Storm Leaves About 300,000 Without Power in Great Lakes Region

On Monday, Israeli officials announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, including potential hostage locations, amid ongoing military operations following the October 7 terror attacks that resulted in significant casualties. With over 61,000 Palestinian deaths reported and a looming famine crisis, Israel plans to expand its campaign, with a cabinet meeting scheduled to discuss a phased approach focused on Gaza City and humanitarian aid distribution. Want More Context? 🔎

The Minnesota man, Vance Boelter, 57, accused of murdering state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, will appear in federal court on Thursday. Indicted on multiple charges, including murder and firearms offenses, Boelter faces a potential death penalty, with his attorney indicating a not guilty plea; the case involves extensive evidence, including video footage and digital data. Want More Context? 🔎

A shooting at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, resulted in the death of a man and injuries to a woman, who was grazed by a bullet. The incident, believed to be targeted, occurred after the couple got into a fight, leading the shooter to follow them into the emergency room before opening fire; police are currently searching for the suspect. Want More Context? 🔎

Officials in Central Texas were aware of the flood risks in Kerr County, known as Flash Flood Alley, prior to the deadly July 4 floods that claimed over 130 lives. Despite efforts to secure funding for a flood warning system, which had been proposed for years, the project faced setbacks, with plans delayed after the flooding event. Want More Context? 🔎

A group of Democratic lawmakers, led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal, is urging an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) integration into federal agencies following Elon Musk's departure as a special government employee. They expressed concerns that DOGE employees could undermine government functions, calling for enforcement of civil service regulations to prevent political patronage in hiring practices. Want More Context? 🔎

Researchers from the Anthropic Fellows Program for AI Safety Research are exploring a novel approach to prevent harmful personality traits in AI by intentionally introducing small doses of these traits during training, a method they call “preventative steering.” By using “persona vectors,” the AI can be immunized against developing negative behaviors while being shielded from retaining these traits before deployment, sparking both intrigue and concern in the AI safety community. Want More Context? 🔎