Home Blog Page 330

Trump Leads Military Parade Honoring Army’s 250th Anniversary Amid Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — A sprawling military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday unfolded in the nation’s capital Saturday, drawing large crowds and high-level dignitaries. At the same time, nationwide protests erupted, with demonstrators turning out in major cities under the “No Kings” banner to voice opposition to Trump’s administration and its policies.

The parade, which was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, started early due to forecasts of severe weather. Thousands lined Constitution Avenue as service members in historic and modern military uniforms marched past Trump and other officials seated in a VIP reviewing stand near the Washington Monument.

The event featured a full display of military might, from horse-mounted soldiers and covered wagons to Abrams tanks, military vehicles, and paratroopers descending from the sky. Aircraft flyovers punctuated the procession, which retraced America’s wartime history through soldiers dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

President Trump stood and saluted passing troops, while attendees crowded along security fences to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. The route extended from 23rd Street near the Lincoln Memorial to 15th Street, concluding just past the Washington Monument.

At one point, a costumed rider drew a murmur from the crowd when someone jokingly asked, “Is that George Washington?” — a reference to the parade’s Revolutionary War reenactors.

As the military celebration played out in Washington, coast-to-coast protests took shape in cities including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, and West Palm Beach — the latter being one of Trump’s primary residences. Branded as the “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance,” the demonstrations were aimed at condemning Trump’s leadership and perceived authoritarian tendencies.

The movement gained traction after materials bearing “No Kings” slogans were linked to protest flyers found in a suspect’s vehicle following recent politically motivated violence in Minnesota. Organizers clarified that today’s events were nonviolent and unaffiliated with any criminal acts.

A host of cabinet officials and GOP lawmakers joined Trump for the parade, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Also in attendance were country singer Lee Greenwood and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Members of Congress such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Maria Salazar, Dan Crenshaw, and Kat Cammack were present in the official delegation.

Sean Mozie, a 30-year-old visitor from Arizona, stood in line for hours in the sweltering Washington heat. While not a Trump supporter, he said he came to honor his family’s military legacy and to see the spectacle. “This isn’t about politics for me. It’s about history and service,” he said.

Despite the heated political climate and competing narratives around the event, the parade marked a rare moment of military pageantry, showcasing centuries of service as the Army marked a major milestone.

Man Arrested in UK Over Fatal Shooting of Two Scots Outside Spanish Bar

By
admin
-
0

LONDON (BN24) — A 44-year-old man has been arrested in the United Kingdom in connection with the shooting deaths of two Scots outside a bar in Fuengirola, southern Spain, earlier this month, authorities confirmed Saturday.

Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jr, both from Scotland, were shot and killed outside Monaghans Bar on the Costa del Sol

Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jr, both from Scotland, were shot and killed outside Monaghans Bar on the Costa del Sol after a masked gunman opened fire around 11 p.m., before fleeing in a vehicle. The two men died at the scene.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was arrested Friday in the Liverpool area by Merseyside Police in coordination with Spanish authorities, according to a spokesperson from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). He was taken into custody on two counts of murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday as extradition proceedings began.

“The operation was supported by officers from the NCA’s National Extradition Unit,” the agency said in a statement. “The individual was remanded in custody following the court hearing.”

Spanish law enforcement is leading the investigation into the deadly shooting, while Police Scotland has offered assistance where requested. Authorities in the UK have not deployed officers to Spain but are cooperating as needed.

In a statement following the attack, Police Scotland emphasized that the double homicide does not appear to be connected to ongoing gang-related violence currently under investigation in Scotland. The force discouraged speculation linking the Spanish shooting to other incidents.

“There is currently no intelligence to suggest the deaths of these two men in Spain are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge,” the statement said. “Any misinformation or speculation linking the events in Spain is not helpful to the ongoing investigations in either country.”

Operation Portaledge is a major criminal investigation targeting a series of shootings, firebombings, and assaults in Glasgow and Edinburgh since March. More than 40 individuals have been arrested in connection with that probe. However, officials stress there is no known evidence that the Fuengirola shooting was planned or coordinated from within Scotland.

