US and Iran exchange more attacks across the Mideast, threatening ceasefire deal

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States has launched new airstrikes against Iran, and Tehran responded by targeting Gulf countries. The exchange of fire threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war in the Middle East. Back-and-forth attacks have repeatedly threatened the ceasefire, but Thursday’s appeared bigger all around. Sirens sounded at least three times in Bahrain. Missiles targeted Kuwait and Qatar. The strikes came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of a fragile ceasefire and threatened to escalate the conflict if they didn’t stop. That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war.

New attacks raise questions about what comes next in the Iran war

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he believes the ceasefire with Iran is over. He says he’s not sure he wants a deal anymore and says the U.S. should “finish the job.” But he also insists that continued attacks don’t mean a return to war. Trump’s mixed messaging and back-to-back U.S. military strikes leave questions about what comes next in the conflict. It could be a strategy to increase the pressure on Tehran to stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and bend to U.S. demands on its nuclear program. Mediators are scrambling to save the interim deal. The latest actions risk problems for Republicans in U.S. elections ahead.

Who will replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot? These Democrats are raising their hand

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Democrats in Maine are beginning a sprint to nominate a new candidate for a pivotal U.S. Senate seat, This, after progressive nominee Graham Platner announced he’s withdrawing from the race after a sexual assault allegation. Democrats need to pick a candidate to replace Platner on the ballot by July 27, less than four months before the nominee will face longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race Democrats need to win to take back the chamber. Potential candidates began to come into focus on Thursday even before a decision has been made by Democrats about exactly when the nominating convention will take place.

Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities and set more oil tankers ablaze

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian drones hit more Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture the Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries and other infrastructure across Russia have triggered a fuel crisis with gasoline shortages and fuel rationing in multiple regions. A top Ukrainian official, meanwhile, cautioned that it could take a year or more for the country to produce Patriot interceptor missiles. The Kremlin played down the license deal and noted its appreciation of Trump’s efforts to help broker a peace deal to end the war, which Russia launched over four years ago.

Former Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool damage case after Trump alleged vandalism

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympic canoe racer has pleaded not guilty to deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hearn, who competed in three Summer Olympics, entered the plea on Thursday in D.C. Superior Court. Hearn, 67, from Bethesda, Maryland, faces a felony count of property destruction. President Donald Trump ordered a multimillion-dollar renovation of the pool, but the project has faced issues. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said six others were arrested on related charges. Hearn’s attorneys argue the charges are based on a “concocted narrative” and criticize the administration’s handling of the situation.

Oil prices and stocks hold steadier as calm returns to financial markets worldwide

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street and oil prices are holding steadier in the wait to see what will come next after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 141 points, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5%. The price of Brent crude gave back some of its jump from the day before on worries about increased fighting in the Middle East. Treasury yields also held steadier after sharp rises had earlier rattled markets worldwide. Stock indexes rose across much of the world as chipmakers regained some strength.

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.

Ebola death toll in Congo reaches 600, as new cases suspected in previously unaffected provinces

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — New suspected Ebola cases have been reported in previously unaffected parts of Congo, according to the government. The death toll in the latest outbreak has reached 600. Two new cases are suspected in Kisangani, Tshopo province. One case is linked to the location where the first cases were reported, while the other has no apparent geographical connection to known outbreaks. Authorities are investigating. The outbreak, declared on May 15, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Efforts to contain the virus face challenges like a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and ongoing conflict.

Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ has died at 75

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced Welsh pop star known for “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75. She was hospitalized in Portugal in May 2026 for emergency surgery and placed in an induced coma. Tyler earned three Grammy nominations and represented Britain at Eurovision in 2013. Her iconic song, boosted by real eclipses, has over 1 billion streams. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she grew up in Wales and was inspired by artists like Janis Joplin. Her career took off with hits like “It’s a Heartache.” Tyler was married to Robert Sullivan, a former Olympic judo competitor.

US star Christian Pulisic fractured leg in World Cup loss to Belgium

A person familiar with the injury tells The Associated Press that U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg during the World Cup loss to Belgium and will be sidelined for several weeks. The person says Pulisic has a bone bruise and a microfracture of his tibia and fibula. The person adds Pulisic is expected to be able to resume training before AC Milan’s Serie A opener at Torino on Aug. 23. Pulisic failed to score in the World Cup, missing one of the Americans’ five matches because of a calf injury and leaving two other games early.