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☆ Lebanese American killed by Israeli airstrike while caring for those who were displaced, family says
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-13 | by ( Alaa Elassar | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —When Israeli airstrikes began raining down on southern Lebanon, Kamel Ahmad Jawad’s first instinct wasn’t to seek safety or return to the US. On October 1, Jawad, a 56-year-old American citizen, father of four and cherished figure in the Dearborn, Michigan, community, was killed by an Israeli airstrike, his family says. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military, which said they could not comment without being given the exact coordinates and time of the strike that killed Jawad. But his American citizenship, his daughter says, does not make his life any more valuable than the lives of the thousands of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians killed by Israeli airstrikes. Before he was killed, Jawad sent his children a simple voice note: “Peace be upon you.

Persons: Kamel Ahmad Jawad’s, wasn’t, Jawad, ”, Nadine Jawad, Jawad’s, Israel, Yemen –, Iran –, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, ” Hamzah Raza, ” Raza, Abed Ayoub, He’s, ” Ayoub, Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, Ali Dabaja, Bint Jbeil, Batoul Dabaja, Saad, –, Dabaja, ” Dabaja, Matthew Miller, disclaiming, Kamel Jawad Organizations: CNN, Facebook, Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Hamas, Palestinian Ministry of Health, Militant, Lebanese Diaspora Relief, “, US State Department, Arab American, Islamic, State Department, Lebanese Locations: Lebanon, Dearborn , Michigan, Israel, Nabatieh, Gaza, Beirut, Iran, Yemen, American, Dearborn, Michigan, Lebanese, US, Arab, ”, Palestinian

In this 2004 photo, then-District Attorney Kamala Harris waits for a proceeding to convene in San Francisco. The long-standing problem of racial inequities in the criminal justice system is among the issues that prompted Harris to become a prosecutor in the first place. “I grew up knowing about the disparities, inequities, and unfairness in the criminal justice system,” Harris said during a 2019 town hall hosted by MSNBC. And I am proud of the work that I did.”As a prosecutor, Harris adopted what she called a “smart on crime” approach to law enforcement. Her cautious stance on the issue frustrated many advocates of criminal justice reform, including those who expressed support for Harris on other issues.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Democratic Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Harris, ”, Paul Chinn, ” Harris, “, Michael Brown, George Floyd, –, Sen, JD Vance, Harris ’, Brendon Woods, —, ” Woods, Tim Walz, CNN’s Dana, Will Lanzoni, James Singer, Walz, truancy, Ayman Haddadin, Alice, Haddadin, Connor Haddadin, Alice Haddadin, Brown, Damian Dovarganes, Bryce Peterson, “ You’re, they’re, Kevin McCarty, hasn’t, ” McCarty, Tom Tait, ” Tait, McCarty Organizations: CNN, Democratic, San Francisco Chronicle, California Department of Justice, California’s, Minnesota Gov, MSNBC, San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club, truancy, Orange, Orange County District, Department of Justice, Golden State, John Jay College of Criminal, Legislative Black Caucus, Los Angeles Times, Anaheim Police Department, Senate Locations: San Francisco, California, Ferguson , Missouri, Minneapolis, Oakland , California, Minnesota, Savannah , Georgia, United States, Orange County, Los Angeles, Los, Golden, Sacramento, Anaheim, Floyd

☆ The CIA, a Navy Seal and a $15m bounty. This alleged plot on Venezuela’s Maduro reads like a Hollywood script, for a reason
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-12 | by ( Stefano Pozzebon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

So, is there anything to Venezuela’s claims? Hollywood script and a convenient bogeymanThe details of the alleged plot read like the script of a Hollywood thriller. Given the nature of the allegations, Venezuela’s claims are almost impossible to independently verify. In October last year, before the release of “Fat Leonard” and Co, Maduro had promised the US that Venezuela’s election would be free and fair. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrates with supporters following the election results in Caracas on July 29, 2024.

