctions. The Security Council resolution sponsored by the United States would have extended the mandate of the panel for a year, but Russia’s veto will halt its operations

Palestinian Authority announces a new Cabinet as it faces calls for reform

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Palestinian Authority has announced the formation of a new Cabinet as it faces international pressure to reform. President Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the PA for nearly two decades, announced the new government in a presidential decree on Thursday. None of the incoming ministers is a well-known figure. At least one, the incoming minister for Jerusalem affairs, is a member of Abbas’ secular Fatah party. Abbas tapped longtime adviser Mohammad Mustafa to be prime minister earlier this month. Mustafa is a politically independent U.S.-educated economist. He has vowed to form a technocratic government and create an independent trust fund to help rebuild Gaza.

Russia arrests another suspect in concert hall attack that killed 143

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s top investigative body says that another suspect has been detained as an accomplice in the attack by gunmen on a suburban Moscow concert hall that killed 143 people. A statement from the Investigative Committee said Thursday that the latest person detained was involved in financing Friday’s attack on the Crocus City concert hall in which gunmen shot people who were waiting for a show by a popular rock band and then set the building on fire. It did not give further details of the suspect’s identity or alleged actions.

UK comedian told to remove hot dog from subway poster over junk food ban

LONDON (AP) — A British comedian has been ordered to remove a picture of a hot dog from a poster in London subway stations for his new standup show. Transit bosses say it violates the transit network’s ban on junk food advertising. The poster for Ed Gamble’s show, “Hot Diggity Dog,” showed a mustard- and ketchup-smeared Gamble beside a half-eaten hot dog on a plate. Gamble replaced the wiener with a cucumber, and the poster was approved. Since 2019, Transport for London has banned ads for foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. Gamble says he can understand the point of the rules.