Volkswagen CEO looks to avoid plant closures as automaker moves to cut costs

BERLIN (AP) – Volkswagen’s CEO indicated in comments published Sunday that he’s trying to avoid closing plants as he seeks to turn around the automaker’s performance.

14 Nations reaffirm 2016 ruling invalidating China's claims in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – The United States, the United Kingdom and a dozen other Western and Asian countries reasserted on Sunday that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea are illegal based on a 2016 arbitration ruling.

US launches new airstrikes on Iran, as Tehran fires back at Gulf Arab states

US launches new airstrikes on Iran, as Tehran fires back at Gulf Arab states

Editorials from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Editorials from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Trump suggests a standing order to attack Iran if it assassinates him

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is suggesting he has left standing orders for the U.S. military to destroy Iran ” at levels they’ve never seen before ” if Tehran follows through on its long-standing threats to kill him. But the U.S. government has no way to create an automatic, preauthorized “dead man’s switch” that would prompt immediate retaliation.

Russian attacks kill 6 and wound 29 as Ukrainian forces target oil tankers

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Russian attacks on Ukraine killed six people, including a child, and wounded 29, officials said Saturday, adding that Ukrainian forces damaged more than two dozen Russian tankers and other vessels in the Sea of Azov.

News Minute - Video of Major World Affairs - July 11

News Minute - Video of Major World Affairs – July 11

Today in History: July 12, Disco Demolition Night

Today in History. Today is Sunday, July 12, the 193rd day of 2026. There are 172 days left in the year. Today in History: On July 12, 1979, as an angry reaction to the popularity of disco music, the Chicago White Sox held the “Disco Demolition Night” promotion, in which a crate of disco records was blown up on the field between games of a doubleheader; the ensuing riot and damage to the field caused the White Sox to forfeit the second game.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – A boat returning from an island trip in southern Vietnam capsized on Saturday, killing 15 Indian tourists less than half a kilometer (0.30 mile) from shore, as passengers shouted for help, officials and a witness said. The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned Saturday afternoon.