Persons: –, Nicolas Maduro, Leonard ”, Maduro, Venezuela’s, United States “, Diosdado Cabello, Cabello, John Kirby, – Wilbert Castañeda –, Kirby, Castañeda, Stringer, Donald Trump, Juan Manuel Santos, Matthew Heath, Heath, Hugo Chavez, d’etat, Cabello’s, “, ”, Yuri Cortez, Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, Brittney Griner, Evan Gershkovich, Biden, Kamala Harris, Alex Saab Organizations: CNN, CIA, US State Department, United, State Department, US Justice Department, US Navy, Navy, Security, Anadolu, Getty, of Justice, Venezuelan, Wall Street, Chevron Locations: United, Venezuela, Caracas, Spanish, United States, Czech, Venezuelan, Colombian, Washington, Falcon, AFP, –

☆ 100 masked invaders surround Washington home — don't worry, it was only raccoons
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Alex-Smith-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Alexander Smith | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Not so for one Washington state woman, who called 911 after her home was swarmed by scores of hungry raccoons. This was a first.”No wild raccoons in Washington have recently been diagnosed with rabies — a disease that kills almost every human it infects, according to the Washington State Department of Health. “At this point, it’s been determined that the raccoons haven’t committed any crimes,” McCarty told the affiliate, before adding a more serious moral coda. “Don’t feed wild animals. When wild animals have a reliable food source, they’re going to keep coming back to it.

Persons: De Vil, ”, Kevin McCarty, ” McCarty, pesky, “, “ I’ve, ” Wendy Cronk, KUSA, she’ll, it’s, haven’t Organizations: Puget Sound, NBC, KUSA, Kitsap County Sheriff, Washington State Department of Health, Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, Washington Department of Fish Locations: Washington, Poulsbo, Seattle, Kitsap County, Washington Department of Fish and

"You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza," Netanyahu said in a video address Tuesday delivered in English. Israeli soldiers raise their national flag in Lebanon's southern border village of Maroun al-Ras. And Wednesday, a video, geolocated by NBC News, stoked outrage: Israeli soldiers raising the country's flag on the outskirts of a border village. Lebanese people who spoke to NBC News on Wednesday bristled at Netanyahu’s warning, with some also mocking the footage of Israeli soldiers planting the flag in the southern village of Maroun Al-Ras. Israel’s invasion of Lebanon amid its 1982 civil war resulted in a nearly two-decade occupation of the country’s south.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Israel's, Scott Peterson, ” Netanyahu, Gerges, “, ” Yossi Mekelberg, Mekelberg, ”, Hisham Karameh, ” “, ” Karameh, Matthew Miller Organizations: Israeli, United Nations, Getty, Israel, . Security, London School of Economics, NBC News, Chatham House’s, North Africa, Health Ministry, AFP, State Department Locations: Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Beirut, Iran, East, Maroun, Maroun Al, ” “ Israel, “, Dahieh

☆ Anthropic's power players: Here are the 11 leaders helping shape the future of the Amazon-backed AI company
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Darius Rafieyan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

It's sought to position itself as the safer, more responsible AI company. She, along with her brother Dario, was part of the team that left OpenAI with the goal of creating a more responsible AI company. Krishna Rao, Chief Financial OfficerAs any emerging AI company can attest, conducting groundbreaking research isn't enough. In this role, he's building deep relationships with users and helping to turn Anthropic's research into a mass-market product. These capabilities are essential to Anthropic's positioning of itself as the safer AI company.

Persons: Anthropic, It's, —, OpenAI's, Dario Amodei, Amodei, Dario, Daniela Amodei, She's, Jack Clark ,, Clark, Jared Kaplan, Kaplan, Chris Olah, Sam McCandlish, McCandlish, Tom Brown, Brown, Krishna Rao, Rao, Mike Krieger, São Paulo, Krieger, Claude, Brian Israel, it's, Brian, Sam Bowman, Bowman, Jan Leike Organizations: Service, OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google, Princeton University, Hertz, Stanford University School of Medicine, sager, Bloomberg, Harvard, Johns Hopkins University, Research, Organization, Core Resources, Stanford University, Brandeis University, Core, Blackstone, Bain & Company, Anthropic, State Department, NASA Locations: OpenAI, Anthropic, Airbnb, São, Menlo Park, San Francisco, New York, Israel

