UK firefighters out in force to tackle fires on hottest day of the year
LONDON (AP) — Firefighters are tackling multiple fires in central England on a day that the U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year as an intense stretch of hot weather continued to grip Europe. Thursday's fire outbreak across the West Midlands, which saw several houses burned to the ground, have been “one of the most significant” incidents the region’s fire service has ever dealt with, chief fire officer Simon Tuhill said. A child and three firefighters were taken to hospital following the wildfire in Stourbridge. The fires, the cause of which remains to be determined and which could take days to put out, came on a day the mercury struck 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in west London.
Israeli settlers' siege of Palestinian homes draws a sharp US rebuke
QUSRA, West Bank (AP) — Israeli settlers have besieged three homes in the occupied West Bank, including one owned by a Palestinian American, for several days. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee on Thursday referred to the settlers as “terrorists.” It was an unusually sharp rebuke from the Trump administration, which has signaled broad acceptance of Israeli settlements over the years while condemning violence. Mounting criticism of Israel from the United States could pose a challenge for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is trying to maintain good relations with his country’s closest ally as he mobilizes ultranationalist voters ahead of a tough battle for reelection in October.
A British firm starts containment of oil spill from stricken tanker off Oman
BEIRUT (AP) — A British maritime company has been hired to salvage a grounded Russian tanker off Oman and stop a spreading oil spill. The spill has reached Oman's shores and is threatening a marine protected area. Ambrey, the UK-based company, said its specialists have boarded the vessel with help from the Omani air force. Satellite images showed the spill has spread over hundreds of square kilometers. Experts warn of an environmental disaster if the vessel sinks or its cargo leaks. Greenpeace says the spill's shift to shore contamination complicates cleanup efforts, especially in the remote marine protected area.
Crew of Yemeni vessel recount their chaotic rescue after Houthis' deadly attack
MOKHA, Yemen (AP) — Crew members of a Yemeni ship attacked by Houthi rebels earlier this week say a second missile hit during rescue efforts, causing more chaos and casualties. Yemeni authorities say three ballistic missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthis struck the ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, killing six and injuring at least nine. It was the first deadly attack this year by the Houthis on a vessel in the strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The attack is part of an escalating campaign by the Houthis that risks reigniting a civil war in Yemen following a truce in 2022.
Documents show federal surveillance operation in Minnesota targeted progressive groups, unions
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Advocates are speaking against a sweeping undercover federal surveillance operation that court documents say targeted progressive groups and unions protesting the Minneapolis immigration crackdown. The documents were filed Thursday in a case involving 15 people charged with impeding the crackdown. The government said its Operation Puppet Master surveillance program was aimed at a network of conspirators. Government documents revealed in court motions say that the reality was Department of Homeland Security officers infiltrating meetings in churches, schools and parks that were often simply discussions of constitutionally protected protests. Groups say the government was trying to intimidate them.
Nigel Farage beats Count Binface in widely mocked election
LONDON (AP) — Nigel Farage beat trash-can wearing comic candidate Count Binface on Friday, regaining a seat in Parliament he quit a month ago to trigger the widely mocked special election. Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party who some see as a possible next prime minister, abruptly quit his seat in July amid an investigation into whether he failed to report a 5 million pound ($6.7 million) gift from a crypto billionaire overseas. He said he would run for the open seat to prove he had voters’ support. Binface, a serial candidate who has challenged prime ministers past and present, became the default challenger in a field of 34 candidates after the major parties boycotted the campaign as a political stunt by Farage.
Judge drops Nevada case against electors accused of forging certificate in 2020 election
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge has dismissed Nevada’s fake electors case. Thursday’s decision marks the latest setback in swing states’ efforts to prosecute six Republicans who tried to keep Donald Trump in the White House after he lost to Joe Biden in 2020’s presidential election. The Nevada Attorney General’s Office plans to appeal. The six Republicans pleaded not guilty. They include Michael McDonald, the chair of the Nevada Republican Party, and Jesse Law, the former chair of the Clark County Republican Party. Courts have dismissed similar cases in Arizona, Michigan and Georgia. A case is ongoing in Wisconsin.
Luigi Mangione set to appear in court for expected guilty plea in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty Friday in the federal case stemming from the killing of the former UnitedHealthcare CEO on a Manhattan sidewalk. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to talk publicly about the case and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The person cautioned that Mangione might still change his mind. Mangione is accused of stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and killing him outside a New York City hotel. Lawyers for Mangione and the Justice Department declined comment prior to Friday's hearing, which was hastily requested by prosecutors and defense lawyers earlier this week.
Trump set to highlight violent crime reduction during a visit to New York police academy
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to highlight his record on crime and safety during a visit to a New York police academy on Friday. The White House says he will release new FBI crime statistics showing a decrease in violent crime for 2025. Trump’s visit is aimed at boosting Republican candidates in closely contested races across his home state. But just how much his presence will help is in question as he faces lagging approval ratings and a deeply unpopular war in Iran with no end in sight. Trump will be joined by Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel in his visit to Nassau County.
Israel’s Christians rely on faith and allies as they fear rising harassment
MOUNT TABOR, Israel (AP) — Christians are less than 2% of Israel's population and are facing increased harassment as regional conflicts persist. Incidents like spitting and violence have risen, especially since the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. However, interfaith leaders are hopeful, due to better policing and a new government envoy to the Christian world. Despite challenges, many Christians remain resilient, drawing strength from their faith and community support. They emphasize the importance of coexistence and maintaining their identity. In Jerusalem’s Old City, two nuns have been walking to and from work with a volunteer escort, fearing violence since another nun was violently attacked nearby earlier this year.
