Unbiased headline news –
The situation in northern Gaza is described as “beyond horrific,” with severe hunger and overcrowded hospitals, as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, international aid organizations report.
Israeli forces last week ordered evacuations in several northern regions, including Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahia, as they work to encircle Hamas fighters suspected to be in the area. Medical workers in northern Gaza report receiving calls from across the region, but ambulances are unable to reach the wounded.
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France’s foreign minister expressed support for Ukraine’s plan to end the war with Russia, telling reporters in Kyiv that he would collaborate with Ukrainian officials to gather international backing for the proposal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Kyiv’s “victory plan” earlier this week, aiming to bring Russia to the negotiation table to end its invasion. The plan is currently under review by Ukraine’s Western allies, whose support is crucial for Ukraine’s defense. A significant aspect of the plan is a potential NATO membership offer, which Western nations are hesitant to consider until after the war concludes.
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More than 15 million people in California, including residents of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, are under fire weather alerts due to dry, windy conditions.
Forecasts predict relative humidity as low as 5% in some areas, with wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. These factors, along with dry soil and vegetation, could lead to rapid fire outbreaks and spread. California Fire has increased staffing across the state during the Red Flag Warnings, which are expected to remain in effect through Monday afternoon.
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Three major tobacco companies are set to pay nearly $24 billion to resolve a lengthy legal dispute in Canada, according to a proposed settlement.
Philip Morris International announced that a court-appointed mediator submitted the proposed settlement for its Canadian affiliate, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, addressing tobacco-related lawsuits. Similar settlements were filed for JTI-Macdonald Corporation and Imperial Tobacco Canada LTD.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system following reports of four crashes, including one that resulted in a pedestrian fatality.
NHTSA reports that the FSD system failed to “respond adequately to reduced visibility conditions.” The crashes occurred in conditions such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust while the vehicles’ FSD mode was activated, according to NHTSA.
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Gold prices reached an all-time high as uncertainties surrounding the Middle East conflict and the U.S. presidential election drove investors to seek safe-haven assets.
This surge in gold prices is not a mere fluctuation. Gold has increased by approximately 32% since the start of 2024, surpassing the S&P 500’s 23% rise and the Nasdaq’s 28% gain over the same period. The sustained growth is largely attributed to expectations of lower interest rates from the Federal Reserve, which typically align with rising gold prices.