Covered by homeowners insurance: Not covered by homeowners insurance: FireWaterTheftVandalismHail , wind, lightning*, wind, lightning* Damage by a falling tree Maintenance and repairFloodEarthquake* Standard homeowners insurance covers hail damage, but there may be an exclusion if you live somewhere that gets a lot of it. Contact Information for Major Homeowners Insurance ProvidersState FarmClaims Phone Number: 800-732-5246Website: www.statefarm.comAllstateClaims Phone Number: 800-255-7828Website: www.allstate.comGEICOClaims Phone Number: 800-841-3000Website: www.geico.comUSAAClaims Phone Number: 800-531-8722Website: www.usaa.comLiberty MutualClaims Phone Number: 800-225-2467Website: www.libertymutual.comTips for a Smooth Homeowners Insurance Claim ProcessThough most homeowners insurance companies make it pretty easy to file a claim, the process can still be intimidating if you've never been through it before. Homeowners insurance claim FAQWhat should I do immediately after damage occurs? If your home insurance claim is denied, contact your insurance company to find out why, then file an appeal. She’s reviewed life insurance and pet insurance companies and has written numerous explainers on travel insurance, credit, debt, and home insurance.

Persons: Steve Wilson, you've, you'll, haven't, Jamela Adam, Read, Asis Alani Asis, Forbes, She’s Organizations: Hippo Insurance, Insurance, Major Homeowners Insurance, Allstate, Liberty, Smooth Homeowners, Records, All Communications, National Association of Public Insurance, National Association of Independent Insurance, Chevron, Forbes, . News, Mint Intuit, Asis, Business, AARP, CNN, Fortune, U.S . News, Finance, University of Hawaii Locations: U.S, Manoa

As with Gaza, US officials say Israel was initially planning for a much larger ground incursion into Lebanon before the US convinced it to scale back. ‘The right moment’ for diplomacyThe US still wants to see Lebanon ceasefire talks resume, officials said, and US officials continue to believe that the conflict can only be resolved diplomatically. Nasrallah and other members of Hezbollah’s senior leadership are now dead as a result of Israel’s operations in Lebanon. Earlier in the day, a reluctant Biden told reporters he’d be “comfortable with [Israel] stopping” the campaign in Lebanon that risked further inflaming the region. Behind closed doors, sources say, Biden offered reluctant support for eliminating Hezbollah infrastructure along Israel’s border and in southern Lebanon, as long as Israel’s operations remained limited in nature.

Persons: Israel upended, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Biden, Israel, Matthew Miller, that’s, Joe Biden, ” Alon Pinkas, Yoav Gallant, Lloyd Austin, Gallant, Pinkas, ” Pinkas, Netanyahu, Hassan Nasrallah, ” Gallant, ‘, “ We’re, Karine Jean, Pierre, ”, Nasrallah, Austin, “, “ What’s, Antony Blinken, CQ Brown, National Intelligence Avril Haines –, he’d, hasn’t, ” Maj, Patrick Ryder, ” Israel, Ryder, Miller, CNN’s MJ Lee, Alex Marquardt Organizations: CNN, Biden, White House, Hamas, ”, ” Senior, US, Israeli, Israel, Iran, Joint Chiefs, National Intelligence, Pentagon, State Department Locations: Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, Israel, France, ”, Washington, Israeli, New York, Beirut, Lebanese, “, Austin, Beirut’s

☆ Israel targets Hezbollah intelligence headquarters in Lebanon; Iran says it will not back down
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Israel has been weighing options in its response to Iran's ballistic missile attack on Tuesday, which Iran had carried out in response to Israel's military action in Lebanon. Hashem Safieddine's fate was unclear and neither Israel nor Hezbollah have offered any comment. Israel says it targets military capabilities and takes steps to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians. The Israeli military said some 70 projectiles were launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Friday evening and were either intercepted or fell in open land. Israel sent ground forces into Lebanon this week after the Iranian missiles attacks.

Persons: Israel, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hashem, Joe Biden, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Stephane Dujarric, Kamel Ahmad Jawad, Matthew Miller, Israel's Organizations: Hezbollah, U.S, White House, Republican, Democratic, Lebanese, U.S . State Department, Washington, . State Department Locations: Iran, Israel, Jerusalem, Beirut, Lebanon, Gaza, Burj, Choueifat district, Haret Hreik, Lebanese, Odaisseh, American, Dearborn , Michigan, U.S, Palestinian

☆ Lawmakers from both parties urge Biden to secure the release of Americans imprisoned in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Lawmakers are appealing to President Joe Biden to use the remaining time in his term to work for the release of Americans who are “wrongfully detained” in China, saying U.S. officials need to do more to help secure their freedom. “There are more Americans wrongfully detained in China than in any other country. They deserve tenacious advocacy to gain their release,” said Smith and Merkley, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. China has denied the allegations and says it has treated detained Americans properly and respected their legal rights. Dui Hua, a rights group that advocates for detainees in China, estimates there are more than 200 Americans “under coercive measures” in China.

