Eleven killed in rocket strike on Israeli Golan Heights, Hezbollah denies involvement
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A rocket strike at a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights has killed at least 11 children and teens, marking the deadliest strike on an Israeli target along the country’s northern border since the conflict with Hezbollah started. This incident has raised concerns about a potential wider regional conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong warning to Hezbollah, stating that they will face severe consequences for the attack. Hezbollah, however, has denied any involvement in the strike. Netanyahu is cutting short his visit to the United States and heading back to Israel. The attack has also resulted in injuries to 20 other individuals.
Israeli airstrike on Gaza school kills 30, including children
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike hit a school being used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people, including seven children. The attack took place as negotiators are preparing for talks with international mediators to discuss a potential cease-fire. The school in Deir al-Balah was accommodating thousands of people. Israel’s military claims the strike targeted a Hamas command and control center that was allegedly involved in storing weapons and planning attacks, a claim that Hamas has refuted. Additionally, Israel has ordered the evacuation of part of a humanitarian zone in Gaza in anticipation of a strike on Khan Younis.
Trump campaigns in Minnesota with VP candidate Vance to secure Democrat-leaning state
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is revisiting Minnesota, a traditionally Democratic-leaning state that he believes could be swayed in his favor this year. Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in St. Cloud with his running mate, JD Vance. During a GOP fundraiser in St. Paul earlier this year, Trump expressed confidence in winning the state and made specific appeals to voters in the iron mining range of northeast Minnesota, where a significant number of blue-collar and union workers have been shifting towards the Republican party. Trump also spoke at a bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to the rally in Minnesota.
VP Kamala Harris shifts focus to economy amid GOP attacks on inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has been reshaping her economic message since President Joe Biden’s exit from the White House, emphasizing initiatives to combat child poverty, support labor unions, reduce healthcare and childcare expenses, and ensure a dignified retirement. Notably, Harris has intentionally avoided discussing inflation in her recent speeches, a major economic issue that has been challenging the Biden administration. Republicans have swiftly tried to place blame on Harris for the ongoing inflation concerns, which were previously attributed to Biden.
Drag queens shine at Paris Olympics opening, but ‘Last Supper’ tableau sparks controversy
PARIS (AP) — Drag queens played a prominent role in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, showcasing the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in France. However, a segment of the performance featuring a tableau resembling “The Last Supper” drew criticism from religious conservatives. The scene, which depicted the drag queens in a configuration reminiscent of Jesus Christ and his apostles, stirred controversy. Despite the backlash, “Drag Race France” winner Le Filip expressed pride in the segment.
Youth-led progressive groups rally around VP Harris to energize young voters
CHICAGO (AP) — Following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, various youth-led progressive organizations are backing Harris to engage younger voters who were previously disenchanted with Biden. With a focus on Gen Z, these groups are hopeful that Harris can reignite enthusiasm among young voters, who hold significant electoral power. Recently, a coalition of 17 youth-led organizations publicly endorsed Harris.
Firefighters aided by cooler temperatures in battling California’s largest wildfire
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — After a massive expansion, firefighters battling a wildfire in northern California received some relief from cooler temperatures and increased humidity, potentially slowing the spread of the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year. The fire’s intensity drew comparisons to the devastating Paradise fire in 2018, which wiped out 85 lives and thousands of homes. The town of Paradise remains on high alert as the fire continues to inch closer. The containment efforts face challenges due to the build-up of underbrush near residential areas.
Russian warships make a return visit to Cuban waters, signaling growing ties
HAVANA (AP) — Three Russian warships have docked in Cuban waters, marking Russia’s second naval visit to Cuba in recent months and underscoring the deepening relationship between the two countries. The naval group, comprising a training ship, patrol frigate, and refueling tanker, is expected to stay in Havana until July 30. This arrival follows a previous visit by Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, for planned military exercises in June. The presence of Russian vessels has drawn attention from American officials, who stated that the squadron poses no immediate threat.
Technology’s impact on society raises alarms as digital vulnerabilities come to light
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The recent widespread technology outage caused by a faulty update from cybersecurity specialist CrowdStrike highlights the fragility of modern society’s reliance on digital infrastructure. The incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures in a culture that often takes technology for granted until a catastrophic failure occurs. This technology breakdown serves as a stark reminder of the risks and vulnerabilities in a hyper-connected world.
Western wildfires grow in size, posing challenges for containment and recovery
Experts attribute the increasing size and intensity of wildfires across the western United States and Canada to both fire-suppression practices and climate change. Addressing these wildfires calls for a shift towards controlled prescribed burns, a method historically used by indigenous communities to prevent larger fires. Larger wildfires are more destructive and have longer-lasting impacts on the environment. However, implementing these changes is complex as communities have developed near fire-prone areas over the years.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
