Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to accept a deal to end the war in Gaza, testing a new truce proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest statement regarding the ongoing war in Gaza has raised doubts about a U.S.-backed proposal to bring an end to the 8-month-long conflict. In an interview with a pro-Netanyahu Israeli TV channel on Sunday, Netanyahu indicated that he would only consider a “partial” cease-fire agreement that would not result in the war coming to an end. This remark has sparked anger among the families of hostages held by Hamas. While Netanyahu’s comments are not significantly different from his previous statements on the matter, they come at a critical juncture and could pose a challenge for mediators attempting to find a resolution to the conflict.
Rail bridge collapse occurs during Midwest flooding as a heat wave persists in the U.S.
In the midst of flooding in the Midwest, a significant train bridge has collapsed in the Sioux City, Iowa, area, leading to evacuations and at least one fatality. Images from local media show a large portion of the steel bridge submerged as floodwaters from the Big Sioux River flow over it. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, prompting the evacuation of entire neighborhoods and even an entire town in Iowa. More rainfall is expected in the coming week, while forecasters predict a continuation of the heat wave in the Southeast, portions of the South, and the Plains.
Supreme Court to address state bans on gender-affirming care for minors
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals from the Biden administration and families seeking to block state laws that restrict gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The court’s decision comes amidst a wave of Republican-led state measures that limit healthcare options for transgender people, including restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, school sports participation, bathroom usage, and drag shows. In contrast, the Biden administration and Democratic-led states have taken steps to protect the rights of transgender individuals. The case before the Supreme Court involves a law in Tennessee that limits access to certain medical treatments for transgender minors.
Young gay Latinos see an increase in new HIV cases, leading to calls for targeted funding
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has been working on an initiative to end the nation’s HIV epidemic by allocating significant funds to states, counties, and U.S. territories with high infection rates. While African Americans still have the highest rates of HIV in the United States overall, a recent analysis shows that among gay and bisexual men, Latinos accounted for the largest share of new HIV diagnoses and infections in 2022 compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Health policy advocates are urging the federal government to declare a public health emergency to secure more resources for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Biden and Trump campaign in an affluent Atlanta suburb to win over skeptical Georgia voters
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Georgia, a battleground state in the 2020 election that saw a narrow margin between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, will serve as the site of their first general election debate ahead of the upcoming election. Both candidates are seeking to secure a winning coalition in Georgia, despite facing challenges from dispirited voters and shifting political dynamics. Some former Republicans remain hesitant to support Trump, while Biden aims to maintain the diverse coalition that contributed to his victory in 2020. The debate in Georgia will be a crucial moment for both candidates as they vie for support in the state.
The cargo ship Dali departs Baltimore for Virginia, nearly three months after a bridge collapse
After being involved in a bridge collapse and losing power, the cargo ship Dali has finally left Baltimore for Virginia. The ship, which caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge, began its journey with the assistance of four tugboats. It is en route to Norfolk, Virginia, for the removal of remaining containers and additional repairs. The incident occurred on March 26, when the ship lost power and collided with one of the bridge’s supporting columns, resulting in the tragic death of six construction workers.
‘Hamster’ crypto craze sweeps Iran, underscoring economic challenges ahead of presidential election
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In Iran, the popularity of the “Hamster Kombat” app among cab drivers, bikers, and pedestrians reflects economic hardships facing the country leading up to the presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi. Iran’s economy continues to struggle due to Western sanctions, high inflation, and a lack of employment opportunities. Iranians are now turning to apps like “Hamster Kombat” in the hopes of financial gain, as the country grapples with economic uncertainty.
Dagestan holds a day of mourning following attacks that leave 20 dead
MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian region of Dagestan is observing three days of mourning in the aftermath of attacks carried out by Islamic militants that resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, mostly police officers. The coordinated assaults in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent are believed to be the work of Islamic extremists in the predominantly Muslim region. This incident marks the deadliest attack in Russia since gunmen opened fire at a concert near Moscow in March, claiming 145 lives. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Dagestan, officials attribute the violence to Islamic extremists in the region.
Princess Anne sustains minor injuries and concussion following estate incident
LONDON (AP) — Princess Anne has suffered minor injuries and a concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate in southwest England. The 73-year-old royal, sister of King Charles III, has been hospitalized for observation as a precaution and is expected to fully recover. The specifics of the incident have not been disclosed, but reports suggest that the princess was within the protected perimeter of the estate when the incident occurred, possibly involving horses in the vicinity.
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