Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a wave of violence has emerged in the West Bank perpetrated by Jewish settlers against Palestinians. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Tel Aviv to address the issue and push for accountability. Since Hamas' attack on October 7th, settlers in the West Bank have killed over 120 Palestinians and injured at least 2,000, forcibly expelling over 800 Palestinians from their homes and engaging in various acts of destruction. President Joe Biden had previously called for an end to this violence, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Blinken's visit aimed to urge Israel to impose a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting, allowing aid to enter Gaza and hostages to be released. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and holding the violent settlers accountable. Although the specific actions regarding accountability were not outlined, it is expected that those involved in the attacks, including murders, should be arrested and charged.
The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides, with over 9,000 Palestinians and 1,400 people in Israel losing their lives. Blinken's visit seeks to address the alarming humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provide a path forward. Israel's response to these demands remains unclear, but the U.S. has reiterated its support for Israel's right to defend itself while also urging for the protection of civilians and the cessation of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are expected to be in town this Friday, November 3rd. The White House has issued a Daily Guidance and Press Schedule, stating that the Bidens will be in Rehoboth around 9:40 p.m. on Friday. However, before arriving in Rehoboth, the president will be traveling to Lewiston, Maine, earlier in the day to pay respects to the victims of a mass shooting that occurred on October 25th. The president and first lady are expected to meet with first responders, nurses, and others involved in the response to the tragic event. While it is unclear how long the Bidens will be in town, a flight restriction notice has been issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, which indicates that restrictions will be in place until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, November 6th. It is likely that the president will spend a few days at his North Shores home in Rehoboth, and there will be security measures in place, such as restrictions at Gordons Pond and motorcade traffic control on Route 1. Overall, the Bidens' visit is expected to be a solemn and private one, as they pay their respects and support the communities affected by the mass shooting.
The Pentagon has confirmed that the US has been flying unarmed surveillance drones over Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. The drones are being used in support of hostage recovery efforts and are providing advice and assistance to the Israeli partner. The drones, MQ-9 Reapers, have been spotted by reporters on a publicly available flight-tracking website, circling Gaza. The drones are not helping co-ordinate Israeli military action but are passing on information related to hostage recovery. Officials have said that the drones are primarily used as surveillance aircraft due to their long loitering capability. In addition to the drone flights, the US Navy has recently fired combat munitions from an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the Arabian Sea - the first time this has occurred in the Middle East. The presence of these drones and the US Navy vessels in the region are part of the US effort to prevent the conflict between Hamas and Israel from spreading.
After days of relentless efforts, the second worker trapped in the building collapse in Martin County, Kentucky, has been found dead. The collapse occurred at the Martin Mine Prep Plant on Tuesday evening. The workers, identified as Bill Ray Daniels and Alvin Nees, were salvaging material from the building when it crumbled. Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene, and efforts to rescue Nees continued for two more days. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his sadness over the situation and called it heartbreaking, urging everyone to pray for the families of the two workers. The remote location of the incident posed communication challenges for first responders, but they persevered in their rescue attempts. Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources to the area. The bodies of both workers are being recovered from the rubble. The collapse of the coal preparation plant has brought devastation to the Martin County community.
Satellite imagery and videos from open and official sources suggest that Israeli ground forces are closing in on Gaza City, the largest and most densely packed population center in the Palestinian enclave. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim that they have encircled the city from the air, land, and sea and are advancing in battles to destroy terrorist infrastructures and eliminate militants. The IDF's ground offensive into Gaza began a week ago, with troops pushing forward on three axes to divide the strip into two. The European Space Agency satellite imagery from Wednesday indicates that Israeli troops are less than a kilometer away from completely encircling Gaza City. Videos have shown Israeli forces moving in from the north and footage has also shown them on a highway seemingly blocking movement into Gaza City from the south. The urban area of Gaza City is home to nearly 2 million people living in a densely populated 88-square-mile area, which equates to about 21,000 people per square mile. As Israeli forces encircle Gaza City, the urban fight is likely to intensify with potential higher costs in casualties.
A powerful earthquake struck western Nepal, causing the collapse of houses and resulting in the deaths of at least 69 people. The quake had a magnitude of either 6.4 or 5.7, depending on different sources. The tremors were felt in neighboring districts and even as far away as New Delhi, India. Rescue and search teams have been dispatched to the affected areas, but it has been difficult to reach the epicenter in Jajarkot due to landslides blocking the roads. The Prime Minister of Nepal has expressed sorrow at the loss of life and ordered immediate rescue and relief operations. The quake occurred at around 11:47 p.m. local time in Jajarkot district, a hilly area with scattered villages. Nepal is no stranger to earthquakes, with a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 claiming the lives of approximately 9,000 people. The toll from this recent quake is expected to rise as communication with many areas has been cut off.
