News in brief

By The Associated Press

First Titanic voyage in 14 years happening in wake of tragedy

PORTLAND, Maine | The company that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic is undertaking its first expedition to the ship’s wreckage in 14 years. Those involved in the mission say they have heavy hearts and lofty goals for the trip.

Georgia-based RMS Titanic Inc. holds the legal rights to salvage the wreck of the ship that sank in 1912. The company’s first expedition to the site since 2010 launched Friday from Providence, Rhode Island.

The voyage arrives as the worldwide community of undersea explorers is still reeling from the deadly implosion of the Titan submersible en route to the Titanic a little over a year ago.

At least five killed in cafe bombing

in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia | A bombing outside a café Sunday in the Somali capital of Mogadishu killed at least five people, police said.

Some people were watching the European soccer final between Spain and England on a screen inside the café when a car loaded with explosives blew up outside, said Maj. Abdifitah Aden Hassa, spokesman for Somali police. He told reporters that at least 20 other people were injured in the attack.

Pictures posted online and purporting to be from the scene showed a fire burning outside the café in the aftermath of the explosion.

Delta adopts new rules for flight attendant uniforms

ATLANTA | Delta Air Lines is changing its employee uniform policy following a turbulent ride through a social media storm started by an X user’s outrage over two flight attendants who were photographed wearing Palestinian flag pins.

The uproar over the July 10 post on X, which described the Palestinian pins as “Hamas badges,” led Delta to ban its employees from wearing pins representing any country or nationality besides the U.S. The rule will take effect Monday.

“We are proud of our diverse base of employees and customers and the foundation of our brand, which is to connect the world and provide a premium experience,” the Atlanta-based airline said in a statement “We are taking this step to help ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all.”

Delta’s policy shift reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, which has triggered high-profile protests that, among other things, have roiled college campuses.

—From AP reports