Texas flooding updates: Statewide death toll now at least 80, say officials

Texas flooding updates: Statewide death toll now at least 80, say officials

At least 80 people are dead and others missing after heavy rain lashed Texas,leading to "catastrophic" flooding. By far the greatest number of fatalities occurred in Kerr County, where 68 people at last word are believed to be dead, according to officials, including 28 children. At least 41 people are missing statewide as of late Sunday afternoon, officials said. President Trump has signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground there, the Department of Homeland Security said Sunday. Jul 6, 11:19 PMDeath toll in Texas flooding rises to at least 80 At least 80 people have died in Texas as a result of the catastrophic flooding in the state. The death toll continues to rise as officials in affected areas conduct search and rescue operations.By far the greatest number of fatalities occurred in Kerr County, where at least 68 people are believed to be dead, according to officials. Deaths were also reported in Travis County, Williamson County, Burnet County and Tom Green County.-ABC News' Darren Reynolds Jul 6, 10:06 PMAdditional rainfall, search and rescue operations continue in Kerr County: Sheriff Officials in Kerr County, Texas, said in an update on Sunday that search and rescue operations are continuing as additional rain impacts already flood-hit areas."There was additional rain in the upper Guadalupe basin this afternoon, leading to a rise in Johnson Creek," the Kerr County Sheriff's Office wrote in a post on Facebook. The agency said the additional rainfall may lead to a rise of one to two feet downstream when it enters the Guadalupe River in Ingram."Please be aware if you are near the Guadalupe River or Johnson Creek," the sheriff's office said. Jul 6, 6:07 PMTrump says he'll 'probably' visit Texas on Friday, avoids FEMA question Speaking with reporters before boarding Air Force One on Sunday, President Donald Trump spoke about the flooding in Texas, saying he'll "probably" visit the state on Friday."We're working very close with representatives from Texas, and it's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," Trump said, saying he's spoken with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Asked if the meteorologists at the National Weather Service who were impacted by the federal cuts should be hired back, Trump initially said he didn't know but eventually said no.Trump also wouldn't answer if he was working on plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as internal documents show the agency isn't properly staffed."Well, FEMA is something we can talk about later, but right now they're busy working, so we'll leave it at that," the president said.-ABC News' Lalee Ibssa and Hannah Demissie Jul 6, 5:23 PMTexas flooding death toll now at least 78 The number of deaths due to the flooding in Texas is now at least 78, according to the latest information from state officials.Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd said during an afternoon press conference with Gov. Greg Abbott in Austin that there were at least 69 people confirmed dead, based on information that was "a few hours hold" at the time they prepared for the conference.Those numbers included 59 confirmed dead in Kerr County, according to Abbott and Kidd, with 41 missing across the state.In a separate press conference the began just as Gov. Abbott's was ending, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that as of 1:30 p.m. local time, there were 68 dead in the county, including 28 children – nine more Kerr County deaths that previously reported.Eighteen adults and 10 children are pending identification, according to Leitha.Leitha added that 10 campers and one counselor at Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. Earlier Sunday, 11 campers remained unaccounted for. It's not known if the single camper was found alive or is among the dead.Gov. Abbott said only people with "specific information" about a missing person should contact officials in order to prevent unnecessary calls from potentially interfering with recovery efforts. Jul 6, 4:16 PMGov. Abbott giving press conference Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other officials are currently conducting a press conference in Austin to share the latest information regarding the flooding in Texas. Jul 6, 1:05 PMFEMA activated in Texas, according to DHS The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been activated in Texas, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The activation comes in the wake of President Trump on Sunday signing a disaster declaration for hard-hit Kerr County, where at least 59 people have died as a result of the torrential rains and resulting flooding.The U.S. Coast Guard is also helping with search-and-rescue operations in the area, according to DHS, using helicopters and other aircraft equipped with thermal cameras to search for survivors.DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is "on the ground with Governor Abbott and local leaders on Saturday and will continue to work to make sure Texas has the resources needed to respond and recover," the DHS statement said. Jul 6, 11:40 AMPresident Trump signs "Major Disaster Declaration" for Kerr County, Texas President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Sunday morning that he has signed a "Major Disaster Declaration" for Kerr County, Texas.The declaration is "to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need," the post said, in part."These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State," Trump also wrote. Jul 6, 11:21 AM59 dead in Kerr County, including 21 children, sheriff says Fifty-nine people are dead as a result of the flooding and torrential rains in Kerr County, Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Sunday-morning press conference. That tally includes 38 adults and 21 children, Leitha said.Leitha also said 11 campers and one counselor remained missing from Camp Mystic, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River.Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, Leitha said. Jul 5, 7:12 PM43 dead in Kerr County Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha provided an update on the flood damage in his area during a news conference and said the death toll rose to 43 people as of 7 p.m. ET."Among these who are deceased, we have 28 adults and 15 children," he said.Leitha said five children and 12 adults are pending identification."I assure you we're going to do everything along with our partners, and we'll be on this till we find the last body," he said. Jul 5, 4:47 PM32 dead, including 14 children, in catastrophic flooding At least 32 people are dead, including 14 children, Texas officials said Saturday. Officials are still searching for 27 people who are missing."My instruction to every state official involved is to assume everybody who is missing is alive, and there's a need for speed. Not just every hour, every minute counts, which is why there's people in the air, people in the water, people at the ground right now because they're looking to save every last life and we will not give up that effort," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a press conference.Search and rescue teams are continuing to search for live victims, officials said. Click here to read the rest of the blog.

