US launches new airstrikes on Iran and Tehran fires back at Gulf Arab states
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war. The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships signaled the end of the ceasefire. The U.S. struck a variety of military sites and port facilities Wednesday following Iran’s targeting of several merchant vessels. Thursday’s attacks appeared bigger all around, though there has been no word on damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, and Kuwait’s military said it was intercepting drones and missiles.
Trump says US will give Ukraine license to produce Patriot defense systems
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced at a NATO summit in Turkey that the U.S. will allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems. This decision marks a significant shift, as the U.S. had previously resisted this move. Trump also praises NATO members for increasing defense spending and plans to lift Syria's terrorism designation. Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing optimism about ending the conflict in Ukraine. NATO leaders pledge $80 billion to support Ukraine's defense needs. Trump also meets with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling a move toward normalizing relations with Syria.
Oil prices rise, and stocks drop worldwide after Trump says ceasefire with Iran is 'over'
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices rose, and stock markets dropped in shaky trading worldwide after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran. The S&P 500 fell 0.3% Wednesday after sinking as much as 1.1% earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.1% after Trump said the agreement to pause fighting with Iran was over. The Nasdaq composite erased an early slump and rose 0.2% after Trump said in the afternoon that the most recent fighting did not mean a return to full-scale war. Brent crude oil’s price climbed 5% above $78 per barrel.
The tenuous state of a US-Iran ceasefire renews anxiety over high fuel prices
NEW YORK (AP) — The potential unraveling of a fragile truce between Iran and the United States has renewed anxiety over fuel prices. It’s raising concern that gasoline prices could go up again if sustained fighting keeps oil tankers from traveling through the Persian Gulf. Oil prices rose to their highest point in weeks after President Donald Trump declared the U.S. ceasefire with Iran over on Wednesday. Trump spoke after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and on American military sites in other Gulf nations. Costlier crude oil could lead to costlier gas station fill-ups. That could happen as drivers in many countries were getting a break from elevated prices brought on by the war.
Judge orders E. Jean Carroll be paid $5.8M in Trump sex abuse and defamation case; Trump appeals
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that E. Jean Carroll can collect $5.8 million held in escrow since a jury found that President Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed her. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the 2023 civil verdict against Trump in the case, allowing the judge to release the money. Trump’s lawyers appealed but were denied an emergency order to block the payment from being made. The jury found Trump sexually abused Carroll in 1996, then defamed her after she spoke out in 2019. Trump denies knowing Carroll and accuses her of political motives.
Maine Democrats plan convention to replace Platner: What to know about Senate race
SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — The Maine Democratic Party has voted to hold a convention now that Graham Platner has announced he'll drop out of the U.S. Senate race. Platner, accused of sexual assault by a former girlfriend, denies the allegation but faced pressure to quit. The party plans to select a replacement, with potential contenders already showing interest. Platner had until July 13 for a new candidate to be considered. Ahead of his announcement, his campaign denied trying to influence the selection process. Meanwhile, voters expressed disappointment and called for Platner to withdraw.
Members of a sexual predator network on Telegram tried to hide their crimes with code words
BERLIN (AP) — A German investigation into an online predator network that thrived on the messaging app Telegram for years has led to the convictions of four alleged members of the group's inner circle. The network was made up of mainly Chinese men targeting mostly Chinese women in Germany. They called themselves the “German driving school for experts,” but prosecutors say the group's true purpose was to brag about the women they raped and share tips about how to drug their victims. The investigation is being closely watched in China. The fourth defendant was convicted Wednesday in Berlin.
Former Wisconsin judge spared prison for obstructing ICE arrest of Mexican immigrant
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan has been spared from prison for ushering a Mexican defendant out of her courtroom as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents waited in the hallway. A federal judge fined her $5,000 and cited her otherwise law-abiding life in issuing the sentence. Hannah Dugan resigned as a Milwaukee County judge after her obstruction conviction and had to move amid threats against her family. Her lawyers argued that President Donald Trump’s administration sought to crush her to ensure judicial compliance with courthouse arrests. She faced up to five years in prison Wednesday, but the judge cited her lifetime of public service.
'The Pitt' leads with 25 Emmy nominations and 'Hacks' breaks record for comedies with 24
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Pitt” led all nominees with 25 in a dominant sophomore season, while “Hacks” led all comedies with a record-breaking 24 for its final season as the Emmy nominations were announced. HBO Max’s emergency room series “The Pitt” owned this year’s acting categories. Previous winners Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa were nominated again. Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif and Sepideh Moafi also got nominations, with “The Pitt” taking four of the seven supporting actress spots. “Hacks” star Jean Smart was nominated again, having won best actress in a comedy for all four previous seasons. Her sidekick, Hannah Einbinder, got a fifth nomination.
Prosecutors plan to play redacted statements from roommate of defendant in Charlie Kirk's killing
PROVO, Utah (AP) — Utah prosecutors plan to play audio clips in open court of law enforcement officials interviewing the roommate of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Defense attorneys fought against the public release of the statements from Tyler Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. They said prosecutors would characterize the statements as a confession and that could undermine Robinson’s right to a fair trial. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and has not entered a plea. He turned himself in a day after the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University in September.
