Israel is facing challenges after some allies support ICC prosecutor’s request for warrants
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is working to manage the consequences of the chief prosecutor of the world’s top war crimes court requesting arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. The decision was backed by three European countries, including key ally France. On Monday, Belgium, Slovenia, and France announced their support for International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan’s accusations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. While no immediate arrests are expected, the announcement further isolates Israel globally amid increasing criticism, even from close allies, regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Mourners are starting days of funerals for Iran’s president and other victims of helicopter crash
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mourners have begun to gather for funerals and processions for Iran’s late president, foreign minister, and other individuals who died in a helicopter crash. Mass demonstrations have played a significant role in Iran’s Shiite theocracy’s history, particularly when millions gathered in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution in 1979 to welcome Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The turnout for President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and others remains uncertain, especially as Raisi, who died in the helicopter crash, won the presidency in the country’s lowest-turnout election and oversaw crackdowns on dissent. Prosecutors have cautioned against celebrating Raisi’s death, and heavy security measures have been implemented in Tehran since the accident.
Defense witness who upset judge in Trump’s hush money trial to testify again
NEW YORK (AP) — A defense witness in Donald Trump’s New York hush money case, whose behavior prompted the judge to consider removing him, will testify again as the trial nears its conclusion. Trump’s legal team hopes that Robert Costello’s testimony on Tuesday will cast doubt on the credibility of key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer turned adversary. However, Costello’s conduct on Monday led to the judge briefly expelling reporters from the courtroom to reprimand him. Prosecutors rested their case accusing the former president of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to suppress damaging stories during his 2016 campaign. Trump denies any wrongdoing.
Report reveals election deniers gaining mainstream GOP acceptance as Trump allies fill Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — As Donald Trump seeks to return to power, Republicans in Congress are increasingly questioning President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. A report from States United Action, a group focused on election deniers, indicates that nearly one-third of Congress members supported Trump’s efforts to challenge the election results. Several lawmakers running for congressional seats this year are also aligned with Trump. Lizzie Ullmer of States United Action warns of the concerning trend and notes that election deniers now hold prominent positions within the Republican National Committee, alongside their presence in Congress.
Regardless of whether Trump or Biden wins, US set to maintain high tariffs on imports
WASHINGTON (AP) — Although President Joe Biden and Donald Trump differ on many policy issues, they share similar approaches to trade policy. This means that regardless of who wins the presidency, the United States is likely to continue a protectionist trade policy, which experts warn could contribute to inflation. Both candidates believe that increasing imports, particularly from China, has led to the loss of American manufacturing jobs and the closure of factories, making it a contentious issue in key industrial states that could determine the election outcome.
One dead, several injured in London-Singapore flight turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines reports
BANGKOK (AP) — Singapore Airlines has confirmed one fatality on a London-Singapore flight that experienced severe turbulence, prompting an emergency diversion to Bangkok due to stormy weather. Flight SQ321 from Heathrow landed safely in Bangkok, with 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board the Boeing 777-300ER. Local emergency responders from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital assisted in transferring injured passengers for treatment. Videos from Suvarnabhumi Airport showed ambulances arriving at the scene.
French president Emmanuel Macron to visit unrest-affected New Caledonia
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron is heading to riot-torn New Caledonia, indicating that French authorities believe the situation in the French Pacific territory is under control due to enhanced security measures. The trip, announced by government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot, necessitated a shift in Macron’s schedule, redirecting him from Normandy to the archipelago east of Australia, where deadly clashes and unrest have occurred. Paris declared a state of emergency and deployed 1,000 reinforcements to restore order in areas of the capital, Nouméa.
Indian voters discuss Modi’s policies while traveling by train across the country
ABOARD THE THIRUKKURAL EXPRESS, India (AP) — The Associated Press interviewed voters traveling on one of India’s longest trains, spanning 1,800 miles from New Delhi to Kanyakumari, to gauge sentiments ahead of an upcoming election. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to win and re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi for another term, opinions on Modi’s leadership vary among voters. Some feel that Modi has not done enough for the underprivileged, while others criticize his Hindu-centric policies as divisive. However, many passengers express support for Modi, applauding his efforts to boost India’s economy and global standing.
Corn, millet, and … rooftop solar? Farm family in China capitalizes on solar energy
JINAN, China (AP) — China leads the world in solar power technology production and consumption, with some regions experiencing oversupply of solar energy. In Shandong province, one farming family has found success by installing a solar system on their roof to generate additional income. The family is able to earn significant revenue by supplying electricity back to the grid, benefiting from sunny days. Analysts and solar providers believe that China’s solar industry will continue to thrive as long as the country can adapt quickly to the surplus energy.
AI summit in Seoul kicks off with commitment from tech companies to develop AI safely
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Leading artificial intelligence companies have pledged to prioritize the safe development of AI technology, including shutting down projects with extreme risks. The commitment was made at the beginning of a mini summit on AI, where 16 companies agreed to uphold AI safety as talks commence. World leaders are expected to further discuss artificial intelligence’s risks and benefits during a virtual summit to promote innovation and address potential dangers. The two-day summit, co-hosted by South Korea and the U.K., follows a prior AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park in the United Kingdom.
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