Hezbollah says Israel is dropping leaflets in Lebanon with ‘dangerous barcodes’
Hezbollah has accused Israel of employing new analog methods of cyber warfare after communication devices were banned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier this week. The accusations come as leaflets reportedly dropped by Israel have appeared in the eastern Bekaa Valley, according to Hezbollah’s media office on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Images of the leaflets were shared on social media, including on X, formerly known as Twitter. The leaflets contain a warning addressed to residents of the Bekaa Valley, stating that Hezbollah activity has forced the Israel Defense Forces to move against military positions in the area.
The message reads:
“Urgent warning to the residents of Bekaa. Hezbollah activity forces the IDF to move against military positions in the village, and the IDF does not want to harm you. If you are in a building where Hezbollah weapons are located, you must leave the village within 2 hours and move 1,000 meters away or to the nearest central school. Do not return until you receive a new message. Anyone near Hezbollah facilities or weapons is putting their life and the lives of their family at risk.”
The leaflet, which is allegedly signed by the IDF, includes a QR code in the lower right corner, instructing residents to scan it to view a block map of their area. Hezbollah, however, claims the QR code is a “dangerous barcode” that will extract all information from any device used to scan it.
AP Images
The development follows an ongoing series of unconventional warfare tactics used against Hezbollah, including a deadly strike in September that targeted communication devices such as pagers and walkie-talkies. Israel has not yet officially commented on the incident or its involvement.
Biden to address UN assembly for last time as president
Joe Biden is set to address the United Nations General Assembly for the final time as U.S. president. And with a heavy focus on Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump is reportedly returning to the town of his first assassination attempt. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.
Biden to address UN assembly for last time as president
The Pentagon announced Monday, Sept. 23, it’s sending additional U.S. troops to the Middle East to supplement the roughly 40,000 already in the region as tensions continue to rise there — especially between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Associated Press has reported Biden administration officials will also be speaking to their counterparts on the sidelines of the U.N. about ways to prevent the fighting there from escalating further.
Zelenskyy is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump while he’s visiting the U.S.
Trump, Harris focus on crucial swing state Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has long been considered a swing state when it comes to presidential elections and this year, the candidates know the importance of winning there. During a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania Monday, former President Trump told supporters, “If we win Pennsylvania, we win the whole thing. It’s very simple.”
His visit was just the latest in a handful of visits to the crucial state in recent weeks as he looks to secure a second presidential term.
Also on Monday, sources close to the Trump campaign told media outlets he will return to Butler, Pennsylvania on Oct. 5. Butler is where a sniper fired and grazed his ear with a bullet, in the first assassination attempt on his life in July.
Since then, the Secret Service put in place tighter security protocols for candidates at rallies.
Vice President Kamala Harris is also pushing to win the Pennsylvania vote. She’ll be there again Wednesday, Sept. 25, for a campaign event in Pittsburgh. She’s also made many stops in the swing state since taking up the Democratic nomination.
In the 2020 election, Pennsylvania went to Joe Biden, a key state in helping him win the presidency. There are 19 votes at stake in the Keystone State.
Israeli strike kills nearly 500 in Lebanon in deadliest day since 2006
Nearly 500 people were killed Monday in Lebanon in the deadliest strike by Israel in nearly two decades. Lebanese authorities said Israeli warplanes struck civilian areas in the southern part of the country.
Earlier in the day, Israel had told civilians to move away from the areas, which it says are commonly used by Hezbollah for military purposes.
This comes after almost a year of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza along Israel’s southern border. Israel is now shifting its focus to the north, where the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel in support of Hamas, which is also backed by Iran.
Tuesday morning, Israel’s military said it struck “dozens” of additional targets in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it fired rockets into northern Israel late Monday night.
The fighting has heightened fears of a widening war in the region.
Missouri set to execute man convicted of 1998 murder
An execution of a man found guilty of a 1998 murder is set to proceed Tuesday evening in Missouri, after the state’s supreme court and governor rejected requests to cancel the scheduled lethal injection.
A jury convicted Marcellus Williams of the stabbing death of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former newspaper reporter, inside her suburban St. Louis home. Williams has asserted his innocence.
His lawyers argued the state supreme court should halt the proceedings due to alleged procedural errors in jury selection and alleged mishandling of the murder weapon by the prosecution. The court rejected those arguments.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson also rejected a clemency request to switch the sentence to life in prison. Williams’ lawyers still have an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.
As of now, though, the execution — which would be the third in the state this year — is set for 6 p.m. CST Tuesday.
Hurricane John makes landfall in Mexico as Category 3 storm
Hurricane John made landfall in Mexico late Monday as a Category 3 storm. It brought 120 miles per hour winds to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Levi’s teases a potential partnership with Beyoncé
It appears music superstar Beyoncé has a new collaboration coming out. This one would not be with another singer, but with a jeans company.