Authorities say the gunman responsible for the Spanish attack pulled up outside the bar in a car, stepped out wearing a mask, and opened fire as Monaghan and Lyons stood outside. The attacker then fled the scene in the same vehicle.

The extradition case for the 44-year-old suspect will now proceed through the UK courts, as Spanish authorities seek to bring him to Spain to face trial over the killings.

Israeli Fire Kills 45 in Gaza, Including Civilians Near U.S.-Backed Aid Site, Medics Say

By
admin
-
0

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (BN24) — At least 45 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Saturday in a series of Israeli airstrikes and gunfire, including at a key aid distribution site operated by the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to local medical personnel and health authorities.

Doctors at Al-Awda and Al-Aqsa Hospitals, which received the bulk of the casualties, said at least 15 of the dead were fatally shot while approaching the GHF’s distribution point near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza. The Israeli military acknowledged opening fire during the incident, claiming that aircraft had “neutralized a threat” after a person advanced toward Israeli forces and ignored warning shots.

The GHF, which began limited aid operations at the end of May after Israel eased a months-long blockade, denied it was conducting any distribution on Saturday. “None of our distribution sites were open today, and there were no incidents at our sites because they were closed,” the group said in a written response to Reuters.

The latest deaths add to a mounting toll surrounding humanitarian operations in Gaza. According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 274 people have been killed and more than 2,000 injured near food distribution sites since the GHF began operations.

The United Nations has condemned the Israeli-backed aid corridor system, calling it inadequate, dangerous, and inconsistent with principles of humanitarian neutrality. Aid workers and rights groups have accused Israel of turning food relief points into high-risk areas for civilians.

Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip and is locked in a prolonged conflict with Israel, accused Israeli forces of “using hunger as a weapon of war and transforming aid sites into mass-death traps for innocent civilians.” The group denies Israeli claims that it steals humanitarian aid.

Separately, health officials at Shifa Hospital reported that 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire while waiting along Gaza’s coastal road for the arrival of aid trucks.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has ordered mass evacuations in southern Gaza. Residents in Khan Younis, Abassan, and Bani Suhaila were told to move west toward what Israel calls a “humanitarian zone.” The Israeli army warned of imminent operations against “terror organizations” in the area.

The Saturday casualties come nearly 20 months after the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages—marking the deadliest single day in Israel’s history.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since claimed the lives of nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Most of the dead are believed to be civilians. The offensive has also reduced large parts of the densely populated strip to rubble, displacing the majority of its over two million residents and fueling a hunger crisis.

Despite ongoing mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, attempts to broker a ceasefire remain deadlocked. Both Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for the breakdown in negotiations, and neither side appears prepared to compromise on core demands.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen amid the breakdown in talks, as international aid groups struggle to operate in what they describe as increasingly perilous conditions.

Minnesota Police, FBI Hunt Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Democratic State Lawmakers

By
admin
-
0

MINNEAPOLIS (BN24) — A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota as state police and the FBI search for a gunman accused of carrying out a deadly, politically motivated attack on Democratic state lawmakers. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large following the fatal shooting of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the critical wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in two targeted home invasions Saturday.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Boelter should be considered “armed and dangerous.” The suspect was last seen in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area wearing a light-colored cowboy hat and posing as a law enforcement officer. Authorities say he fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police at the scene of the second shooting.

According to law enforcement, Boelter left behind a vehicle containing a manifesto and a list of nearly 70 names—including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Senator Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison—along with abortion providers and rights advocates. Police say the evidence indicates a broader plot targeting Democratic political figures and liberal causes.

Coordinated Attacks Prompt Statewide Alarm

Police say Boelter first entered the Champlin home of Senator Hoffman and his wife around 2 a.m. CDT and shot them both multiple times. They were rushed into emergency surgery, and Governor Walz said he is “cautiously optimistic” about their recovery.

Soon after, Boelter reportedly drove about five miles to the Brooklyn Park residence of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and fatally shot them. Officers responding to the earlier attack were already on alert and sent units to check on other potential targets named in the suspect’s materials. When officers arrived at the Hortmans’ home, they encountered what appeared to be a law enforcement vehicle and a man dressed as a police officer.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect opened fire on the officers before retreating back into the home and then escaping out the rear. Boelter was wearing a vest with tactical equipment, a badge, and a taser, leading authorities to believe he was impersonating law enforcement during the attacks.

