AP News Summary at 11:52 p.m. EDT
US and Arab partners disagree on the need for a cease-fire as Israeli airstrikes kill more civilians
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The United States and Arab partners are disagreeing on the need for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip as the Israeli military says the besieged enclave’s Hamas rulers are “encountering the full force” of its troops. Israel’s military says it has encircled Gaza City, and its airstrikes killed civilians at a U.N. shelter and hospital in the main combat zone. There is growing international uproar over the soaring death toll and deepening humanitarian crisis nearly a month into the war, with protests in several cities on Saturday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Arab foreign ministers a day after talks in Israel.
Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for a halt to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza have marched in Washington, Paris, Berlin and other European cities. In the U.S., thousands — mostly younger people — lined downtown streets on Saturday and unfurled an enormous Palestinian flag. Many held banners with slogans such as “In November we remember,” criticizing President Joe Biden and suggesting the issue will drive the 2024 U.S. election. In Paris, demonstrators urged a cease-fire in Gaza and some shouted “Israel, assassin!” In central London, streets were blocked by protesters chanting, “cease-fire now.” Berlin mobilized around 1,000 police officers to ensure order.
War in the Middle East upends the dynamics of 2024 House Democratic primaries
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Most members of Congress have stood firmly behind Israel since the Hamas attack, but not Cori Bush. The Missouri Democrat called Israel’s response an “ethnic cleansing campaign,” and was among 10 House members who did not back a resolution supporting Israel. Bush now faces a challenge in next year’s Democratic primary. She isn’t alone. The war is complicating the 2024 race for some Democrats. Moderates are being encouraged to run in districts where lawmakers have criticized the Israeli response. Among the potentially vulnerable: Summer Lee in Pennsylvania, Jamaal Bowman in New York and Ilhan Omar in Minnesota. Elsewhere, Democrats could see primary competition for not saying enough about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Thousands sleep outside in Nepal after earthquake kills at least 157 people and destroys most houses
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Thousands of villagers in the mountains of northwestern Nepal slept outdoors Saturday night in the bitter cold after an earthquake killed at least 157 people and damaged or destroyed most homes. People used whatever they could find to set up shelter for the night, using plastic sheets and old clothes to keep them warm. Most of the houses in villages in Jajarkot district either collapsed or were severely damaged by the sudden earthquake Friday night, while the few concrete houses in towns were also damaged. Most people have been unable to retrieve their belongings from under the rubble. The government is trying to get aid to the affected areas.
Right turn on red? With pedestrian deaths rising, US cities are considering bans
CHICAGO (AP) — Almost every major city in the United States generally allows drivers to turn right at red lights, but that could be changing. A dramatic rise in automobile accidents killing or injuring pedestrians and bicyclists has led to a myriad of policy and infrastructure changes. The debate over whether to ban right on red has sparked the most intense sentiments on both sides. Washington, D.C.’s City Council last year approved a right-on-red ban that takes effect in 2025. Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle have considered it too. Most U.S. cities have maintained the right-on-red rule since a 1970s mandate from the federal government aimed at conserving energy by preventing cars from idling at stop lights.
Donald Trump’s strength is clear in Florida as Gov. Ron DeSantis tries to move past ‘nonsense’
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is showing his strength in Florida while his 2024 rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis, looks to prove his viability. Trump celebrated at a gathering of Florida Republicans on Saturday after a group of state lawmakers switched their endorsements from DeSantis. The governor countered that his conservative successes in Florida make him an ideal Republican standard-bearer. The rivalry between DeSantis and Trump has grown personal and crude in recent days. The former president spoke Saturday evening on the same stage where DeSantis made his pitch. Mentions of Trump’s name drew roars of approval earlier in the day.
During strike talks, Biden worked to build ties to the UAW’s leader. They have yet to fully pay off
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden made a major commitment to cultivate a relationship with the new head of the United Auto Workers before the start of strikes at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Biden invited UAW President Shawn Fair for a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office on July 19. But even as Biden’s sympathies publicly shifted toward union workers in their standoff with automakers, there are few signs that the UAW has fully warmed to the Democratic president. Biden has yet to receive the union’s endorsement as he seeks reelection with the message that he’s delivered for blue-collar workers.
Zelenskyy hosts EU official von der Leyen as Russian attacks wound at least 14 people in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian attacks in Ukraine have wounded at least 14 civilians as the president of the European Union’s executive returned to the Ukrainian capital to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The governor of the Zaporizhzhia region said that nine people were wounded in a Russian rocket strike there. There were 26 cities and settlements overall in the region that came under attack over the past day. Five people were wounded in the Kherson region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that talks during her sixth visit on Saturday would focus on the path for Ukraine to join the European Union “and how we will continue to make Russia pay for its war of aggression.”
Chelsea’s Emma Hayes expected to become US women’s soccer coach, AP source says
U.S. Soccer is closing in on naming Chelsea’s Emma Hayes as the new coach of the women’s national team, a source familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke Saturday on the condition of anonymity because the details had not been made public. Hayes has won 14 major trophies at Chelsea, including six WSL titles. She has led Chelsea to two domestic league and cup doubles and one trophy treble since taking over the team in 2012.
Her daughter was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting. Now she’s running for mayor of Uvalde
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Kimberly Mata-Rubio’s 10-year-old daughter was one of the 19 children and two teachers killed in the May 24, 2022, shooting in Uvalde, Texas. After a year of advocating for gun control and school safety at the state and federal level, Mata-Rubio is getting her start in politics at the local level by running to become Uvalde’s first female mayor. Her opponents include a former mayor and an elementary school teacher. The election set for Tuesday will test how the town chooses to move forward from a tragedy that some residents are ready to put behind them while others demand answers.