House keys carry symbolic weight for Gaza families repeatedly displaced by war
MUWASI, Gaza Strip (AP) — Throughout nine months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, Palestinian families in Gaza have been forced to move multiple times, seeking refuge from the violence. Each relocation has involved a difficult transition to a new location and a series of temporary, cramped shelters. Uncertain of when they will be able to return home, these displaced families are determined not to let their house keys simply become relics of the past. A Palestinian man, who has been uprooted four times, expressed his sentiments by saying: “If my house key becomes just a memory as I move forward, then I don’t want to live anymore.”
Biden looks to make the case at the NATO summit that he is still up for the job
WASHINGTON (AP) — NATO leaders are meeting in Washington this week as the military alliance faces the potential return of NATO skeptic Donald Trump to the presidency. The summit commences on Tuesday with heads of state focusing on bolstering transatlantic support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. For President Joe Biden, the summit is also an opportunity to demonstrate his capability to handle the demands of the presidency for another four years. The president views his participation in the summit as a means to showcase his ongoing suitability for the role. Following a disastrous debate performance against Trump on June 27, Biden’s reelection campaign has encountered setbacks.
Trump returns to campaign trail with VP deadline nearing amid calls for Biden to withdraw
MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is resuming his campaign activities, addressing supporters at his flagship golf resort in Doral, a Miami suburb. As Democrats grapple with uncertainties surrounding President Joe Biden’s reelection prospects, Trump is approaching a deadline to announce his running mate without any urgency. Attention remains focused on concerns about Biden’s ability to lead for another term following calls from some Democrats to withdraw as the nominee due to his poor debate performance.
Support for legal abortion has risen since Supreme Court eliminated protections, AP-NORC poll finds
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent poll reveals that a majority of Americans oppose a federal ban on abortion, with an increasing number showing support for unrestricted access to abortions for any reason. The survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research underscores the complex political landscape facing candidates who oppose abortion rights as the November election approaches. Around sixty percent of Americans believe that individuals should have the right to access legal abortion in their state for any reason, indicating a shift towards more permissive views on abortion following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade two years ago.
Tourists still flock to Death Valley amid searing US heat wave blamed for several deaths
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Despite a scorching heatwave in the U.S., featuring record-breaking temperatures in many locations, including Death Valley National Park, tourists from Europe and various U.S. regions continue to visit the area. The oppressive heat wave has been linked to several deaths, including that of a motorcyclist in Death Valley. The West and Pacific Northwest are experiencing extreme heat, with record high temperatures leading to fatalities in Oregon.
Some power restored in Houston after Hurricane Beryl, while storm spawns tornadoes as it moves east
HOUSTON (AP) — Power is gradually being restored to homes and businesses in the Houston area following the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The weakening storm has moved east, resulting in suspected tornadoes and further damage. While several casualties have been reported in Texas and Louisiana, the number of customers without power in the Houston area has decreased from over 2.7 million to around 2.4 million. Beryl has weakened into a tropical depression, causing tornado warnings in Arkansas.
Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial begins with jury selection
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Jury selection commences in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for Alec Baldwin’s trial on the charge of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer during the filming of “Rust.” The trial could result in an 18-month prison sentence for the actor. The proceedings are expected to move swiftly, with 12 jurors likely to be selected in a day and opening statements scheduled for the following day. The jury will determine whether Baldwin committed a felony when the gun he was handling discharged and caused the tragic death in 2021.
Elections in Europe, Iran show authoritarian march may have slowed, not halted
LONDON (AP) — Recent elections in France and Britain showcased victories for leftist and reformist parties over authoritarian and right-wing factions. Even in Iran, where the Supreme Leader holds significant power, the election of Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist figure, demonstrates a potential shift towards moderation. In France, a leftist coalition outperformed the far-right, while the U.K.’s Labour Party secured a landslide victory after Conservative rule. Although there are signs of progress, voter disillusionment persists in many countries amid economic challenges, suggesting that the rise of right-wing politics may have been slowed but not fully stopped.
Women gradually rise in Japanese politics but face deep challenges
TOKYO (AP) — Yuriko Koike’s reelection as Tokyo’s leader for a third term highlights the gradual advancement of women in Japanese politics, despite the country’s low global ranking in gender equality. While progress is evident, the political landscape in Japan remains heavily male-dominated, even in the event of a female prime minister. Achieving gender balance in politics requires substantial efforts to ensure equal representation.
Here’s what to know about Boeing agreeing to plead guilty to fraud in 737 Max crashes
Boeing has reached a plea deal to admit guilt in fraud charges related to the crashes of its 737 Max aircraft. If approved by a Texas judge, Boeing will avoid proceeding to trial. The agreement, revealed in a court filing, includes additional fines totaling $487.2 million and a commitment to invest at least $455 million in enhancing safety measures. Some families of crash victims may challenge the deal, seeking its annulment. The resolution of this case will impact Boeing’s accountability in the tragic incidents involving the 737 Max planes.
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