Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 39, officials report
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — At least 39 people have been reported killed by Israeli strikes across northern Gaza, according to Palestinian and hospital officials. This comes after at least 25 people were killed in strikes near the city of Rafah. Fadel Naem, director of the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, confirmed that over three dozen bodies arrived at the hospital. The Palestinian Civil Defense mentioned that they also retrieved around the same number of bodies from a building hit by an Israeli strike in an eastern neighborhood of Gaza City.
Russia’s new pact with North Korea escalates tensions with the West in Ukraine conflict
During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea, a strong message was sent regarding the escalating conflict with the U.S. and its allies over Ukraine. The pact signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un involves mutual military assistance between Moscow and Pyongyang. In response to NATO providing weapons to Ukraine, Putin mentioned that Russia is prepared to provide weapons to North Korea. This move could potentially destabilize the Korean Peninsula and have wider repercussions. Putin asserted that Moscow is ready to go to great lengths to achieve its goals in Ukraine.
Flooding displaces residents in Iowa as heat wave continues across much of the U.S.
Parts of Iowa have been affected by flooding due to weeks of rain, forcing people out of their homes. Meanwhile, the U.S. is experiencing another round of intense heat, with approximately 15 million people under a heat warning and 90 million under a heat advisory. Sirens sounded in Rock Valley, Iowa, prompting residents in hundreds of homes to evacuate as the Rock River could no longer handle the rainwater. The National Weather Service reported the ongoing heatwave in numerous areas across the country.
FBI offers reward for information on deadly New Mexico wildfires
RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — The FBI has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information related to the wildfires that claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in southern New Mexico. The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire in southern New Mexico prompted thousands to flee their homes. Firefighters have made progress due to rain and cooler weather, but caution against hazards like downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. FEMA has pledged support for recovery efforts in the region.
Trump urges evangelical Christians to vote in 2024 election, endorses displaying Ten Commandments in schools
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a gathering with evangelical Christians, Donald Trump emphasized the importance of their participation in the upcoming 2024 election. He encouraged Christians to vote and endorsed the display of the Ten Commandments in schools and other locations. Trump applauded a new law in Louisiana mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. He underscored the significance of voting and civic engagement for Christians.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels target ship in Gulf of Aden as U.S. aircraft carrier returns home
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched an attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in no damage. Meanwhile, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the aircraft carrier leading the U.S. response to Houthi attacks, has been ordered to return home after an extended tour. The USS Theodore Roosevelt will take over after a planned exercise in the Indo-Pacific. This comes after heightened tensions following attacks on ships in the vital maritime corridor amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Abortion access advocates turn to citizen initiatives as states pass restrictive laws
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Abortion rights supporters have used citizen initiatives to safeguard access in several states following the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion. However, in half of the states, including many Republican-controlled states, voters lack the ability to pass such initiatives. This has resulted in the passage of strict abortion bans in several states. Citizen initiatives have been instrumental in preserving reproductive rights in various states in recent years.
Ukraine makes gains against Russian forces with U.S.-supplied weapons
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine has made progress in halting Russia’s offensive in northeastern regions with the support of U.S.-supplied weapons. Following the authorization to use Western-supplied weaponry for limited strikes in Russian territory, Ukrainian forces targeted border regions where Russian forces assemble. This led to a shift in battlefield dynamics, with Ukrainian forces gaining ground and mounting offensive actions. However, the inability to use long-range guided missiles is seen as a limitation by commanders.
U.S. aircraft carrier’s presence in South Korea amid heightened tensions with North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group has arrived in South Korea for joint exercises as part of increased military training to address North Korean threats. The move follows a security pact between Russia and North Korea, which has raised concerns in South Korea. The agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang includes mutual defense assistance in the event of war, posing a potential security threat to South Korea.
Sha’Carri Richardson secures spot on U.S. Olympic team with impressive 100-meter win
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Sha’Carri Richardson secured her place on the U.S. Olympic team by winning the 100-meter final in a season-best time of 10.71 seconds at the U.S. track trials. She finished ahead of her training partner Melissa Jefferson by 0.09 seconds. Another training partner, Twanisha Terry, came in third and also qualified for the women’s 100-meter team. Richardson, who was disqualified from the 2021 Olympic trials due to a positive test for marijuana, is set to compete in the Paris Olympics in August.
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