Former President Donald Trump's son, Eric Trump, testified at the Trump Organization's civil fraud trial, denying any involvement with his father's financial statements. However, emails presented in court paint a different picture. While Eric Trump claimed that he had no knowledge or work on his father's statements of financial condition, a decade-old email showed he was asked for information for one of those statements. Another Trump Organization executive also testified that Eric Trump was present in a video call discussing his father's financial statement in 2021. Despite these contradictions, Eric Trump maintained that he couldn't recall the particular call and emphasized the sheer volume of calls he attends daily.
The trial, closely watched by many, saw Eric Trump following his brother, Donald Trump Jr., to the stand. However, tensions arose when Judge Arthur Engoron considered expanding the gag order after defense lawyers criticized his law clerk's role in the case. The judge fines Donald Trump twice for violating this order. Complaints from Trump's legal team regarding the clerk passing notes to the judge during testimony were met with Engoron's assertion that he has an "absolutely unfettered right" to the clerk's advice.
The Trump Organization's civil fraud trial continues as Eric and Donald Trump Jr.'s testimonies shed light on their involvement in their father's financial statements and the family business.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the legality of a ban on bump stocks, accessories that allow semi-automatic rifles to fire more quickly. The ban was implemented by the Trump administration following the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. Gun owner and licensed dealer Michael Cargill, who owned two bump stocks before the ban went into effect, later surrendered them to the government and sued, claiming that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives did not have the legal authority to implement the prohibition. Lower courts have reached differing conclusions on the issue, prompting both the Biden administration and gun rights activists to seek Supreme Court intervention. Bump stocks use the recoil energy of a trigger pull to enable the user to fire up to hundreds of rounds per minute. The case will be heard and decided sometime this term, which ends in June. |||||
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked a heated debate about media coverage, with NPR at the center of the conversation. Critics argue that NPR's reporting is biased, while others believe it fails to provide sufficient context for Israel's actions. NPR's public editor, Kelly McBride, has addressed these criticisms, noting that over 60% of the selected audience notes accused NPR of an anti-Israel bias. However, McBride defends NPR's journalism, stating that the newsroom has done a commendable job in covering the conflict and avoiding significant errors. She highlights several powerful stories reported by NPR, including an investigation into Hamas atrocities and a photo story documenting the aftermath of a Hamas attack on an Israeli town. McBride's analysis is based on reading every note and criticism that came in, as well as reviewing more than 115 NPR stories. In conclusion, while there may be differing opinions on NPR's coverage, it is important to listen to the critics and consider their perspectives.
Protesters in Oakland have gathered at the Port of Oakland to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and to stop a US military supply ship, the Cape Orlando, from delivering weapons to Israel. The protesters believe that the ship, which is reportedly headed to Tacoma, Washington, will pick up weapons and military equipment before being delivered to Israel. However, union officials and subcontractors have refuted these claims, stating that the ship is empty and has not been in operation for years. The protest, organized by the Arab Resource Organizing Center, involved protesters locking themselves to the ship and blocking the entrance to Berth 20. As of Friday afternoon, there have been no arrests and the protest has not disrupted other cargo handling activities at the port. The goal of the protesters is to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and call for an immediate ceasefire.
A California State Bar Court judge has made a preliminary finding of culpability against former Donald Trump lawyer John Eastman for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The ruling comes in the midst of an 11-count misconduct trial against Eastman, who could potentially be stripped of his legal license if found guilty. While this preliminary finding does not mean that Eastman has been convicted of the charges, legal experts suggest that he may be the next person to cooperate against Trump in a criminal case. Eastman is one of 18 people indicted alongside Trump in the Georgia election interference investigation, and four defendants have already taken plea deals in exchange for their testimony. If Eastman were to lose his license, it could incentivize him to plea and cooperate in order to avoid prison time. Eastman's legal team has denied any wrongdoing in the disciplinary trial. He has also pleaded not guilty to all charges in the Fulton County election interference case. The trial against Eastman is ongoing, and a final decision is expected in late November.
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Late Wednesday night, the U.S. House voted on a resolution from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib over Tlaib's comments about the Israel-Hamas war. However, the resolution was ultimately tabled, with 23 Republicans siding with Democrats. This decision has left Rep. Greene angry with members of her own party.
