Mideast mediators strike hopeful note after talks in Doha
JERUSALEM (AP) — Mediators attempting to halt the Israel-Hamas war have concluded two days of ceasefire talks in a positive atmosphere. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar aim to reconvene in Cairo next week to finalize a deal to end the fighting. Both parties were presented with a proposal, and further discussions on the implementation details will continue in the upcoming days. Israel has not responded immediately, and Hamas’s statement did not express enthusiasm for the proposed deal.
Settler rampage in West Bank sparks rare condemnation from Israeli leaders
JIT, West Bank (AP) — Israeli leaders strongly criticized a settler attack in the occupied West Bank that resulted in the death of a Palestinian, as well as the destruction of homes and cars. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog condemned the settlers and called for legal action to be taken. Even far-right officials like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel criticized the attack for undermining their settlement goals in the West Bank. Residents in the village affected by the attack expressed disappointment in the lack of assistance from the Israeli military during the rampage.
Ukraine’s swift push into the Kursk region shocked Russia and exposed its vulnerabilities
An audacious military move by Ukraine into Russia’s Kursk region has resulted in the capture of numerous villages, attacks on air bases, and the evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians. Russian forces are still struggling to repel the invaders after more than a week of fighting. The success of the Ukrainian operation was facilitated by the long and porous border, combined with a shortage of Russian personnel. Most Russian forces are concentrated on the front line in eastern Ukraine, leaving few units to defend the border. Despite sending reinforcements, Russia has faced challenges in regaining control of the Kursk region.
They look like — and link to — real news articles. But they’re actually ads from the Harris campaign
A Harris advertising campaign utilizing Google search has raised concerns among news outlets regarding potential political appropriation of their work. The campaign, which includes links to news stories, highlights the importance of news organizations safeguarding their independence in a climate where skepticism towards journalistic bias is prevalent. Despite the recent revelation of the under-the-radar campaign, the Harris campaign has stated that it has no intention of halting it. Google affirms that the ads are clearly labeled for viewers. With less than three months until a closely contested election, political campaigns are exploring new strategies to engage with voters.
What do marijuana, the death penalty, and fracking have in common? Harris shifted positions on them
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris, like many politicians, has adapted her stance on various issues over her two-decade political career in response to evolving public opinion and circumstances. As a presidential candidate, Harris has faced criticism from Republicans for her numerous policy reversals, challenging her claim to be a truth-teller with greater credibility than former President Donald Trump.
Beyond ‘childless cat ladies,’ JD Vance has long been on a quest to encourage more births
MIAMI (AP) — JD Vance has consistently raised concerns about declining birth rates as he entered the political arena with a Senate bid in Ohio. His past comments, characterizing Vice President Kamala Harris and other prominent Democrats as “childless cat ladies” who lack a stake in the country, have drawn scrutiny. This rhetoric may impact the Republican ticket’s appeal to women, a key demographic in the November election. However, it has resonated with proponents of the pro-natalist movement, previously dominated by policy experts, tech leaders, and venture capitalists.
How Ferguson elevated the profile of the Justice Department’s civil rights enforcers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The investigation into Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri a decade ago brought the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division into the spotlight. This increased visibility shed light on the unit’s significant work, including defending voting rights and prosecuting misconduct such as the Rodney King case. The Ferguson probes, along with other high-profile investigations into police departments, fueled a nationwide dialogue on race and law enforcement. Though deprioritized during the Trump administration, these investigations have since been revived.
Rural communities of color across the US find new ways to get the health care they need
Many rural hospitals in the United States have closed in recent years, with hundreds more at risk of shuttering. Residents in rural areas face disparities in health outcomes compared to urban populations, often succumbing to conditions like heart disease and cancer at higher rates. Efforts to improve healthcare in rural America, particularly in communities of color, emphasize the importance of local initiatives to build trust in the medical field and address systemic challenges.
Hurricane Ernesto barrels toward Bermuda as wealthy British territory preps for storm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is on a trajectory towards Bermuda, prompting officials on the British territory to prepare for the storm by opening shelters and closing government offices. The Category 2 storm is expected to pass near or over Bermuda with strong winds and potential flooding. Residents are urged to take precautions as tropical storm conditions are anticipated to impact the area.
Matthew Perry’s death leads to sweeping indictment of 5, including doctors and reputed dealers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry has resulted in multiple indictments of individuals alleged to have contributed to his ketamine overdose. Those implicated include a doctor and a street dealer accused of providing Perry with large amounts of the powerful anesthetic. Additional individuals associated with helping Perry obtain ketamine have already pleaded guilty. The case underscores the dangers of substance abuse and the legal consequences for those involved in facilitating drug use.
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