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

Texas flooding updates: Statewide death toll now at least 80, say officials

Texas flooding updates: Statewide death toll now at least 80, say officials At least 80 people are dead and others missing after heavy rain ...

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Here’s where Trump’s approval ratings stand on key issues

Here's where Trump's approval ratings stand on key issues

President Trump's approval ratings remain underwater as he gets mixed reviews on his immigration crackdown, economic handling and foreign policy five months into his second administration. Trump's approval on the economy, one of his biggest strengths throughout 2024, has appeared to improve slightly after taking a hit from chaotic tariff moves and stock market losses earlier this year, though it largely remains negative. And support for his handling of immigration, while still his strongest issue, has shownsigns of weakeningas he pursues his campaign promise of mass deportations. At the same time, his favorability and job approval numbers have ticked up slightly since the Israel-Iranceasefire took hold, noted Scott Tranter, the director of data science for Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) — signaling some recovery even as the figures remain significantly lower than they were when Trump took office. Here's what voters think of Trump's job performance and moves on major issues heading into the July 4 holiday weekend: Trump started his second term with some of his highest approval numbers but crossed into net-negative territory this spring amid blowback over his whiplash moves on tariffs. After hitting a disapproval high in April, his numbers started to recover slightly in May and early June, according toaverages from DDHQ. Last month, though, his numbers sank again, with a roughly 45 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval rating. At the same time, DDHQ's tracker has seen some improvement for Trump, as last week his net approval reached minus-8 points. "Both favorability and job approval numbers for President Trump had an uptrend since last week's ending of the Iranian conflict," Tranter said. "We are seeing a range for both of these metrics that is for now, higher than the range was in his first term." "So, over the course of last week, it's gone up. But it is certainly lower than it was post-inauguration." Gallup's trackerputs Trump at a 40 percent approval rating as of early June, before developments including the U.S. strikes against Iran. That figure is not far from the 38 percent approval he logged in June of 2017, during his first term, but is well behind former President Biden's 56 percent at this point during the Democrat's first year. New pollingfrom The Economist/YouGov conducted June 27-30 found Trump with a net approval of minus 11 points, down from a minus 4 point net approval at theend of May. An Emerson College Polling survey taken last week found a similar slide, with Trump once again underwater. In a positive sign for the president, his economic numbers appear to be in recovery mode after his aggressive trade moves earlier this year dealt a blow to his approval. A trackerfrom pollster Nate Silver shows Trump's approval rating on the economy has appeared to even out after a significant downturn in March and April, now sitting at a minus-12 net rating. Trump had a 43 percent approval rating on jobs and the economy in the latest Economist/YouGov numbers, on par with the 42 percent logged at the end of last month — though he fell on inflation and prices from a negative 15 points to a minus-24 net score. Americans' assessments of the economy improved slightly in Gallup's JuneEconomic Confidence Index, climbing from minus 22 points in April to minus 18 points in May and then minus 14 points this month. Trump scored a major legislative win this week