Israel considers its response to Hezbollah following a rocket attack from Lebanon that resulted in the death of 12 children on a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Middle East is on edge as Israeli authorities report a rocket strike from Lebanon hitting a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, claiming the lives of 12 children and teenagers. This incident has raised concerns about a potential wider conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, although the latter has denied involvement in the attack. Israel is currently deliberating on how to respond to the situation. Iran has issued a warning to Israel, stating that any strong reaction will result in “unprecedented consequences.” The White House National Security Council is actively working on a diplomatic solution to put an end to all attacks in the border region between Israel and Lebanon.
Harris’ White House campaign raises an impressive $200 million in its first week and enlists the help of 170,000 volunteers
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised a staggering $200 million since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week. The campaign announced this remarkable fundraising milestone on Sunday, with approximately 66% of donations coming from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have signed up to support the Harris campaign through activities such as phone banking and canvassing to mobilize voters. With Election Day just 100 days away, the campaign’s communications director Michael Tyler acknowledges the momentum behind Harris but emphasizes that the election outcome will ultimately depend on a small number of voters in key states.
Concerns arise about the influence of AI in politics after Elon Musk shares manipulated video mimicking Harris’ voice
NEW YORK (AP) — A manipulated video, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris’ voice saying things she never actually said, has sparked worries about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence to deceive the public, especially with the upcoming November elections nearing. Tech magnate Elon Musk shared the video on his social media platform X, attracting attention to the issue. The video utilizes visuals similar to a genuine ad released by the Harris campaign but replaces the voice-over with a convincing impersonation. A spokesperson for Harris denounced the video as “fake, manipulated lies.” Experts in AI and advocates for democracy highlight the video as revealing the flaws in the current regulation of AI use in political contexts by companies, social platforms, and government entities.
Venezuelan presidential election outcome could have significant implications on the country’s future
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are participating in a crucial presidential election that will either bring about a seismic shift in the country’s politics or extend the current policies for another six years, which have led to the worst peacetime economic collapse globally. The election results, whether favoring President Nicolás Maduro or his main rival, former diplomat Edmundo González, will have far-reaching effects throughout the Americas. Both government supporters and opponents have indicated their intention to emigrate if Maduro secures victory, with over 7.7 million individuals having already left the country. Approximately 17 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.
Attorney claims cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ Zambada was forcibly brought to the US
HOUSTON (AP) — The lawyer representing Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent Mexican drug cartel leader now in U.S. custody, refutes claims that his client voluntarily traveled to the country. According to Ismael Zambada’s attorney, he was allegedly abducted by JoaquĂn “El Chapo” Guzmán’s son and forcibly transported to the U.S. Zambada was apprehended upon arrival at an airport near El Paso, Texas, on Thursday. The attorney, Frank Perez, asserts that Zambada was ambushed and coerced onto a plane by JoaquĂn Guzmán LĂłpez, “El Chapo’s” son, against his will. The U.S. Justice Department has not yet responded to Perez’s allegations.
Simone Biles overcomes calf injury to deliver standout performance in Olympic gymnastics qualifiers
PARIS (AP) — Despite experiencing a left calf injury that caused her to limp, Simone Biles achieved an impressive all-around score of 59.566 during the Olympic qualifying event held at the packed Bercy Arena in Paris. Biles appeared to tweak her leg while warming up on the floor exercise during the competition, prompting her to get the ankle taped. However, she returned to the competition and delivered a captivating performance that showcased her exceptional skills.
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease could revolutionize diagnosis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent studies suggest that specific blood tests could potentially revolutionize the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a faster and more accurate method for doctors. Currently, confirming the presence of Alzheimer’s disease requires complex procedures like brain scans or spinal taps to detect the sticky amyloid protein, a common indicator of the disease. Although blood tests for Alzheimer’s are not widely used yet due to the need to validate their effectiveness, a study in Sweden has shown promising results in improving diagnosis without the need for further expensive tests. These findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, marking a significant step towards the wider adoption of blood testing for Alzheimer’s.
Lawmakers from multiple countries report pressure from Beijing not to attend Taiwan summit
BEIJING (AP) — Lawmakers from six different countries have disclosed that Chinese diplomats are exerting pressure on them to dissuade participation in a Taiwan-focused summit known as the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance conference. Politicians in Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and another Asian country have stated that they are receiving texts, calls, and requests for urgent meetings that conflict with their plans to attend the summit in Taiwan. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance, comprising hundreds of lawmakers from 35 countries concerned about democratic approaches towards Beijing, is set to commence the summit on Monday in Taiwan, facing continual efforts from the Chinese government to isolate the self-governing island.
Renowned Irish author Edna O’Brien passes away at 93
NEW YORK (AP) — Edna O’Brien, a highly esteemed and controversial writer known for scandalizing her native Ireland with her debut novel “The Country Girls,” has died at the age of 93 after battling a long illness. O’Brien, recognized for her direct approach in challenging religious and sexual taboos in Ireland, authored over 20 books, earning acclaim from Dublin to the White House. Apart from her iconic work “The Country Girls,” she also wrote two sequels and an award-winning story collection titled “Saints and Sinners.” Throughout her career, O’Brien was honored with accolades such as the Irish PEN Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” breaks R-rated film record with a $205 million opening weekend, ranking 8th in all-time box office debuts
Marvel’s latest release, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” has dominated the box office by grossing an impressive $205 million during its debut weekend in North American theaters, based on studio estimates. This record-breaking performance surpasses the opening record for R-rated films previously held by the original “Deadpool” movie and secures a position among the top 10 openings in cinematic history. With additional international earnings totaling $233.3 million, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is projected to achieve a global opening of over $438.3 million. In the list of top domestic opening weekends, the movie ranks 8th, positioned between “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”
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