'Armed conflict' with drug cartels, synagogue attack, Gaza-bound flotilla

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Sallee Ann Harrison October 02, 2025 By Sallee Ann Harrison October 02, 2025 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, President Donald Trump says U.S. is in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean, a deadly attack takes place at an English synagogue on a Jewish holy day, and what international maritime law says about Israel intercepting a Gaza-bound flotilla. UP FIRST President Donald Trump walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Trump says US is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and says the United States is now in a "non-international armed conflict," according to a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, following recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Federal shutdowns usually don't do much economic damage. There are reasons to worry about this one Trump asks 9 colleges to commit to his political agenda and get favorable access to federal money Immigration judge denies Kilmar Abrego Garcia's bid for asylum, but he has 30 days to appeal TOP STORIES Man kills 2 and wounds 4 in car ramming and stabbing at English synagogue on Jewish holy day An assailant drove a car into people outside a synagogue Thursday in northern England and then began stabbing them, killing two and seriously wounding four in a terrorist attack, police said. The attack took place as people gathered at an Orthodox synagogue on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement and the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Police said the two people killed were Jewish. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WATCH: UK prime minister boosts policing around synagogues after Manchester attack Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid in international waters. Can it do that? The Israeli intervention of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and hundreds of activists raises questions about what any nation can legally do to enforce a blockade in international waters. The intervention sparked condemnation from world leaders and human rights groups who say Israel violated international law. Israeli authorities say they were merely enforcing a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Photos show widespread protests after Israeli forces intercept Gaza-bound flotilla ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Foreman Vitor Lucas unloads a bucket of wine grapes on a tractor during a night harvest at the Herdade da Fonte Santa vineyard near Vimieiro, Portugal, on Sept. 17. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) Climate: In the cool of a Portugal night, it's time to pick the grapes Freed prisoner vanishes: A freed political prisoner refuses to be deported from Belarus and promptly vanishes Executions: Tennessee court sets execution date for the state's only woman on death row and 3 male inmates Washington Post: In Black columnist's firing, advocates fear decreasing diversity, vital perspectives in news media Health: It's time get a flu vaccination. Here's who needs one and why Flag football: NFL to launch professional flag football leagues ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics WATCH: Bear runs through aisles of an Arizona grocery store TRENDING Daniel Day-Lewis, left, and Ronan Day-Lewis pose for a portrait on Saturday. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Daniel Day-Lewis, pulled out of retirement by his son, finds his acting fire still burns It's been eight years since Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting. But the big-screen absence of the actor many would peg as the greatest one alive ends with "Anemone," a new film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The two of them wrote it together. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sallee Ann SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT