A rocket strike from Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 12 young individuals, raising concerns about potential warfare between Israel and Hezbollah.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Middle East is on edge following reports that a rocket from Lebanon hit a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, claiming the lives of 12 children and teenagers. The Israeli military has labeled it as the deadliest attack on civilians since October 7. This incident has heightened fears of a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, although the latter has denied any involvement in the attack. The escalation of hostilities could draw Iran into the mix, as it has issued warnings to Israel regarding the consequences of a strong reaction. Notably, this attack comes at a delicate time as Israel and Hamas are currently discussing a cease-fire proposal for Gaza.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has experienced a remarkable start, raising $200 million in just one week since she emerged as the likely Democratic nominee. The campaign disclosed that about 66% of the donations are from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have joined the Harris campaign to assist with phone banking, canvassing, and other activities to mobilize voters. With Election Day approaching in 100 days, Campaign communications director Michael Tyler emphasized that while Harris has gained momentum, the ultimate outcome of the election will rest on the decisions of a small number of voters in key states.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, concluded a rally in Minnesota as the presidential campaign enters a crucial final 100-day phase. The event in St. Cloud was a strategic move by Trump to potentially force Democrats to divert resources to a state that they might otherwise overlook. However, this strategy carries risks for the Republican nominee if he focuses on states that are harder to win rather than traditional battlegrounds. Trump’s rally featured intensified attacks against his presumed opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly on issues related to crime and immigration, while Harris was engaged in fundraising activities in Massachusetts over the weekend.
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Cool weather conditions are aiding firefighters in battling a wildfire in northern California that has consumed an area larger than Los Angeles. Officials noted on Saturday that the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in the state this year, could see a slowdown in its intensity due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity. The situation has drawn unfavorable comparisons to the devastating Paradise fire in 2018, which resulted in the loss of 85 lives and 11,000 homes. Communities in Butte County, including Paradise, are on high alert with evacuation warnings in place.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are heading to the polls in a presidential election that could mark a significant shift in the country’s political landscape or extend President Nicolás Maduro’s tenure by another six years. The outcome of the election, whether in favor of Maduro or his main challenger, former diplomat Edmundo González, is poised to have repercussions beyond Venezuela, impacting the broader dynamics across the Americas. Regardless of the results, there are widespread concerns among government opponents and supporters about the prospect of immigrating out of the country in the event of Maduro’s victory, with over 7.7 million Venezuelans having already left. Approximately 17 million eligible voters are expected to participate in the election.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent research indicates that certain blood tests could revolutionize the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by providing faster and more accurate results. While the traditional methods for confirming Alzheimer’s involve brain scans or spinal taps to detect specific biomarkers, laboratories are increasingly offering blood tests as an alternative. A study conducted in Sweden found that one such blood test improved the diagnostic process without the need for costly follow-up procedures. These findings, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, represent a significant step towards incorporating blood testing into routine diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease.
There will be two meteor showers occurring in late July, with the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower reaching its peak early next week. This year, the Delta Aquariids will coincide with another smaller meteor shower, the Alpha Capricornids. The Southern Delta Aquariids are an annual event in North America during late summer, with an expected visual rate of 15 to 20 meteors per hour at its peak in the Northern Hemisphere. The viewing experience is anticipated to be even more favorable in the Southern Hemisphere. The Alpha Capricornids, a less intense meteor shower, is expected to produce around five meteors per hour. Multiple meteor showers occur annually, offering spectators a natural spectacle that requires no specialized equipment for viewing.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles nonprofit organization is leveraging technology to address the region’s homelessness crisis by developing software aimed at streamlining shelter and service operations in one of the country’s most significant epicenters of homelessness. Despite substantial financial investments, existing efforts to reduce homelessness are hindered by outdated and inefficient computer systems that often operate disjointedly and contain inaccuracies in data. Better Angels United, founded by tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Adam Miller, is spearheading the development of a mobile-friendly software prototype for outreach workers. This initiative will be followed by the creation of systems for shelter operators and a comprehensive database of shelter beds, a resource currently lacking in the region.
BEIJING (AP) — Lawmakers from various countries are reporting that Chinese diplomats are exerting pressure on them to abstain from attending a China-focused summit in Taiwan. Politicians from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and another undisclosed Asian country have revealed that they are receiving communications aimed at dissuading them from participating in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance conference. Hosted in Taiwan, the summit brings together hundreds of lawmakers from 35 countries who are concerned about the approach of democracies towards Beijing. Despite the pressure exerted by the Chinese government, the conference is set to commence on Monday in Taiwan.
PARIS (AP) — While the swimming portion of a trial run for the Olympic triathlon had to be canceled due to water quality concerns in the Seine River, organizers remain optimistic that triathletes will be able to swim in the river during the actual Olympic events scheduled for the coming week. The men’s triathlon is slated for Tuesday, followed by the women’s competition on Wednesday. Although the practice session was modified to exclude the swimming component based on water quality tests, officials are confident that the course will be safe for the triathletes during the official events.
