UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini criticized the new US-backed aid distribution model in Gaza, deeming it a wasteful distraction from alleged atrocities. Speaking in Japan, Lazzarini asserted the UN's readiness to deliver aid effectively, warning of imminent famine. Chaotic scenes erupted at a new aid center in Rafah, highlighting the desperation amid severe shortages.
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Mexico is holding its first-ever judicial elections, a move initiated by the ruling Morena party to overhaul the court system. This has sparked controversy, with critics alleging it's a power grab that could damage democracy and open the door to corruption. Voters face confusion due to a lack of information and a large number of candidates with questionable backgrounds.
Bangladesh's Supreme Court has reinstated the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami, overturning a previous high court judgment and paving the way for the Islamist party to participate in future elections. The court directed the Election Commission to restore the party's registration, leaving the decision on the use of its traditional "scale" symbol to the EC.
Ken Miyagishima, former Las Cruces mayor, has launched his campaign for New Mexico governor, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and healthcare workforce improvements. He aims to succeed Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, addressing public concerns about crime and education. Miyagishima emphasizes border enforcement and economic cooperation, while also proposing a state "metro" police force to combat crime in cities like Albuquerque.
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserted that New York is discriminating against Massapequa school district for refusing to drop its Native American chief mascot. McMahon stated her department's investigation found state officials violating federal civil rights law. The department may ask the Justice Department to intervene if the state doesn't apologize and allow districts to keep their chosen mascots.
In a tragic turn of events, Rodney Shippy killed his son, daughter, and family dog before committing suicide in their Oklahoma home. The grim discovery unfolded during a search for his missing daughter, Alyssa. Financial struggles and the previous suicide of his wife, along with other family tragedies, preceded this devastating incident, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca commences amidst a history of tragic incidents, including stampedes, attacks, and fires. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat. This year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C, Saudi authorities have deployed 250,000 personnel from forty agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of over a million pilgrims.
Zimbabwe has announced plans to kill dozens of elephants to manage the population within the Save Valley Conservancy, where the current elephant population far exceeds the land's carrying capacity. The initiative aims to mitigate ecological damage caused by overpopulation. Meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities, while the ivory will be secured by the state wildlife authority.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national and "illegal alien," was arrested after allegedly setting fire near a pro-Israel group in Colorado. Soliman entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa that expired in February 2023 but remained after filing a claim with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Rwanda-backed M23 militia has carried out "mass killings" of Congolese civilians in the occupied eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned on Tuesday. With hundreds of Congolese soldiers and allied militia fighters having dispersed to avoid capture, the M23 has carried out frequent raids in a bid to stamp its authority on the restive region.
US senator Cory Booker's gesture at the California Democratic convention has sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to a similar action by Elon Musk. Social media users likened Booker's extended-arm movement to a Nazi salute, mirroring criticism Musk faced previously. Musk responded with an emoji on X.