Persons: Joe Biden, ”, Chris Smith of, Democratic Sen, Jeff Merkley, Smith, David Lin, Kai Li, Mark Swidan, Hua, Li, Biden, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, Xi Jinping, “, Li’s, Harrison Li Organizations: ” Republican, Democratic, Congressional, Commission, State Department, White, and State Department Locations: China, Chris Smith of New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Long Island , New York, Texas, Russia, People’s Republic of China, United States

☆ Britain cedes disputed islands to Mauritius, securing key U.S. military base
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, saying it would secure the effective operation of Diego Garcia, a strategically important air base in the Indian Ocean, into the next century. But critics in Britain said it was a capitulation that played into the hands of China, which has close trade ties with Mauritius. Britain, which has controlled the region since 1814, detached the Chagos Islands in 1965 from Mauritius — a former colony that became independent three years later — to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. The new agreement said Mauritius would be free to implement a program of resettlement on the islands other than Diego Garcia, with the terms left for Port Louis to decide. David Blagden, associate professor of international security and strategy at Britain’s University of Exeter, said the deal was a “big win” for Mauritius.

Persons: Diego Garcia, Joe Biden, David Lammy, “, ” Lammy, Biden, ”, Diego Garcia’s, Port Louis, Pravind Jugnauth, Olivier Bancoult, ” “, Keir Starmer, Tom Tugendhat, Britain’s, ” Robert Jenrick, Matthew Miller, ” Miller, David Blagden, ‘ Organizations: British, Mauritius —, United Nations General Assembly, Diego, Port, Refugees Group, Facebook, Labour Party won, Conservative Party, Conservative, State, Britain’s University of Exeter, Port Louis Locations: Mauritius, Britain, China, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, United States, Ocean, Seychelles, Mauritian, Beijing

☆ Israel has given no assurances it won’t target Iran’s nuclear facilities, top State Department official tells CNN
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Kylie Atwood | Jennifer Hansler | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington CNN —Israel has not given assurances to the Biden administration that targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities is off the table in retaliation for the Iranian ballistic missile strikes earlier this week, a top US State Department official told CNN on Friday. The official added that it is “really hard to tell” if Israel will use the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks to retaliate. “We hope and expect to see some wisdom as well as strength, but as you guys know, no guarantees,” the official said when asked by CNN if Israel has assured the US that Iran’s nuclear sites are off the table. US officials have voiced support for Israel responding to Iran’s missile attack earlier this week, with multiple officials publicly saying there must be consequences. President Joe Biden said earlier this week the US would not support Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear program.

Persons: Washington CNN —, Biden, Joe Biden, ” Biden, Bolton, Biden's, Israel, “, ”, Kurt Campbell, ” Campbell, ‘ let’s, ’ ” Campbell, CNN’s Nikki Carvajal Organizations: Washington CNN, US State Department, CNN, senior State Department, Carnegie Endowment, International Locations: Washington CNN — Israel, Israel, East, Iran, United States

☆ Trump-endorsed Bibles meet requirements laid out for Oklahoma schools
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Daniel Strauss | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Oklahoma is soliciting bids for Bible suppliers to provide their wares for the state’s education department – and the specific requirements fit Bibles endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The RFP requirements also say that the Bibles must have the Old and New Testaments, and include copies of the US Constitution. The Bibles sell for $60 online and, through his endorsement, the former president receives some of the proceeds, according to Oklahoma Watch. The RFP from superintendent Ryan Walters is part of his ongoing push to put Bibles in every classroom. In a statement, Oklahoma State Department of Education Director of Communications Dan Isett said the RFP was consistent with the “norms of state procurement.