“This was an act of targeted political violence,” said Walz. “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t resolve our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”

Political Leaders React as Threats Widen

The shootings drew immediate condemnation from political figures across party lines. The Minnesota congressional delegation issued a joint statement decrying the violence:
“There is no place in our democracy for politically motivated violence. We speak with one voice in expressing outrage and grief for this horrific attack on public servants.”

President Donald Trump also issued a statement after being briefed on the incident:
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that flyers with the phrase “No Kings” were found in the suspect’s car, although no direct link has been established to the No Kings Coalition, a protest movement opposing Trump’s policies. The coalition canceled planned demonstrations in Minnesota following the issuance of a shelter-in-place order and reports that the armed suspect was impersonating police officers.

National Trend of Political Attacks

The killings mark one of the most serious incidents in a growing trend of politically charged violence in the United States. In recent years, threats and attacks on elected officials have intensified. The Minnesota shootings come after the 2020 kidnapping plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the April arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and a July 2024 assassination attempt against then-candidate Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.

Authorities are also monitoring possible links to other threats. On the same day as the Minnesota shootings, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the state Capitol in Austin after identifying a “credible threat” targeting lawmakers scheduled to attend a protest. No connection to the Minnesota suspect has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, federal and state officials continue the urgent search for Boelter, who they say is equipped with tactical gear and armed. Law enforcement agencies across the region have been placed on high alert as investigators work through the suspect’s hit list and manifesto.

Trump Administration Shares Immigrant Medicaid Data With Deportation Officials Amid Legal Objections

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump’s administration has provided deportation authorities with personal data on millions of Medicaid enrollees, including immigration status, in a move that could accelerate immigration enforcement nationwide. The transfer, revealed through internal emails and memos obtained by The Associated Press, has sparked alarm among health officials and lawmakers who warn the action could violate federal privacy laws and compromise the integrity of the Medicaid program.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) was ordered Tuesday to hand over the sensitive data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 54 minutes, despite strong objections from Medicaid officials. The records involve residents from California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C.—jurisdictions that allow undocumented immigrants to access state-funded Medicaid programs.

While CMS staff argued the disclosure violated the Social Security Act and the Privacy Act of 1974, two senior advisers to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. insisted the data be transferred. The dataset reportedly includes names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and claims history of enrollees, potentially aiding federal efforts to locate and deport immigrants in the U.S. without legal status.

Experts also warned that the data could be used to deny green cards or U.S. citizenship to immigrants who had accessed any federally funded Medicaid benefits, even if done legally or inadvertently.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office issued a sharply worded response: “This potential data transfer brought to our attention by the AP is extremely concerning and, if true, potentially unlawful.” Newsom highlighted ongoing military-assisted immigration raids in Los Angeles and said the privacy of all Californians is at risk.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman added on X, formerly Twitter: “We should never use a person’s need to go to the doctor against them. This will only lead to more chaos and pain in our communities.”

A spokesperson for HHS, Andrew Nixon, defended the move as legally permissible, stating the agency was acting “within its legal authority… to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them.” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed that sentiment, linking the move to Trump’s campaign promise to “protect Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries” amid what she described as a Biden-era flood of “illegal aliens.”

The CMS data transfer is part of a broader review triggered by Trump’s executive order issued Feb. 19, titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” According to a memo signed by CMS Deputy Director Sara Vitolo, CMS is examining whether states used federal Medicaid funds to support individuals with “unsatisfactory immigration status.” The June 6 memo details how several Democratic-led states voluntarily submitted Medicaid enrollment data to CMS as part of this review.

The data request and transfer have drawn scrutiny from former government officials. “DHS has no role in anything related to Medicaid,” said Jeffrey Grant, a former CMS career official. Vitolo’s memo warned that states might reconsider future cooperation if they perceive increased legal risk, particularly if CMS data is used for deportation purposes.

At least seven states—California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota, and Colorado—along with Washington, D.C., have implemented programs allowing full Medicaid coverage for non-citizens using only state funds. Trump administration officials, however, have cast doubt on whether federal dollars are truly excluded from these efforts.