Levi’s teased what appears to be a partnership with Beyoncé in an Instagram post on Monday. The company shared an image of a woman wearing a cowboy hat and riding a horse with the caption reading “Introducing a new chapter,” seemingly referencing Beyoncé’s latest album “Cowboy Carter,” which features a song called “Levi’s Jeans.” Levi’s also tagged her Instagram account in the post.
You could say denim is having a moment lately, with fashion brands like American Eagle and Abercrombie saying the trend is growing in popularity and revitalizing sales.
US urges Americans to leave Lebanon amidst fighting between Israel, Hezbollah
The U.S. government is urging Americans in Lebanon to leave the country as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate. The State Department issued an advisory on Monday, Sept. 23, warning U.S. citizens to depart while commercial flights are still available.
Although flights are still operating, they are at reduced capacity, and that can change quickly. U.S. officials are in discussions with Israel to ensure the safety of Americans if an evacuation is ordered.
Thousands of U.S. citizens currently live and work in the country, and a full-scale evacuation would be the first since the 2006 Lebanon War.
The State Department is also reminding Americans to immediately avoid southern Lebanon, areas near the Syrian border and refugee settlements. The U.S. had already raised its travel advisory for Lebanon to the highest “do not travel” level earlier this year.
With violence escalating, the situation remains tense, and the Pentagon said it is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the region.
The Lebanese health ministry said 100 people were killed and more than 400 injured in Monday’s attacks across the southern and eastern portions of the country (this number has been updated since Unbiased Updates was recorded earlier in the morning). These latest strikes come after last week’s explosions targeting walkie-talkies and pagers, and Friday’s, Sept. 20, attack on Beirut which killed 45 people, including a senior Hezbollah commander.
Hezbollah followed that attack by launching around 150 rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel.
When asked if the latest strikes by Israel indicate an imminent ground invasion, an IDF spokesperson said right now, Israel is focused on its aerial campaign.
The back and forth between Israel and Hezbollah is adding to the growing concern by the U.S. and allies of a wider war in the Middle East. Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged strikes since Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attacks on Israel.
Speaker Johnson unveils stopgap funding bill to avoid government shutdown
With just days to spare until a government shutdown, congressional leaders have agreed on a short-term funding bill. And the manhunt continues for suspects in a weekend shooting in Birmingham, Alabama that left four killed and more than a dozen injured. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
Speaker Johnson unveils stopgap government spending bill to avoid shutdown
With just about a week to spare, Congress has reached a deal to avoid a government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday, Sept. 22, the House will vote this week on a three-month stopgap funding bill that would keep the federal government open until Dec. 20.
In a letter to house members, Johnson said the bill is “bare bones” and only includes “the extensions that are absolutely necessary.” Unlike a previous version, this bill does not include legislation concerning proof of citizenship to register to vote, but it does include an additional $230 million for Secret Service funding.
The Rules Committee is set to review the spending bill Monday afternoon, Sept. 23. House GOP leaders say lawmakers will likely vote on it on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
If this bill does not pass, government funding is slated to run out next Monday, Sept. 30.
Race tightens with 43 days to go until Election Day
With 43 days to go until Election Day, a new poll is showing just how close the race is between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. A CBS News poll released Sunday, Sept. 22, found Harris leading Trump 52% to 48% among likely voters.
This comes as former President Trump says this run for the presidency will be his last. He revealed that information Sunday during an interview on “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkinson.”
Also over the weekend, the vice president said she has agreed to another debate with the former president. Harris said she would debate Trump on CNN on Oct. 23. In response, Trump told supporters at a North Carolina rally it’s too late for another debate as early voting has already begun in some states.
Looking ahead, Trump will be campaigning in Indiana Monday while Harris is expected to release more on her economic plan this week.
No suspects in custody after 4 killed, 17 hurt in Alabama shooting
They believe it was a paid “hit” on one specific person, with everyone else caught in the crossfire. Witnesses say multiple suspects pulled up in a car, got out and fired dozens of gunshots, then quickly took off.
Birmingham’s mayor said this is not the first time this year the city has seen gun violence like this. During a news conference Sunday, he called it a “solvable problem.”
“We don’t have any interest in this whole debate about second amendment rights,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We don’t have any interest in people who want to protect their homes, militia or whatever else you want to say. There’s a certain element in this city, there’s a certain element in this community who are too comfortable running around with semi-automatic weapons, automatic weapons, conversion switches and everything else, whose only intent, hell bent intent, is to harm people, shoot people, kill people.”
Investigators say they do believe the person who was targeted is among the people who died.
