Wildfires kill at least 3 and displace thousands across southern Europe

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Wildfires are raging across southern Europe, killing at least three people in Spain, Turkey and Albania. Thinly-stretched crews are fighting to contain the blazes after weeks of searing heat. A battle to protect the perimeter of Greece’s third-largest city, Patras, has so far failed and only partially contained the gale-fueled blaze. In southern Albania, a wildfire caused explosions after detonating buried World War II-era artillery shells. Officials said on Wednesday that an 80-year-old man died in one blaze south of the capital, Tirana. A firefighting volunteer died in Spain, while a forestry worker was killed in southern Turkey.

Trump warns of ‘severe consequences’ if Putin does not agree to stop war after summit

BERLIN (AP) — President Donald Trump says there will be “very severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to stop the war against Ukraine after the two leaders meet for a summit later this week in Alaska. Trump made the comment Wednesday in response to a question from a reporter after announcing this year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients in Washington. He did not say what the consequences might be. The remark came soon after Trump consulted with European leaders, who said the president assured them he would make a priority of trying to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine when he meets with Putin on Friday in Anchorage.

Israeli gunfire kills at least 25 in Gaza

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Health officials and witnesses say Israeli gunfire killed at least 25 people while seeking aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will “allow” Palestinians to leave during an upcoming military offensive in some of the territory’s most populated areas. Netanyahu wants to realize U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population of over 2 million people through what he refers to as “voluntary migration” — and what critics have warned could be ethnic cleansing. Efforts to revive ceasefire talks have resumed after apparently breaking down last month. Hamas and Egyptian officials met Wednesday in Cairo.

Typhoon Podul brings no major damage as it crosses Taiwan and heads for China

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Typhoon Podul has crossed southeastern Taiwan, where schools and government offices were closed to wait out the storm. Podul caused minimal damage before heading westward toward China. Authorities had opened shelters and been also on alert for heavy rains that could damage agriculture. On Wednesday, the storm made landfall around noon, losing speed as it moved swiftly toward the Taiwan Strait. High waves and winds were reported, but no major rain yet and the capital Taipei in the north was windy but sunny. Around a dozen flights were delayed or canceled in affected areas.