Severe weather wreaks havoc across multiple Southern states, leaving a trail of destruction
VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) — A series of powerful storms has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, with hundreds more injured and widespread destruction in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The storms have caused extensive damage to homes and a truck stop where individuals sought shelter during the severe weather. Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, reported seven fatalities following a tornado that tore through a rural area near a mobile home park on Saturday night. Additionally, Arkansas saw five casualties, Oklahoma reported two, and Kentucky reported one fatality. Tens of thousands of residents in the region are currently without power.
Tornado leaves trail of destruction in north Texas county, killing seven
VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) — The residents of a remote north Texas county are reeling from the aftermath of a tornado that claimed the lives of seven individuals near the small community of Valley View. Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington described a scene of utter devastation on Sunday, with debris strewn across the area bordering Oklahoma. Among the deceased were two children, aged 2 and 5, in Valley View, a tight-knit farming community with a population of barely 800. The sheriff reported that three family members were found dead in one residence. This county bore the brunt of the powerful storms that resulted in a total of 15 fatalities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 35 as displaced individuals are hit
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health workers have reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 individuals and have targeted tents housing displaced residents in Rafah in southern Gaza. The strikes have left numerous individuals trapped in flaming debris. These attacks occurred just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to cease its military offensive in Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population sought refuge before Israel’s intervention. Israel’s military stated that it targeted a Hamas installation where senior Hamas members were present. Gaza’s Health Ministry indicated that the majority of the deceased and wounded are women and children.
Key witnesses in Donald Trump’s hush money trial testify as closing arguments loom
NEW YORK (AP) — Testimony has concluded in Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York after 22 witnesses, including a porn actor, tabloid publisher, and White House insiders, took the stand. Prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers are scheduled to deliver their closing arguments on Tuesday. The case centers around allegations that Trump unlawfully falsified records at his company to prevent embarrassing stories from surfacing during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, now awaits the jury’s decision based on their interpretation of the testimony presented.
Josef Newgarden wins back-to-back at Indy 500, securing Roger Penske’s 20th victory
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Josef Newgarden overcame a cheating scandal to become the first consecutive winner of the Indianapolis 500 since Helio Castroneves 22 years ago. His victory marked Roger Penske’s 20th win in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The Tennessee native passed Pato O’Ward on the final lap of Sunday’s rain-delayed race, making him the first driver since Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 to win back-to-back 500s. Following his win, Newgarden celebrated by stopping his car on the track and climbing through a fence to interact with fans in the grandstands. O’Ward reacted with disappointment, as he had aimed to become the first Mexican to win the Indy 500 in over a century of racing.
North Korea notifies Japan of satellite launch plan, likely aiming to deploy second spy satellite
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has informed Japan of its intention to launch a satellite by June 3, according to Japanese authorities. The launch, described as a “satellite rocket,” is set to take place between Monday and midnight on June 3. This likely refers to North Korea’s plan to deploy a second military spy satellite into orbit. South Korea’s military previously detected signs of activity at North Korea’s primary launch facility, indicating preparations for a spy satellite launch.
Growth in North Carolina county may impact Biden’s electoral prospects
SILER CITY, N.C. (AP) — Chatham County in North Carolina, home to just 81,000 residents and over 1,000 farms, is undergoing significant changes. The new Wolfspeed factory and an upcoming assembly plant by automaker Vinfast are expected to bolster the local economy, thanks in part to incentives signed into law by President Joe Biden. Biden’s administration has promoted investments into companies to stimulate economic growth. However, amidst concerns about inflation, these investments have yet to sway public opinion significantly in the current election year.
Death toll rises in Papua New Guinea landslide as survivors seek safety
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The International Organization for Migration has revised its estimate of the death toll from a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea to over 670. The landslide buried more than 150 homes in Yambali village, based on calculations by local officials. Previously, the death toll had been initially estimated at over 100. The recovery effort has been challenging, with only a few bodies having been discovered thus far.
Indian American dominance at National Spelling Bee reflects immigrant success and cultural influence
Over the past two decades, Indian Americans have dominated the Scripps National Spelling Bee, with 28 of the last 34 champions being of Indian descent. Many of these champions are children of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. on visas for education or work. The success of first-generation Indian Americans and their spelling bee champions highlights the economic achievements and cultural impact of this immigrant group, which is the second-largest in the U.S. The latest competition begins Tuesday, with Indian Americans expected to once again be prominent contenders.
Parents confirm PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray’s death by suicide
Grayson Murray’s parents have announced that their son, a two-time PGA Tour winner, died by suicide at the age of 30. Murray’s death occurred one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event at Colonial. His parents have requested privacy and urged individuals to honor Murray by practicing kindness towards one another. Murray had been open about his struggles with mental health and alcoholism, and had revealed his sobriety following a victory in January.
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