Zelenskyy’s chief of staff resigns after anti-corruption investigators search home

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who was also the country’s lead negotiator in talks with the U.S. The resignation came hours after Yermak’s residence was searched by anti-corruption investigators. The unprecedented search at the heart of Ukraine’s government was a blow for the Ukrainian leader that risked disrupting his negotiating strategy at a time when Kyiv is under intense U.S. pressure to sign a peace deal nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Yermak has long been a trusted confidant of Zelenskyy, who has resisted persistent pressure to replace him.

Israeli forces kill at least 13 in southern Syria raid, officials and residents say

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Israeli forces have raided a village in southern Syria, killing at least 13 people, according to Syrian officials. It was the deadliest Israeli attack since its troops seized a swath of southern Syria a year ago following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad. Syria’s Foreign Ministry described Friday’s attack in the village of Beit Jin as a “horrific massacre,” saying women and children were among the dead. Israel said its troops were conducting an operation to seize suspects from the Jamaa Islamiya militant group in the village and came under fire from militants. It said they returned fire, killing a number of militants. Syrian officials say local residents confronted the troops and that the dead were civilians.

Death toll from floods in Thailand reaches 145 as receding water reveals widespread damage

BANGKOK (AP) — The death toll from flooding in southern Thailand has reached at least 145, according to officials. More than 1.2 million households and 3.6 million people have been affected across 12 provinces. On Friday, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said at least 110 people were killed in Songkhla province alone. As floodwaters recede, search and rescue efforts have improved. The disaster has caused severe disruption, leaving thousands stranded and streets impassable. Videos and photos show significant damage, including overturned cars and debris piled along streets.

Paris prosecutor says arrested man is thought to be 4th member of Louvre heist gang

PARIS (AP) — French police have arrested a man believed to be the fourth member of the team that stole France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The Paris prosecutor announced Friday that the entire gang is now thought to be in custody. The 39-year-old suspect has a criminal record with six previous convictions. He faces preliminary charges of robbery as part of an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. The heist involved two people breaking into the museum’s Apollo Gallery while two others waited outside to escape on motorbikes. The prosecutor’s statement didn’t specify his exact role in the theft.