Hundreds of people have died and thousands more are injured in Israel and Gaza after Hamas militants fired rockets from Gaza into Israel Saturday, Israeli authorities said.
The Israeli Defense Forces have declared “a state of alert for war,” according to a statement issued by the IDF early Saturday morning.
Is there a travel advisory to Israel?
The U.S. State Department is advising citizens to exercise increased caution if traveling to Israel or West Bank due to “terrorism and civil unrest,” and it currently has a “do not travel” advisory for Gaza.
The department said in an update Sunday that the situation “remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”
Is travel to Israel suspended?
The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday urged U.S. airlines and pilots to “use caution” when flying in Israeli airspace.
The agency issued a NOTAM, or Notice to Air Missions, to pilots following the unrest that reads, in part, “potentially hazardous situation” and “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution.”
Which airlines have canceled flights?
Several airlines on Saturday temporarily suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv.
United Airlines said it will suspend operations to Israel, telling ABC News: “The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and we are adjusting flight schedules as required.”
United said Sunday its Tel Aviv flights will remain suspended until conditions allow for them to resume. The airline operated two scheduled flights out of TLV late Saturday and early Sunday.
American Airlines also temporarily suspended operations, saying in a statement: “We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed.”
On Sunday, the union representing American Airlines pilots told its members to “cease flight operations to Israel” amid conflict in the region. The Allied Pilots Association (APA) president, Ed Sicher, told members to refuse assignments into Israel “until we can be reasonably assured of the region’s safety and security.”
Delta Air Lines also canceled scheduled flights into and out of Tel Aviv this weekend.
The airline said it’s working to “safely transport Delta people back to the U.S. and will work with the U.S. government as needed to assist with the repatriation of U.S. citizens who want to return home.”
Both United and Delta announced travel waivers following the attacks.
Flights out of Tel Aviv
On Sunday, flights were still arriving and departing from Tel Aviv on Sunday, according to flight tracker FlightAware.
How to get out of Israel
U.S. citizens in Israel “should follow local government advice to increase their security awareness and remain safe,” the State Department said. Citizens who need assistance should fill out the crisis intake form to contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
“U.S. citizens who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the border crossings or verify flights have not been canceled before heading to the Ben Gurion Airport,” the department said.
ABC News’ Amanda Maile contributed to this report.
(AFGHANISTAN) — At least 100 people are dead and at least 500 injured after powerful earthquakes struck western Afghanistan on Saturday, the United Nations said.
The United States Geological Survey reported two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes, as well as several strong aftershocks, near the city of Herat. One of the aftershocks had a 5.9 magnitude.
The initial earthquake struck 40 km west of the city of Herat around 11 a.m. local time, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan. It was felt in neighboring Badghis and Farah provinces.
“Initial assessments indicate that as many as 100 people have been killed across eight villages in Zindajan Province, Herat Province … with a further 500 people injured,” the agency said in an update, noting that “unconfirmed reports suggest this figure may be closer to 320 people.”
The disaster has impacted some 4,200 people — about 600 families — so far, the agency said, with 465 houses reported destroyed and 135 damaged. The worst-affected village is Mahal Wadakha, it said.
“Partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings,” the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan said.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said at least 15 people were killed and 40 injured.
A number of houses in Herat Province were completely or partially destroyed, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said, as search and rescue efforts were underway.
The World Health Organization in Afghanistan said on social media it was sending medical supplies to hospitals and ambulances to transport victims “as deaths & casualties from the earthquake continue to be reported.”
The U.N. agency shared photos of healthcare workers treating patients outdoors amid the response.
UNICEF Afghanistan also said it was on the ground with its U.N. colleagues “to assess the full impact.”
“Once again, children and families in Afghanistan have been affected by a devastating earthquake, this time in western Herat province,” UNICEF Afghanistan said on social media.
Last year, at least 1,000 people were killed and another 1,500 injured after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistani border.
(NEW YORK) — At least 300 people have died and over 2,000 have been injured in Gaza and Israel after rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel by Hamas militants, Israeli authorities said.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said 198 are dead and 1,610 others are injured in Gaza. According to the Israeli Health Ministry over 100 people are dead and over 900 others are injured.
