Sustained support helps make independent journalism possible. Make a recurring gift and you can join us July 15 for an exclusive conversation with news leaders exploring our Russia and Ukraine coverage, including what it’s like to interview President Vladimir Putin.
|
|
|
Welcome back. Let’s take a look at what’s in the news today: Eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges for alleged roles in a thwarted drone and sniper attack on the UFC cage-fighting event at the White House in June; the U.S. and Iran exchange intensifying fire; and Obamacare premiums could have another year of double-digit hikes. Also, check out a finger-licking artwork in the Netherlands — a floor covered in enough peanut butter to make 15,000 sandwiches.
|
The arena for the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, June 14, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
|
8 men indicted in planned drone and sniper attack on White House UFC cage-fighting show
|
The indictment charges all eight in two separate conspiracies, one to provide material support to terrorists and a second to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official. Read more.
|
|
|
|
- According to the new indictment, the plot began in May, when the group began amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones and other items. Officials have said the group members harbored fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government. It remains unclear from the court records how close the would-be attackers could have come to being able to carry out the plan had it not been thwarted.
|
|
|
US and Iran exchange intensifying fire across Mideast, threatening ceasefire deal
|
The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting U.S.-allied Mideast countries. Read more.
|
|
|
Back-and-forth attacks, including strikes a day earlier, have repeatedly threatened the ceasefire. But Thursday’s appeared bigger all around. The strikes came hours after President Donald Trump said recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the fragile ceasefire.
|
|
|
Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it’s likely to happen again in 2027
|
The median proposed premium increase for next year is 14%, according to analysis from the healthcare research nonprofit KFF. Read more.
|
|
|
The insurers cited mounting healthcare costs, federal regulatory changes and the recent expiration of pandemic-era enhanced subsidies as the biggest factors driving premiums higher. While most Americans in Obamacare still qualify for subsidies that protect them from paying the full premiums, some middle-class enrollees will face a stark increase in costs. The higher costs are contributing to Americans’ existing worries about overall affordability, a concern that many voters say is front of mind with November’s midterm elections looming.
|
|
|
Workers spread peanut butter on a floor at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, July 3. (AP Photo/Mouneb Taim)
|
|
|
|
Let me know here which stories you'd like to see more of in Morning Wire. You can invite a friend to subscribe here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Nadja
|
|
|
|
|
Let me know here which stories you'd like to see more of in Morning Wire. You can invite a friend to subscribe here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Nadja
|
|
|
|
|
*Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here.
|
|
|
|
|