In response to the resolution being tabled, Rep. Greene took to social media to criticize her Republican colleagues who voted against the resolution. She posted a list of the 23 Republicans who voted against censuring Tlaib, calling them out for their lack of action. Rep. Tom Massie, one of the Republicans who voted to table the resolution, stated that free speech means protecting even the speech you don't like.
Rep. Chip Roy, another member of the Republican Party, agreed that Tlaib had made outrageous remarks but believed that the resolution to censure her was flawed. He argued that the resolution made unverified claims and misused the word "insurrection."
Overall, this resolution and the divisions it has caused within the Republican Party highlight the ongoing tensions over the Israel-Hamas war and raise questions about party unity and political maneuvering.
Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has broken his silence and made a speech addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Hezbollah, known as Israel's biggest threat, has already launched multiple attacks on Israel in recent weeks. Nasrallah's speech hinted at Hezbollah's potential escalation in the conflict. While he claimed that Hezbollah already joined the war on October 8, he also stated that the status quo is likely to remain for now, with limited attacks and strikes. Nasrallah warned that if the Israel Defense Forces attack Lebanon, they will "pay dearly." He also issued a strong warning to the United States, claiming that they are just as responsible for the war due to their support for Israel.
The question remains: Will Hezbollah's involvement change the course of the Israel-Hamas war? Nasrallah's speech suggests that Hezbollah is currently focused on keeping Israeli forces occupied in the north, rather than fully entering the fight in Gaza. However, he did not rule out the possibility of further action depending on Israel's response. As tensions continue to rise, the region waits to see if Hezbollah's powerful presence will tip the scales in this intense conflict.
The trial to determine whether former President Donald Trump can be kept off the Colorado ballot in 2024 under the 14th Amendment's Section 3 has concluded, and a ruling is expected later this month. The trial featured testimony from legal scholars, US Capitol Police officers, rally organizers, lawmakers, and an expert on right-wing extremism. The key question for Judge Sarah B. Wallace to answer is whether Trump's actions after the 2020 election, including the January 6th attack on Congress, constitute "insurrection" or "rebellion" as defined by the U.S. Constitution. The 14th Amendment prohibits anyone who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding federal office. However, there is no explicit definition of these terms in the Constitution. The intent of the amendment was to exclude individuals who had violated their oath to uphold the Constitution from positions of authority. Trump maintains that the election was stolen and continues to support those involved in the Capitol attack. If Judge Wallace rules in favor of disqualifying Trump, it could have significant implications for his potential candidacy in 2024.
A surge of violence by extremist Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinians in the West Bank has raised concerns about the role of Israel's security forces and hard-right government in encouraging and aiding these attacks. Recent killings, including the deaths of Eisa Jebril and Bilal Saleh, have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability for settler violence.
Eisa Jebril, a trained engineer, was fatally shot near his village of Tekoa by an Israeli settler dressed as a soldier. While there is no official confirmation of who killed him, watchdogs have noted an increasing trend of settlers wearing military uniforms. The Jebril family has not received any communication from officials regarding the incident.
Similarly, Bilal Saleh was killed by Israeli settlers while collecting olives from his ancestral grove. Footage shows four settlers approaching Saleh's land, one with a weapon, before a shot is heard. Saleh's widow called for justice, emphasizing the impact on their children.
These incidents are part of a surge in violence since October 7, with at least 121 people killed in the West Bank, including multiple killings by settlers. Human rights activists claim that settlers are well-armed and increasingly encroaching on Palestinian land.
Critics have called for accountability and an end to incitement and extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. International attention has focused on the conflict in Gaza, but the growing concerns over settler violence highlight the ongoing tensions and violence in the West Bank.
Muslim Americans who once saw President Joe Biden as a welcome change from the Trump administration now feel betrayed by his support for Israel's military assault on Gaza. Many had hoped for a new era of inclusivity, but instead, they feel their concerns are being ignored. The Biden administration's adoption of Trump-era border policies and its recent conflation of Palestinian student groups with terrorists have further damaged their trust. Muslim Americans played a significant role in securing Biden's victory in key swing states, but now many are declaring that they will not support him in the next election.
The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions has sparked outrage among Muslim communities across the country. They see the US government as an active partner in Israel's genocidal war on Gaza and its denial of basic necessities to Palestinians. Many feel a widening disconnect with the White House and question whether their concerns are being heard.
