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Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, faces arson charges after allegedly starting a fire that destroyed 700 buildings in Spokane County this month. Prosecutors said he admitted to lighting two dozen fires since last year. Detective Michael Drapeau wrote, "He feels fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things experience a kind of rebirth."
A judge in Washington dismissed a felony vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on Thursday. Prosecutors admitted that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted from a botched renovation, not vandalism. "This whole thing has been really surreal and absurd," Hearn said after the case ended.
Senator Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor on Thursday. She beat two rivals to become the party’s candidate for the November election. If she wins, she will be the state’s first female governor. Blackburn said she wants to "preserve Tennessee's conservative slant" by focusing on immigration and crime.
An Israeli raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp injured at least 51 Palestinians on Thursday. Israeli forces demolished shops and sealed off roads near the checkpoint. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said 35 people got hospitalised after beatings. Soldiers also fired stun grenades at journalists and detained many local residents.
Representative Andy Ogles lost his Republican primary to Charlie Hatcher on Thursday, The Associated Press said. Despite having President Trump’s endorsement, Ogles fell in his new district. Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner, got support from Governor Bill Lee. The result showed how hard-line rhetoric and new district lines hurt Ogles.
New Zealand’s wool industry is making a comeback after decades of decline. John Hargreaves said, “We’re now covering our shearing costs and making some sort of a profit.” Rising oil prices pushed up demand for natural fibres, and global brands started signing deals. Prices hit a 15-year high in June.
Houthi attacks on a military camp in Yemen killed at least 30 government troops on Thursday. The Iran-aligned rebels used missiles and drones in Marib and Hadramout. Saudi Arabia warned of further attacks after shelling injured 11 civilians on Friday. Officials said the coalition would take measures to protect civilians.
Law enforcement officials gave false information to federal judges regarding journalist Georgia Fort, her lawyers said in court filings Thursday. Fort faced charges after a January protest at a St Paul church. Her legal team argued the case is vindictive. Lawyer Matthew Ebert said, “The government in many respects has gone off the rails.”
Saudi Arabia is bracing for multiple coordinated attacks by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis. A Saudi official said, “Saudi Arabia will take all necessary measures to deal with any aggression.” Intelligence reports showed these groups plan to target ports and airports, even as the nation pursues de-escalation efforts today.
Airline workers reportedly refuse to help US agents as the Trump administration increases immigration arrests at airports. ICE and TSA officials made three dozen daily arrests last month. Lawyer Ghassan Shamieh said, “It’s not people with criminal records.” Many detainees have pending visa applications, causing tension with airline staff members.
Donald Trump criticized Jeanine Pirro on Thursday for dismissing vandalism charges regarding the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Trump said, “She made a terrible mistake.” Pirro’s office claimed the damage resulted from a botched renovation, not vandalism. Trump told NBC News he had not made a determination yet about replacing her.
Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate primary. El-Sayed got support from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to win this race. He now faces Republican Mike Rogers in November. Donald Trump said, "Great news for the Republican Party," after the results showed El-Sayed as winner.