when Congress passed his "big, beautiful bill," sending the sweeping package that couldadd trillionsto the federal deficit to Trump's desk. Approval for the bill has beenunderwater in some polling, and it remains to be seen how its passage could impact the president's broader numbers. Immigration, another issue that bolstered Trump through both of his presidential campaigns, continues to be one of his strong suits in his second term, but some new polls suggest support for his hard-line stances are slacking. "He's lost ground," Tranter said. "Some polls show he is underwater, and some are back and forth. So I think the consensus is: We can argue whether or not he still has a net positive support on immigration or not, but we can say that it's gone down." The Economist/YouGov poll had Trump's approval on immigration at a positive net 7 points at the end of May, before it flipped to a net negative 3 points at the end of June. In the first few months of his second term, Trump has spearheaded adeportation blitzand worked toend birthright citizenshipas part of a major crackdown on immigration. After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workplace raidssparked protestsin Los Angeles last month, Trump sent thousands of National Guard members and Marines to California as he clashed with Democrats over the issue. A new pollfrom PBS News, NPR and Marist released this week found a minus-9 point net approval rating for Trump's immigration handling. A majority of Americans, or 54 percent, described ICE's actions to uphold immigration laws as having "gone too far," a figure bolstered largely by Democrats and independents. Meanwhile, 49 percent of surveyed Republicans described the actions as appropriate. Trump sent shock waves through the political world in late Junewhen he announcedthat the U.S. had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, inserting the U.S. into a tense conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East. The president thenbrokered a fragile ceasefirethat ended the 12-day conflict, and he has touted that the U.S. strikes "obliterated" Iran's nuclear threat, even as some have called that claim into question. "He's riding high after Iran," Tranter said of Trump, calling it "a clear win" for the commander in chief as he pointed to Trump's approval uptick over the past week. But Americans in the PBS News polling were divided about the U.S. strikes, with a 50-50 split on agreement with the military action. More than 8 in 10 surveyed Republicans supported the strikes, compared with 45 percent of independents and 23 percent of Democrats. Three in 4 Americans also worried that Iran could retaliate after the U.S. strikes. Americans inCNN pollingwere even more disapproving, with 56 percent of those surveyed against and 44 percent for the strikes, and 6 in 10 worried that the strikes could increase the Iranian threat to the U.S. Meanwhile, Trump announced this week that Israel agreed to conditions that could finalize a60-day ceasefirewith the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza amid a conflict that has ravaged the Gaza Strip for nearly two years. If that deal goes through, it could mark the "next theoretical big win" for Trump, Tranter said. Quinnipiac polling from mid-June found low approval for Trump's Israel-Hamas handling, at just 35 percent. He got similar marks, 34 percent approval, for his approach to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, a three-year conflict Trump has repeatedly claimed would not have happened on his watch. Trump struggled to make progress toward an end in fighting,lashing outat various points at both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

Here’s where Trump’s approval ratings stand on key issues

Here's where Trump's approval ratings stand on key issues President Trump's approval ratings remain underwater as he gets mixed ...