The Israeli Defense Forces have declared “a state of alert for war,” according to a statement issued by the IDF early Saturday morning.
Palestinian militants fired at least 2,200 rockets toward Israel, the IDF said. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed at least 5,000 rockets were fired, all landing in southern and central Israel.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 07, 3:11 PM EDT
Biden administration to remain in ‘constant contact’ with leaders in the region
President Joe Biden said he spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II, members of the U.S. Congress and directed his national security team to remain in contact with their Israeli counterparts.
“I’ve also directed my team to remain in constant contact with leaders throughout the region including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, as well as our European partners and the Palestinian Authority,” Biden said.
Oct 07, 2:59 PM EDT
Biden says support for Israel’s security is ‘rock solid and unwavering’
President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House on Saturday expressing U.S. support for Israel in light of Hamas’ attack.
“We will not ever fail to have their back,” Biden said.
“Israel has the right to defend itself and his people full stop. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration’s support for Israel security is rock solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching,” Biden said.
Oct 07, 2:57 PM EDT
Blinken speaks with Israeli president, foreign minister
Secretary of State Antony Blinken “reaffirmed” the U.S.’ solidarity with Israel during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, a State Department spokesperson said.
“Secretary Blinken reiterated his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks against Israel and condemned those attacks in the strongest terms,” the spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a statement. “Secretary Blinken also discussed measures to bolster Israel’s security. The Secretary underscored the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Oct 07, 2:27 PM EDT
Biden to speak at 2:30 p.m.
President Joe Biden is set to deliver remarks at 2:30 p.m. on the attacks in Israel from the State Dining Room, according to the White House.
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow
Oct 07, 2:13 PM EDT
US embassy in Israel issues security alert, tells Americans in Gaza to check pathway to Egypt
The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a security alert on Saturday warning Americans in Gaza seeking to flee to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt and to remain vigilant.
“U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning. U.S. citizens in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt,” the embassy alerted.
“U.S. Embassy personnel are still currently sheltering in place. U.S. government personnel continue to be prohibited from travel to Gaza and areas within seven miles of Gaza,” the embassy said.
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow and MaryAlice Parks
Oct 07, 1:23 PM EDT
UN to hold private meeting on the unfolding Israeli-Palestinian crisis
The United Nations will hold a private meeting on Sunday to discuss the unfolding Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
Oct 07, 1:17 PM EDT
Over 300 dead, thousands injured in Gaza, Israel, authorities say
The death toll continues to climb with over 300 people reported dead in Gaza and Israel.
The Palestinian Health Authority said 198 are dead and 1,610 others are injured in Gaza. According to the Israeli Health Ministry over 100 people are dead and over 900 others are injured.
Just before sundown in a western Gaza City, a massive explosion and fireball were reported after Israel warplanes hit a high-rise apartment complex. The Gaza Interior Ministry said the building housed approximately 100 families.
Oct 07, 1:00 PM EDT
Defense Secretary Austin spoke with Israeli counterpart
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Saturday to convey his condolences.
“Secretary Austin made clear to Minister Gallant his ironclad support for the Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli people. He reaffirmed that the Department’s commitment to Israel’s security and its absolute right to defend itself from acts of terrorism is unwavering. Secretary Austin has directed his team to ensure that DoD is closely consulting with all of our Allies and partners who share a commitment to peace and oppose terrorism. Secretary Austin will continue to consult with Minister Gallant in the coming days and weeks to ensure that Israel has the support it needs,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
-ABC News’ Matt Seyler
Oct 07, 12:38 PM EDT
Police in New York, Beverly Hills increase patrols in sensitive areas
Police in New York, where there are locations sensitive to both Israeli and Palestinian interests, are adjusting patrols in response to the situation in Israel.
“The NYPD’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Division consistently work at a level of high alert. When events from around the world could possibly affect NYC or we get Intel on a threat to NYC, we always increase our presence around houses of worship and certain areas when these conflicts arise,” the NYPD said in a statement.
The Beverly Hills Police Department also said it increased security and patrols around Jewish institutions in the City and continues to work closely with law enforcement partners in the region to ensure public safety.
