Israel-Hamas conflict update: Israeli airstrike in northeast Lebanon results in 11 fatalities
An Israeli airstrike in northeast Lebanon claimed the lives of 11 individuals on Sunday morning, following the confirmation of multiple Hezbollah commanders’ deaths by the Lebanese militant group, including longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli army has stated that it is targeting Hezbollah locations in Lebanon. Escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have led to frequent clashes since the Israel-Hamas conflict began after the Palestinian militant group’s incursion into Israel on October 7, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. In Iran, thousands have gathered to protest Nasrallah’s assassination. Additionally, a senior officer in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was also killed in the same airstrike.
Biden and Harris react to Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah’s Nasrallah as a ‘measure of justice’
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden characterized the Israeli strike that eliminated Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah as a “measure of justice” for what he described as a four-decade “reign of terror.” This statement comes after Lebanon’s Hezbollah confirmed the death of Nasrallah, a founding member of the organization, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the day before. Biden further emphasized that under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah had been responsible for the deaths of numerous Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese citizens. The White House views Nasrallah’s demise as a significant blow to the group while also cautiously navigating Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Displaced families seek refuge on beaches and streets as Israel’s bombings rock Beirut
BEIRUT (AP) — With Beirut’s southern suburbs heavily bombarded by Israel overnight, hundreds of displaced families are resorting to sleeping in public squares, on beaches, or in their vehicles in the city center. Many have unsuccessfully sought shelter in overflowing schools designated as shelters. Along the roads leading to the mountains above the capital, streams of individuals are making their way on foot early in the morning, carrying infants and whatever items they can transport. According to the U.N., the number of people displaced due to the conflict has more than doubled in a week, with over 211,000 individuals displaced.
Helene’s devastation claims at least 64 lives as it traverses the Southeast
PERRY, Fla. (AP) — The havoc wrought by Hurricane Helene has left many individuals stranded or homeless as authorities commence the aftermath following the storm that has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 people. Helene inflicted billions of dollars in damage across a wide swath of the southeastern United States. Over 3 million customers were without power on Saturday, with some facing the ongoing threat of floods. Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday before swiftly moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and flooded rivers and creeks, putting pressure on dams. Fatalities from the storm have been reported in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Death toll rises to over 100 in Nepal due to flooding and landslides, with dozens still unaccounted for
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The death toll resulting from flooding and landslides in Nepal has surpassed 100, with numerous individuals still missing. Police have cautioned that the death toll is anticipated to increase further as reports trickle in from villages scattered across the mountainous nation. Weather conditions in Nepal have improved on Sunday, facilitating rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations. Fourteen bodies were recovered overnight from two buses en route to Kathmandu that were buried in a landslide on a highway close to the capital.
Trump transitions from campaign rhetoric to adulation at Alabama college football game
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Donald Trump made an appearance at the highly anticipated Alabama-Georgia college football matchup, receiving a warm reception from fans in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The visit occurred following his denunciation of immigrants in a small Wisconsin town earlier in the day. His supporters, especially white cultural conservatives, interpret his rhetoric as a form of optimistic patriotism. Numerous Alabama fans displayed stickers and buttons reading, “They’re eating the Dawgs!” in jest of Trump’s erroneous statement concerning Haitians in Springfield, Ohio.
Austrian far-right party vies for victory in close national election
VIENNA (AP) — Austria’s far-right Freedom Party stands a chance of securing victory in a national election for the first time on Sunday, tapping into voter apprehensions regarding immigration, inflation, Ukraine, and other pertinent issues due to recent advances made by hard-right forces elsewhere in Europe. Herbert Kickl, who has been heading the Freedom Party since 2021, aims to become Austria’s next chancellor, contingent on securing a coalition partner to command a majority in the lower house of parliament. Despite the tight race indicated by recent polls, victory is not assured. Conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer has urged Austrians not to let the country fall into radical hands.
Hospital clowns uplift young Ukrainian cancer survivors following Russian missile attack
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Two months after Russia bombed Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, hospital clowns are boosting the spirits of young cancer patients who survived the assault. At the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv, the “Bureau of Smiles and Support” initiative is sending clowns into the wards to provide joy to the children who faced the strike and have returned for treatment. The volunteer clowns share insight into the challenges and motivation behind their work, which is highly appreciated by medical staff and parents of the children undergoing treatment.
Chablis wine country in France faces challenges from climate change and severe weather
LIGNORELLES, France (AP) — Unusually wet weather conditions across France have wreaked havoc on the wine-growing regions this year, exacerbating the challenges posed to vineyards and wine quality by drought and heat in previous years. A fungal disease known as mildew, combined with episodes of frost and hail, has reduced overall wine production. The French Ministry of Agriculture estimates a production volume of 39.3 million hectoliters, which falls below levels recorded in 2023 and the average over the past five years. The harvest at the Lavantureux estate in the Chablis wine region lasted only nine days, about half the usual duration. Winemaker David Lavantureux describes this as his most challenging year yet.
Maya Rudolph portrays Harris and Dana Carvey portrays Biden in the 50th season premiere of ‘Saturday Night Live’
NEW YORK (AP) — The 50th season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” saw Maya Rudolph embodying Vice President Kamala Harris and other returning cast members making appearances. Rudolph as Harris led a mock rally and was joined by former cast member Andy Samberg as her husband Doug Emhoff and another ex-“SNL” star, Dana Carvey, as President Joe Biden. Harris and Carvey jointly delivered the iconic “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night” to kick off the milestone season. Jean Smart, known for roles in “Designing Women” and “Hacks,” hosted the show for the first time, mentioning in her monologue that this Saturday marked the first in 50 years that suited her schedule.
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