Israel issues evacuation order to 1.1 million Gazans, raising concerns of disaster
In a concerning move, the Israeli government has ordered the evacuation of the entire population of northern Gaza, leaving more than 1 million people with the difficult decision of whether to abandon their homes. This order, which comes amidst the ongoing war with Hamas, has raised fears of an imminent ground offensive in the densely populated region. While Israel claims that the order is intended to protect civilian lives, the United Nations has called the move “impossible” and warns of the potential for a disaster.
Humanitarian organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, are calling on Israel to reverse its order. They argue that without guarantees of safety or the ability to return home, the evacuation would amount to the war crime of forcible transfer.
In response to the intensifying conflict, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as the United States grapples with how to handle the surprise Hamas attack and the fate of American citizens, some of whom have been taken hostage.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with airstrikes increasing and the death toll rising. More than 1,500 people have been killed, and over 6,200 have been injured. The region is also facing critical shortages of electricity, water, and medical supplies, putting immense strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
As tensions rise globally in support of Palestinians, authorities in the United States and around the world are preparing for a worldwide “day of rage.”
Steve Scalise withdraws from House speaker race, causing further turmoil
The race for House speaker has become even more uncertain after Steve Scalise unexpectedly withdrew from the race, following Kevin McCarthy’s previous ousting. House Republicans are now set to meet to nominate a new candidate for the position.
Scalise’s decision came after hours of meetings where he failed to gather enough support from his critics. To win the speakership, he would have needed at least 217 out of 221 Republicans to vote in his favor on the House floor.
Following Scalise’s withdrawal, some Republicans have already identified alternative candidates for the position.
Colorado police officer found guilty in Elijah McClain’s death
A Colorado police officer has been found guilty and another acquitted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a Black pedestrian whose tragic death sparked protests against police brutality. Officer Randy Roedema was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, while former officer Jason Rosenblatt was acquitted.
McClain was detained by Roedema and Rosenblatt before being injected with ketamine by paramedics. Shortly after the injection, McClain had no pulse and went into cardiac arrest. Though he was initially revived, he was later declared brain dead and died.
The officer accused of putting McClain in a chokehold is set to go on trial later this week, and the paramedics involved will also face trial this year.
A rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse to be visible
This weekend, sky-watchers in certain parts of the United States will have the chance to witness a rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in states including Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Texas, as well as parts of California, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona. For those outside of these areas, they will still be able to see a partial eclipse.
This event is highly anticipated as it is uncommon for the path of a solar eclipse to cross so cleanly over the continental U.S. The next opportunity to witness this type of eclipse in the contiguous U.S. won’t occur until February 2046.
For more information on the best places and times to view the eclipse, please visit our live coverage.
Winner of “Fat Bear Week” announced
In a lighter news story, the winner of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve’s annual “Fat Bear Week” competition has been announced. Grazer, an 18-year-old single mother bear known for her exceptional fishing skills, was crowned the fattest of the fat bears. This unique competition attracts hundreds of thousands of internet users each year.
In Brief: Other notable news
-Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has been hit with new charges, accusing him of accepting bribes from a foreign government and conspiring to act as a foreign agent.
-A former IRS contractor has admitted to stealing tax records belonging to Donald Trump and leaking them to the media.
-Donald Trump plans to return to the civil fraud case against him and his company to watch the testimony of his former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
-Explore the case of Julie Jensen and the justice brought to her nearly 25 years after her death in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
-Amazon’s fall Prime Day may be over, but there are still plenty of discounts available. Check out what’s still on sale, from electronics to kitchen appliances.
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