The US has revoked plea deals that would have spared 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others from the death penalty. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin took control of the case, withdrawing agreements made by the Guantanamo war court's former chief, Susan Escallier. The move follows criticism from Republican lawmakers. Mohammed and his accomplices had agreed to plead guilty just two days prior, likely in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, where Mohammed has been held since 2006.

The United States will deploy additional warships and fighter jets to the Middle East to help defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies, according to the Pentagon. This move comes amid heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and a Hezbollah commander. The Pentagon has placed missile defense forces on increased readiness, emphasizing its "ironclad" commitment to Israel's defense. Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed "harsh punishment" against Israel for Haniyeh's killing and declared three days of national mourning. Haniyeh, 62, was killed in Tehran on Wednesday, with Iran and Hamas blaming Israel for the attack.

The Park Fire in California has grown to 624 square miles, making it the fourth-largest wildfire in US history. The fire has destroyed over 540 structures and damaged 50, with nearly 6,400 firefighters working to contain it. Allegedly started by arson in a park in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the fire has been fueled by dry, hot conditions. Thunderstorms expected over the weekend may bring fire-starting lightning and erratic winds, posing a challenge to progress made. Firefighters are preparing for treacherous conditions as they battle the massive wildfire.

Hezbollah launched rockets and artillery attacks on Israel on Friday, resuming hostilities after a brief lull. The attacks came in retaliation for Israel’s recent airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Hezbollah claimed to have forced an Israeli warplane to turn back and targeted military positions in northern Israel. Israel’s military intercepted an aerial target from Lebanon and retaliated with airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing several Hezbollah fighters and Syrian migrant workers. The conflict, ongoing since October 2023, threatens to escalate further amid heightened tensions.

The Israeli military announced it killed Al Jazeera journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul in a Gaza airstrike, asserting he was a key Hamas operative involved in the October 7 attack on Israel. Al Jazeera has vehemently denied these claims, calling them baseless and demanding proof. The network stated that Al-Ghoul, who had been with them since November 2023, was solely a journalist. Alongside Al-Ghoul, cameraman Ramy El Rify was also killed in the strike. Al Jazeera reserved the right to take legal action, emphasizing that the journalist had no affiliations with Hamas.

Merseyside Police have confirmed they are prepared for potential protests in the area, following social media posts promoting events in UK cities. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the force has extensive plans and resources in place to quickly respond to any disorder. Seven arrests have been made in connection with the Southport riots on Tuesday, with further arrests expected. Police are committed to bringing to justice those responsible for criminal damage and violence against officers and the community. The force is working to ensure public safety and maintain order in the face of potential unrest.

A 26-year-old New Jersey man, Eric Nicholas Gapco, was arrested for a mid-air meltdown on an American Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas. Prosecutors allege Gapco exhibited violent and dangerous behavior, including attempting to open the plane's doors and propositioning a flight attendant for sex. He also removed his shirt, vaped, and acted aggressively towards crew members. Video footage shows Gapco yelling and being restrained. He was charged with interfering with flight crew members and faces up to 20 years in prison.

In a historic prisoner exchange, three Americans have returned to the US after being detained in Russia. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where they were greeted by their families and President Joe Biden. The exchange marks the largest prisoner swap between Russia and the West since the Cold War. The returnees were met with tears and embraces, marking a joyful reunion.

A historic prisoner swap between Russia and the West has brought 8 Russians home, including a couple convicted of spying in Slovenia and their two children. President Vladimir Putin personally greeted the returnees at Moscow's airport. The exchange freed 24 prisoners held in six countries, with 16 from the West and 8 from Russia. The swap marks a rare diplomatic breakthrough between Russia and Western nations. The returned prisoners were met with applause and flowers as they stepped off the plane, reunited with their families after years apart.

A recent Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in four battleground states: Arizona (49%-47%), Michigan (53%-42%), Nevada (47%-45%), and Wisconsin (49%-47%). Trump leads in North Carolina (48%-46%) and Pennsylvania (50%-46%), while the two are tied in Georgia (47%-47%). The poll was conducted after Harris announced her 2024 presidential bid, during which she has gained support among Democrats. The results indicate a close contest between the two candidates in key swing states, with Harris holding a slight edge in several crucial areas.