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Florida
Man executed in 'Hog Trail Murders'
STARKE -- A Florida man convicted in one of a series of suspected killings that became known as the "Hog Trail Murders" in the 1990s was put to death Thursday, becoming the state's 15th person executed this year.
Daniel Owen Conahan Jr., 72, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. after receiving a three-drug lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke.
Texas
Vance takes stage at GOP convention
DALLAS -- Vice President JD Vance took the stage Thursday on the second and final night of the Republicans' midterm convention in Dallas, the party knowing that history is not on its side this election season but counting on President Donald Trump to propel voters to protect their House and Senate majorities.
With Vance taking the primetime speaking slot just ahead of the president, the convention is also teeing up a potential post-Trump future.
Hawaii
Hurricane Lowell knocks out port
HONOLULU -- Crews began repairing the only cargo port on one of Hawaii's smallest main islands while power was being restored to another island Thursday, two days after Hurricane Lowell skirted along the state's western edge. At least two deaths were linked to the storm.
On the island of Kauai, intense wind and surging waves damaged oceanfront resorts, ripped apart roads and knocked out power, prompting tourism officials to urge visitors to stay away.
World
Congo
Fire kills at least 26 students
BUKAVU -- A fire swept through two adjacent schools Thursday in the city of Bukavu in eastern Congo, killing at least 26 students and injuring dozens, the provincial government said.
The South Kivu provincial government said in a press release that 19 girls and seven boys were killed, adding that the death toll could rise.
Kenya
Chinese e-bike imports surge in Africa
NAIROBI -- Africa's imports of electric motorcycles and three-wheelers from China rose sharply in the first half of 2026, an increase that highlights a divide in the continent's transition to electric vehicles.
Two and three-wheelers account for a large share of vehicles on African roads and are heavily used commercially. So, switching to electric from gasoline and diesel engines could cut fuel consumption and urban air pollution.
Hong Kong
Tiananmen vigil organizers sentenced
HONG KONG -- A Hong Kong court is set to sentence Friday three activists who for years organized vigils in remembrance of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, in a case that is widely seen as a barometer of the city's freedoms as Beijing clamps down on dissent.
Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho face up to 10 years in prison after being convicted of inciting subversion earlier this year under a Beijing-imposed national security law.