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Campbell takes John Deere for 2nd playoff victory this year. Brown wins BMW International

Campbell takes John Deere for 2nd playoff victory this year. Brown wins BMW International

SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Brian Campbell won for the second time this year on the PGA Tour, both in a playoff, when he closed with a 4-under 67 and beat Emiliano Grillo with a par on the first extra hole Sunday in the John Deere Classic. It extended the win-or-bust season for Campbell, who won the Mexico Open in a playoff in late February. He has finished out of the top 30 every tournament except for his two victories. This one might be enough to get him into the British Open, depending on how high up he moves in the world ranking published Monday, traditionally used as the alternate list. Grillo, who also closed with a 67, took the lead when Campbell made double bogey on 15, only to three-putt for bogey on the 16th. Campbell, one of the shorter hitters on tour, blasted a 3-wood to 18 feet for a two-putt birdie on the par-5 17th and narrowly missed a 25-foot birdie on the 18th. He was the first player to post at 18-under 266. Grillo got up-and-down for birdie on the 17th, holing an 8-foot putt, and caught a bad break on the 18th when his drive settled into a divot. He hit wedge to just inside 40 feet and two-putted for par to join Campbell at 266. David Lipsky was poised to join them when he hit a punch 3-wood to 8 feet for eagle on the 17th to tie for the lead. But he hooked his drive on the 18th, couldn't reach the green, and his 15-foot par putt to get into the playoff caught the left lip and spun away. He shot 68 and tied for third with Kevin Roy (65). European tour MUNICH (AP) — Daniel Brown was in tears after winning the BMW International Open by two strokes, days after the death of a close friend. The No. 170-ranked Brown shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 in the final round to capture his second European tour title, after the ISPS Handa World Invitational in 2023. It was his first top 10 since February. After making his sixth and final birdie of the day at the par-5 18th, Brown walked off the green and started to cry. The Englishman said a close friend died last weekend and that was his motivation to win at Golfclub München Eichenried. Brown started the day with a one-shot lead over Jordan Smith (67), birdied four of his first six holes, and picked up two more birdies coming home to finish on 22-under par for the week. Ladies European Tour MAYNOOTH, Ireland (AP) — Lottie Woad of England became the first amateur in three years to win a Ladies European Tour title, closing with a 4-under 69 for a six-shot victory in the Women's Irish Open. Woad, the world No. 1 amateur, entered the final round with a seven-stroke lead. The 21-year-old Woad just completed her junior year at Florida State and won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in 2023. She finished at 21-under par, six shots ahead of Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden. The last amateur winner of an LET event was Jana Melichova in the 2022 Czech Ladies Open. Other tours Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe closed with a 3-under 70 for a four-shot victory over Danthai Boonma in the International Series Morocco on the Asian Tour. ... Maximilian Steinlechner of Austria won his first Challenge Tour title when he closed with a 5-under 69 for a two-shot victory over Filippo Celli of Italy in the Interwetten Open. ... David Perkins closed with a 4-under 67 and won the Explore NB Open in Canada by one shot over Tripp Kinney for his first title on the PGA Tour Americas. ... Saki Nagamine made par on the 18th hole four times, first in regulation for a 2-under 70, and then three times in a sudden-death playoff before beating Megumi Kido in the Shiseido-JAL Ladies Open on the Japan LPGA. ... Hyejun Park closed with a 2-under 70 for a one-shot victory over Seunghui Ro in the Lotte Open on the Korea LPGA. ... Keith Horne of South Africa had a third consecutive 4-under 68 and won the inaugural Reignwood Legends Championship in Beijing on the European Legends Tour. ___ AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

Campbell takes John Deere for 2nd playoff victory this year. Brown wins BMW International

Campbell takes John Deere for 2nd playoff victory this year. Brown wins BMW International SILVIS, Ill. (AP) — Brian Campbell won for the sec...