In response to the revelations, Illinois health officials issued a statement emphasizing their belief that the shared data is protected under federal privacy laws and should not have been disclosed to federal enforcement agencies.

Gov. Newsom condemned the action, stating: “This decision to share immigrant Medicaid data with federal immigration enforcement officials will jeopardize the safety, health, and security of those who will undoubtedly be targeted by this abuse.”

While Illinois and several other states have already shared data, others—like New York, Oregon, Minnesota, and Colorado—have not submitted identifiable enrollee information, according to a public health official familiar with CMS’s ongoing request.

CMS’s directive represents a marked shift in how health data is managed, with critics warning it sets a dangerous precedent that could dissuade immigrants from seeking medical care or enrolling in public health programs.

As DHS ramps up enforcement in Southern California and other regions, concerns continue to mount that confidential medical data may be weaponized against vulnerable populations, deepening distrust between immigrant communities and public institutions.

Protesters Swarm Streets Nationwide in ‘No Kings’ Anti-Trump Demonstrations Amid Tight Security

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in cities and towns across the United States on Saturday in coordinated “No Kings” protests denouncing President Donald Trump, calling for the protection of democracy, and opposing authoritarianism. The widespread protests, which unfolded under heightened security, were largely peaceful, although some confrontations with law enforcement occurred in several cities.

From New York and Los Angeles to Charlotte and Philadelphia, demonstrators rallied under banners reading “No Kings,” waving American flags—some upside down in a symbol of distress—and voicing support for immigrants and civil liberties. Organizers said more than 2,000 events were planned nationwide under the 50501 Movement, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

The demonstrations came amid a climate of political tension and a growing pattern of violent incidents, including the earlier assassination of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman. In response, Minnesota organizers canceled all planned rallies, and Gov. Tim Walz urged residents to avoid public gatherings until the suspect is apprehended.

“Given what happened overnight, we need to prioritize public safety,” Walz wrote on social media. “Until this threat is neutralized, please do not attend political rallies in Minnesota today.”

In other states, governors deployed National Guard troops and reinforced police presences. Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri ordered Guard units to assist local law enforcement amid fears of unrest.

Flagship Rallies Draw Thousands

In Philadelphia, intermittent rain did little to slow a massive turnout at Love Park, where marchers waved signs reading “Fight Oligarchy” and “Deport the Mini-Mussolinis.” Protesters marched to the Philadelphia Museum of Art while chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland addressed the crowd, asking, “Are you ready to fight back? Do you want a gangster state or do you want free speech in America?”

In Atlanta, the official “No Kings” rally reached its 5,000-person capacity within an hour, while thousands more gathered outside the barriers in front of the Georgia State Capitol. In Charlotte, North Carolina, crowds marched behind a “No Kings” banner, chanting, “No kings, no crowns, we will not bow down,” as they wound through downtown streets under the watchful eye of police.

In Los Angeles, thousands surrounded City Hall, waving signs such as “Protesting is not a crime” and “ICE out of LA.” Demonstrators carried a Trump piñata adorned with a crown and a giant helium balloon caricature of the president. A Native American drum circle and dance performance led the rally before the march spread through city streets.

Protests Met with Police Response

While most protests were peaceful, isolated confrontations occurred. In Charlotte, officers on bicycles briefly blocked a downtown march, prompting chants of “Let us walk.” In northern Atlanta, police used tear gas to disperse several hundred demonstrators attempting to reach Interstate 285. A journalist was reportedly detained during the confrontation, and police helicopters monitored the crowd overhead.

In Florida, about 1,000 protesters rallied at the old Capitol in Tallahassee, waving signs with slogans such as “One Nation Under Distress” and “Dissent Is Patriotic.” Marchers near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach were turned back by sheriff’s deputies before reaching the gates.

Voices of Protest

Karen Van Trieste, 61, a nurse from Maryland who traveled to Philadelphia for the protest, said she joined the march to stand against what she views as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. “I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” she said, citing concerns over executive orders and attacks on immigrant communities.

In Charlotte, Jocelyn Abarca, 21, said, “If we don’t stop it now, it’s just going to keep getting worse,” referencing deportations and the recent deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.