Israel warns residents to leave areas in Lebanon near Hezbollah targets
The Lebanese health ministry said one person was killed and six injured in the latest attacks across the southern and eastern portions of the country. These latest strikes come after last week’s explosions targeting walkie-talkies and pagers, and Friday’s, Sept. 20, attack on Beirut which killed 45 people, including a senior Hezbollah commander.
When asked if the latest assaults indicate an imminent ground invasion, an IDF spokesperson said right now, Israel is focused on its aerial campaign.
Embattled Secret Service faces big test at U.N. General Assembly
The agency is already facing heavy criticism after two separate assassination attempts on former President Trump. Now it’s tasked with protecting more than 140 world leaders, including those from Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine.
The U.S. General Assembly is considered the biggest event that the Secret Service is charged with protecting each year — bigger than the Super Bowl, which is also considered a major national security event.
The agency is working with multiple others, from the NYPD to the Coast Guard, to keep everyone safe, and maintains it is confident they will do just that.
Chicago White Sox lose 120th game to tie modern-day MLB record
Since 1900, only the 1962 New York Mets have lost so many games in a season. The White Sox already surpassed the 2003 Detroit Tigers for the most losses by an American League team.
With six games to go in the regular season, it’s looking like Chicago is going to set another record. The White Sox’s next game is Tuesday, Sept. 24, against the Los Angeles Angels in Chicago.
Israel kills Hezbollah commander during deadliest attack in Beirut in years
Israel unleashed the deadliest attack on Lebanon’s capital in years on Friday, Sept. 20, killing the Commander of Hezbollah’s Elite Radwan Force Ibrahim Akil and at least 10 other Hezbollah operatives, while wounding dozens of people. Israeli forces launched the airstrike in a heavily populated area of Beirut, saying it targeted Akil, who the United States says was involved in two terrorist attacks in 1983 that killed more than 300 people at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and U.S. Marine barracks.
Akil is also accused of taking American and German hostages in Lebanon in the 1980s.
Israel said the airstrike is in response to an attack by Hezbollah earlier Friday that saw around 140 rockets pound northern Israel. Hezbollah said those rockets were in retaliation for the pager and walkie-talkie attacks that injured thousands and killed more than a dozen people. The explosions targeted Hezbollah members in a mass bombing. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied it is behind the sophisticated operations.
Israel forces’ targeted killing of Akil is the most bloodshed in a Beirut neighborhood since a monthslong war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.
Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Akil allegedly had plans to pull off a similar act of terrorism in northern Israel.
The U.S. State Department posted $7 million reward last year for information leading to Akil’s identification, location arrest or conviction.
US military buildup in Middle East reaches 40,000 troops
The United States deployed approximately 40,000 troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The troops are part of a larger military buildup in the region, which includes the deployment of warships and advanced fighter jets.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements, said the additional resources have helped the U.S. patrol various conflict areas. The moves include operations targeting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
The U.S. is also defending Israel and countering threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and launched ballistic missiles at Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a “new phase” of the war, shifting focus to the northern front against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict began nearly a year ago, with Israel fighting against Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The U.S. military maintained an increased presence in the Middle East for much of the past year, with a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons spread across the region. This presence is designed to protect allies and serve as a deterrent against attacks.
Despite the escalating violence, the U.S. has not signaled a troop increase or change in response to the latest attacks. However, the U.S. has already beefed up its force in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several destroyers were moved to operate in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.
The U.S. military presence in the region also includes F-22 fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft, F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 fighter jets.
Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for device explosions
Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for the recent device explosions. And a sheriff has been charged with the murder of a judge in Kentucky. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
More strikes in Lebanon as fears of an escalating war grow
Israel carried out its strongest strike yet against Hezbollah in Lebanon Thursday night, Sept. 19, intensifying the conflict between the two that started almost a year ago after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.
The strikes, which were part of a bigger exchange of fire between the Israeli military and the militant group, came after two days of attacks targeting wireless devices in Lebanon.
Those attacks, which caused thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode, are widely believed to have been orchestrated by Israel against Hezbollah. However, hundreds of civilians were also hurt, some even killed. Israel has not commented on the explosions.
Hezbollah’s leader said Thursday Israel has “crossed all the red lines” and vowed revenge.
Attacks have been ramping up between the Iranian-backed militant group and Israel since the start of the war in Gaza with Hezbollah claiming it’s part of a “supportive front” for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israel is turning more of its military attention toward the border with Lebanon. Soldiers have taken up a new artillery position in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Residents there have been warned by Israel’s military to stay inside or close to a bomb shelter for the time being.
The heightening tensions in the Middle East come as President Joe Biden looks to help secure a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The Wall Street Journal, however, has reported senior U.S. officials don’t expect a cease-fire to be reached by the end of Biden’s term.
