Uneasy calm settles over Syria’s Homs after brief outbreak of violence

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott plans to swiftly sign a Republican-crafted congressional voting map aimed at solidifying the GOP's majority, following its approval by state lawmakers. This redistricting effort, which includes five new Republican-favored districts, has sparked Democratic opposition, with allegations of violating the Voting Rights Act, and sets the stage for a broader national redistricting battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Want More Context? 🔎

Police are investigating a reported rape of a teenage girl at the Camper Calling Festival in Warwickshire, where a 16-year-old boy has been arrested. This incident follows another rape allegation involving a one-eyed man in Oxfordshire, prompting police appeals for public assistance in both cases. Want More Context? 🔎

UN chief Antonio Guterres has described the famine in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's starvation policies, as a profound moral failure, endangering over half a million people. Despite this humanitarian crisis, Israel continues its military actions, supported by the United States and Western allies, raising urgent questions about the permissibility of engineered famines in the 21st century. Want More Context? 🔎

Five individuals were killed in a tour bus crash in western New York, identified as Shankar Kumar Jha, Pinki Changrani, Xie Hongzhuo, Zhang Xiaolan, and Jian Mingli. The bus, carrying 54 passengers, lost control and tipped over, injuring many, with 14 still hospitalized; authorities believe the driver, Bin Shao, became distracted but showed no signs of impairment. Want More Context? 🔎

Lebanon faces increasing international pressure to disarm Hezbollah, a move complicated by ongoing Israeli occupation and the Lebanese army's inability to fill the resulting security vacuum. Hezbollah staunchly refuses to disarm, citing its role in deterring Israeli aggression, and the potential consequences of disarmament could lead to greater instability, internal conflict, and increased reliance on Western aid. Want More Context? 🔎

ECONOMY BOROUGH, Pa. (AP) A bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High football team to a game crashed in Economy Borough, north of Pittsburgh, injuring 21 of the 28 individuals on board. The bus reportedly overturned but righted itself as students evacuated; an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Want More Context? 🔎