Israel declares Gaza’s largest city a combat zone as death toll surpasses 63,000
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Gaza Health Ministry says the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 63,000 as Palestinians face the start of Israel’s expanded offensive in Gaza City. The count does not distinguish between fighters and civilians killed in the 22-month war between Israel and Hamas. The ministry says five people have died from malnutrition-related causes over the past day, raising the toll to 322, including 121 children, since the war began. A military official says Israel intends to continue helping aid reach Gaza City during the offensive, but a U.N. humanitarian group fears “a horrific impact” on people already deprived of basic needs.
Trump ends ex-Vice President Harris’ Secret Service protection early after Biden had extended it
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection that otherwise would’ve ended next summer. That’s according to senior Trump administration officials. Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life. But another person familiar with the matter says then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive, at Harris’ request, that had extended protection for her. The people insisted on anonymity Friday to discuss a matter not made public. Trump is a Republican. Biden and Harris are Democrats. Trump defeated Harris in the presidential election last year after Biden dropped out of the contest and Harris replaced him.
Father of 8-year-old boy killed in Minneapolis church shooting wants him remembered for his love
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The families of the two Catholic school students fatally shot while celebrating Mass at a Minneapolis church are continuing to wrestle with their grief. The father of the 8-year-old boy killed wants his son remembered “for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.” Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed Wednesday, and more than a dozen of their schoolmates were wounded when a shooter fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows. Police said Thursday that the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, idolized mass killers and wanted to terrorize innocent children. The children were celebrating Mass during the first week of classes at the Annunciation Catholic School.
Girls, parents and gym owner reported concerns about gymnastics coach years before sex abuse case
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Concerns about a banned gymnastics coach arrested amid allegations he abused girls he coached surfaced years before police or sports authorities took action. The Associated Press has learned that a former boss of Sean Gardner brought concerns in 2018 about “grooming” behavior to the agency overseeing U.S. gymnastics. Girls he coached and their parents told AP they sounded alarms about Gardner’s inappropriate behavior to coaches at the renowned academy where he worked after that. The parents spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their daughters. Gym’s owner Liang “Chow” Qiao kept Gardner on and promoted him. Not until 2022 was Gardner banned from gymnastics. Shortly after, Qiao and others at the gym were sanctioned for failing to report sexual misconduct reports against Gardner.
The Latest: Trump revokes Secret Service protection for former VP Harris, AP sources say
According to a senior White House official, President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life. But another person familiar with the matter says then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive that had extended protection for Harris beyond the traditional six months. The people insisted on anonymity Friday to discuss a matter not made public.
Thai court dismisses prime minister over compromising phone call with Cambodian leader
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for violating ethics rules in a phone call with a Cambodian official. The court’s decision ends the term of Thailand’s youngest prime minister and impacts the Shinawatra political dynasty. On Friday, judges ruled that her conduct in a June 15 call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen compromised national interests. The call, which became public before a deadly border conflict, sparked outrage in Thailand. Paetongtarn defended her actions, saying her tone was a negotiating tactic. The court’s ordfer leaves the ruling coalition on shaky ground and affects her father Thaksin’s political influence.
Fed governor Cook to seek court order blocking her firing by Trump
A case that could provide the Trump administration with new and expansive power over the traditionally independent Federal Reserve will get its first court hearing Friday.Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has requested an emergency injunction to block President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire her over allegations that she committed mortgage fraud when she purchased a home and condo in 2021. She was appointed to the Fed’s board by former president Joe Biden in 2022. If her firing is allowed to stand, it would likely erode the Fed’s longstanding independence from day-to-day politics. No president has ever fired a Fed governor in the agency’s 112-year history.
Trump blocks $4.9B in foreign aid Congress OK’d, using maneuver last seen nearly 50 years ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has told House Speaker Mike Johnson he won’t be spending $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, effectively cutting the budget without going through the legislative branch. The Republican president is using what’s known as a pocket rescission — when a president submits a request to Congress to not spend approved funds toward the end of the fiscal year, so Congress cannot act on the request in the 45-day timeframe and the money goes unspent as a result. It’s the first time in nearly 50 years a president has used one. The fiscal year draws to a close at the end of September.
Parents of students killed in Minneapolis church shooting share emotional pleas
The parents of two schoolchildren fatally shot in a Minneapolis church have spoken out, urging the community to address the root causes of school shootings. Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed on Wednesday morning when a shooter opened fire at a Mass attended by students at Annunciation Catholic School. Fifteen other students and three adults were also shot. Only one person – a child – was in critical condition. Moyski’s parents hope her memory fuels action against gun violence and mental health issues. Merkel’s father expressed gratitude for the heroic actions that prevented further tragedy.
New Orleans marks 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with memorials and brass band parade
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans is set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating landfall on the Gulf Coast. Events including memorial services and a parade are planned to honor those who were affected. Thousands of people are expected to gather Friday in the Lower Ninth Ward, a majority Black neighborhood where the federal levee system was breached on Aug. 29, 2005. They will follow a brass band in a parade known as a second line, a beloved city tradition. A wreath is to be laid at a memorial for dozens of unidentified victims, and there will be a minute of silence along with speeches from survivors and city leaders.
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