It’s Election Day after a tumultuous campaign period, including assassination attempts and a last-minute candidate change. Results may take days due to tight polls. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigned in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. Harris hosted a star-studded event, while Trump faced criticism for his behavior. Officials are preparing for unrest if Trump loses, and a surprising poll result from Iowa has caught attention. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 6:30 am
Ukraine has engaged militarily with North Korean troops supporting Russia, marking a new phase in the conflict, according to President Zelenskyy. He warned of Russia’s intent to escalate the war. Ukrainian forces targeted North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region. South Korea reported over 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with significant numbers near the frontline. Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov described the engagement as small and not systematic. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strong counteraction and urged global efforts to prevent further escalation by Russia and North Korea. Ava Sinclair 06/11/2024 3:00 am
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz as Israel’s new defense minister after dismissing Yoav Gallant over policy disagreements amid conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Katz, previously the foreign minister, is a strong Netanyahu ally and unlikely to oppose his hard-line stance on cease-fire talks. Gideon Saar will succeed Katz as foreign minister. Katz’s tenure was marked by defending Israel against global criticism during wars with Hamas and Hezbollah, both backed by Iran. Katz criticized UN Secretary-General António Guterres for not condemning an Iranian missile attack on Israel. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 3:00 am
Leonard Glenn Francis, known as “Fat Leonard,” was sentenced to 15 years for orchestrating a major bribery and fraud scheme against the U.S. Navy. He pled guilty in 2015 but fled the U.S. in 2022. Captured in Venezuela, he was returned to the U.S. in a 2023 prisoner swap. Francis admitted to bribing Navy officials with cash and luxury goods. He must pay $20 million in restitution and a $150,000 fine. Penelope Kingsley 06/11/2024 3:00 am
KXAN is tracking the presidential and Senate elections nationally and in Texas. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. In 2020, Biden won 306 votes, Trump 232. Most states use a winner-take-all system, except Maine and Nebraska. Texas election results are updated every five minutes. In the Senate, 33 of 100 seats are contested, with 51 needed for a majority. Ava Sinclair 06/11/2024 3:00 am
The Pentagon estimates over 10,000 North Korean troops are in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, potentially rising to 12,000. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted unverified reports of combat operations. NATO confirmed North Korean deployment alongside Russian forces in Kursk, marking a significant escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. North Korea denies these claims. Ryder couldn’t confirm reports of North Korean engineers in Ukraine but warned they would be legitimate targets if involved in combat support against Ukraine. Ava Sinclair 05/11/2024 11:30 pm
“Fat Leonard,” or Leonard Glenn Francis, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for bribing U.S. Navy officers, with credit for time served potentially reducing his term. He must pay $20 million in restitution, in addition to $35 million forfeited. Francis, who pleaded guilty in 2015, expressed remorse in court. His company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, also pleaded guilty. Francis cooperated extensively with prosecutors, becoming a key witness in the Navy corruption case. Penelope Kingsley 05/11/2024 11:30 pm
Samir El Chekieh, a Lebanese firefighter and paramedic, navigates the chaos of Israeli air strikes in the Bekaa Valley amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The Lebanese Civil Defense Force (CDF) faces relentless pressure, with civilians increasingly among casualties. Unlike the 2006 conflict, current strikes target broader areas, including Sidon and Tyre. Israel claims to target Hezbollah, estimating significant destruction of its arsenal, yet Hezbollah continues rocket attacks. The BBC documented the CDF’s challenging operations in the region. Ava Sinclair 05/11/2024 11:30 pm
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in the UK Parliament, aims to prevent future generations from smoking by raising the minimum age for tobacco purchase annually, effectively banning cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009. It also seeks to restrict vape flavors and packaging targeting children and bans smoking in certain outdoor areas, excluding pub beer gardens due to industry opposition. Supported by the Labour Party, the bill is likely to pass, reinforcing the UK’s stringent anti-smoking measures. Smoking remains a leading preventable cause of death in the UK, with 13% of the population still smoking. Penelope Kingsley 05/11/2024 11:30 pm
A court revealed an ongoing police investigation into “criminal incidents” linked to wartime meetings, reportedly involving the Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the probe as a targeted attack amid war. The investigation, approved by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, follows allegations of Netanyahu attempting to conceal wartime discussions. Police, unhappy with the partial gag order lift, fear a “witch hunt.” Netanyahu’s office condemned the focus on his office, citing selective enforcement and ignoring other leaks causing security damage. Concerns arose earlier about discrepancies in wartime meeting transcripts. Penelope Kingsley 05/11/2024 8:00 pm
