Israeli strike in Qatar targets Hamas leaders as they weigh Gaza ceasefire proposal
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas’ leadership in Qatar as they considered a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Tuesday’s strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at winding down the war and freeing hostages. Qatar, which has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, condemned the “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms” as smoke rose over its capital, Doha. Hamas said in a statement that its top leaders survived the strike but that five lower-level members were killed, including the son of Hamas’ leader for Gaza. The White House described the attack as an ‘unfortunate incident’ that didn’t advance peace in the region.
What to know about the Israeli strike aimed at Hamas leaders in Qatar
An Israeli strike targeting Hamas’ top leaders as they gathered in the Gulf nation of Qatar marked a major escalation against the militant group and could upend negotiations aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip and returning Israeli hostages. It could also spark a diplomatic crisis with Qatar, a U.S. ally hosting thousands of American troops that has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas for several years, even before the latest war. A Hamas official said the strike killed the son of the group's top negotiator and the head of the negotiator's office.
Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of expanded military operation
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military warned Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of its plans to take control of what it portrays as Hamas’ last remaining stronghold and where hundreds of thousands of people remain under conditions of famine. The warning came on Tuesday ahead of an Israeli strike targeting Hamas’ leaders in Qatar, where negotiations over ending the war in Gaza appeared at a standstill. The warnings directed at Gaza City are the first calling for a full evacuation. Associated Press reporters saw lines of cars and trucks leaving on Tuesday, more than previous days. Children and adults sat atop piles of blankets, furniture, and clothing stacked on trucks and wagons.
Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw US House districts
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led House has passed a plan to redraw the state's congressional districts at the urging of President Donald Trump. The plan approved Tuesday now moves to the state Senate and could give Republicans a shot at winning almost all of Missouri's U.S. House seats. The mid-decade redistricting is part of an emerging national trend, following similar efforts in Republican-led Texas and Democratic-led California. Missouri's plan targets a Kansas City district held by a Democratic congressman by stretching it into rural Republican areas and reducing its minority voters. The Missouri NAACP has sued to try to stop the special legislative session.
Man faces federal charge in killing of Ukrainian woman on Charlotte train
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man with the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina commuter train. The charge means he could face the death penalty. Decarlos Brown Jr. has a lengthy arrest record with 14 prior criminal cases. He allegedly killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska last month on a train in Charlotte. The case has sparked debate over crime and transit safety in such cities. North Carolina prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder. He now also faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the killing was “a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people.”
Plans in the works for Korean workers detained in raid to go home while fear lingers for residents
POOLER, Ga. (AP) — South Korea's foreign minister has traveled to the U.S. to address the detention of over 300 South Korean workers. They were taken into custody during a raid at an electric battery plant in Georgia. Authorities detained around 475 workers on Thursday at the Hyundai plant near Savannah. The South Korean government is discussing their return with U.S. officials. The raid has caused anxiety among the local Korean community, with concerns about increased scrutiny and visa issues. Community leaders are urging calm and hope for a swift resolution.
Princeton doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq has been freed. 'We both started sobbing,' sister says
WASHINGTON (AP) — An Israeli-Russian doctoral student from Princeton University who was kidnapped in Iraq has been released. That's according to her family and officials. Elizabeth Tsurkov was freed Tuesday and turned over to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad following more than 900 days in captivity. Tsurkov, who holds Israeli and Russian citizenship, was kidnapped in March 2023 in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, while doing research. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that she had been “tortured for many months." He identified her captors as from Kata’ib Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant group. The group has not claimed the kidnapping.
Supreme Court to quickly consider if President Donald Trump has power to impose sweeping tariffs
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is granting an unusually quick hearing on whether President Donald Trump has the power under federal law to impose sweeping tariffs. The justices agreed Tuesday to hear the case in November, lightning-fast by the usual standards of the nation’s highest court. The tariffs will stay in place in the meantime. The small businesses and states that challenged the tariffs in court also agreed to the fast timetable. They say Trump illegally used an emergency powers law. The Trump administration argues the law does allow him to regulate imports and tariffs are necessary to strike new trade deals.
RFK Jr.'s latest 'Make America Healthy Again' report calls for more scrutiny of vaccines and autism
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is urging public health agencies to prioritize investigations of vaccine injuries, prescription drug use and autism's causes. The call is part of a new “Make America Healthy Again” report released Tuesday. Overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the report aims to end childhood diseases in the U.S. by refocusing public health on his so-called “MAHA” movement's priorities. The report suggests using personal medical records and health insurance data to investigate diseases and disorders, including autism. It also addresses issues like ultraprocessed food consumption and water quality. And it calls for increased oversight of prescription drug ads, especially those by social media influencers.
Apple has unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup, including the first iPhone Air. Here's what's new
NEW YORK (AP) — Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is here. The tech giant has unveiled four new models that mark the latest editions to its marquee product. That includes the introduction of the iPhone Air, which Apple says is its thinnest smartphone yet. And, as seen in years past, its newest phones boast better cameras, longer lasting batteries and a handful of other upgrades across the board. Tuesday’s lineup mark the first phones Apple has released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleased a barrage of tariffs. But for the most part, Apple is sticking with the same price tags it’s slapped on its newest iPhones over recent years.