Harris talks with Oprah, Trump speaks with Jewish supporters
Thursday was a busy day for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump with both presidential candidates participating in campaign events.
The Vice President took part in an evening live-stream from Michigan hosted by Oprah Winfrey. During the event titled United for America — which also featured celebrities like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez — Harris spoke about stepping up to be the Democratic presidential nominee once President Biden dropped out of the race.
“I felt a sense of responsibility, to be honest with you, and with that comes a sense of purpose,” Harris said. “But we’re all here, and you all are taking time of out of your busy lives because there really is so much at stake.”
Harris also touched on her stances on gun violence, abortion rights, and cutting costs for the middle class.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee former President Trump spoke to a group of Jewish donors during an event in Washington called Fighting Antisemitism in America.
“With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House,” he said. “Sadly, and I have to say this, and it hurts me to say it; you’re going to still vote for Democrats, and it doesn’t make sense. I say all the time that any Jewish person that votes for her — especially now — her or the Democrat Party should have their head examined.”
During his address, Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the war in Gaza and the protests on college campuses.
Kentucky sheriff charged with killing judge inside courthouse
Kentucky State Police said Mullins died at the scene and Stines surrendered to authorities. Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating what led up to the killing.
Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report
Controversy is surrounding the race for governor in North Carolina. Republican candidate Mark Robinson has vowed to remain in the race after CNN published a story Thursday alleging he made lewd and inflammatory statements on the message board of a pornographic website more than 10 years ago.
Robinson denies these allegations.
Among the accusations in the report, CNN said Robinson expressed support for reinstating slavery. The comments were made between 2008 and 2012, before Robinson entered politics. He was elected North Carolina’s lieutenant governor in 2020.
In an interview with CNN, Robinson called the report “tabloid trash” and said, “I’m not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.”
He had a similar message in a social media video posted before the CNN report was made public.
“Let me reassure you: the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson,” he said. “You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.”
Robinson added, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it, and we know that, with your help, we will.”
Nike replaces CEO with former executive to shake up brand
Big changes are coming to Nike as the sneaker brand is looking to get back on the right foot with a switch in leadership. Nike announced Thursday it will replace CEO John Donahoe with a company veteran: former senior executive Elliot Hill.
The move comes as Nike is hoping to revive sales amid growing competition. Hill is set to take over as CEO on Oct. 14.
Shohei Ohtani becomes first MLB player to reach 50/50 milestone
History was made on the baseball diamond Thursday night by Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
During Thursday night’s game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. But he didn’t stop there.
All in all, Ohtani was 6 for 6 in the game with three home runs and 10 RBIs in the Dodgers’ 20 to 4 rout of the Marlins, clinching a playoff spot for LA.
Israeli planes bomb Lebanon after series of device explosions target Hezbollah
One day after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies exploded, killing at least 37 people and injuring nearly 3,000 others in Lebanon, Israel bombed southern Lebanon Thursday, Sept. 19. Israeli officials also said they thwarted an Iranian-led assassination plot.
The device attacks were aimed at Hezbollah militants, an Iranian-backed militant group that’s been striking Israel for nearly a year since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
Israel’s attacks have affected hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and many civilians, including some health care workers and children.
Lebanon’s prime minister denounced the attacks as a “serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty,” while the Lebanese Red Cross remains on high alert, responding to multiple explosions across different areas.
The intensifying exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah have resulted in hundreds of casualties and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a “new phase” in the war, with Israel bolstering its military presence along the Lebanese border with thousands of troops with specialized training.
As both sides demonstrate their military capabilities, the region braces for a potential wider confrontation.
The international community, including the U.S., U.N., and E.U., is calling for diplomatic solutions while condemning the violence. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is carefully assessing the impact of recent attacks on ongoing cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Pentagon officials he believed Israel could soon launch a ground offensive into Lebanon.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict so far; however, the ministry does not differentiate between Hamas militants and civilians.
It’s estimated Hamas still has 101 hostages, however, it’s unknown how many are still alive.
Walkie-talkie explosions hit Lebanon; Israel declares ‘new era’ of war
A second wave of explosions, this time involving walkie-talkies, hit Lebanon on Wednesday, Sept. 18. At least 20 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.
Like the pager explosions on Tuesday, Sept. 17, that left a dozen people dead and thousands hurt, the walkie-talkie explosions are believed to have been orchestrated by Israel, according to the United States and other countries briefed on the incident.
Israel has not commented but the country’s military leader did say a “new era” of war is beginning and said its “center of gravity is moving north,” potentially a reference to Israel’s border with Lebanon.
The attacks, which are believed to have been targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, have left dozens of fighters and civilians dead.
Israel, a key ally to the U.S., did warn Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday it was going to carry out an operation in Lebanon, but multiple sources familiar with the matter said details were not given.
