Netanyahu refuses to accept a deal that would end the conflict in Gaza, challenging the latest ceasefire proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The effectiveness of a U.S.-backed plan to resolve the 8-month-long war in Gaza is in question after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he would only agree to a “partial” ceasefire deal that does not put an end to the conflict. His remarks, made in an interview with a pro-Netanyahu Israeli TV channel on Sunday evening, caused outrage among families of hostages held by Hamas. While Netanyahu’s comments align with his previous statements regarding his conditions for a deal, they come at a critical time and could impede efforts by mediators to bring an end to the war.
Multitude of mass shootings plague the U.S. during the first weekend of summer
The commencement of summer brought a tragic yet familiar series of mass shootings to American cities grappling with gun violence. Over the weekend, mass shootings occurred at a party in Alabama, an entertainment district in Ohio, and a grocery store in Arkansas, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. This marks the second consecutive weekend marred by a surge in mass shootings across the country, prompting mayors in affected cities to appeal for assistance from state and federal authorities. In Montgomery, Alabama, police reported that a crowded party was targeted with hundreds of rounds early Sunday, resulting in nine injuries.
Midwest flooding triggers collapse of rail bridge, evacuations, and at least one fatality
Severe flooding in the Midwestern U.S. led to the collapse of a railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, South Dakota, with Sioux City, Iowa, into the Big Sioux River on Sunday. The flooding has also necessitated water rescues, forced evacuations, caused one confirmed death, and exacerbated conditions during a heat wave in the region. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, prompting the evacuation of entire neighborhoods and even an entire town in Iowa. More rainfall is anticipated in the coming week, with forecasters also warning of continued heat wave conditions in the Southeast, parts of the South, and the Plains.
Supreme Court to address potential immunity from criminal charges for ex-president Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is poised to address a cluster of critical decisions resulting from the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The justices are expected to rule on whether former President Donald Trump is shielded from criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, as well as whether individuals who stormed the Capitol in support of Trump can be prosecuted for obstructing an official proceeding. Additionally, the court will determine whether former Trump adviser Steve Bannon can remain out of prison while appealing his contempt of Congress conviction for defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Capitol attack.
Rising new HIV cases among young gay Latinos prompt calls for targeted funding
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been working for years to combat the nation’s HIV epidemic by allocating significant funding to specific states, counties, and U.S. territories with high infection rates. While African Americans historically have the highest rates of HIV in the U.S., a KFF Health News-Associated Press analysis indicates that Latinos accounted for the largest share of new HIV diagnoses and infections among gay and bisexual men in 2022 compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that “HIV disparities are not inevitable,” urging increased funding for prevention and treatment efforts in Latino communities.
Biden and Trump vie for support in affluent Atlanta suburb ahead of Georgia election
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Georgia, known for its narrow margin in the 2020 election between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump, has become a focal point for political battles surrounding efforts to overturn the election results. Biden and Trump are set to engage in their first general election debate in Georgia this week, aiming to secure voter support in a state where both face challenges. With disheartened voters, including some former Republicans reluctant to support Trump, the election will test each candidate’s ability to build a winning coalition despite existing weaknesses. For Biden, replicating the coalition that secured his narrow victory poses a challenge, particularly as some Black and young voters show signs of potential defection.
Planned Parenthood to allocate $40 million for abortion rights advocacy ahead of November election
WASHINGTON (AP) — Planned Parenthood’s political and advocacy arms plan to invest $40 million in the upcoming November elections to boost the campaigns of President Joe Biden and prominent congressional Democrats. The organization is banking on voters’ discontent with Republican-led efforts to restrict abortion access, believing that this sentiment could sway key races nationwide. The political entities of the leading reproductive health care provider and abortion rights advocacy organization shared these intentions with The Associated Press before officially announcing the initiative on Monday. Initial efforts will concentrate on eight states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Montana, New Hampshire, and New York.
‘Hamster’ crypto frenzy grips Iran, reflecting economic hardship ahead of presidential election
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In Tehran, cab drivers and bikers have been glued to their mobile phones in recent months, participating in the “Hamster Kombat” app craze with hopes of financial gain. This surge represents a burgeoning trend in Iran, underscoring the country’s economic challenges, such as Western sanctions, high inflation, and job scarcity, ahead of the upcoming presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi. As Iranians increasingly seek investment opportunities amid familiar economic challenges, the popularity of this app serves as a microcosm of the broader economic malaise in the Islamic Republic.
Day of mourning in Russian region of Dagestan following deadly attacks
MOSCOW (AP) — The southern region of Dagestan in Russia has declared the first of three days of mourning in response to a violent rampage by Islamic militants that resulted in the deaths of 20 people, predominantly law enforcement officers, and targeted houses of worship in coordinated assaults in two cities. Sunday’s violence marks the latest instance of Islamic extremist activity in the predominantly Muslim region of Dagestan in the North Caucasus and represents the deadliest incident in Russia since a mass shooting at a concert in suburban Moscow in March. While a group affiliated with the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the earlier attack, no organization has yet claimed involvement in the attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent. All five assailants were reportedly killed.
Princess Anne sustains minor injuries and concussion in incident at estate
LONDON (AP) — Princess Anne has suffered minor injuries and a concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate in southwest England. The 73-year-old sister of King Charles III was hospitalized as a precaution for observation but is expected to fully recover. Buckingham Palace did not provide details regarding the incident, although reports suggest that it occurred while the princess was walking within the estate’s protected perimeter where horses were present. While the precise circumstances surrounding her injuries remain unconfirmed, Princess Anne’s well-being has been the focus of attention following the incident.
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