A rocket launched from Lebanon resulted in the tragic death of 12 young individuals, raising concerns about potential conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Tensions in the Middle East are escalating following the strike of a rocket from Lebanon onto a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, claiming the lives of 12 children and teenagers. The incident has sparked fears of a wider regional war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, although Hezbollah has denied any involvement. Iran has issued a warning to Israel, stating that a strong response will lead to “unprecedented consequences.” The White House National Security Council is actively pursuing a diplomatic solution to cease all attacks in the border area between Israel and Lebanon.
Kamala Harris is drawing attention to multiracial identity in America
The decision of President Joe Biden to withdraw from the White House race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has altered the political landscape, especially given Harris’s potential to become the first female president of multiracial heritage. With a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Harris is making history in her presidential bid by spotlighting American identity politics and the increasing number of individuals identifying as multiracial. In 2010, 9 million people identified as multiracial, a number that had risen to 33.8 million by the time of Harris’s vice presidential campaign in 2020.
Harris’s White House campaign raises $200 million in first week and garners 170,000 volunteers
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has amassed a staggering $200 million since she emerged as the likely Democratic nominee last week. The campaign announced this remarkable fundraising total on Sunday, with 66% of the donations coming from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, over 170,000 volunteers have enlisted to support the Harris campaign through phone banking, canvassing, and other voter outreach initiatives. With Election Day just 100 days away, campaign communications director Michael Tyler acknowledges Harris’s momentum but underscores that the election will hinge on a small number of voters in key states.
Outsider Senate candidate Bernie Moreno’s politically connected family background
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno of Ohio presents himself as a political outsider in his campaign against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Yet, Moreno’s personal narrative is overshadowed by his family’s wealth and influence, prominently demonstrated by his father’s governmental role in Colombia and his mother’s success as a real estate broker in Florida. Furthermore, Moreno’s siblings include a former political adviser and diplomat, as well as a significant businessman in Colombia. Notably, Moreno’s cousin had a high-ranking position in Colombia’s national infrastructure agency before being embroiled in a corruption scandal and returning to the U.S.
Venezuelan election outcome could have far-reaching impact
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are casting their votes in a critical presidential election that could either signal a major political shift or entrench the policies responsible for the country’s severe economic decline for another six years. The contest between President Nicolás Maduro and his main rival, former diplomat Edmundo González, carries substantial implications for the entire Americas, as both government opponents and supporters contemplate emigration in the event of a Maduro victory. With over 7.7 million individuals already leaving the country, an estimated 17 million Venezuelans are eligible to participate in the election.
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease offer a promising diagnostic approach
WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent research suggests that specific blood tests may facilitate faster and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease. While confirming the presence of Alzheimer’s still typically requires advanced procedures like brain scans or spinal taps, labs are increasingly offering blood tests as alternative diagnostic tools. A Swedish study highlighted the effectiveness of a particular blood test in improving diagnosis without the need for more expensive follow-up measures. These findings, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, represent a step forward in the utilization of blood testing for Alzheimer’s.
Can technology address the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles?
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles nonprofit is developing software aimed at revolutionizing shelter and services for the city’s extensive homeless population. Despite substantial funding, efforts to alleviate homelessness are hindered by inefficient and disjointed computer systems that impede effective coordination and data accuracy. Better Angels United, founded by tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, is spearheading the creation of a mobile-friendly prototype for outreach workers, to be followed by systems for shelter operators and a comprehensive shelter bed database currently lacking in the region.
Beijing accused of pressuring lawmakers not to attend Taiwan summit
BEIJING (AP) — Lawmakers from several countries report receiving pressure from Chinese diplomats to refrain from attending a Taiwan-focused summit organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance. Politicians in Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and another Asian country have disclosed attempts by Chinese officials to dissuade them from participating in the conference, which aims to address democratic approaches to Beijing. The IPAC, comprising hundreds of lawmakers from 35 nations, is scheduled to commence the summit in Taiwan on Monday amid ongoing tensions with the Chinese government.
Attorney alleges cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ Zambada was forcibly brought to the U.S.
HOUSTON (AP) — The attorney representing Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure in a Mexican drug cartel now in U.S. custody, refutes claims that Zambada willingly traveled to the country. According to the attorney, Zambada was “forcibly kidnapped” by JoaquÃn “El Chapo” Guzmán’s son and taken to the U.S. following an ambush at an airport near El Paso, Texas. The U.S. Justice Department has yet to respond to the attorney’s assertions, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Zambada’s arrival in the U.S.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ sets R-rated film record with $205 million debut
Marvel’s latest release, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” achieved a remarkable $205 million in its opening weekend in North American theaters, breaking the previous record for R-rated films held by the original “Deadpool.” The movie’s global earnings, including international showings, exceed $233.3 million, surpassing $438.3 million worldwide. Ranked as the eighth highest domestic opening weekend, “Deadpool & Wolverine” joins the ranks of blockbuster Marvel films like “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”
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