Israel kills 34 people in Gaza ahead of UN meeting, where countries will recognize Palestinian state

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli strikes have killed at least 30 people in Gaza City, including children, according to health officials. The strikes hit a residential block Saturday night, escalating the ongoing conflict. Israel says it aims to “destroy Hamas' military infrastructure” but hasn't provided a timeline for the offensive. Palestinians streamed out of Gaza City, though many are unwilling to be uprooted again, too weak to leave or unable to afford the cost of moving. Aid groups warn that forced evacuations in Gaza will worsen the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, several Western countries are preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

UK set to recognize Palestinian state despite opposition from the US

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. is expected to recognize a Palestinian state later Sunday, despite U.S. opposition. This move is largely symbolic, but the U.K. hopes it could increase diplomatic pressure to end the conflict in Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the announcement will come from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The decision aligns with Starmer's earlier statement that the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and other peace measures. Critics, including the U.S. and Israel, have condemned the plans, saying it rewards terrorism.

Trump and MAGA movement will honor Charlie Kirk at Arizona memorial

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump and his supporters will pay tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose assassination has intensified political tensions in the U.S. The memorial service Sunday in Arizona is expected to draw a large crowd to hear from Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other prominent figures. Kirk was killed this month at a Utah college, and his assassination has sparked debates about violence and free speech. Trump has blamed the "radical left" for Kirk's death, and people have lost jobs as the administration and its supporters call out speech they find offensive. Kirk founded Turning Point, a group that played a significant role in Trump's political success.

Polls open in Guinea in a referendum that could allow junta leader to run for president

CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Polls have opened in Guinea for a referendum on a draft constitution. This could allow the junta leader, Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power four years ago, to run for president. Sunday's referendum is a key step in transitioning from military to civilian rule. However, critics call it a power grab and a way to legitimize the military coup.. Elections are expected in December. The referendum needs at least 50% turnout to pass. The campaign has been dominated by supporters of the junta, with opposition voices largely silenced. Guinea is one of a growing number of West African countries where the military has taken over.

Philippine police arrest 17 for hurling rocks as thousands peacefully protest corruption

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine police have arrested 17 people after a chaotic incident near the presidential palace in Manila. On Sunday, some individuals set fire to tires and threw rocks at riot police. This incident appeared unrelated to two large, peaceful anti-corruption protests happening elsewhere in the city. The violence led to a security lockdown at the Malacanang presidential palace. Police stated the situation was "contained" and emphasized that violence and vandalism would not be tolerated. Thousands of peaceful protesters were rallying against a corruption scandal involving lawmakers and officials linked to flood-control projects. The scandal has sparked public outrage and multiple investigations.

US lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit

BANGKOK (AP) — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has pushed for more military dialogue in a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang. The meeting on Sunday marked the first visit by a House delegation to Beijing since 2019. Li welcomed the delegates, calling it an “icebreaking trip” to strengthen ties. Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the need for military communication. The delegation included members from both the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. U.S.-China relations have been strained by trade tensions, Taiwan's status and China's support for Russia.

New Hampshire country club shooting leaves 1 dead and several wounded. Suspect in custody

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Authorities say a gunman opened fire in a New Hampshire country club on Saturday, killing one person and wounding several others. Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke said the person who died at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua was an adult male. Authorities said the suspect, who was detained at the scene, was also an adult male, and earlier reports of two shooters were mistaken. Police said there was no further danger to the public. New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley said investigators were still working to determine a motive. Information on the wounded victims’ conditions was not immediately available.

Trump says he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ben Carson

President Donald Trump has announced he will award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This marks the third such award Trump has announced this month. Trump made the announcement Saturday in a speech during an event at Mount Vernon for the American Cornerstone Institute, which Carson founded. Carson, a former neurosurgeon and 2016 presidential candidate, served as Housing and Urban Development secretary during Trump's first term. The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizing individuals for significant contributions to the United States. Trump has already announced two other recipients since returning to the White House, Rudy Giuliani and a posthumous award for Charlie Kirk.

French mayors to fly Palestinian flags despite government orders

PARIS (AP) — Several French mayors plan to fly Palestinian flags on town halls, defying government orders. France is preparing to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly. It's unclear how many cities will join the initiative on Monday after Socialist leader Olivier Faure's call to fly the flags. The Interior Ministry has warned against such displays, citing risks of importing international conflict. The war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are expected to be top agenda items at the U.N. General Assembly. Some mayors argue the gesture supports France’s recognition of Palestine.

AP Top 25 Preview: Texas Tech and Indiana set to rise in poll after upset wins

Six AP Top 25 college football teams had an early bye week. Nineteen ranked teams and hopefuls played on Saturday, featuring three ranked matchups. No. 17 Texas Tech won against No. 16 Utah, 34-10, making a case to move up in the poll. No. 11 Oklahoma defeated No. 22 Auburn, 24-17, with a late touchdown and safety. No. 24 Notre Dame earned its first win of the season, beating Purdue 56-30. Indiana is expected to rise after a 63-10 win against Illinois, while Utah and Illinois may drop in the rankings.