32 Palestinians Shot Dead in Gaza
DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) – Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians on Saturday who were trying to reach food distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), resulting in the deaths of at least 32 individuals, according to local witnesses and hospital officials. The tragic incident unfolded in southern Gaza, close to distribution hubs run by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed organization that aims to replace the traditional United Nations-led aid system, claiming that Hamas militants divert supplies. The U.N. has denied these allegations.
GHF states that it has provided millions of meals to Palestinians in need, yet local health officials report that multiple people have fallen victim to Israeli gunfire while attempting to access the food hubs, which are located in military-controlled areas. While the Israeli army claimed that warning shots were fired after a group approached the troops near the southern city of Rafah and ignored calls to maintain distance, GHF asserted that no incidents occurred near its sites and warned aid seekers against traveling to the locations during nighttime hours.
Syria's Interim President Calls for Ceasefire
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's interim President, called on Sunni Muslim Bedouin tribes on Saturday to "fully commit" to a ceasefire aimed at ending violent clashes with Druze-linked militias that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and jeopardized the nation’s postwar transition. Al-Sharaa's address comes amidst ongoing clashes in the southern province of Sweida, where government forces, initially dispatched to restore order, have aligned with Bedouins against the Druze. The situation escalated with airstrikes by Israel targeting Syrian forces before a truce was established.
In his televised remarks, al-Sharaa criticized "armed factions from Sweida" for reigniting the violence. He also addressed the dangers presented by Israeli military interventions that have intensified the conflict, stating that it places the nation in a precarious phase.
Car Crash in Los Angeles Injures 30
LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a shocking incident in Los Angeles, a vehicle rammed into a crowd gathered outside a performance venue early Saturday, injuring 30 individuals. Eyewitnesses reported that bystanders became enraged and attacked the driver, who later was found to be shot. The nature of the shooting remains unclear, as police continue to investigate the whereabouts of a suspected gunman who fled the scene.
Among the injured, 23 victims were transported to various hospitals, with seven reported in critical condition. The chaotic scene unfolded as attendees, predominantly women, were queuing to enter Vermont Hollywood when the car struck a food vending cart and a valet stand, leading to injuries and panic among the crowd.
Russia Intensifies Drone Assault on Ukraine
In a significant escalation of violence, Russia unleashed a massive assault on Ukraine with over 300 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles, resulting in at least one confirmed death in Odesa. The intense bombardment marks a continued effort by Russia to undermine Ukrainian defenses amid prolonged hostilities that have persisted for over three years. In addition to the fatality, five individuals, including a child, sustained injuries during the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported extensive damage to critical infrastructure in various regions, as officials in Odesa confirmed drone strikes led to a fire within a residential building. Zelenskyy acknowledged international leaders' assistance and stressed the importance of our agreements aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Controversial Surrogacy Case in California
LOS ANGELES (AP) – A potential surrogate for a couple facing scrutiny in Southern California has spoken out, revealing her decision to withdraw after feeling uncomfortable due to the couple's requests. Silvia Zhang and her husband Guojun Xuan are under investigation after their infant required hospitalization for a serious head injury, prompting authorities to remove 21 children from the couple’s custody, most of whom were born via surrogacy.
Surrogacy agreements involve a woman carrying a child for another individual or couple, and allegations have surfaced regarding the couple’s practices. The children in concern range from mere infants to children as old as 13, with most being very young toddlers.
Deadly Boat Capsizing in Vietnam
HA LONG BAY, Vietnam (AP) – A tourist boat capsized during a sudden thunderstorm on Saturday, tragically resulting in the loss of 37 lives, with five individuals still unaccounted for. The incident occurred on the Wonder Sea boat, which was ferrying 48 passengers and five crew members on a tour in the well-known Ha Long Bay. Strong winds overturned the vessel, prompting a rescue operation that managed to save 11 individuals near the capsizing site.
Rescue workers reported recovering bodies and locating survivors, including a young boy who was trapped for hours under the hull. Most passengers hailed from Hanoi and included around 20 children.
Medicaid Access Rollbacks in Several States
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Several Democrat-led states have rolled back Medicaid access for low-income immigrants lacking permanent legal status. California, Illinois, and Minnesota have limited or ended coverage for countless individuals who previously benefited from health insurance programs designed to provide care regardless of immigration status, reversing a trend set since 2020 that had expanded such access.
Affected individuals, such as a woman identified only as Maria, have reported significant changes to their healthcare access following these rollbacks, illustrating the implications for vulnerable populations.
Tech CEO Resigns Amid Controversy
After a video surfaced capturing CEO Andy Byron at a Coldplay concert embracing an employee, he has resigned from Cincinnati-based Astronomer Inc. The company confirmed the leadership change in a statement that emphasized the importance of maintaining standards of conduct and accountability among its leaders. Byron's resignation follows his temporary leave and an investigation into the incident that quickly gained widespread attention.
