Deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months claims lives of 8 soldiers in southern Gaza
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military has reported the death of eight soldiers in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months. The army confirmed on Saturday that the troops were killed in an explosion, but provided no further details. These casualties are expected to increase pressure for a cease-fire and intensify Israeli public frustration over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service. Despite months of cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas, a resolution has not been reached. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned earlier in the week that Hamas put forward changes to a U.S.-backed plan, with some deemed “workable” and others not specified.
Trump’s Michigan visit includes Black church roundtable and address at conservative activist event
DETROIT (AP) — Former President Donald Trump made consecutive stops in Michigan to court Black voters and appeal to a conservative group known for attracting white supremacists. Trump hosted a roundtable discussion at an African American church in Detroit on Saturday afternoon, followed by an evening speech at Turning Point Action, a group flagged by the Anti-Defamation League for attracting white supremacists. Michigan is a crucial swing state, with Democrat Joe Biden winning by a narrow margin in 2020. African American voters are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
Biden attends Hollywood fundraiser following G7 summit, balancing geopolitics with reelection campaign
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood’s elite came together to support President Joe Biden’s campaign at a star-studded fundraiser featuring George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and former President Barack Obama. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel moderated a discussion with the distinguished guests at the event held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night. The fundraiser is projected to raise at least $28 million for Biden’s campaign. Biden returned to the U.S. after attending a Group of Seven summit in Italy, skipping a meeting in Switzerland focused on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Vice President Kamala Harris representing the U.S.
Indiana Republicans dissent against Mike Braun’s lieutenant governor pick, endorsing far-right candidate
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Republicans have chosen pastor Micah Beckwith, known for his far-right views, over state Rep. Julie McGuire, Sen. Mike Braun’s nominee for lieutenant governor. Braun, who is set to leave the Senate, endorsed McGuire when he became the GOP nominee for governor. Typically, party delegates support the nominee’s preferred running mate without opposition, but during Saturday’s state Republican Party convention, Beckwith secured the nomination after campaigning for a year. Beckwith holds staunch positions on abortion, gender, and sexuality and co-hosts the “Jesus, Sex, and Politics” podcast.
Global leaders gather in Switzerland to discuss Ukraine peace plan as Russia remains absent
OBBÃœRGEN, Switzerland (AP) — World leaders have convened at a Swiss resort to deliberate on strategies to achieve peace in war-torn Ukraine, though Russia’s absence dampens hopes for significant progress. Over two years into the conflict, Kyiv maintains its demand for Russia to withdraw from all seized Ukrainian territories, while Moscow continues its aggressive offensive in eastern and southern Ukraine. Despite Russia’s nonattendance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that the summit could serve as a groundwork for resolving the conflict.
UK royals unite on palace balcony as Kate attends first public event since cancer diagnosis
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III’s birthday was commemorated with a military parade that included the Princess of Wales making her first public appearance since disclosing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Spectators cheered as Kate joined other members of the royal family on a Buckingham Palace balcony for the King’s Birthday Parade. Charles, also undergoing cancer treatment, inspected troops at the event known as Trooping the Color, featuring 1,400 soldiers, 250 military musicians, and over 200 horses.
Missouri woman’s murder conviction overturned after 43 years amid claims of police officer’s involvement
A judge has nullified the conviction of Sandra Hemme, a Missouri woman who was a psychiatric patient when she confessed to a 1980 killing, after spending 43 years in prison. Hemme’s attorneys argue that a discredited police officer was actually responsible for the crime. Judge Ryan Horsman ruled in favor of Hemme’s claim of innocence, with her attorneys stating that she has served the longest sentence for a wrongful conviction by a woman. Hemme must be released within 30 days unless prosecutors opt for a retrial.
Haitian leaders replace police chief amid escalating gang violence targeting officers
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Following mounting criticism over insufficient protection for officers facing gang attacks, Haiti’s National Police director has been ousted and replaced by former police chief Normil Rameau. Rameau, discharged from the position nearly four years ago under a previous administration, will resume leadership of an under-resourced and ill-equipped department. The surge in gang violence has resulted in over 2,500 deaths and injuries in Haiti during the first three months of the year, with nearly two dozen police officers among the casualties.
Legal battles arise as some tout unproven stem cell treatments for various ailments
Attorneys general nationwide are taking action to safeguard people from unverified and expensive stem cell therapies claiming to offer cures for a wide range of conditions. Companies promising miraculous results with stem cell injections, discredited by the Federal Drug Administration for their limited benefits and potential side effects, are being sued in states like Iowa. An expert highlighted that many of the stem cells used in these treatments are dead upon injection. Since 2017, the FDA has issued around 30 warning letters to providers. The Iowa case is scheduled for trial next year.
Enthusiasts embrace cicadas by incorporating them into art, cuisine, and performances
FOREST PARK, Illinois (AP) — Periodical cicadas, prevalent in parts of the American Midwest this season, have garnered a dedicated following of enthusiasts who creatively engage with these fascinating insects. From a woman documenting over 4,600 cicada photos in her backyard to a chef in New York using them for culinary experiments like tempura cicada, and an artist in Wisconsin incorporating them into her creations, these superfans display a range of interactions with these unique creatures. A distinctive performance featuring a Ohio-based architecture professor dressed as a red-eyed adult nymph in a cicada-themed striptease adds a quirky touch to this cicada obsession.
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