Israel’s High Court Orders Army to Draft Ultra-Orthodox Men, Shaking Up Netanyahu’s Government
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Supreme Court of Israel has ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for military service, a decision that could potentially lead to the dissolution of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The court’s ruling on Tuesday stated that without a law specifically excluding Jewish seminary students from the draft, the compulsory military service applies to ultra-Orthodox individuals just like any other citizen. Historically, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from the draft, a situation that has caused tension among the secular population, especially during the current war which has been ongoing for eight months.
Julian Assange’s Plane Leaves Bangkok on Way to US Court for Possible Freedom
BANGKOK (AP) — A plane carrying WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has departed Bangkok after refueling and is en route to Saipan for a possible plea deal with the U.S. government. The agreement would result in his freedom and the resolution of legal issues surrounding the publication of classified documents. Assange’s wife, Stella, confirmed that the chartered flight carrying her husband left Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday evening. The official WikiLeaks account on X stated that Assange is headed to Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Pacific, where he is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
Julian Assange: Origins and Impact of WikiLeaks Founder
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, was born in Townsville, Australia, and experienced a transient childhood attending numerous schools. As a teenager, he became a computer hacker, leading to an arrest in the 1990s for hacking a server in Melbourne. Assange later pursued studies in mathematics and physics at Australian universities. He transformed his anti-secrecy beliefs into a platform for leaking documents, including sensitive military information from the U.S. and other countries. His legal battles included seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and five years in a British prison fighting extradition to the U.S.
Historical Moments from Presidential Debates That Made an Impact
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are gearing up for debate preparation, likely reflecting on past significant debate moments, both positive and negative. Memorable debate moments can involve rehearsed zingers, unscripted reactions, or even body language that can make or break a candidate’s image. Previous debates have shown how a candidate’s words and demeanor can sway public perception and indicate their policy expertise or lack thereof. As an expert on debates stated, “Anything can happen.”
NTSB: Sensor Failure Missed Burning Rail Bearing Leading to Ohio Derailment
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — An upcoming hearing by the National Transportation Safety Board will shed light on the details of the Norfolk Southern train derailment that took place near the Ohio-Pennsylvania line in February 2023. The agency has already pointed to an overheated bearing on a railcar as the likely cause of the crash and criticized the delayed detection of the issue by a trackside sensor. The NTSB is expected to make recommendations to prevent future derailments during the hearing on Tuesday.
Kenya Parliament Building Burns as Citizens Protest New Taxes
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Protests against a new finance bill led to the burning of part of Kenya’s parliament building, marking a significant challenge to the government. Clashes between protesters and police resulted in casualties, with reports of several deaths. Demonstrators expressed frustration over the high cost of living and the passing of the tax bill by lawmakers. The president of Kenya has yet to address the situation.
Over 500 Charged with Federal Crimes Under Biden’s Gun Safety Law
WASHINGTON (AP) — Gun safety advocates are lauding President Joe Biden after over 500 individuals have been charged with federal crimes under the gun safety legislation he signed two years ago. The White House report indicates that some of the individuals charged are linked to organized crime and cartels. Gun control remains a key issue for Biden’s reelection campaign, particularly for suburban, college-educated women. Advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action are urging Congress to prioritize gun safety laws in light of the charges filed.
Questions Arise Over Trooper’s Avoidance of Charges in Fatal Shooting of Black Man
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Video footage and investigative documents are raising concerns about the fatal shooting of a Black motorist by a Georgia state trooper nearly four years ago. Trooper Jake Thompson faced murder charges for shooting Julian Lewis seconds after a car chase resulted in Lewis’s vehicle spinning into a ditch. Thompson ultimately avoided trial as a grand jury declined to indict him. Use-of-force experts who reviewed the video footage have suggested that the shooting may have been unjustified.
Closing Arguments in Karen Read Trial Leave Jury with a Decision
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — Closing arguments in Karen Read’s murder trial presented conflicting narratives. The defense argued that Read was a victim of a frame job orchestrated by her late boyfriend’s fellow police officers, while the prosecution highlighted evidence suggesting her guilt. The jury must now determine whether Read committed the crime or if corruption within law enforcement played a role in the case.
Midwest Braces for More Rain Amid Flooding and Levee Breaches in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Western Iowa faces severe flooding as levees along the Little Sioux River breach, prompting evacuations and road closures. The region is preparing for additional storms, with the potential for more dangerous conditions. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for several Iowa counties to facilitate federal aid in response to the flooding.
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