Protester Sets Himself on Fire Outside Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil After Reports of Salmonella Infections

Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections. On April 17, the grocery chain recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil. The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. . One person has been hospitalized. The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. . The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's. The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. . Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. . Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. . Symptoms can develop anywhere between 6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria. Most people don't need treatment and recover within 4 to 7 days. . If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider

Homicide and Other Violent Crimes Declining in Cities Across the US

Homicide and Other Violent Crimes , Declining in Cities Across the US. 'The Guardian' reports that a recent crime analysis found that homicides in major cities across the United States are falling at , “one of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded.". There’s just a ton of places that you can point to that are showing widespread, very positive trends, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'. According to AH Datalytics' sample of nearly 200 cities, murder was down by 20.8% in 2024, when compared to the same time in 2023. Some cities, including Washington DC, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee, saw murder rates decline by over 30%. Some cities, including Washington DC, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee, saw murder rates decline by over 30%. The analysis is based on the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, which consists of data collected by local law enforcement agencies across the nation. While the FBI's 2023 report will not be audited or made official until October, preliminary figures suggest that murder rates significantly dropped in 2023. . The latest data suggests that this year's declines will continue at an even faster clip, nearing pre-pandemic levels. . 'The Guardian' reports that the latest data mirrors another drastic decline in homicides during the 1990s. Nationally, you’re seeing a very similar situation to what you saw in the mid-to-late 90s. But it’s potentially even larger in terms of the percentages and numbers of the drops, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'. The AH Datalytics data also found that nearly all other violent crimes saw significant declines in 2023 compared to 2022. . The quarterly data in particular suggests 2023 featured one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the United States in more than 50 years, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'

Japan, Philippines, US rebuke China over ‘dangerous’ South China Sea moves | Oneindia

The heads of state from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have jointly expressed "grave concern" regarding China's conduct in the contested South China Sea. Over recent years, Beijing has intensified its presence in this crucial maritime region, leading to heightened tensions, notably with the Philippines. This nation, among others in Southeast Asia, asserts territorial claims over portions of the sea adjacent to its shores. In response to a recent altercation near Second Thomas Shoal that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines declared Manila's intention to enact countermeasures against China. The leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States expressed shared concerns over the People's Republic of China's (PRC) provocative actions in the South China Sea during the inaugural summit held in Washington, DC. This joint statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region. #SouthChinaSea #China #Japan #Philippines #US #Tensions #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #SecurityConcerns #GeoPolitics ~HT.97~PR.152~ED.102~

Israel's Defence Minister says strikes will increase againt Hezbollah

Yoav Gallant's words come as the White House resumes talks to bring Israeli officials to Washington to discuss Rafah offensive.

Israel re-opens Erez crossing to allow more aid to reach northern Gaza

The World Food Programme estimates around 1.1 million people across Gaza, around half of the population, are "struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation."

US Secretary of State in Israel to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, says 'the time is now'

Blinken in Israel to push for a cease-fire, sustained aid into Gaza

Clashes erupt between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters at Los Angeles campus

Police in riot gear gathered at UCLA amid violence between opposed groups of student demonstrators.

Blinken In Israel: Blinken says he will press Netanyahu on Gaza aid measures | Oneindia

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, has initiated a series of discussions with Israeli leaders to address the issue of increasing humanitarian aid into Gaza. Simultaneously, he has been urging Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, to accept a proposed deal aimed at securing the release of hostages and achieving a ceasefire. Following his visits to Riyadh and Amman earlier in the week, Blinken is now in Israel, the final stop of his broader Middle East tour. Reports indicate that Blinken is currently meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. This marks Blinken's seventh visit to the region, which has been engulfed in conflict since October 7th when Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Blinken's main focus during his time in Israel is to pressure the Israeli government into taking specific actions to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He emphasised the need to address the suffering of the people in Gaza amidst the ongoing crossfire instigated by Hamas, while also striving to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. #BlinkenInIsrael #GazaAid #Netanyahu #IsraelHamasWar #Ceasefire #GazaCeasefire #AidMeasures #PressingForAction #MiddleEastDiplomacy #HumanitarianEfforts ~PR.152~ED.194~GR.124~HT.96~

McDonald's Posts Disappointing Q1 Results Amid Ongoing Boycotts

McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts. 'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker- than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. . 'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker- than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. . According to McDonald's, higher sales in the United States helped the fast-food giant overcome weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted. According to McDonald's, higher sales in the United States helped the fast-food giant overcome weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted. The company saw same-store sales rise by 1.9% worldwide between January and March, below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%. Increased menu pricing and delivery demand saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%. In international markets, sales fell by 0.2% for the first time since 2020. Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates. 'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East have been boycotting McDonald's for months. The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in Israel announced in October that it would provide free meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza. In the months since then, the company has tried to limit the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise. Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'. Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'

US steps up pressure for 'extraordinarily generous' Gaza ceasefire deal

Bliken was speaking in Saudi Arabia ahead of a visit to Israel this week, in what will be his seventh to the Middle East since the Israel Hamas war started in October.