Symbolism and Unity

Many protesters wore symbolic attire, including a woman in Philadelphia dressed as the Statue of Liberty who led an anti-Trump sing-along using the tune of “Y.M.C.A.” Some held signs quoting founding fathers, while Revolutionary War-era costumes appeared in several rallies. Mexican flags—frequently used in immigration rights protests—were also seen throughout Saturday’s events.

Organizers emphasized nonviolence and urged participants to avoid confrontations. The 50501 Movement’s mission is to oppose authoritarianism and promote democratic values, organizers said, with the “No Kings” name meant to reflect the movement’s call for equality under the law.

President Trump, meanwhile, spent the day in Washington, attending a military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also marked his 79th birthday. A parallel protest in the capital featured a massive “Trump must go now” banner leading thousands through the streets.

AP

Democratic Lawmaker and Husband Killed, Another Lawmaker Injured in ‘Politically Motivated Assassination’ in Minnesota

By
admin
-
0

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (BN24) — A Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were shot dead and another legislator and his wife were critically wounded in a politically motivated attack early Saturday that state officials are calling an “assassination.” Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspected gunman, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter.

The fatal shooting occurred at the home of State Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55, a prominent Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) legislator from Brooklyn Park. She and her husband, Mark, were both pronounced dead at the scene. At nearly the same time, State Sen. John Hoffman of Champlin and his wife, Yvette, were attacked in their home and remain hospitalized in serious condition.

“This was a targeted, politically motivated act of violence,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a press conference Saturday. “Melissa and Mark were murdered for her public service. This was an assassination.”

Boelter allegedly gained access to the homes by impersonating law enforcement, wearing a tactical vest, blue shirt, and a replica badge. Police recovered an SUV fitted with flashing lights, a ramming bumper, and other law enforcement features, believed to have been used by the suspect. Investigators also found a “manifesto” and a list of other Minnesota lawmakers and public officials in the vehicle.

Authorities say Boelter fled after exchanging gunfire with police around 3:35 a.m. at Hortman’s residence. The area near Edinburgh Golf Course remains under a shelter-in-place order as law enforcement agencies from across the state, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and federal authorities, continue the search.

Gov. Walz confirmed that the shootings appear to be connected to national anti-government protests planned under the banner “No Kings,” including one that had been scheduled in northeast Minnesota. That event was canceled following the shootings. Police said fliers with the same slogan were found inside the suspect’s vehicle, though the extent of the connection remains under investigation.

“This kind of politically driven violence cannot stand,” Walz said. “Disagreement does not justify terror. We must all speak out against this extremism.”

The deadly shootings come amid a troubling pattern of political violence across the country. Just last year, President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts, including one by a man later found dead at the scene in Pennsylvania. In separate incidents this year, extremist-linked attacks have targeted politicians, diplomats, and public events — including a car bombing in California and a firebombing at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home.

President Trump condemned Saturday’s violence in Minnesota and said he was briefed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” Trump said in a statement. “We will bring those responsible to justice.”

Rep. Hortman, a former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was a leading progressive voice who had recently co-authored legislation supporting equal rights and condemning Trump’s controversial pardons of January 6 offenders. Sen. Hoffman authored major legislation on aging and elder care services.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who served with both lawmakers, expressed heartbreak on social media. “This is a stunning act of violence. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families,” she wrote.

Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, also responded. “An attack on lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself,” she said in a statement. “We must reject violent extremism in all its forms.”

The Brooklyn Park Police Department urged residents to avoid the area around the Edinburgh Golf Course as the search for Boelter continues. Authorities say additional names found on the suspect’s hit list are being contacted and given protection.

Missile Strike Kills Man and Woman in Israel, Dozens Injured as Iran Launches Retaliatory Barrage

By
admin
-
0

TEL AVIV (BN24) — A missile launched during a wave of Iranian retaliation struck an apartment complex in the Israeli city of Rishon Lezion on Saturday, killing a man and a woman and injuring dozens more, according to Israel’s national ambulance service.

The strike came amid a night of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with both nations trading direct missile attacks in one of the most severe military escalations in recent Middle East history.

