Protests erupted today at the soccer field where a deadly missile attack claimed the lives of twelve individuals, including children, in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site, pledging a harsh response to the attack, which was attributed to Hezbollah and backed by Iran. Netanyahu emphasized that the state of Israel \"will not and cannot ignore\" the tragedy. Meanwhile, the White House urged Israel to exercise restraint, highlighting the potential for a broader regional conflict and expressing hope for a diplomatic resolution.
In a separate incident in northwest England, a knife attack at a dance class resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to eleven others. The attack occurred in Southport, where a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The local police chief described the incident as a \"ferocious attack,\" noting that the injured adults were likely trying to protect the children. Authorities have not identified a motive but do not believe it to be terror-related.
In California, officials reported that a massive park fire has become the sixth largest in state history, having burned over 100 structures and an area larger than Los Angeles. The fire was ignited by a man who pushed a burning car into a gully, leading to his arrest. Evacuations have been ordered in several communities, including Paradise, which was previously devastated by the Camp Fire in 2018.
In legal news, a New York judge ruled against appointing an outside monitor for the National Rifle Association's finances but banned former NRA chief Wayne LaPierre from the organization for ten years. This decision follows a civil case where LaPierre was found to have misused millions of dollars in NRA funds.
On the health front, U.S. health regulators approved the first blood test for colon cancer, named Shield, aimed at adults aged 45 and older. The test has shown an 83% detection rate for cancers but is not a substitute for traditional colonoscopies.
In financial markets, stocks ended mostly unchanged as investors await the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell slightly, while the Nasdaq gained modestly ahead of significant tech earnings this week.