A rocket strike from Lebanon resulted in the death of 12 youths, raising concerns about a potential war between Israel and Hezbollah.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Middle East is on edge following a rocket attack from Lebanon that hit a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teens. This incident is considered the deadliest attack on civilians by the Israeli military since Oct. 7. The strike has ignited fears of a broader regional conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, although the latter has denied any involvement. There are also concerns that Iran could be drawn into the conflict, as they have warned Israel of “unprecedented consequences” if a strong reaction is pursued. The timing of Saturday’s attack is sensitive, with ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire proposal in Gaza.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ White House campaign has raised an impressive $200 million in the first week since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee. The campaign revealed that about 66% of the donations come from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have pledged to support the Harris campaign through phone banking, canvassing, and other voter outreach efforts. With Election Day just 100 days away, campaign communications director Michael Tyler emphasized that while Harris has gained momentum, the election outcome will ultimately be determined by a small number of voters in key states.
Cooler weather has provided some relief to thousands of firefighters battling a massive wildfire in northern California, which has burned an area larger than Los Angeles. Officials are hopeful that the increased humidity and lower temperatures will help slow down the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year. The intensity and rapid spread of the fire have drawn unflattering comparisons to the devastating Paradise fire in 2018, which claimed 85 lives and destroyed 11,000 homes. With Paradise once again in danger, the entire town is under an evacuation warning, along with several other communities in Butte County.
Venezuelans are casting their votes in a presidential election that could either bring a significant shift in politics or extend President Nicolás Maduro’s rule by another six years. The outcome of Sunday’s election will have far-reaching consequences across the Americas, as both government opponents and supporters have indicated their intention to emigrate if Maduro secures another term. Over 7.7 million individuals have already left Venezuela, and an estimated 17 million are eligible to vote in this election.
Lawmakers from six countries have reported that Chinese diplomats are pressuring them not to attend a China-focused summit in Taiwan. Politicians from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and another unnamed Asian country have received texts, calls, and urgent meeting requests to dissuade them from participating in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance conference in Taiwan. The IPAC, consisting of lawmakers from 35 countries, is dedicated to addressing how democracies engage with Beijing and is set to convene the summit in Taiwan. The group has long been under pressure from the Chinese government.
Fifteen individuals lost their lives after a mudslide struck a homestay house in a mountainous tourist area in southeastern China amidst heavy rains. Additionally, a delivery person on a scooter was killed in Shanghai after being struck by a falling tree on Saturday. These tragic incidents are among the first deaths in China linked to Tropical Storm Gaemi, which weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall on Thursday. In Taiwan, authorities reported that the death toll had risen to 10.
Recent research suggests that certain blood tests could aid in faster and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. While traditionally confirming Alzheimer’s required brain scans or spinal taps to detect amyloid protein buildup, laboratories are now offering blood tests to provide diagnostic clues. However, the challenge lies in identifying which tests are most effective. A study from Sweden found that a particular test improved diagnosis without requiring additional, costlier procedures. The findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, signaling progress towards more widespread use of blood testing for Alzheimer’s.
Officials in Paris are optimistic that water quality in the Seine River will improve, allowing Olympians to swim in the river during the triathlon events scheduled for the coming week. While the swimming portion of a practice run for the Olympic triathlon had to be canceled due to water quality concerns, organizers remain confident that the waterway will be safe for the actual events. The men’s triathlon is set for Tuesday, followed by the women’s event on Wednesday.
Efforts to address the homelessness crisis in Southern California are being driven by tech innovation, with a Los Angeles nonprofit developing software to transform shelter and service delivery. Despite significant spending in this area, outdated and inefficient computer systems have hindered progress in getting people off the streets. Better Angels United, founded by tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Adam Miller, is leading the development of a mobile-friendly software prototype for outreach workers, with plans for systems for shelter operators and a comprehensive shelter bed database to improve coordination and efficiency.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles showcased her dominance during Olympic qualifying despite a left calf injury that caused her to limp. Biles achieved an impressive all-around total score of 59.566 at the qualifying event held at the crowded Bercy Arena in Paris.
