Netanyahu refuses to agree to a deal ending the Gaza war, putting the latest truce proposal to the test
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that he will only accept a “partial” cease-fire deal, rather than a complete end to the war in Gaza, has raised doubts about the viability of a U.S.-backed plan to resolve the 8-month-long conflict. Netanyahu’s remarks, made during an interview with a pro-Netanyahu Israeli TV channel late Sunday, have triggered criticism from families of hostages held by Hamas. While not a major departure from his previous stance on the terms for a deal, these comments come at a critical juncture and could hinder efforts by mediators to bring an end to the war.
Concerns grow over the possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon as cease-fire talks falter
BEIRUT (AP) — The potential for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia is causing anxiety on both sides of the border, with some viewing it as an inevitable consequence of Israel’s ongoing battle against Hamas in Gaza, especially as negotiations for a cease-fire continue to falter. Such a war could result in the most severe damage either side has ever seen. Israel and Hezbollah have learned from their 2006 conflict, which ended in a stalemate, and have had nearly nine months to prepare for another showdown, all while the United States works to prevent a broader escalation that could draw in Iran.
Supreme Court to rule on whether Trump can face criminal charges as an ex-president
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, the Supreme Court is set to make rulings on a series of cases directly related to the event. Among them are whether former President Donald Trump is immune from criminal charges stemming from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, and whether the individuals who stormed the Capitol can be prosecuted for obstructing an official proceeding. Additionally, the court will decide if former Trump adviser Steve Bannon can remain out of prison while appealing his contempt of Congress conviction for defying a subpoena related to the Capitol attack.
Trump shifts his strategy ahead of debate with Biden
NEW YORK (AP) — As he gears up to face President Joe Biden in their first general election debate in Atlanta, Donald Trump is changing his approach after months of portraying Biden as unfit and senile. Concerns that the bar has been set so low for Biden that he is almost guaranteed to surpass expectations have prompted Trump and his campaign to adjust their messaging. This recalibration underscores the high stakes for both candidates in a race that has remained largely stagnant for months.
Lawsuit challenges Louisiana law mandating display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Civil liberties groups have filed a lawsuit contesting Louisiana’s new law requiring public school classrooms to exhibit the Ten Commandments. Plaintiffs, including parents of Louisiana public school students represented by various civil rights organizations, argue that the law breaches the separation of church and state and may isolate non-Christian students. Supporters assert that the display is not purely religious and carries historical significance, citing the commandments’ role as “foundational documents of our state and national government” in the language of the law.
Midwest flooding attributed to heavy rains
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Record-setting floods in parts of Iowa and South Dakota have been triggered by heavy rains, leading to evacuations and service disruptions. The already saturated soil and swollen rivers, combined with substantial rainfall last week, have caused the floods. Authorities expect the rivers to crest early this week, potentially flowing into the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and causing further swelling. While heavy rain and flooding are common for this time of year in the region, climate change has intensified the atmospheric moisture capacity, resulting in more intense rain events.
Prosecutor and judge clash over controlling Trump’s speech in classified documents case
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — In the legal battle involving classified documents and Donald Trump, a federal prosecutor faced resistance from a judge over a request to prohibit the former president from making threatening statements about law enforcement agents linked to the investigation. The prosecutor’s proposal raised questions from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, regarding its potential violation of Trump’s First Amendment rights and the ability to establish a direct link between Trump’s comments and subsequent actions.
Mass shootings plague U.S. cities over summer weekend
The first weekend of summer witnessed a distressing pattern of mass shootings in American cities, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries at various locations. Incidents occurred at a party in Alabama, an entertainment district in Ohio, and a grocery store in Arkansas, marking another weekend of mass shootings across the country. City officials in affected areas are urging state and federal governments for assistance in addressing the escalating gun violence.
Music labels sue AI song-generators for copyright infringement
BOSTON (AP) — Major record labels, including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records, have filed lawsuits against AI-generated music platforms Suno and Udio for allegedly infringing on copyrights of artists such as Chuck Berry and Mariah Carey. The Recording Industry Association of America announced the legal action, accusing the AI startups of exploiting artists’ works without consent or compensation for their own profit. While the music industry collaborates with responsible AI developers, Suno and Udio are accused of unauthorized use of copyrighted music.
Rising HIV cases among young gay Latinos prompt call for targeted funding
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Health officials are addressing the growing number of new HIV cases among young gay and bisexual Latino men, with a push for targeted funding to combat the epidemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aims to end the nation’s HIV crisis by directing substantial financial resources to regions with the highest infection rates. While African Americans historically have the highest rate of HIV infections, a recent analysis reveals that Latinos account for a significant portion of new diagnoses among gay and bisexual men. Latino health advocates are advocating for a public health emergency declaration to allocate additional funding for prevention and treatment efforts.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.