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Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve homer in Astros' 5-1 win to complete sweep of Dodgers

Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve homer in Astros' 5-1 win to complete sweep of Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve each homered, Ryan Gusto threw six strong innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 on Sunday to complete their first three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium since May 9-11, 2008. The Astros scored the go-ahead run in the sixth when No. 9 batter Zack Short capped an eight-pitch at-bat by drawing a two-out bases-loaded walk off reliever Will Klein (1-1) for a 2-1 lead. Walker and Diaz opened the eighth with homers off Dodgers closer Tanner Scott for a 4-1 lead, and Altuve added a solo shot in the ninth off Anthony Banda, as the Astros improved to a major league-best 24-8 since June 1. Gusto (6-3) wasn't dominant, allowing one run and four hits and striking out one, but he held the top four Dodgers batters — Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages — to two singles in 12 at-bats. Bennett Sousa, Bryan King and Bryan Abreu each threw scoreless innings of relief for Houston. The Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the second, an inning that began with Michael Conforto's walk and Hyeseong Kim's single. Conforto took third on Miguel Rojas' double play grounder and scored on Dalton Rushing's RBI double. Houston tied the score 1-1 in the third when Short singled, took third on Isaac Paredes' double and scored on Altuve's sacrifice fly, a ball that Dodgers right fielder Esteury Ruiz caught while leaping into the screen in foul territory. Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan, recalled from Triple-A to make his second big-league start in his return from Tommy John surgery, gave up one run and five hits in five innings, striking out four and walking one. Key moment The Dodgers threatened off reliever King in the eighth when Rushing singled and took second on Betts' two-out single, but Astros center fielder Taylor Trammell, who entered for defensive purposes in the sixth, raced in to make a sliding catch of Freeman's 104-mph liner to preserve a 4-1 lead. Key stat Walker, who entered with a major league-best 1.203 career OPS in Dodger Stadium, is batting .349 (53 for 152) with 21 homers and 38 RBIs in 45 games in Chavez Ravine. Up next Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (8-6, 2.51 ERA) will face Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta (9-4, 2.91 ERA) Monday in Milwaukee. Astros left-hander Colton Gordon (3-1, 4.37 ERA) will face Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (4-9, 4.20 ERA) Monday in Houston. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve homer in Astros' 5-1 win to complete sweep of Dodgers

Christian Walker, Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve homer in Astros' 5-1 win to complete sweep of Dodgers LOS ANGELES (AP) — Christian Walker,...

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At least 69 dead, 51 missing as recovery efforts continue in Hill Country

At least 69 dead, 51 missing as recovery efforts continue in Hill Country

(The Center Square) – At least 69 people are dead and 51 are missing as a result of the July 4 flash flood event in Texas Hill Country, Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Sunday night. There are 59 confirmed deceased and 11 missing from Camp Mystic, in Kerrville and Kerr County, Abbott said. In the Central Texas area, there are confirmed 10 additional people deceased. Statewide, in all areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing. But it's unknown how many remain missing. Abbott said it was important to clarify that "there were so many people who were just camping out – not children in camps – but adults camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that," who are missing. "There are people who are missing, who are not on the known, confirmed missing because we don't yet know who they are," he said. Authorities are involved in ongoing searches "throughout the entire river system to find anybody who may be missing," he said. Abbott also called on members of the public to contact local Kerr County officials if they believe they know someone is missing who was camping in the area. "Please contact the local officials in Kerr County and let them know that you have the name, identification and other information about a person who is suspected to be missing," he said. "Call only if you have specific information," otherwise calls could slow emergency response efforts, he said. The state has deployed more than 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets across 20 state agencies in response to the flood event. Expected dangerous weather conditions continue, Abbott also warned, adding that "life threatening danger over the next 24 to 48 hours" exists. Flash flooding could occur in the regions of "the Big Country, Concho Valley, Central Texas and Kerrville," he said. "There are still public safety issues and lives to be saved in Kerr County, and all of these regions," he said. He urged Texans to remain vigilant and stay off the roads. Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Director Freeman Martin said three people have been reported missing in Williamson County, one has been recovered; the fire chief and a 17-year-old female are missing in Burnet County. At least six people are confirmed dead and 17 are reported missing in Travis and Burnet counties as a result of flood waters, authoritiesconfirmedto the Dallas Morning News. Recovering operations are ongoing for everyone including "every single one of the children who were at Camp Mystic, as well as anybody else," Abbott said. After visiting what's left of the camp, he said, "it was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through." "We know that parents and families, they want information, they want closure, and we want them to know that we are working as swiftly as possible to get them accurate information that will provide that closure," Abbott said. More than 850 people have been rescued, the majority by the Texas Military Department. Texas National Guard helped rescue/evacuate 525 people, 366 by air and 159 by ground; 20 were in San Sabo County and five in Burnet County, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer said. One single U.S. Coast Guard officer rescued a record 165 people. U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Petty Officer Scott Ruskin "directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. "This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the USCG." The Trump administration is supporting recovery efforts, including the president already approving a major disaster declaration authorizing FEMA assistance.

