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Israel expands ground operation in Gaza and bombs Hamas tunnels after knocking out communications

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel on Saturday expanded its ground operation in Gaza with infantry and armored vehicles backed by “massive” strikes from the air and sea, including the bombing of Hamas tunnels — a key target in its campaign to crush the territory’s ruling group after its bloody incursion in Israel three weeks ago.The bombardment also knocked out communications in Gaza, creating a near-blackout of information from the besieged enclave and largely cutting off the territory’s 2.3 million people from the outside world.The military released grainy images Saturday showing of tank columns moving slowly in open areas of Gaza and said warplanes bombed dozens of Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.“The forces are still on the ground and are continuing the war,” said the army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, indicating that the next stage has begun in what is expected to evolve into an all-out ground offensive in northern Gaza. Early in the war, Israel had already amassed hundr...

Fire engulfs yacht overnight in Haulover Park Marina

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

A large yacht went up in flames in Northeast Miami-Dade early Saturday morning, leaving it destroyed. Fire rescue officials said the incident happened around 4:45 a.m. at Haulover Park Marina.They also expressed concern about the fuel of the boat and neighboring yachts. The fire was extinguished after a massive effort by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue later in the morning. No injuries were reported by officials. An investigation is underway as to what caused the fire. Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Weekend Weather, Plus Halloween Forecast

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

At least one more breezy to windy day is expected with a persistent onshore wind flow and gusts between 25-30 mph.High pressure located off the Southeast coast will provide for mostly dry conditions today. Outside of a brief passing shower, it should be a nice refreshing kind of day. However, the wind will maintain marine hazards in place.The pattern begins to change on Sunday as high pressure weakens and an upper low approaches the area from the East. This will increase moisture levels and allow scattered showers and isolated storms to return to the forecast by the afternoon/evening.A chance of showers continues into early next week as a weak cold front arrives Wednesday with no noticeable cooling other than making conditions feel less humid on Thursday.If you wondering whether or not Halloween will be a trick-or-treat? Right now, it looking pretty good. A few creepy clouds and spooky showers possible with only a 30% rain chance in the forecast.Have a wonderful weekend South Florid...

Rutte doesn’t rule out becoming next head of NATO

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Saturday that he doesn’t rule out taking on the position of head of the NATO defense alliance.The post of NATO secretary-general is “very interesting,” Rutte said on Dutch radio on Saturday. Rutte, who plans to leave domestic politics after the Dutch election in November, following his government’s collapse in July, has previously said he wasn’t interested in taking on such a large international role as the NATO leader.But on Saturday, Rutte said being chief of the defense alliance would mean he “could still contribute.” Rutte, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, has been linked with a number of top jobs, including the NATO post. Jens Stoltenberg, who has been the head of NATO since 2014, over the summer agreed to stay on in the position until October 2024.

Shelter-in-place order in effect at Worcester State University after double shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

Worcester State University announced a shelter-in-place order and canceled events this weekend after double shooting on campus early Saturday morning, university officials said.Massachusetts State Police said the suspect was taken into custody by university police, and the incident around 2:30 a.m. was the result of an altercation. Two victims were transported to UMass Medical Center.Around 8 a.m., university officials confirmed a large police presence on campus while the investigation continues. University officials are also asking for the public’s help for photos and videos around the locations of Wasylean parking lot and Sheehan Hall. Worcester State’s homecoming and family day weekend are also canceled. Officials said that there is no immediate threat to campus.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

Ravens roundtable: Answering questions about early evaluations, trade deadline, 2024 free agents and more

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

The Ravens enter this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals at 5-2 and atop the AFC North but still with plenty of questions in what has been an uneven start to the year.As the midpoint of the season approaches, will they continue to display the kind of dynamic and explosive offense they showed in a blowout win over the Detroit Lions, or will they regress, as has sometimes been the case? What about wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman, who have 14 and 12 catches apiece for 162 and 118 yards, respectively, but have yet to find the end zone? The defense has been elite, allowing an NFL-low 13.9 points per game while racking up a league-high 29 sacks, but can they continue to get to the quarterback?We dive into these and other pressing questions as the Ravens approach the second half of the season.We’ve seen the Ravens at their best (vs. Lions) and at their worst (at Steelers). What’s your assessment of this team after seven games?Brian Wacker: The R...

Four Patriots who must continue to play major roles Week 8 vs. Dolphins

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

FOXBORO — It was somewhat easy to see why the Patriots came out looking like a different team last Sunday against the Bills.The Patriots made key personnel changes that led the offense and defense to perform considerably better than they had played through the first six weeks of the season.They played a rookie wide receiver more, made a key change on their offensive line and activated a defensive playmaker before the game.Head coach Bill Belichick must now continue to ride with what worked Sunday against the Dolphins.So, these four players must continue to play key roles in Week 8:Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots-Dolphins preview: How Bill Belichick can pull another upset in Miami New England Patriots | Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne opens up about last season’s struggles New England Patriots | Patriots-Dolphins injury report: 3 Patriots starters cleared for Sunday New England Patriots | Patriots coach ...

Red Sox Point/Counterpoint: What are Sox biggest offseason storylines?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

The World Series is officially here, and at some point in the next week or so either the Texas Rangers will celebrate their first championship in franchise history or the Diamondbacks their first in over 20 years.It should be a great series, but obviously for Red Sox fans the real show will begin once the final out has been recorded.This has the potential to be a transformational offseason. The Red Sox have a new chief baseball officer in Craig Breslow, money to spend and big decisions to make. So what are the biggest storylines fans should follow once the Hot Stove starts heating up?The Herald’s Red Sox beat writers debate.Gabrielle Starr: Without a doubt, the top league storyline is Shohei Ohtani. He’s unlike any other player we’ve ever seen, so his free agency is sure to be one for the ages, and he’s all but guaranteed to get a record-breaking contract. Will he become baseball’s first $500 million player? With such a truly unprecedented player, it fe...

The campaign spotlight this weekend is on Nevada, where dueling elections could confuse GOP voters

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada is a pivotal early state on the 2024 election calendar, but it’s gotten much less attention than leadoff Iowa and New Hampshire.Not this weekend.Most of the Republican presidential candidates are in Las Vegas for the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual meeting, which has taken on greater significance this year because of the Israel-Hamas war. Donald Trump, the front-runner for the party’s nomination, will follow his speech before that group with an evening appearance at a campaign organizing event where his team will try to lock in commitments from voters who may attend the Feb. 8 caucuses.With the support of the former president’s allies, Nevada will have a primary election on Feb. 6, as required by state law, and caucuses two days later that are run by the state party. That setup has drawn criticism from within the Nevada GOP about potential voter confusion and concerns that the state party is attempting to tilt the scale for Trump.A stat...

EPA to strengthen lead protections in drinking water after multiple crises, including Flint

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:54:11 GMT

Decades after officials banned lead in gasoline for new cars and stopped the sale of lead paint — huge steps toward eliminating lead exposure to the public — there are still an estimated 500,000 U.S. children with levels of lead in their blood that are considered high, and experts say lead in drinking water is one important reason. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to further reduce lead levels in drinking water and tighten a rule that failed to prevent drinking water crises in cities like Flint, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey. Although the specifics aren’t public, the agency says it will propose requiring that utilities actively replace harmful lead pipes.President Joe Biden has already called for eliminating the country’s estimated 9.2 million lead pipes, lines that connect water mains under the street to homes and businesses and are responsible for most of the lead that gets into drinking water.But it’s costly to send out workers to dig up the pipe, lay new ones...