Persons: Donald Trump, Lee Greenwood’s, Greenwood, “, ”, Ryan Walters, Communications Dan Isett, Walters, ” Isett, Colleen McCarty, ” McCarty, “ Ryan Walters, ” Walters, Trump, Alicia Andrews, ” Andrews, he’s Organizations: CNN, Oklahoma Watch, Trump, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Communications, Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, The New York Times, Conservative, Liberty, Prosperity, Oklahoma Democratic Party Locations: Independence, New Testaments, Oklahoma

☆ Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Nechirvan Mando | Michael Rios | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS. Fawzia told CNN that she has been returned to Iraq after enduring years of captivity. Over the next few years, Fawzia was trafficked to different locations across several countries. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that the US helped evacuate Fawzia from Gaza. And the government of Iraq asked us to do whatever we could to get her out of Gaza and get her home.

Persons: Fawzia Amin Sido, Fawzia, Hol, ” “, “, Matthew Miller, ”, ” Miller Organizations: CNN, ISIS, Israel Defense Forces, Hamas, IDF, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, American, US State Department Locations: Gaza, Israel, United States, Iraq, Sinjar, Nineveh, Al, Syria, Idlib, Turkey, Istanbul, Hurghada, Egypt, ”, Rafah, Fawzia, “, Baghdad, Iraqi

Minneapolis CNN —One state audit found that bonus checks intended for frontline workers during the pandemic were handed out to undeserving recipients. Another criticized a Minnesota state agency for failing to ensure there were no conflicts of interest in taxpayer-funded mental health and addiction programs. His fans were easy to find last month at the Minnesota State Fair, which drew nearly 2 million people this year. Republican state Sen. Mark Koran, second from right, speaks with constituents at the Minnesota State Fair. “We are troubled by MDE’s decision,” the auditor’s report said, using the acronym for the Minnesota Department of Education.

Persons: Tim Walz, Judy Randall, –, Walz, Randall, “, ”, Lisa Demuth, Elizabeth Flores, Sen, Mark, Governor Walz, Rick Hansen, Erik Biever, ” “ Tim Walz, Stephen Maturen, Willie Jett, Jett –, ” Walz, “ There’s, Mark Koran, CNN “ They’ve, they’ve, Dan Myers, ’, Blois Olson, he’s, “ They’re, ” Olson, Olson, Aimee Bock, Bock, Bock –, MDE, ” Andrew Luger, Glen Stubbe, Andrew Luger, ” Luger, Walz’s, Heather Mueller –, Jett, Ann, Keith Ellison, Scott Jensen, ” Jensen, “ Who’s, ” Miriam Ackerman, ” Randall, Democrat Mark Dayton –, Lisa Demuth CNN Walz, haven’t, Bill Walsh, Randall “, … you’re Organizations: Minneapolis CNN, Democratic Gov, CNN, of Public, Democratic, GOP, Twin Cities, Star Tribune, Getty, Republican, ”, Randall’s Office, Legislative, Minnesota State Fair, Gov, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Star Tribune, Congressional Republicans, Democrats, Minnesota, Fair, University of Minnesota, Republicans, White, Democrat, FBI, Feds, Minneapolis TV, –, Department of Human Services, DHS, of, American Locations: Minneapolis, Minnesota, unaccountability, East

The Summary Flooding in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene has led to swarms of yellow jackets. Severe flooding in western North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene has stirred up colonies of yellow jackets, raising the risk of stings. North Carolina health officials said they have bought large amounts of Benadryl and EpiPens to address the problem. Tarren Pruitt, 42, a registered nurse in West Jefferson, North Carolina, said that since the hurricane, she, too, has noticed yellow jackets wherever she goes. Yellow jackets are generally more aggressive than bees, and they are able to sting people multiple times.

Persons: Hurricane Helene, Chris Hayes, ” Hayes, Tonizzo, Hayes, ‘, ”, Tarren Pruitt, ” Pruitt, chewable, —, they’re, “ Organizations: North Carolina State University, of Health, Human Services, North Carolina, Pharmacy, National Park Service Locations: North Carolina, Hurricane, North, . North Carolina, NC, Wilkes County, West Jefferson , North Carolina

☆ Hezbollah leader agreed to temporary ceasefire days before assassination, says Lebanese FM
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-03 | by ( Pauline Lockwood | Manveena Suri | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had agreed to a 21-day ceasefire just days before he was assassinated by Israel. “He [Nasrallah] agreed, he agreed,” Habib told Christiane Amanpour in an interview aired on Wednesday. ]”White House senior adviser Amos Hochstein was then set to go to Lebanon to negotiate the ceasefire, Habib continued. A second source familiar with the talks agreed that the US was aware that Hezbollah was agreeing to the ceasefire. We need the United States’ help.