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

At least 69 dead, 51 missing as recovery efforts continue in Hill Country

At least 69 dead, 51 missing as recovery efforts continue in Hill Country (The Center Square) – At least 69 people are dead and 51 are missi...

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Israel launches airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Houthis launch missile at Israel

Israel launches airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Houthis launch missile at Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel's military launched airstrikes early Monday targeting ports and facilities held by Yemen's Houthi rebels, with the rebels responding with missile fire targeting Israel. The attacks came after an attack Sundaytargeting a Liberian-flagged shipin the Red Sea that caught fire and took on water, later forcing its crew to abandon the vessel. Suspicion for the attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas immediately fell on the Houthis, particularly as a security firm said it appeared bomb-carrying drone boats hit the ship after it was targeted by small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The rebels' media reported on the attack but did not claim it. It can take them hours or even days before they acknowledge an assault. A renewed Houthi campaign against shipping could again draw in U.S. and Western forces to the area, particularly afterPresident Donald Trump targeted the rebels in a major airstrike campaign. The ship attack comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East, as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance and as Iran weighs whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear program followingAmerican airstrikes targeting its most-sensitive atomic sitesamid an Israeli war against the Islamic Republic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also was traveling to Washington to meet with Trump. Israeli strikes target Houthi-held ports The Israeli military said it struck Houthi-held ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. "These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies," the Israeli military said. The Israeli military also said it struck the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle-carrying vessel that the Houthis seized back in November 2023 when they began their attacks in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war. "Houthi forces installed a radar system on the ship and have been using it to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities," the Israeli military said. The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader was affiliated with an Israeli billionaire. It said no Israelis were on board. The ship had been operated by a Japanese firm NYK Line. The Houthis acknowledged the strikes, but offered no damage assessment from the attack. Their military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed its air defense forces "effectively confronted" the Israelis without offering evidence. The Houthis then responded with an apparent missile attack on Israel. The Israeli military said it attempted to intercept the missile, but it appeared to make impact, though there were no immediate reports of injuries from the attack. Ship attack forces crew to abandon vessel The attack on the Magic Seas, a bulk carrier heading north to Egypt's Suez Canal, happened some 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, which is held by the Houthis. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center first said that an armed security team on the vessel had returned fire against an initial attack, though the vessel later was struck by projectiles. Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, issued an alert saying that a merchant ship had been "attacked by eight skiffs while transiting northbound in the Red Sea." Ambrey later said the ship also had been attacked by bomb-carrying drone boats, which could mark a major escalation. It said two drone boats struck the ship, while another two had been destroyed by the armed guards on board. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the ship was taking on water and its crew had abandoned the vessel. They were rescued by a passing ship, it added. The U.S. Navy'sMideast-based 5th Fleetreferred questions to the military's Central Command, which said it was aware of the incident without elaborating. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister for Yemen's exiled government opposing the Houthis, identified the vessel attacked as the Magic Seas and blamed the rebels for the attack. The ship had been broadcasting it had an armed security team on board in the vicinity the attack took place and had been heading north. "The attack also proves once again that the Houthis are merely a front for an Iranian scheme using Yemen as a platform to undermine regional and global stability, at a time when Tehran continues to arm the militia and provide it with military technology, including missiles, aircraft, drones, and sea mines," al-Eryani wrote on the social platform X. The Magic Seas' owners did not respond to a request for comment. Houthi attacks came over Israel-Hamas war The Houthi rebels have been launchingmissile and drone attacksagainst commercial and military ships in the region in what the group's leadership has described as aneffort to endIsrael's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The group's al-Masirah satellite news channel acknowledged the attack occurred, but offered no other comment on it as it aired a speech by its secretive leader,Abdul Malik al-Houthi. However, Ambrey said the Magic Seas met "the established Houthi target profile," without elaborating. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them andkilling four sailors. Their campaign has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. Shipping through the Red Sea, while still lower than normal, has increased in recent weeks. The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March. That ended weeks later and the Houthis haven't attacked a vessel, though they have continued occasionalmissile attacks targeting Israel. On Sunday, the group claimed launching an earlier missile at Israel which the Israeli military said it intercepted.

