Officials report that over 1,000 pilgrims lost their lives during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
CAIRO (AP) — The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia led to the deaths of more than 1,000 individuals due to extreme high temperatures at the Islamic holy sites. Saudi Arabia has not released an official statement regarding the death toll, but reports indicate that the majority of the deceased were from Egypt. The Egyptian government has taken action against 16 travel agencies that facilitated the travel of unauthorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The fatalities included pilgrims from Indonesia, India, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Malaysia, and two from the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to claim that the U.S. is withholding arms shipments, despite denials from Washington
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the United States has significantly reduced its weapons deliveries to Israel for its efforts in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister has reiterated these accusations, accusing the U.S. of withholding weapons shipments, although the Biden administration denies this claim. Netanyahu mentioned a drop in arms shipments starting four months ago without specifying which weapons were affected. The ongoing dispute underscores the tensions between Israel and Washington during the conflict in Gaza.
Parts of Iowa experience flooding, while much of the U.S. faces extreme heat
Flooding in Iowa has displaced residents from their homes due to weeks of heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the United States is grappling with high temperatures and humidity. Evacuations were ordered in Rock Valley, Iowa, as the Rock River reached capacity. Additionally, the National Weather Service issued heat warnings for approximately 15 million people and heat advisories for another 90 million individuals.
Authorities offer a reward for information on deadly wildfires in southern New Mexico
RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — Federal authorities have announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information related to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, which claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in southern New Mexico. Rain and cooler weather have aided firefighters in containing the wildfires near Ruidoso. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has met with local officials to pledge support for recovery efforts following the destructive blazes.
Russia signs a pact with North Korea, escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea culminated in a pact outlining mutual military support between Moscow and Pyongyang. The agreement also opens the possibility for Russia to supply weapons to North Korea, an act that could have far-reaching implications for the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Putin’s actions are seen as a response to NATO providing Ukraine with advanced weapons. The Russian leader emphasized his commitment to achieving Russia’s objectives in Ukraine, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea amid escalating tensions with North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In response to increased threats from North Korea, a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier has arrived in South Korea for joint military exercises involving Japan. This deployment comes after South Korea expressed concerns over a defense pact between Russia and North Korea, viewing it as a security risk. The agreement between Russia and North Korea pledges mutual defense assistance in case of war, posing a significant challenge to regional stability.
Iran-backed fighters offer to support Hezbollah in its confrontation with Israel
BEIRUT (AP) — Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have offered to send thousands of fighters to Lebanon to assist Hezbollah in its conflict with Israel. This offer comes amid rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, prompting fears of a potential escalation. While Hezbollah has indicated that it has sufficient fighters and does not require external assistance, Israeli officials have issued warnings of a possible military offensive if the situation does not de-escalate.
Ukraine utilizes U.S.-supplied weapons to push back against Russian forces
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Following permission to use U.S.-supplied weapons for limited strikes in Russian territory, Ukraine has achieved some success in halting the advance of Russian forces in the northeast. By targeting border regions where Russian forces assemble, Ukrainian troops have managed to push back and strengthen their defenses. However, the lack of long-range guided missiles limits their offensive capabilities, underscoring the challenges faced in the conflict.
Former President Donald Trump urges evangelical Christians to vote in the upcoming election
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump delivered a speech to evangelical Christians, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in the 2024 election. Trump endorsed displaying the Ten Commandments in schools and urged Christians to vote. He also praised a recent law in Louisiana requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Abortion-rights supporters utilizing citizen initiatives to protect access in certain states
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning a constitutional right to abortion, supporters of abortion rights in several states have used citizen initiatives to safeguard access to the procedure. However, in many states, including several with Republican-controlled legislatures, voters do not have this option. Despite challenges, citizen initiatives have been instrumental in preserving reproductive rights in various states.
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