Ukraine has halted Russia’s advance in the northern Sumy region, commander says

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces claim to have stopped Russia’s advance into the northern Sumy region, stabilizing the front line near the border. Ukraine’s top military commander said on Thursday that this success has prevented Russia from redeploying 50,000 troops, including elite units, to other areas. Russian officials have not commented on the claim. Fighting continues along the 1,000-kilometer front line, with Ukraine relying on drones to counter Russia’s slow but costly advances. In Donetsk, Russia claims to have captured two villages as part of its offensive. Both sides are also launching long-range drone strikes, causing injuries and damage across multiple regions.

An explosion and ensuing stampede kills 29 children in a Central African Republic school

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — An explosion and the stampede that followed at a high school in the Central African Republic have killed at least 29 students and injured more than 250. Authorities say the tragedy happened Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in the capital Bangui. The explosion occurred when an electrical transformer malfunctioned as power was being restored. The blast caused a stampede that killed many on the spot while others died in the hospital. The Ministry of Health has confirmed 260 people are receiving treatment. Around 5,000 students were at the school for exams when the tragedy struck.

An Israeli strike kills 18 Palestinians in central Gaza as turmoil mounts over food distribution

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian hospital officials say an Israeli airstrike has hit a street in central Gaza, killing 18 people. Witnesses say the strike targeted a crowd receiving flour from a Palestinian police unit that had confiscated goods from looters. The unit, part of Gaza’s Hamas-led Interior Ministry, was distributing aid when the attack occurred. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing aid, while Gaza faces ongoing turmoil over food distribution. Armed gangs and desperate crowds have disrupted aid efforts, with tribes now stepping in to guard convoys. Meanwhile, limited aid continues to trickle into Gaza, where millions struggle with hunger and violence.

Storms in France leave 2 dead, 17 injured and cause parliament to spring a leak

PARIS (AP) — Two people have been killed and 17 injured during torrential storms in France. The storms toppled trees, flooded Paris streets and caused parliament’s roof to spring a leak as the prime minister was speaking. Prime Minister François Bayrou pointed out the leak above his head after delivering a speech in the National Assembly as rains beat down outside, quickly inundating Paris boulevards on Wednesday evening. Fire officers patched up the problem with absorbent mats. The storm front broadly swept France after a heat wave. The French civil defense agency said power was also cut to 110,000 homes.