Rescue crews combed through the wreckage of residential buildings in Rishon Lezion, a city just south of Tel Aviv, as shocked neighbors watched emergency teams pull injured civilians from the rubble. Authorities said the missile appeared to have struck near homes in the early hours, causing widespread destruction in the densely populated area.

Israeli officials attributed the strike to one of the many missiles launched from Iran in response to Israeli airstrikes the day before that targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz enrichment facility. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack and blamed Tehran directly. “Iran has crossed a red line by deliberately targeting civilians,” Katz said, vowing that Iran “will pay a heavy price.”

The strike in Rishon Lezion wasn’t the only civilian casualty reported Saturday. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a separate missile launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia in Yemen killed five Palestinians, including three children, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The incident underscores the widening regional reach of the conflict.

Air raid sirens sounded throughout Israeli cities — including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — as successive waves of Iranian ballistic missiles filled the skies. The Israeli military reported that fewer than 100 missiles were fired and most were intercepted or fell short. However, those that landed, like the one in Rishon Lezion, caused deadly consequences.

The escalation was sparked by Israel’s largest-ever air offensive against Iran on Friday. Israeli fighter jets targeted top commanders, nuclear scientists, and key infrastructure at Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran’s U.N. envoy reported that 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured in the Israeli strikes, most of them civilians.

Iran’s response was swift and forceful. Tehran claimed it launched hundreds of ballistic missiles in retaliation, including those that hit Israeli civilian zones. Fires were reported in Tehran following Israeli strikes on Friday, with Iranian media confirming that projectiles hit the Mehrabad airport, a military-civilian facility near key government institutions.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had assisted Israel by intercepting some of the incoming Iranian missiles. Still, the damage on both sides raised alarms over the potential for a wider regional war.

As search operations continued in Israel on Saturday, local officials urged civilians to remain in shelters. “What we are witnessing is no longer proxy warfare,” said one Israeli military spokesman. “This is direct state-to-state conflict, and Israeli civilians are paying the price.”

At Least 11 Dead, Others Missing as San Antonio Reels from Devastating Flash Floods

By
admin
-
0

SAN ANTONIO (BN24) — At least 11 people are confirmed dead and several others remain missing after torrential rain triggered catastrophic flash flooding across San Antonio, Texas, USA, early Thursday morning, prompting a widespread search-and-rescue operation that continued into Friday, city officials said.

The storm struck before dawn, when nearly 8 inches of rain fell within just a few hours, overwhelming creeks, roads, and drainage systems, the National Weather Service reported. Fueled by a potent upper-level trough, the system swept across central Texas, spawning two confirmed tornadoes in Hays County while dumping relentless rain on the San Antonio metro area.

San Antonio’s fire and police departments, joined by Texas A&M Task Force 1 — a FEMA-affiliated national search and rescue team — are combing flood-ravaged zones for the missing, particularly along Salado Creek near Perrin Beitel Road and Leon Creek.

“These teams are conducting detailed ground searches across creek beds, low-water crossings, and debris fields,” the fire department said in a statement.

The worst flooding struck just after midnight Thursday, when at least 15 vehicles were swept into rapidly rising waters around Perrin Beitel Road. According to the weather service, ten people were rescued — some pulled from treetops — and two others managed to escape the floodwaters on foot. One of the recovered victims was found nearly a mile downstream from the road.

More than 70 water rescues have been carried out since the flooding began, officials confirmed Friday. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus described scenes of sudden inundation, where floodwaters surged with little warning, overwhelming roadways and catching drivers off guard.

“These are low-water crossings where the depth and speed of the water are incredibly deceptive and dangerous,” McManus said.

Among the missing is Stevie Richards, 42, who was on his way to work when he called his wife, Angela Richards, saying his vehicle had stalled and begun to float. Then the line went dead.

“I could hear whatever the car hit and then the water taking over the car,” she said. “And that’s the last I heard.”

As emergency crews worked through floodwaters and debris, the National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes touched down near Wimberley, roughly 60 miles northeast of San Antonio. Both twisters were rated EF0 with peak winds between 65 and 85 mph, leaving tree damage and minor structural impacts.

