Philippines, U.S. repel mock foreign invaders in military exercises

Honolulu Star-Advertiser— LAOAG, Philippines >> U.S. and Philippine armed forces fired missiles and artillery to thwart a simulated invasion in the Philippines’ northern waters facing Taiwan on Monday, in a show of military force and strengthening ties as regional tensions rise.

Global News—Why Philippines wants Canada’s help to avoid China, U.S. ‘great power rivalry’. Manalo visited Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa this month to mark 75 years of bilateral relations, meeting with federal ministers for trade, immigration, aid and diplomacy.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser—U.S. soldier detained in Russia, U.S. Army says. WASHINGTON >> A U.S. soldier has been detained in Russia on charges of criminal misconduct, the U.S. Army said today, that country’s latest high-profile detention of an American.

NBC News—17 of 20 U.S. doctors stuck in Gaza depart with the help of U.S. officials, source says. Seventeen of 20 U.S. doctors stuck in Gaza have departed, with the physician known for saving Sen. Tammy Duckworth's life staying behind, a source familiar with the situation said. The 17 humanitarian aid volunteers were received by U.S. officials at the Kerem Shalom Crossing at the Israel border, the source said, after the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem helped to facilitate their safe passage. Dr. Adam Hamawy, credited with saving the life of Duckworth, D-Ill., when she served in the Iraq War 20...