In a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance against calls for a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and Gaza. Amid escalating military actions, Netanyahu declared that Israel is “winning on multiple fronts” and remains committed to attacking Iran-backed militants across the Middle East.

As Netanyahu addressed the Assembly, Israeli air force jets conducted strikes on Hezbollah targets in central Beirut. The Israeli government claims these locations serve as a key operational base for the militant group, which has been involved in recent escalations.

Netanyahu’s address, which sharply criticized the U.N. for fostering “antisemitic bile,” was met with walkouts from many U.N. delegates. His remarks came after several Arab leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Abbas argued that Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas-led attack has resulted in what he described as a “war of genocide” against Palestinians, accusations which Israel has repeatedly denied.

Despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, Netanyahu remained resolute. “Israel yearns for peace,” he said, adding that while Israel has previously made peace, it will continue its military operations until its security objectives are achieved.

Netanyahu’s firm stance has not only sparked controversy abroad but also within Israel, where critics accuse him of using public statements to obstruct peace negotiations. Recent talks, facilitated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, have reportedly stalled due to Israel’s demands.

Israel’s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon commented on the situation, stating that while diplomacy is preferred, military actions will continue until Israel achieves its goals of ensuring the safe return of 70,000 Israeli citizens displaced by the conflict and the neutralization of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

As Israeli forces ramp up airstrikes and mobilize additional reserves near the northern border, Netanyahu is also facing legal challenges. The International Criminal Court has issued a demand for his arrest, accusing him of war crimes related to the conflict, which Netanyahu has dismissed as politically motivated.

The ongoing military campaign and Netanyahu’s diplomatic maneuvering continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory, leaving the prospect of a ceasefire uncertain as tensions in the region remain high.

With the November 5 General Election just around the corner, it’s crucial for Texas residents to ensure they’re registered to vote. The deadline to register is October 7, leaving only a short window for those who haven’t yet completed the process. Registering to vote is the first step in exercising your right to participate in the election. National Voter Registration Day, observed on a Tuesday, is an ideal opportunity to check your eligibility and get registered if you haven’t already.

How to Check Your Voter Registration Status

Before rushing to register, it’s a good idea to confirm whether you’re already on the voter rolls. Checking your voter registration status is simple, especially for those in Bexar County. All you need to do is visit the county’s official website and enter your date of birth and house number. This quick check can help you avoid any unnecessary paperwork if you’re already registered.

How to Register to Vote

If you’re not yet registered, or if you’ve moved since the last election, it’s essential to update your voter registration information. There are several ways to register, making the process convenient for every eligible voter:

1. Online Application: The easiest method is to fill out a voter registration application online. However, it’s important to note that Texas does not allow fully online voter registration. After filling out the form online, you’ll need to print it and mail it to your county voter registrar.
2. In-Person Registration: You can also register in person by visiting your local voter registration office. In Bexar County, the Elections Office is located at 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100. If you live outside of Bexar County, you can find your county’s voter registration office online to complete the process.
3. Request a Postage-Paid Application: Another option is to request a postage-paid application from your voter registrar. By filling out a form, the registrar will send you an application by mail, allowing you to complete and return it with no out-of-pocket mailing costs.

What to Do if You Lose Your Voter Registration Card

If you’re already registered but have misplaced your voter registration card, don’t worry. You don’t need your card to vote in Texas, but it’s always handy to have. If you’d like a new one, simply contact your county’s voter registrar in writing, and they will send a replacement.

What Identification Do You Need to Vote?

When Election Day arrives, you won’t need your voter registration card, but you will need a valid form of identification. Texas law requires voters to present an approved photo ID at the polling station. Here is a list of acceptable forms of identification:

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS.
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS.
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS.
• U.S. Military Identification Card containing the voter’s photograph.
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate containing the voter’s photograph.
• U.S. Passport (either the book or card format).

If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, there are alternatives, such as signing a declaration at the polling place and providing supporting documents.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Vote

With the registration deadline just weeks away, now is the time to ensure that your registration is up to date. Whether you’re registering for the first time, updating your information, or requesting a replacement card, it’s vital to take these steps now to avoid missing the deadline. Make sure your voice is heard in the November 5 General Election—register by October 7 and get ready to vote!

President Joe Biden on Friday condemned recent hostile attacks on Haitian immigrants in the U.S., following a false claim spread by Donald Trump. The baseless rumor, which alleged that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were “eating pets,” led to a bomb threat in Springfield, Ohio.

Speaking at an event celebrating Black excellence at the White House, Biden said, “It is simply wrong that the proud Haitian community is under attack right now in this country. There’s no place for this in America. What he’s doing has to stop.”

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue revealed that the bomb threat on Thursday targeted the city’s Haitian community. The city hall, two schools, and other buildings had to be evacuated. Rue blamed national Republicans for amplifying a far-right conspiracy, accusing Trump of fueling harmful falsehoods about immigrants hunting and eating pets in Springfield.

“The threat used hateful language toward immigrants and Haitians in our community,” Rue told the Washington Post. He added that Springfield “is a community that needs help,” rather than baseless rumors.

No bomb was found after authorities conducted a search. However, Rue told a local Fox outlet that the threat included anti-immigrant rhetoric and hatred directed at the Haitian community.

The controversy began earlier this week when Trump, during a debate with Kamala Harris, repeated the unsubstantiated claim, saying, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs and cats of the people that live there.” His comments sparked outrage and ridicule.

The rumor gained further traction when Ohio Senator JD Vance referenced it on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which was also flooded with AI-generated images of Trump surrounded by pets.

Mayor Rue condemned the rumors as entirely false, stating that there were “zero” verified reports supporting the claims. ABC debate moderator David Muir fact-checked the conspiracy live during the debate after Trump’s remarks.

The situation has diverted attention from more pressing issues, according to Rue, who said, “Rumors like this are distracting from real problems, such as housing, school resources, and our overwhelmed healthcare system.”

Nathan Clark, whose 11-year-old son was tragically killed last year when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant collided with a school bus, urged Trump and Vance to stop using his son’s name for “political gain.”