Fear and vigilance rise as attacks on houses of worship intensify worldwide

October 11, 2025

(AP) — Every week hundreds of millions of people around the world gather to worship in peace. But for some, there comes a day when deadly violence invades their sacred spaces and shatters that sense of sanctuary and safety. It happened recently at a synagogue in England and two churches in the U.S. Before that, there were high-profile attacks at mosques in New Zealand, a synagogue in Pennsylvania and a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. This violence can intensify anxiety and outright fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide. Security measures have been bolstered, congregants have been ...

Blast at a Tennessee explosives plant leaves 19 people missing and feared dead, sheriff says

October 11, 2025

McEWEN, Tenn. (AP) — A blast leveled an explosives plant Friday in rural Tennessee, leaving behind a mass of twisted metal, burned-out shells of cars and at least 19 people missing and feared dead, authorities said. “There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone,” Humphreys County Sheriff ...

Thousands of Palestinians return to what’s left of their homes as Gaza ceasefire takes effect

October 11, 2025

WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians headed back to the heavily destroyed northern Gaza Strip on Friday as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect in a deal that raised hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war. All the remaining hostages were set to be released within days. Questions remain over who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops gradually pull back and whether Hamas will disarm, as called for in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who unilaterally ended a ceasefire in March, hinted that Israel might renew ...

Two powerful quakes strike off southern Philippines, killing at least 7 people

October 11, 2025

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Two powerful offshore earthquakes struck the same region in the southern Philippines hours apart on Friday with the first 7.4 magnitude temblor killing at least seven people, setting off landslides and prompting evacuations of coastal areas nearby because of a ...

Martins Ferry Shuts Out Cambridge 36-0

October 11, 2025

CAMBRIDGE — Martins Ferry (5-2) continued its recent surge with a 36-0 blanking of Cambridge Friday night on the artificial surface at McFarland Stadium. Colby Kropka threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth score from 23 yards out. He connected with Maurice Barnett on scoring strikes of 51 and 18. He also connected with Elijah Robey for 61 yards. Walkquem Cox returned a punt 53 yards for a touchdown. Bloom Carroll 24, St. Clairsville 15 ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Luke Shafer threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Starks and Ollie Muhley had a touchdown run but the Red ...

Israeli officials debate breakthrough ceasefire deal while deadly strikes continue in Gaza

October 10, 2025

CAIRO (AP) — Top Israeli officials on Thursday debated a tentative deal to pause the devastating two-year war with Hamas while their military forces carried out more strikes in Gaza, including one that reportedly left more than three dozen people trapped beneath rubble. The new strikes hit ...