While Biden's support for Israel may appeal to some voters, it could come at the cost of losing support from Muslim Americans in the next election. The question remains: Is President Biden's strong support for Israel hurting his relationship with Muslim Americans?
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Title: Is President Biden's Support for Israel Hurting His Relationship with Muslim Americans?
Article: Muslim Americans who once saw President Joe Biden as a welcome change from the Trump administration now feel betrayed by his support for Israel's military assault on Gaza. Many had hoped for a new era of inclusivity, but instead, they feel their concerns are being ignored. The Biden administration's adoption of Trump-era border policies and its recent conflation of Palestinian student groups with terrorists have further damaged their trust. Muslim Americans played a significant role in securing Biden's victory in key swing states, but now many are declaring that they will not support him in the next election.
The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions has sparked outrage among Muslim communities across the country. They see the US government as an active partner in Israel's genocidal war on Gaza and its denial of basic necessities to Palestinians. Many feel a widening disconnect with the White House and question whether their concerns are being heard.
While Biden's support for Israel may appeal to some voters, it could come at the cost of losing support from Muslim Americans in the next election. The question remains: Is President Biden's strong support for Israel hurting his relationship with Muslim Americans?
According to reports, an Israeli airstrike targeted a convoy of ambulances near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuring 60 others. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society stated that the convoy was transporting the wounded from Gaza City to Rafah in the south. The Israel Defense Forces claimed that the ambulance was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell and that multiple Hamas operatives were killed in the strike. However, videos reviewed by The Post showed no weapons or individuals wearing military clothing in the vicinity, and the victims included women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry had announced the departure of the convoy two hours prior and had requested the International Committee of the Red Cross to accompany the ambulances. Unfortunately, the convoy left without escort due to an urgent need. This incident adds to the high death toll in Gaza since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7, with more than 9,000 people killed. The airstrike also comes as Israel continues its air attacks on Gaza, with the military claiming to have surrounded Gaza City.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has come under fire for his comments comparing his work as a football coach to the demanding responsibilities of Gen. Eric Smith, the Marine Corps' top officer. Tuberville dismissed concerns about his nine-month hold on military promotions, stating that Smith was working long hours regardless of his actions. The senator's remarks have drawn criticism for their apparent lack of understanding or respect for the work of the armed forces. Tuberville's comments have sparked outrage as he downplays the impact of his blockade on military operations. This incident adds to the growing criticisms of Tuberville's competency and his lack of understanding of the realities faced by military leaders. Critics argue that Tuberville's comparison is not only disrespectful but also minimizes the sacrifices and dangers faced by military personnel. The senator's actions and statements continue to highlight his incompetence and raise questions about his ability to effectively serve in his role as a senator.
Authorities are searching for a driver who tried to crash through the gates of a nuclear plant in South Carolina. The incident occurred at the Oconee Nuclear Station near Seneca on Thursday night. Security had previously asked the same car to leave when it attempted to enter the plant. However, a pop-up security barrier prevented the car from entering the plant. The driver then backed up and tried to drive down a dirt road, while Duke Energy security attempted to block them in. The driver allegedly tried to hit the guards before driving through a fence and leaving the plant property. Shots were fired a short distance from the plant, but it is unclear who fired them. The car, a silver 2002 Toyota Camry with an Arkansas license plate, is currently being sought by authorities. Fortunately, no security staff were injured in the incident and the plant is said to be operating safely. The investigation is ongoing.
As the 2024 balloting deadlines approach, the question of Donald Trump's eligibility to be on the presidential ballot is looming. Efforts to bar him from holding office under the 14th Amendment are gaining momentum in separate court cases in Minnesota and Colorado. The cases argue that Trump's actions and rhetoric following the 2020 election, including his support for the Capitol insurrection, constitute treason and disqualify him from public office. While some may consider the idea of barring Trump from the ballot as outlandish, legal experts point to the clear language of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States from holding office.
The trials in Minnesota and Colorado will ultimately determine whether Trump's actions can be considered insurrection or rebellion. Supporters of the efforts argue that it is necessary to prevent a threat to democracy, while Trump's defenders reject the analysis and maintain that he should be allowed to run for office again. As these cases progress and different state courts reach different conclusions, it is increasingly likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will have to resolve the issue. The court's decision could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the stability of the American democracy.
A federal appeals court has granted a temporary hold on the gag order against former President Donald Trump in his federal election interference case. The court will consider Trump's claim that the restrictions violate his First Amendment rights. The order was put in place by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, who believed that Trump's inflammatory speech could lead to harassment and intimidation of witnesses and prosecutors involved in the case. Trump's attorneys argue that there is no evidence to support such concerns.
The panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, consisting of two Obama appointees and one Biden appointee, will review briefs from both sides over the next three weeks. Trump's team has until Tuesday to present their case for why the gag order should remain on hold during the appeal.
Meanwhile, in the same case, Judge Chutkan has faced death threats from a Trump supporter. However, she did not include herself in the gag order, only her staff. In response to Trump's appeal, Chutkan briefly lifted the order but later reinstated it, citing the need to protect the integrity of the trial and its participants. While Trump is still allowed to criticize President Biden and the Justice Department, his focus has shifted away from the prosecutors and witnesses involved in the case.
Tragedy strikes in Martin County, Kentucky as both men trapped in a building collapse are confirmed dead. Alvin Nees, who had been missing since Tuesday evening, was sadly pronounced dead after being trapped in the collapsed coal preparation plant for nearly three days. The body of Billy Ray "Bo" Daniels, the other worker trapped in the rubble, is scheduled to be recovered later tonight.
Rescuers have been working tirelessly since the collapse occurred, but were unable to locate Nees until today. Despite their efforts, the situation became increasingly grim as time went on. The operation transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery mission, as it became increasingly unlikely for any survivors to be found.
Witnesses reported hearing Nees talking and praying after the initial collapse, giving rescuers hope that he may still be alive. However, he was located underneath multiple layers of concrete and steel, making it impossible to reach him in time.
The coal preparation plant had been closed for years and the collapse occurred during reclamation work. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this heartbreaking time.
In his first public comments since the war in Gaza began, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah made it clear that his group does not plan to escalate the conflict with Israel. Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israeli forces along the Lebanese border to help Hamas by diverting Israeli attention and resources. "The Lebanese front has lessened a large part of the forces that were going to escalate the attack on Gaza," Nasrallah said. However, he also stated that Hezbollah is prepared for all possibilities and could resort to further action if hostilities with Israel intensify. Nasrallah's speech is seen as a reassurance for Lebanon, which has been anxious about the prospect of being dragged into a larger confrontation with Israel. The ongoing war in Lebanon has remained localized to the southern region, with Hezbollah fighters being the majority of casualties. Israel has reported the deaths of six soldiers and one civilian, while Hezbollah claims to have killed or injured 120 Israeli soldiers.
Survivors and family members of the Lewiston shooting are demanding answers and action from President Joe Biden and other officials. They want a detailed review of what went wrong and why a suspect with mental health issues and a history of making threats was able to maintain access to firearms.
The investigation into the shooting has revealed that there were gaps in communication and information sharing between various systems. It is clear that these failures may have contributed to the tragedy.
There are some simple principles that should be applied to prevent such incidents. If someone is deemed unfit to have access to firearms within the military, they should also be restricted from civilian access. Authorities should take concerns raised by families and law enforcement seriously and assess the potential threat. These measures, among others, can help prevent gun violence.
The time of death of the shooter, Robert Card, suggests that he may have been alive and on the move for more than 24 hours after the killings. The medical examiner's office has explained that Card's condition made it difficult to determine the exact time of death.
President Biden visited Lewiston to pay his respects and met with victims of the shooting. He acknowledged the need for action and expressed his condolences. Investigations by both state and federal authorities have been initiated to identify the failures that occurred and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
The shooting in Lewiston has raised many questions, and it is crucial that thorough investigations are conducted to determine how the gunman was able to possess firearms and carry out such a devastating act of violence.
Internal documents obtained by THE CITY reveal that city regulators had raised concerns about donations to Eric Adams' mayoral campaign. The FBI recently conducted a raid at the home of Adams' campaign operative, Brianna Suggs, as part of an investigation into contributions to the campaign. The investigation targets donations made by employees of KSK Construction Company, a Brooklyn-based firm with ties to Turkey. The federal government is examining whether the campaign collaborated with the construction company and the Turkish government to inject foreign money into the campaign through straw donors. Adams, who is not a target of the probe, has previously visited Turkey multiple times. The raid at Suggs' home is believed to be linked to her role as the campaign fundraiser. Questions have been raised about Suggs' qualifications and her close relationship with Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a senior aide to Adams. While Suggs has not been accused of any wrongdoing, her association with the campaign has drawn scrutiny. The investigation adds uncertainty to Adams' tenure as mayor and raises concerns about the integrity of the campaign donations process.