A rocket strike from Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 12 youths, raising concerns about a possible war 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 described it as the deadliest attack on civilians since Oct. 7. The incident has heightened fears of a larger regional conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, although Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the attack. There are concerns that such a conflict could also draw in Iran, which has issued warnings to Israel about potential consequences. This attack comes at a delicate time as Israel and Hamas are in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Kamala Harris is bringing attention to multiracial identity in America
President Joe Biden choosing to step down from the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has stirred up an election year that was already marked by division. The focus is not only on Harris’s late entry into the race but also on the historic significance of her potentially becoming the first female president of multiracial heritage. Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother, is making history with her presidential bid, shining a light on American identity politics and the increasing number of individuals identifying as multiracial. In 2010, 9 million people identified as multiracial, a number that grew to 33.8 million by 2020 when Harris ran for Vice President.
Harris’s campaign raises $200 million in its first week and gains 170,000 volunteers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris has successfully raised $200 million since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week. The campaign revealed this impressive fundraising total on Sunday, with 66% of donations coming from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have signed up to support the Harris campaign through activities like phone banking and canvassing. With Election Day just 100 days away, the campaign communications director emphasized that while Harris has momentum, the final outcome will be determined by a small number of voters in key states.
Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno’s familial connections draw attention
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno of Ohio is positioning himself as a political outsider in his race against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. While Moreno’s personal background as an outsider is being highlighted in Ohio, his family’s wealth and influence are well-documented elsewhere. Moreno’s father held a high government position in Colombia, his mother was a successful real estate broker in Florida, and among his siblings are a former political adviser and diplomat, as well as a prominent Colombian businessman. Another relative, Moreno’s cousin, led Colombia’s national infrastructure agency before facing a corruption scandal and returning to the United States.
Firefighters make progress against California wildfire amid cooler weather
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters battling a massive wildfire in northern California received a boost from cooler temperatures and increased humidity just hours after the blaze expanded to a size larger than Los Angeles. Officials announced on Saturday that the more favorable weather conditions could help slow the progress of the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year. The intensity and rapid spread of the fire drew comparisons to the devastating Paradise fire of 2018, which resulted in 85 fatalities and the destruction of 11,000 homes. The town of Paradise is once again facing evacuation warnings, along with several other communities in Butte County.
Venezuelan election outcome to have far-reaching implications
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are casting their votes in a presidential election that could either bring about significant political change or extend the policies that led to the country’s severe economic crisis for another six years. The election will decide whether President Nicolás Maduro retains power or if his main opponent, former diplomat Edmundo González, takes the helm. The results of the election will have repercussions across the Americas, as both government supporters and critics have expressed intentions to emigrate if Maduro secures another term. Over 7.7 million people have already left Venezuela, and approximately 17 million are eligible to vote in this election.
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease could revolutionize diagnosis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent research indicates that specific blood tests have the potential to expedite and enhance the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. While confirming Alzheimer’s typically involves brain scans or spinal taps to detect amyloid protein, labs are now offering blood tests as an alternative. Although the efficacy of these tests is still being evaluated, a study from Sweden found that one test showed promise in improving diagnosis without the need for more invasive procedures. Presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, these findings signify a step forward in utilizing blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s.
Beijing pressures lawmakers not to attend Taiwan summit
BEIJING (AP) — Lawmakers from multiple countries have reported receiving pressure from Chinese diplomats to skip a Taiwan-focused summit in Beijing. Politicians from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and another Asian nation declined to be named, stated that they were being contacted through texts, calls, and requests for urgent meetings that conflicted with their plans to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance conference in Taiwan. The IPAC, a group of lawmakers from 35 countries concerned about democratic approaches to Beijing, is set to convene in Taiwan on Monday, facing persistent efforts from the Chinese government to isolate the self-governing island.
Technology aimed at addressing Los Angeles homeless crisis
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles nonprofit organization is developing software with the aim of revolutionizing shelter and services in a region grappling with a severe homelessness crisis. Despite significant financial investments, efforts to reduce homelessness in Southern California have been hindered by outdated and inefficient computer systems that lack integration and often contain inaccurate data. Better Angels United, founded by tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Adam Miller, is working on a mobile-friendly prototype for outreach workers, paving the way for improved coordination among shelter operators and the establishment of a comprehensive shelter bed database that is currently lacking in the area.
Rafael Nadal advances in Olympic singles, setting up clash with Novak Djokovic
PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal made a spontaneous decision to compete in singles at the Paris Olympics and secured a victory in his first-round match against Marton Fucsovics with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Following this win, Nadal is set to face off against his longtime rival Novak Djokovic, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown. The tennis star received a standing ovation from spectators at Court Philippe Chatrier, the same venue where he has achieved multiple French Open victories. As fans gathered around a statue of Nadal outside the stadium, uncertainty loomed over whether the 38-year-old Spaniard would participate in the afternoon match.
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