AP-Newswatch

The death toll in Lebanon crosses 3,000 in the 13-month Israel-Hezbollah war, Health Ministry says

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s Health Ministry says more than 3,000 people have been killed during 13 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. That’s more than double the number of people killed since their last major war two decades ago. The war shows no signs of ending, as Israel said it was carrying out new operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon and in parts of Syria while Hezbollah continued to launch dozens of rockets into northern Israel. Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran.

Ex-officer found guilty in the 2020 shooting death of Andre Hill

A former police officer who shot and killed Andre Hill has been found guilty in the shooting. A jury on Monday convicted former Columbus Officer Adam Coy of murder. Coy testified during the trial that he thought Hill was holding a gun and going to shoot him so he fired four times. Hill was holding a cellphone and keys in his hands when he was shot in December 2020. Prosecutors said Hill was complying and posed no threat when he was killed inside a Columbus garage. Coy is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 25.

Spain’s king stood his ground under a mud barrage. What will the iconic moment mean for his reign?

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s royals, prime minister and other politicians were greeted by crowds hurling mud and debris on Sunday when they tried to visit Paiporta, where over 60 people perished. It was their first visit to the area devastated by floods last week. Felipe VI repeatedly insisted that his bodyguards let him get close to talk to the angry residents. He was praised by many for his composure. But political experts also say the monarch may have given the impression that he actually has a say in the management of a crisis that doesn’t look like it will be resolved anytime soon.

Boeing machinists hold contract vote that could end their 7-week strike

Unionized factory workers at Boeing are voting whether to accept a contract offer or to continue their strike. The walkout has lasted more than seven weeks, shut down production of most Boeing passenger planes and cut off a key source of cash for the company. A Seattle-based district of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is recommending that its members approve the Boeing offer on Monday. It would raise pay rates by 38% over four years. Workers also would receive ratification and productivity bonuses. However, Boeing didn’t meet their demand to restore a pension plan that was frozen nearly a decade ago.

Many retailers offer ‘returnless refunds.’ Just don’t expect them to talk much about it

It’s one of the most under-publicized policies of some of the biggest U.S. retailers: sometimes they give customers full refunds and let them keep unwanted items too. Returnless refunds are a tool that more retailers are using to keep online shoppers happy and to reduce shipping fees, processing time and other ballooning from mountains of returned products. Companies such as Amazon, Walmart and Target have decided some items are not worth the cost or hassle of getting back. Think a $20 T-shirt that might cost $30 in shipping and handling to recover. While the practice is not exactly a trade secret, the way it works is shrouded in mystery.