U.S.-backed fighters take IS headquarters

Libyan forces supported by the United States said on Wednesday they captured the headquarters of the Islamic State in the city of Sirte. With the help of American air strikes, the last headquarters of the IS (also known as ISIS and ISIL) was in the hands of its enemies after a two-week siege. According to the Associated Press, American planes have been pounding positions held by Daesh, the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, since Aug. 1. At least 29 air strikes have been carried out. Militants first seized control of the city in 2015. It is the birthplace of former Libyan strong man Muammar Gadhafi.

FLORIDA WOMAN ACCIDENTLY KILLED BY POLICE

A 73-year-old woman attending a “citizen’s academy” was killed Tuesday evening in Punta Gorda, Florida when she was struck by a live round fired by a police officer. The woman, identified as Mary Knowlton, a retired librarian, was participating in a “shoot/don’t shoot” scenario intended to illustrate the split-second decisions that police must sometimes make, according to the Associated Press. The officer involved has been placed on leave, and the department is trying to determine how a gun capable of firing a live bullet made it into the classroom.

CONTROVERSY CONTINUES OVER TRUMP REMARKS

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s remarks Tuesday about gun rights have led to a major controversy over his intentions. Speaking to a rally in North Caroline, he warned gun owners that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is planning to repeal the Second Amendment – the right to keep and bear arms – and that if she is elected and appoints judges who support her views, there would be “nothing you could do.” Then he added, “Although, the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don’t know. But I’ll tell you what: that will be a horrible day.” Democrats immediately saw his remarks as hinting at using violence against Clinton and her potential federal judges. Trump supporters argued that the true intent was to urge gun owners to oppose her candidacy at the ballot box.

USA VAULTS INTO THE LEAD

Helped in part by a gold medal-winning performance by the U.S women’s gymnastics team, the American contingent at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro has a clear lead in the much-watched medal count. Through midday Wednesday, the U.S. has 26 medals total, with nine of them gold. In second is China with 17 (eight gold), followed by Japan with 14 (three gold) and Russia with 12 (three gold).

The Midday Update is posted Monday through Friday as staff time permits. Want more national and international news? Go to http://bigstory.ap.org .