Trump to become first US President to attend anti-abortion rally
AFP, Washington
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to attend the March for Life rally this week and become the first president ever to address in-person America’s biggest gathering of anti-abortion activists. “See you on Friday… Big Crowd!” Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, tweeted about the procession in Washington.
Three US firefighters killed in Australia water bomber crash
AFP, Sydney
A large water-bombing plane crashed while fighting fires southwest of Sydney on Thursday, killing all three US crew on board, Australian officials said.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said authorities lost contact with the Canada-owned C-130 Hercules aircraft, which was operating in the Snowy Monaro region, shortly before 1:30 pm (0230 GMT) Thursday.
US to impose visas restrictions for pregnant women
AP, Washington
The Trump administration is coming out Thursday with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting “birth tourism,” in which women travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children can have a coveted U.S. passport.
Visa applicants deemed by consular officers to be coming to the U.S. primarily to give birth will now be treated like other foreigners coming to the U.S. for medical treatment, according to State Department guidance sent Wednesday and viewed by The Associated Press.
Oklahoma zookeeper sentenced in
murder-for-hire plot
AP, Oklahoma City
A former Oklahoma zookeeper and one-time candidate for governor was sentenced Wednesday to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot and violating federal wildlife laws.
A federal judge in Oklahoma City sentenced 56-year-old Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage – who is also known as “Joe Exotic” – for trying to arrange the killing of a Florida animal sanctuary founder who criticized his treatment of animals.
The woman, Carole Baskin, wasn’t harmed.