Persons: CNN —, Abdallah Bou Habib, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Hassan Nasrallah, Israel, Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Nasrallah, ” Habib, Christiane Amanpour, “, Nabih Berri, Benjamin, Netanyahu, Biden, Macron, Amos Hochstein, Habib, Matthew Miller, ” Miller, Benjajmin Netanyahu, Washington, ”, we’re Organizations: CNN, CNN — Lebanon’s, US, UN, Assembly, White House, European Union, United Arab Emirates, ”, Biden, United Locations: Lebanon, Lebanese, Beirut, United States, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Qatar, Israel, States

☆ More US and European defense companies are setting up operations in Ukraine as the war rages on
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-03 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Western defense companies are increasingly setting up operations on Ukrainian soil. They add to a growing Western defense presence in the country. AdvertisementUS and European defense companies are increasingly setting up operations in Ukraine, with the brutal war raging on and presenting plenty of opportunities. And an unnamed US State Department official told Defense One that more American defense companies seem interested in establishing themselves in Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been a major boost for Western defense companies, with many nations increasing their defense spending.

Persons: —, CAESAR, Rustem Umerov Organizations: Service, Kyiv Independent, Rheinmetall, Lynx, US State Department, Defense, Washington DC, for, West, Center for Strategic, International Studies Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, Ukraine's, Ukrainian, American, Virginia, Washington

☆ Mech Dara: Concern grows for detained Cambodia journalist awarded by US for exposing online scam centers
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-03 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The award-winning reporter is renowned for his investigations exposing corruption, environmental destruction and human trafficking in a country that heavily restricts press freedom. In 2023, Mech Dara won the US State Department’s TIP Hero Award for his work uncovering the multi-billion-dollar illegal scam center industry in Cambodia. Cambodia is ranked 151 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders’ 2024 World Press Freedom Index. As a freelancer, Mech Dara worked for several local and international media outlets including Voice of Democracy, which was forced to close last year. At the time, Mech Dara told CNN: “We fought for the truth.

Persons: Dara, “, LICADHO, Mech Dara, Antony Blinken, Mech, Dara “, ”, Clampdown, Hun Sen, Hun Manet, Cambodia’s, Kate Schuetze Organizations: CNN, Cambodian, Court, Mech, US, Department’s, Embassy, USAID, USAID Cambodia Counter, European Union, US State Department, United Nations, US Institute of Peace, UN, Cambodia Rights, of Democracy, Amnesty International Locations: Cambodian, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, USAID Cambodia, Australia, Southeast Asia, Asia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, ”

☆ U.S. ‘Welcome Corps’ helps resettle LGBTQ refugees fleeing anti-gay crackdowns
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

He was sexually assaulted in a Libyan prison, harassed in Tunisia and tried unsuccessfully to take a boat to Europe. Ngounou joined a growing number of LGBTQ people accepted into the Welcome Corps, which launched last year and pairs groups of Americans with newly arrived refugees. “LGBTQ refugees are forced to flee their homes due to persecution and violence, not unlike other people,” said Jeremy Haldeman, deputy executive director of the Community Sponsorship Hub, which implements the Welcome Corps on behalf of the State Department. The demand far outstrips capacity: Of more than 15,000 requests for help in 2023, the nonprofit helped resettle 23 refugees through the Welcome Corps program in cities as large as Houston and towns as small as Arlington, Vermont. Another refugee in the program, Julieth Luna Garcia, is a transgender woman from El Salvador who settled in Chicago.