City officials reported that the deluge damaged 15 of San Antonio’s 141 low-water crossings, while 18 roadways remained closed Friday due to flood damage or lingering debris. The full extent of infrastructure damage is still being assessed.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed heartbreak over the unfolding tragedy and offered prayers for the families impacted.

“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones,” Nirenberg said in a statement. “Erika and I will be praying that those who are missing are found without harm.”

As the city braces for sweltering conditions — Friday’s high was forecasted at 107°F — officials also warned that rivers and creeks remained swollen and hazardous. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for portions of the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek, both of which are expected to overflow their banks through at least Saturday morning.

“Floodwaters from heavy rains earlier this week continue to move downstream,” the agency cautioned in a hazards alert.

The full scope of the storm’s toll is still emerging as rescue crews press forward, navigating a dangerous and emotional aftermath.

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Set to Challenge Trump’s Military Parade and Leadership Style

By
admin
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — As President Donald Trump prepares to preside over the largest U.S. military parade in decades to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army — an event that coincides with his 79th birthday — a grassroots protest movement is mobilizing nationwide under the banner “No Kings.”

The demonstrations, scheduled for Saturday across all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii, aim to counter what organizers describe as Trump’s authoritarian drift and militarization of governance. The protests are being coordinated by a decentralized activist coalition called 50501 — representing 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. Organizers expect around 2,000 participants, marking what could become the most significant wave of dissent since Trump began his second term in 2025.

While the protests will include criticism of Trump’s sweeping immigration enforcement policies — which have sparked unrest in places like Los Angeles — their central message is broader: a firm rejection of what demonstrators see as Trump’s growing executive overreach. Under the slogan “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings,” protesters seek to reassert the importance of democratic institutions, civil liberties, and constitutional checks and balances.

Saturday’s military spectacle in Washington, D.C., has been promoted by Trump as a show of strength and national pride. The event will feature soldiers in historic uniforms from major American conflicts — from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam — marching beside their modern-day counterparts. Tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters will roll through the capital in a massive display of U.S. military power.

“We will celebrate a spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C., like no other,” Trump declared. “It will be better and bigger than any parade we’ve ever had in this country.”

The last such parade took place in 1991 under President George H. W. Bush, marking the end of the Gulf War. Trump had previously attempted to launch a similar event during his first term, but plans were shelved over budget concerns and potential infrastructure damage. This year’s parade, greenlit amid rising patriotic fervor, is estimated to cost $45 million, including $16 million earmarked for road repairs caused by heavy military equipment.

The president has explicitly warned against counterdemonstrations in the capital, stating that “those who want to protest will be met with very big force.” In response, organizers of the “No Kings” movement have deliberately planned their events away from the immediate vicinity of the parade, stressing that the day should belong to the people, not a single man.

In Los Angeles, where tensions have surged over Trump’s intensified deportation raids and the deployment of nearly 700 U.S. Marines and National Guard troops, large-scale protests have already been underway for several days. While mostly peaceful, the protests have led to clashes with federal agents and several arrests.

The “No Kings” protests aim to draw attention beyond immigration crackdowns. Their mission, according to their website, is to confront what they see as Trump’s erosion of civil rights, his defiance of judicial authority, and his use of executive power to sidestep congressional oversight.

“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” reads a statement on the movement’s website.

Trump’s critics accuse him of behaving more like a monarch than a president — cutting through constitutional norms, centralizing power, and cultivating a personality cult that celebrates military might and executive authority over democratic deliberation.

While Trump’s supporters praise his leadership for restoring order, streamlining government, and cracking down on what they see as illegal immigration and bureaucratic waste, his opponents view his presidency as a sustained threat to democratic norms. For them, Saturday’s military parade is not a celebration of America’s armed forces but a symbolic display of presidential power that demands civilian rebuke.

“Real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,” the “No Kings” group stated.

Though relatively modest in projected turnout, the “No Kings” protests symbolize a growing resistance movement within the United States — one that views Trump’s leadership as a departure from democratic governance. Organizers say their aim isn’t just to protest one day, but to galvanize a broader civic awakening that can restore what they believe Trump has eroded: accountability, balance, and rule of law.

As the capital prepares for its biggest parade in a generation, much of the rest of the country is preparing to march for a very different vision of America.

1...329330331...989Page 330 of 989