Diplomacy intensifies to halt the Israel-Hamas war and prevent wider regional conflict
JERUSALEM (AP) — International diplomacy to prevent the war in Gaza from spreading into a wider regional conflict is intensifying. The British and French foreign ministers are making a joint trip to Israel on Friday to push for peace. Meanwhile, internationally mediated cease-fire talks in Qatar were expected to enter their second day. The new push for an end to the Israel-Hamas war came as Gaza health authorities say the Palestinian death toll in Gaza climbed past 40,000. And fears are still high that Iran and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon would attack Israel in retaliation for the killings of top militant leaders. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy said before his visit that the conflict risked erupting across the region.
Settler rampage in West Bank sparks rare condemnation from Israeli leaders
JIT, West Bank (AP) — Israeli leaders have roundly condemned a settler attack that killed one Palestinian and torched homes and cars in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and President Isaac Herzog criticized the settlers and called for charges and prosecutions. Even far-right officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, criticized the attack, saying it detracted from their settlement ambitions in the West Bank. Residents in the village interviewed by the AP said they were left without help from the Israeli military for hours as settlers rampaged on Thursday.
Ukraine’s swift push into the Kursk region shocked Russia and exposed its vulnerabilities
A daring Ukrainian military push into Russia’s Kursk region has seen Kyiv’s forces seize scores of villages, attack air bases and force the evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians in what has become the largest attack on the country since World War II. In more than a week of fighting, Russian troops are still struggling to drive out the invaders. The long and porous border, combined with a Russian manpower shortage, contributed to the success of the Ukrainian raid. The bulk of Russian forces are deployed to the front line in eastern Ukraine, where it is making  incremental but steady gains, leaving few units to protect the border. Russia sent reinforcements to Kursk, but they have struggled.
What do marijuana, the death penalty and fracking have in common? Harris shifted positions on them
WASHINGTON (AP) — Politicians often recalibrate in the face of shifting public opinion and circumstance. Across two decades in elected offices, Vice President Kamala Harris is no exception. She has staked out expedient and — at times — contradictory positions as she climbed the political ladder. Now, as a presidential candidate, Harris’ litany of policy reversals is opening her to attacks by Republicans and testing the strength of her pitch to voters as a truth-teller who is far more credible 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 repeatedly expressed alarm about declining birth rates as he launched his political career with a bid for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. His criticism then of Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic presidential nominee, and other high-profile Democrats as “childless cat ladies” who didn’t have a “direct stake” in the country have drawn particular attention now. That rhetoric could threaten the Republican ticket’s standing with women who could help decide the November election. But it’s delighted those in the pro-natalist movement that has until now been limited largely to policy wonks, tech executives and venture capitalists.
Why the progressive ‘Squad’ is getting smaller after defeats this primary cycle
WASHINGTON (AP) — The “Squad,” a group of progressive lawmakers in the House, is set to shrink next year after two members suffered primary defeats after an unprecedented deluge of special interest spending. The losses for Reps. Cori Bush in Missouri and Jamaal Bowman in New York dealt a blow to the progressive faction that had amassed considerable clout within the Democratic Party since its initial rise in 2018. The two incumbents faced massive spending by pro-Israel groups over their criticism of the Israel-Hamas war. Still, there were other factors that contributed to their defeat, raising questions as to what extent voters rejected their progressive politics.
Protests grow in India over the rape and killing of a doctor at a state-run hospital
NEW DELHI (AP) — Thousands of people, including doctors and paramedics, are marching through various Indian cities to protest the rape and killing of a trainee doctor at a government hospital last week. The protests began Aug. 9 when police discovered the body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital’s seminar hall in eastern Kolkata city. An autopsy later confirmed sexual assault, and a police volunteer has been detained in connection with the crime. Family members allege it was gang rape and more were involved. In the days since, mounting anger has boiled over into nationwide outrage over violence against women. Doctors and paramedics are demanding better and safer working conditions.
The collapse of an iconic arch in Utah has some wondering if other famous arches are also at risk
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The recent collapse of a popular rock arch at Lake Powell known as the “Toilet Bowl” is a sad reminder that the spectacular geological arches that dot southern Utah’s landscape aren’t guaranteed to be there forever. Arch experts say erosion and human activity mean that arches are susceptible to crumbling at any given time. Parks officials have been fielding questions this week about the fragility of Utah’s arches in light of the recent collapse. They aren’t physically fortifying the arches but have strict policies to limit human impact. A Utah geologist has found that human-made energy sources such as trains, trucks and helicopters are increasing ground vibrations and placing stress on arches.
Hurricane Ernesto barrels toward Bermuda as wealthy British territory preps for storm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is charging toward Bermuda as officials on the tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean prepare to open shelters and close government offices. The Category 2 storm was located 255 miles (415 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda on Friday. It had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 13 mph (20 kph). Ernesto is expected to strengthen further before it passes near or over Bermuda on Saturday. Tropical storm conditions including strong winds and life-threatening floods are expected to start affecting Bermuda on Friday afternoon.
Matthew Perry’s death leads to sweeping indictment of 5, including doctors and reputed dealers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The long investigation into the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry has led to a sweeping indictment that pulled in five people who prosecutors say contributed to his ketamine overdose. Prosecutors say they include a doctor and a street dealer who both gave Perry large amounts of the powerful anesthetic. Perry’s assistant and an acquaintance of the actor have already pleaded guilty to helping him get ketamine Prosecutors say Perry turned to Dr. Salvador Plasencia to give him more ketamine than his regular doctors would allow and turned to a woman they say call a major street dealer, Jasveen Sangha, to get even more. Both pleaded not guilty Thursday.
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