Armed conflicts and attacks
Syrian Civil War
According to Syrian state television, ISIL militants kidnapped over 300 staff members from a cement factory outside of the city of Al-Dumayr earlier this week and no contact with them has been made since. (Al Jazeera)
Military intervention against ISIL
Turkish Armed Forces shell ISIL positions hours after projectiles hit Turkey's Kilis Province. (Hurriyet)
Arts and culture
American Idol (season 15)
Trent Harmon is declared as the last winner of the American singing competition series, American Idol, which concluded after 15 seasons. (E! Online)
LGBT rights in the United States
The Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, in response to the potential backlash from Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant's signing of the known-as religious freedom bill which permits denial of services because of religious belief, will distribute decals that say "Everyone's Welcome Here." Mike Cashion, MHRA director, says the bill "created a level of controversy" that affects Mississippi's image. (Jackson Free Press)