Autism remains widely misunderstood in parts of Africa. A mother in Guinea fights for her child

FRIA, Guinea (AP) – Kazaliou Balde’s parents started worrying about him when as a small child he avoided eye contact and had difficulty communicating.

Mali government reports rebel attacks targeting northern towns

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) – The Malian army said Saturday that several northern towns, including Gao and Sévaré, were targeted by rebels. The statement came as a rebel group announced a new offensive to capture a northern town.

Today in History - What Happened on this Day

Today in History - What Happened on this Day

Putin shrugs off fuel shortages in Russia as he ramps up attacks on Ukraine

Despite severe fuel shortages across Russia, President Vladimir Putin appears unbothered by Ukraine’s increasing attacks on his country’s oil refineries. He has shrugged off the setback for one of the world’s leading oil-producing nations as “not critical,” dismissed ceasefire proposals and insisted the war will continue until his goals are met.

Deaths surged 29% in France during week of record heat

PARIS (AP) – Deaths surged by nearly a third in France during the hottest week of a record heat wave last month, the country’s public health authority said Friday, reporting at least 2,000 more deaths than in the previous week when temperatures were already climbing and filling emergency wards with heat victims.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married in elaborate Madison Square Garden ceremony, Swift's publicist says

NEW YORK (AP) - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married Friday night at Madison Square Garden, where actor Adam Sandler was the surprising officiant at a star-packed ceremony. The super-secretive buildup to the nuptials culminated when a marquee outside the Midtown Manhattan arena proclaimed "JUST&T MARRIED" once the deed was done.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran with iron fist, will be buried

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dramatically remolded Iran during more than three decades as supreme leader, turning it into a regional powerhouse and bringing it increasingly into confrontation with Israel and the United States.

Venezuela's acting leader defends quake response

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – As public criticism mounted over the pace and efficiency of Venezuela’s earthquake response, the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez issued its first public defense of the operation with her 180-day mandate as interim leader expiring on Friday.

Erdogan's warm ties with Trump offer Turkey an edge ahead of NATO summit

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has berated and belittled many of his European counterparts expected to attend next week’s NATO summit in Turkey. But host Recep Tayyip Erdogan has drawn on his close ties with the U.S. leader to secure his presence at the Ankara event – an appearance that may even come with a significant gift related to Turkish defense.