byMario Satorik

in

July 06, 2025

Israel launches airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Houthis launch missile at Israel

Israel launches airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Houthis launch missile at Israel DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Isra...

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Judge's 33rd homer, double play started by Bellinger leads Yankees over Mets, stopping 6-game slide

Judge's 33rd homer, double play started by Bellinger leads Yankees over Mets, stopping 6-game slide

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit his 33rd home run, left fielder Cody Bellinger started a pivotal double play and the New York Yankees stopped a six-game losing streak by beating the Mets 6-4 Sunday to avoid a weekend Subway Series sweep. All-Star Max Fried (11-2) improved to 9-1 in 12 starts after Yankees losses after Judge staked him to a 5-0 lead with a two-run homer in the fifth off Brandon Waddell, part of Judge's three-RBI day. After Judge's sacrifice fly restored a two-run lead in the seventh, Juan Soto hit a sinking drive that Bellinger scooped with a shoestring catch that had 30% possibility. Bellinger made a 89.9 mph throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt that doubled up Francisco Lindor, who didn't slide. That was the second of three double plays in consecutive innings by a Yankees defense that has been shaky of late. Hayden Senger grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the sixth, and Judge followed with a tumbling catch on Starling Marte's liner. Goldschmidt turned an unassisted double play in the eighth, gloving Brett Baty's hard grounder, tagging Ronny Mauricio and stepping on first base. The Yankees, who tumbled from the AL East lead by losing 16 of 22 games, had matched their longest losing streak. They stopped the Mets' four-game winning streak. Austin Wells homered in the third off Zach Pop (0-1), who made his Mets debut. Francisco Lindor hit a two-run single in the fifth off Fried (11-2). Devin Williams pitched a perfect ninth for his 12th save in 13 chances. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected by plate umpire John Bacon after a pair of called strikes on Luis Torrens starting the inning, the first that appeared to be outside and the second that seemed low. The game ended when Lindor couldn't check his swing on a strikeout with Soto on deck. Mendoza was ejected for the second time this season, both in a nine-day span. Key Moments After Lindor's hit, Fried struck out Soto and retired Pete Alonso on a deep flyout. Key Stat Judge has 11 first-pitch homers, equaling a career high. Up Next Yankees: Rookie Will Warren (5-4, 5.02 ERA) opposes visiting Seattle and RHP Logan Gilbert (2-2, 3.40) on Tuesday nught. Mets: Clay Holmes (8-4, 2.99) faces rookie Brandon Young (0-3, 7.02 ERA) at Baltimore on Tuesday. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byMario Satorik

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July 06, 2025

Judge's 33rd homer, double play started by Bellinger leads Yankees over Mets, stopping 6-game slide

Judge's 33rd homer, double play started by Bellinger leads Yankees over Mets, stopping 6-game slide NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit his ...

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