At least 25 people killed and 50 wounded in Israeli strikes on tent camps near Rafah, according to Gaza health officials
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza health officials report that Israeli strikes on a tent camp outside the southern city of Rafah have resulted in at least 25 deaths and 50 injuries. The strikes on Friday were the latest deadly attack on displaced people in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands have fled the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Witnesses of one of the bombardments near a Red Cross field hospital say that Israeli forces fired a second volley, killing people who emerged from their tents. The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that the hospital was overwhelmed with casualties, with 22 dead and 45 wounded. The organization condemned the firing of “high-caliber projectiles” near the facility.
Millions across the US are enduring extreme heat with record-breaking temperatures expected, offering little relief
A relentless heat wave continues to affect most of the U.S., with numerous areas projected to experience record-breaking temperatures. Forecasters are warning that most areas are not likely to see any relief through the weekend. The highest temperatures on Friday are anticipated in parts of Ohio and Indiana, with heat indexes expected to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit and remain high throughout the day. Heat advisories and warnings have been issued across the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and some western states. Idaho officials reported on Friday that two individuals in their 60s died due to heat-related causes.
FEMA is prepared for an intense hurricane and wildfire season, but budget concerns linger, says Mayorkas
WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Homeland Security Department assures that the agency responsible for responding to disasters nationwide is ready for what is estimated to be a busy hurricane and wildfire season. However, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed concerns about potential budget shortfalls. Mayorkas visited the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday for a briefing on the hurricane season, which commenced on June 1. Experts predict that this year could be one of the most active on record. As parts of the U.S. endure extreme heat, Mayorkas mentioned that severe heat could qualify as a major disaster, but historically local communities have managed significant heat waves without necessitating federal financial assistance.
Woman describes fleeing killer New Mexico wildfire as ‘absolute sheer terror’
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes as two wildfires rapidly grew in a single afternoon, catching many off guard. Traffic was congested as residents attempted to leave the mountain village of Ruidoso on Monday evening. The view was obscured by smoke as they slowly traveled just a few miles in what felt like an eternity. Residents are now scattered across Roswell, Alamogordo, Texas, and beyond after a frenzied escape from the smoke and flames. Rain and cooler temperatures are aiding firefighters in controlling the wildfires. Top officials are expected to visit on Saturday to survey some of the neighborhoods that were destroyed.
Teamsters president to speak at Republican National Convention
CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) — The president of the Teamsters Union is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Republican National Convention. President Trump announced on social media that Sean O’Brien has “accepted” the invitation to address delegates in Milwaukee next month. A Teamsters spokesperson mentioned that O’Brien requested a speaking slot at both major party conventions. Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, is working to appeal to blue-collar workers and reduce President Joe Biden’s support among them, a key demographic in the general election. Both Trump and Biden have met with Teamsters leaders this year. DNC officials stated that final programming decisions have not been made for their event. The union endorsed Democratic candidates in the previous two presidential elections.
Biden and Trump taking different approaches to preparing for upcoming debate
NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden is starting intensive private debate preparations at Camp David as both major political parties set expectations for what may be a pivotal presidential debate on June 27 in Atlanta. Biden’s team emphasizes the importance of a strong performance against Donald Trump. Trump’s allies are urging him to focus on his governing plans but anticipate tough questions on his emphasis on election fraud and legal issues. Strategists on both sides agree that with the election months away, the stakes are high.
Shooting at Arkansas grocery store leaves 3 dead and 10 wounded, say police
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas State Police report that a shooter opened fire at a grocery store on Friday, resulting in three fatalities and 10 injuries. The Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce was left with bullet-riddled interiors and parked cars. Bystanders sought cover indoors and in the parking lot as the shooting unfolded. State Police Director Co. Mike Hagar stated that police shot the suspected shooter, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two law enforcement officers were among the injured, with their wounds not considered life-threatening. The shooter was identified as 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey of New Edinburg.
Death toll rises to 19 in El Salvador amidst heavy rains
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — The death toll from torrential rains and landslides in El Salvador has climbed to 19, including six victims from Friday where two girls and four adults perished after being buried in their homes. A weather system along Guatemala’s Pacific coast and another in the Gulf of Mexico led to the development of Tropical Storm Alberto. The region has experienced significant rainfall, prompting El Salvador’s Civil Protection authorities to issue a red alert and the country’s Congress to declare a state of national emergency for 15 days due to the severity of the rains.
Can farmers in India adapt to erratic monsoons caused by climate change?
BENGALURU, India (AP) — The majority of India’s 120 million farmers rely on monsoon rains for a successful harvest. India typically experiences two monsoons from June to September and from October to December. However, with increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, rainfall patterns have become less predictable. Farming has become more risky with climate change leading to erratic monsoon seasons. A fruitful monsoon can significantly boost India’s economy, making it a crucial weather event. Experts suggest that adapting to changing rainfall patterns, cultivating climate-resilient crops, improving localized weather forecasts, and preparing for extreme weather conditions can help Indian farmers make the most of the monsoons.
Hawaii settles lawsuit from youths over climate change with historic agreement
HONOLULU (AP) — Approximately two years after 13 children and teens sued Hawaii over the threat of climate change, a settlement has been reached requiring the state to decarbonize its transportation system over the next 21 years. The lawsuit, filed in June 2022, was scheduled to go to trial next week. The state is not admitting any liability by settling, and both sides view the deal as historic. It is the first agreement of its kind between a state government and youth plaintiffs to address constitutional issues arising from climate change.
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