Severe weather in Texas and Oklahoma leaves at least 5 dead, according to authorities
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Texas sheriff reports that at least five individuals have died as a result of powerful storms that swept through a rural community, destroying homes and cutting off power to thousands of people on Sunday. Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington stated that the casualties included three family members found in a home near Valley View, a rural community near the Oklahoma border. The destructive storms began on Saturday night. Officials reported that a tornado in northern Dallas overturned heavy recreational vehicles, closed an interstate, and caused significant damage to a highway travel center where motorists had sought refuge.
Hamas launches rocket attack from Gaza, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas has fired a series of rockets from Gaza that activated air raid sirens in Tel Aviv for the first time in months. This display of strength occurred more than seven months into Israel’s offensive. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Hamas’ military wing has taken responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, aid trucks have entered southern Gaza under a new agreement, while the key Rafah crossing remains closed due to Israel’s incursion in that city. However, it is uncertain whether aid groups will have access to the supplies coming in via Kerem Shalom.
Donald Trump faces repeated booing during Libertarian convention speech, a departure from friendly crowds
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump was met with boos multiple times while addressing the Libertarian Party National Convention in Washington. Many in the crowd shouted insults during his speech, criticizing him for increasing federal deficits and benefiting pharmaceutical companies during the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. When he took the stage on Saturday night, some attendees booed, while others, dressed in “Make America Great” gear, cheered and chanted “USA! USA!” This marked a rare encounter for Trump with detractors, as he is used to holding rallies in front of supportive audiences.
Richard M. Sherman, known for Disney classics like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘It’s a Small World,’ passes away at 95
NEW YORK (AP) — Richard M. Sherman, one half of the talented duo of brothers who played a significant role in shaping childhoods with classic Disney songs, has died at the age of 95. Sherman, alongside his late brother Robert, composed numerous songs, including those for “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” as well as the iconic tune “It’s a Small World (After All).” The Walt Disney Co. announced Sherman’s passing due to age-related illness on Saturday. The brothers received two Academy Awards for their work on Disney’s 1964 hit “Mary Poppins.” Robert Sherman passed away in London in 2012.
Illinois museum faces controversy over 19th century flag purchase, prompting state investigation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is under scrutiny after a manager acquired a 21-star flag without consulting a collections committee. The flag is said to date back to 1818, when Illinois became the 21st state to join the Union. The $15,000 purchase has led to an investigation by Illinois’ Office of the Executive Inspector General regarding the funds used for the acquisition. The purchase has also caused division within the museum’s leadership and may have led to the dismissal of an employee who raised concerns about the acquisition process. A flag expert has disputed the flag’s authenticity, claiming it is from a later period, likely during the Civil War.
Over 670 people perish in massive Papua New Guinea landslide, UN estimates as survivors seek safety
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The International Organization for Migration has revised its estimate of the death toll from a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea to over 670. Serhan Aktoprak, the head of the U.N. migration agency’s mission in the South Pacific island nation, stated that the new death toll is based on calculations by Yambali village and Enga provincial officials, indicating that more than 150 homes were buried in Friday’s landslide. Previously, the estimate was that 60 homes were affected, and local officials initially reported over 100 deaths. As of Sunday, only five bodies and a part of a sixth victim had been recovered.
Rishi Sunak’s proposal for mandatory national service for 18-year-olds sparks interest on UK election trail
LONDON (AP) — If the Conservative Party wins the July 4 national election, all 18-year-olds in Britain will be required to undertake a year of mandatory military or civilian national service. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to reintroduce a form of national service for the first time since 1960. Under the plan, a small portion of 18-year-olds would spend 12 months in the military, while the remainder would dedicate one weekend a month to working for charities, community groups, or public organizations. The implementation of this mandate remains unclear. Sunak aims to invigorate his election campaign following a slow start. The opposition Labour Party has dismissed the plan as a mere gimmick, with current polls showing Labour in a strong position ahead of the Conservatives.
National Spelling Bee highlights economic success and cultural impact of Indian immigrants in the US
Since 1999, 28 of the last 34 Scripps National Spelling Bee champions have been Indian American. Many of these winners are the children of parents who immigrated to the United States on student or work visas. The stories of first-generation Indian Americans and their spelling bee champion offspring exemplify the economic achievements and cultural influence of the nation’s second-largest immigrant group. A significant number of parents emphasize the value of education to their children, as education served as their gateway to the United States. This year’s spelling bee is scheduled to commence at a convention center near Washington, with numerous Indian American contestants expected to participate.
Grayson Murray passes away at 30, a day after withdrawing from Colonial, announces PGA Tour
Grayson Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, has died at the age of 30. The PGA Tour and his management company GSE Worldwide confirmed his passing on Saturday. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. Murray began his final round with a 68 at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial. The following day, he withdrew from the competition with two holes remaining and a score of 5 over par. Earlier this year, he won the Sony Open with a 40-foot birdie putt in a playoff. Murray also claimed victory at the Barbasol Championship in 2017 and made his Masters debut in April.
Rare blue-eyed cicada spotted during 2024 emergence at suburban Chicago arboretum
LISLE, Ill. (AP) — The 2024 cicada emergence has begun in Illinois, with a rare blue-eyed female Magicicada cassini cicada discovered at The Morton Arboretum in suburban Chicago on Friday. Some fortunate individuals had the opportunity to observe the cicada before it was released back into the wild to join its red-eyed counterparts. The collections manager at the Department of Entomology at the Smithsonian Institute described the blue-eyed cicada as rare, although its exact rarity is difficult to determine. Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years, and the 17-year brood is now appearing in parts of northern Illinois, with both broods expected to converge in the southern region of the state.
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