MARAWI, Philippines (AP) — Smoke wafted from the smoldering carcasses of buildings and houses, with the dome of a mosque blasted out with holes, as Philippine troops battled Thursday to defeat a final stand by the last dozens of pro-Islamic State group militants in a southern city. The desolate war scene, witnessed by Associated Press … Continue reading
MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) — The Yves Saint Laurent museum opened its doors to the public Thursday in Marrakech, the sunny, bustling, gritty Moroccan city beloved by the late French designer. The highly-anticipated opening comes less than three weeks since the inauguration of a museum dedicated to the fashion pioneer in his home city of Paris. … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Much of the U.S. should expect another warm winter, but not quite as toasty as the last two years, forecasters said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday forecast a warmer winter from California through the Midwest to Maine. A colder than normal winter is predicted for southern Alaska, the Pacific … Continue reading
BERLIN (AP) — The number of flying insects in Germany has been dropping at an “alarming” rate that could signal serious trouble for ecosystems and food chains in the future, scientists say. According to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers using funnel-shaped traps at 63 sites across western Germany recorded a … Continue reading
MILAN (AP) — Maltese authorities faced mounting pressure Thursday to ensure an independent investigation into the slaying of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was known for her fearless reporting on corruption in the small Mediterranean island nation. The 53-year-old journalist’s three grown sons called on Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign, saying he … Continue reading
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The crisis over Catalonia’s quest for independence escalated Thursday, as Spain’s central government prepared the unprecedented step of stripping the wealthy region of some of its self-governing powers after its leader refused to abandon secession. In his latest display of brinkmanship, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont sent a letter to Spanish Prime … Continue reading
MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia remains open to cooperation with Washington even though President Donald Trump’s political foes in the U.S. have tried to prevent him from fulfilling his campaign promises. Asked at a forum of foreign policy experts if Russia is annoyed with Trump’s unpredictability, Putin said that it’s … Continue reading
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s confrontation with its independence-seeking region of Catalonia intensified Monday when a judge ordered the leaders of two pro-independence groups jailed while they are investigated on possible sedition charges for organizing demonstrations before the region’s disputed secession vote. The jailing of Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, the heads of grassroots organizations … Continue reading
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The day after a gunman opened fire on a country music festival from a high-rise Las Vegas hotel, a local landscaper was at City Hall with an idea for remembering the 58 people killed in the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history. Jay Pleggenkuhle (PLAY-ghen-kool) of Stonerose Landscapes said he thought … Continue reading
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The driver of a semitrailer packed with at least 39 immigrants, 10 of whom died, pleaded guilty Monday to making the deadly smuggling run. James Matthew Bradley Jr., 61, pleaded Monday in federal court in San Antonio to one conspiracy count and a count of transporting the immigrants resulting in death. … Continue reading
LONDON (AP) — The Latest on how the weakened remnants of Hurricane Ophelia are affecting Ireland and the U.K. (all times local): 4:20 p.m. A non-profit group that provides lifesaving services around the British Isles is warning people to stay away from seas and beaches as Post-Tropical Cyclone Ophelia passes over the British Isles. Royal … Continue reading
LONDON (AP) — U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is speaking directly with leaders of some of the European Union’s biggest member states ahead of a meeting in Brussels aimed at unblocking negotiations on Britain’s departure from the bloc. May spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and planned to call France’s Emmanuel Macron and … Continue reading
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — More than 300 people are dead after the truck bombing in Somalia’s capital and scores of others remain missing, authorities said Monday, as the fragile Horn of Africa nation reeled from one of the world’s worst attacks in years. As funerals continued, the government said the death toll is expected to … Continue reading
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl told a military judge on Monday that he’s pleading guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. “I understand that leaving was against the law,” said Bergdahl, whose decision to walk off his remote post in Afghanistan in 2009 prompted intense search and recovery missions, during … Continue reading
U.S. stocks edged higher in early trading Monday, adding to the market’s five straight weeks of gains. Financial and technology stocks were had some of the biggest gains. Energy companies also rose as crude oil prices climbed. Utilities and real estate stocks lagged. KEEPING SCORE: The Standard & Poor’s 500 index added 4 points, … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will ask U.S. allies to pressure North Korea on its nuclear program in an upcoming trip to the Asia-Pacific region. He’ll also meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Trump has praised Duterte for his deadly war on drugs that has left thousands dead, according to a leaked transcript … Continue reading
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The death toll from a truck bombing in Somalia’s capital has risen above 300, the director of an ambulance service said Monday, as the fragile Horn of Africa nation reeled from the deadliest single attack it’s ever experienced. More people died of their wounds in the past few hours, said … Continue reading