Persons: Cabrel, Ngounou’s, Ngounou, ” Ngounou, “, ”, Lori Ostlund, Anne Raeff, Terry Chea, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Trump, JD Vance, Biden, Jeremy Haldeman, ” Kathryn Hampton, ” Hampton, Julieth Luna Garcia Organizations: Welcome Corps, Biden Administration, State Department, U.S, Rainbow Railroad Locations: Cameroon, —, Tunisia, Europe, United States, San Francisco, America, Gaza, U.S, Ohio, “, East, Africa, Houston, Arlington , Vermont, El Salvador, Chicago

☆ What is happening between Israel and Iran and how might Israel respond to the latest attacks?
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

It’s the second time Iran has launched an aerial attack on Israel this year, but Tuesday’s barrage was of a different magnitude. Israel's anti-missile system intercepts rockets after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on October 1, 2024. While the Israeli military said most of the missiles were intercepted, some landed on Israeli soil and appeared to cause damage. Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty ImagesIn Gaza, Israel’s war against Hamas grinds on almost a year after the Palestinian militant group’s attack on Israel. Since Israel’s war in Gaza began, US troops have also been the target of escalating attacks by Iran-backed proxy groups.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Hassan Nasrallah, Israel –, Amir Cohen, Pat Ryder, “, Nasrallah, Jonathan Panikoff, Hezbollah's, Atta Kenare, Ismail Haniyeh, PMO, Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett, Masoud Pezeshkian, Alexi J . Rosenfeld, Matthew Miller, Lloyd Austin Organizations: CNN, Israel, Reuters, Air Base, Tel Nof Air Base, Pentagon, Hezbollah, Getty, Hamas grinds, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Israeli, New, State Department, US Navy, US Army, US, Israel . Defense Locations: Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Beirut, Here’s, Syria, Ashkelon, Reuters Iran, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Israel’s, Washington, Yemen, Tehran's Palestine, AFP, Gaza, Iranian, Iraq, East, New York City, Eshkol Region, Jordan

Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel, causing sirens to sound all over the country, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday. "The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," the White House official said. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran." A ballistic missile from Iran could reach Israel in as short as 10 minutes, according to the American Jewish Committee. Hours before news broke on a potential attack from Iran, Israel announced a ground invasion of southern Lebanon on Monday night.

Persons: Hassan Nasrallah, Israel, Joe Biden, Emilie Simons, Biden, Kamala Harris, Simons, Morteza, Assembly Iran’s, Masoud Pezeshkian, Pezeshkian, Nasrallah, Iran's, Ali Khamenei, Critics, Nadav, Shoshani Organizations: Israel Defense Forces, White House, Department of Defense, NBC, Israel, United Nations, White, Getty, United Nations General Assembly, Assembly, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, American Jewish Committee, Iranian, State Department Locations: Iran, Israel, Lebanon, United States, U.S, Islamic Republic of Iran, East, Iranian, Tehran, Damascus, Syria, Lebanese, Rafah, Gazan, Beirut

☆ Israel's airstrikes and incursion against Hezbollah show limits in Biden's ability to influence Netanyahu, foreign policy experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Lloyd Lee | Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Israel launched a "limited" ground offensive in Lebanon after killing a top Hezbollah leader in airstrikes. Foreign policy experts said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US don't see each other as reliable partners. The ground offensive came after a series of airstrikes on September 27 that killed Hezbollah's longtime chief, Hassan Nasrallah, a major victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. AdvertisementHe added that the prime minister may also consider the US an unreliable partner. AdvertisementRepresentatives for the State Department and the Israeli prime minister's office did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Persons: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, —, Hezbollah's, Hassan Nasrallah, Netanyahu, Israel's, Chuck Freilich, Barack Obama's, Benjamin Radd, Joe Biden's, Radd, Donald Trump, Biden weren't, Sean McFate, Bibi, McFate, Nasrallah, Biden Organizations: Service, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli, Hamas, Columbia University, UCLA Center for Middle East Development, Syracuse University, Reuters, State Department, Business Locations: Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Gaza, America, Rafah

☆ Israel's airstrikes and incursion against Hezbollah show limits in US ability to influence Netanyahu, foreign policy experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Lloyd Lee | Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

☆ Photos show Israel's F-15I Ra'am 'Thunder' fighter jets used to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Talia Lakritz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Israeli Air Force used F-15I Ra'am fighter jets to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon. The Israeli variant of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle planes can fly up to 2,765 miles without refueling. The State Department approved the sale of 50 new F-15I planes to Israel in August. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementThe Israeli Air Force features advanced fighter jets acquired from the US and enhanced with military technology manufactured in Israel.

Persons: — Organizations: Israeli Air Force, Boeing, State Department, Service Locations: Lebanon, Israel

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