U.S. Involvement in Israel's War with Iran
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – In a significant escalation, the United States conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites early on Sunday, directly aligning itself with Israel's ongoing military efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. President Donald Trump announced that critical facilities were “completely and fully obliterated,” although no independent assessment of the damage was available.
The U.S. strikes at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz come after over a week of intense Israeli air operations, which have primarily targeted Iran's air defenses and missile capabilities. Despite these strikes, uncertainty looms regarding the U.S.'s future military engagements in Iran alongside Israel. Trump, acting without congressional authorization, warned of further strikes should Iran retaliate against American forces, asserting, “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the attacks impacted its nuclear sites but insisted that its nuclear program will not be halted, claiming no signs of radioactive contamination and no danger to nearby residents.
Israeli leaders celebrated the U.S. involvement, with President Isaac Herzog describing the moment as a pivotal confrontation between “the axis of terror and evil” and “the axis of hope.”
Tornado in North Dakota
ENDERLIN, N.D. (AP) – A powerful tornado swept through parts of the upper Midwest, particularly affecting the rural town of Enderlin, North Dakota, and resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Meteorologists reported severe weather conditions across North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin, including tornadoes, strong winds, and hail.
Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner confirmed that two men and a woman died during the storm, which also left thousands without power. The National Weather Service determined that the fatalities were linked to a tornado striking a residence. Investigators are still assessing the tornado's strength and wind speeds as cleanup efforts begin.
Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Released
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who faced over three months of detention, returned home to a warm welcome from supporters, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Khalil, who had been held due to his activism against Israeli policies, vowed to persist in his protests, declaring that both the U.S. government and Columbia University are complicit in funding what he termed a genocide. Ocasio-Cortez criticized Khalil's detention as a violation of the First Amendment, emphasizing that it was an attack on free speech.
Hot-Air Balloon Tragedy in Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – A tragic event occurred in Santa Catarina, Brazil, when a hot-air balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground, resulting in the deaths of eight people. Thirteen others were injured and transported to hospitals following the accident, which took place not long after the balloon took off, leading to a fire that originated in the basket.
Firefighter Lieutenant Colonel Zevir Cipriano Jr. reported that the incident happened at approximately 8 a.m. local time and stressed the need for further investigations into the cause of the fire that led to the balloon accident.
Stonehenge Celebrates Summer Solstice
LONDON (AP) – Thousands gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the sun broke over the ceremonial stones, approximately 25,000 attendees, including druids, pagans, and tourists, cheered in unison. With heatwaves experiencing high temperatures across the U.K., this year’s solstice celebration was particularly captivating, drawing the attention of over 400,000 viewers via livestream.
Richard Dewdney, head of operations at Stonehenge, noted that the occasion was joyous and peaceful, further asserting the monument's ability to continue enchanting and connecting diverse groups of people.
Recovery of the Sunken Superyacht Bayesian
PORTICELLO, Italy (AP) – A British-flagged luxury superyacht, the Bayesian, was successfully raised from the waters off Sicily, nearly one year after it sank and resulted in the deaths of tech magnate Mike Lynch and six others. The vessel was lifted during a complex salvage operation and is now undergoing investigations to determine the cause of its sinking.
Recovery teams from TMC Maritime confirmed that the superyacht was transported to a holding area, where it will be examined by investigators for further evidence regarding the tragedy.
‘No Kings’ Rally Shooting in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Following a fatal shooting at a “No Kings” rally, a man who carried a rifle to the event has been released from jail as investigations continue. Arturo Gamboa was initially arrested after a volunteer safety member accidentally shot a demonstrator while responding to the perceived threat. While Gamboa did not fire his weapon, authorities are still evaluating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Belarus Frees Political Prisoners
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) – In a significant development, Belarus released dissident Siarhei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners following a rare visit by a high-ranking U.S. official. Tsikhanouski’s release has brought attention to the ongoing struggles against authoritarian rule in Belarus, as his wife Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that much work remains in securing the freedom of more than 1,100 other political prisoners still incarcerated in the country.
Ukraine Repatriates Russian Soldiers
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine received at least 20 bodies of Russian soldiers in recent prisoner exchanges, highlighting ongoing chaos within Moscow’s military operations. He noted that an Israeli national was among the repatriated bodies and described Russia's treatment of its soldiers as indicative of their disregard for wartime protocols, showcasing a significant issue in the ongoing conflict.
