Arsonists target the French high-speed rail system just hours before the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics
PARIS (AP) — A group of arsonists has attacked France’s high-speed rail network, causing disruptions for around 800,000 people across Europe, including athletes heading to the Olympic Games opening ceremony. The saboteurs carried out coordinated attacks in remote locations far from Paris, aiming to cut off rail routes leading into the city from all directions. The fires were set in pipes containing critical signaling cables for the TGV system. Multiple blazes were reported near the tracks on three separate lines, resulting in widespread disruptions. Another arson attempt in Vergigny, in the south, was prevented by rail agents who scared off suspects.
The Paris Olympics face challenges with sabotaged trains and inclement weather affecting the mood before the opening ceremony
PARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics are off to a challenging start. Suspected acts of sabotage have disrupted France’s high-speed rail network, while cloudy skies and light drizzle cast a shadow over the French capital ahead of the highly anticipated opening ceremony on Friday evening. This day is crucial for France and Paris, as dozens of world leaders are in attendance for the opening and a global audience is watching. French authorities are working to address the widespread disruptions to the rail system, which they attribute to coordinated sabotage attacks against high-speed train lines. The overcast skies in Paris further contribute to a subdued atmosphere.
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris, providing her with crucial support in her presidential bid
ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Kamala Harris in her campaign for the White House, giving the vice president the important backing of the nation’s two most popular Democrats. The endorsement was announced in a video showing Harris receiving a joint call from the former first couple. This endorsement comes at a pivotal moment as Harris gains momentum as the likely nominee of the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race and endorse her against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump. Harris expresses gratitude to the Obamas for their support and looks forward to campaigning with them leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5.
Harris navigates the complexities of the Gaza conflict following a meeting with Netanyahu
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the conflict in Gaza. This meeting took place shortly after she launched her White House campaign, forcing Harris to address one of the most contentious issues within the Democratic Party. While Harris maintained President Joe Biden’s approach to the conflict, she emphasized the need to alleviate Palestinian suffering. In a separate statement, Harris condemned protesters who defaced American flags and expressed pro-Hamas sentiments during Netanyahu’s address on Capitol Hill.
Netanyahu and Trump will meet at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a reconciliation after years of strained relations
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years. The meeting, set to take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, aims to mend the strained ties between the two leaders that deteriorated towards the end of Trump’s presidency. This meeting could bolster efforts by fellow Republicans to present themselves as the party most aligned with Israel. For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is essential given the possibility of Trump returning to the presidency, as the United States is a crucial ally and protector of Israel.
A 2-year-old child, the sole survivor of an airstrike that claimed her family, becomes one of Gaza’s many orphans
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Two-year-old Siwar Abdel-Hadi is the only surviving member of her family following an Israeli airstrike on her home in central Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of her parents and three siblings. Siwar sustained burns on her face, collapsed lungs, and shrapnel wounds. She joins the thousands of orphans left behind as a result of Israel’s bombing campaigns and offensives. Siwar’s extended family is now grappling with how to care for her while dealing with their own struggles in the midst of the conflict.
Leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and son of ‘El Chapo,’ apprehended by US authorities
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of another notorious cartel leader, in Texas. Zambada has been a key figure in the cartel’s operations alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán for many years. Although he maintained a lower profile, Zambada was responsible for overseeing the cartel’s smuggling activities. A Mexican federal official revealed that Zambada and Guzmán López surrendered to U.S. authorities upon arriving on a private plane. The official spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Boar’s Head deli meats recalled amid investigation of listeria outbreak
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials have issued a recall of certain Boar’s Head deli meats, including liverwurst, as part of an investigation into a listeria outbreak. The outbreak has affected nearly three dozen individuals and resulted in two fatalities. The Agriculture Department announced a recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst due to possible listeria contamination. The company is also recalling additional deli meats produced on the same line and day as the liverwurst. Testing is ongoing to determine if the company’s products are linked to the outbreak.
Residents flee Idaho town amidst wildfires spreading across the Western region
Several communities in Idaho have been evacuated due to rapid wildfires sparked by lightning strikes. Videos shared on social media capture a man escaping the town of Juliaetta, driving past engulfed buildings and trees as smoke blankets the area. As wildfires continue to ravage the Pacific Northwest, authorities have attributed the tripled size of a Northern California wildfire to a man who pushed a burning car into a gully. A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is due to appear in court on Monday.
Ukrainian athletes experience a mix of emotions at the Paris Olympics
PARIS (AP) — Ukrainian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics are balancing joy with sorrow as they represent their country on the global stage. While striving to enjoy the prestigious sporting event, they carry the weight of the conflict back home in Ukraine. Ukrainian badminton player Polina Buhrova expresses a range of emotions as she competes at her first Olympics, while also feeling upset by the news from her homeland. Fencer Olga Kharlan faced challenges in preparing for the Games as she trained abroad due to the war with Russia, resulting in a prolonged separation from her family.
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