Nation, world briefs 10/27/15

Poll: Trump hard sell to Hispanic voters

NEWARK, N.J. -- Republican front-runner Donald Trump is widely unpopular among the nation's Hispanics, a new AP-GfK poll finds, challenging the billionaire's assertion he will win the Hispanic vote if he becomes his party's nominee. The survey finds many of the Republican candidates running for president probably would struggle to win support among Hispanics in a general election. Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio are their favorites, but even they are a hard sell, the poll suggests. Even so, most in the field are unknown to enough Hispanics they might have a shot at proving themselves. That's a struggle for Trump, who began his campaign by calling some immigrants from Mexico rapists and has vowed to deport all of the estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally if he is elected. Trump is viewed unfavorably by 72 percent of Hispanics, the AP-GfK poll finds. Only 11 percent view him favorably.

5 Britons die after whale boat sinks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Five British nationals died when a whale-watching boat with 27 people on board sank off Vancouver Island, the British Foreign Minister said Monday. One person was missing, and the rest were rescued, some by members of the aboriginal community who rushed to help. The cause of the sinking remained a mystery. The boat made a mayday call Sunday afternoon on a calm, clear and sunny day off Tofino, a popular destination for whale watchers, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said.

Driver crashes into Belgian barracks

BRUSSELS -- A lone attacker smashed his car through the gates of an army barracks in Belgium and fled in the vehicle after shots were fired, Belgium's defense minister said Monday. The attack did not involve guns or explosives. Defense Minister Steven Vandeput said the intruder's motive remained unclear but insisted "it is certainly an aggression targeting the barracks." Police detained a suspect three hours after the attack after a manhunt that involved helicopters, prosecutor's spokesman Vincent Macq said. He said evidence did not immediately point to an attempted terror attack.

Woman reunites with life-saving dog

BREWSTER, N.Y. -- A blind woman struck by a school minibus while crossing a suburban New York street said her goal for recovery was to bring home the guide dog that jumped in front of the bus to save her. Audrey Stone and Figo the dog were reunited at her Brewster home Monday, after nearly four months of recuperation for both. Stone and her golden retriever were together for over six years before the crash in June. He was trained by the Guide Dog Foundation. Witnesses say Figo leaped between Stone and the oncoming bus, then wouldn't leave her side once both were hit.

-- From wire

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