Law enforcement and Homeland Security officials will be assessing the potential for residual violence in the U.S.
Increased security around Jewish facilities and on university campuses — particularly where there is a history of confrontational interactions — is to be expected. Increased attention is expected to be paid to potential cyber threats and online activities intended to inspire violence by Iran, Hezbollah and other extremists threat actors.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky and Alex Stone
Oct 07, 12:21 PM EDT
United, American, Delta airlines to suspend Israel operations
United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines announced they will suspend operations to Israel Saturday night following unrest in the region. After two departures scheduled for Saturday, United’s future operations will be suspended until conditions allow them to resume, the airline said.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and we are adjusting flight schedules as required,” the carrier told ABC News.
American Airlines said it will temporarily suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv and will continue to monitor the situation, adjusting its operations as needed.
“American Airlines has temporarily suspended operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) [Saturday] and [Sunday], and has issued a travel alert providing additional flexibility to customers whose travel plans are affected. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Delta Air Lines has canceled scheduled flights in and out of Tel Aviv this weekend. The airline said its working to “safely transport Delta people back to the U.S. and will work with the U.S. government as needed to assist with the repatriation of U.S. citizens who want to return home.”
-ABC News’ Amanda Maile and Sam Sweeney
Oct 07, 11:19 AM EDT
Biden speaks with Netanyahu, offers ‘all appropriate means of support’
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him that the U.S. “condemns” Hamas’ assault on Israel.
“I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden also extended his condolences for lives lost and wished those wounded a “swift recovery.”
“My team and I are tracking this situation closely, and I will remain in close touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Biden said.
Oct 07, 10:25 AM EDT
Blinken says US condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel, saying the U.S. will “remain in close contact with our Israel partners.”
“The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Blinken said in a statement.
-ABC News’ Shannon Crawford
Oct 07, 10:23 AM EDT
Death toll, number of injured rise after Hamas fires rockets, Israel declares war
The death toll has risen after Hamas fired rockets into Israel from Gaza in a surprise attack and Israel declared war.
According to Israeli officials, at least 40 people have died in Israel and more than 700 people have been injured. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 160 people were killed in Gaza and over a 1,000 others were injured.
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces have surrounded a house in the Israeli settlement of Ofakim and negotiations are underway with Palestinian fighters who are allegedly holding hostages. According to the Jerusalem Post, dozens of hostages are being by Hamas in the Kibbutz Be’eru in southern Israel.
Oct 07, 9:50 AM EDT
Biden briefed on attacks in Israel
President Joe Biden was briefed Saturday “on the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel,” according to the White House.
“Senior national security officials briefed the President this morning on the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. The President will continue to receive updates and White House officials remain in close contact with Israeli partners,” the White House said in a statement.
-ABC News’ Fritz Farrow
Oct 07, 8:58 AM EDT
Defense secretary says US will ‘work to ensure that Israel has what it needs’
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement saying he is “closely monitoring” the situation in Israel and extended his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said.
Separately, a U.S. defense official said that Austin had a call with his team Saturday morning, including U.S. Centcom Commander Gen. Eric Kurilla. Israel falls under Centcom’s area of responsibility.
-ABC News’ Luis Martinez
Oct 07, 8:01 AM EDT
Netanyahu says Israel is at ‘war’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a video statement on social media, saying simply, “We are at war. We will win,” in his first comments, made in Hebrew, after the attack.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists,” Netanyahu said. “This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.”
(NEW YORK) — Over 100 Israelis have died and more than 900 were injured after rockets were fired from Gaza by Hamas militants, Israeli officials said Saturday.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said 198 were killed in Gaza and at least 1,610 were injured Saturday in retaliatory attacks from Israel.
“We are at war. We will win,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday.
The Israeli Defense Forces earlier declared “a state of alert for war,” according to a statement issued by the IDF.
“Over the past hour, the Hamas terrorist organization launched massive barrages of rockets from Gaza into Israel, and its terrorist operatives have infiltrated into Israel in a number of different locations in the south,” the IDF said early Saturday.
“Civilians in southern and central Israel must remain near shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters,” the IDF continued. “The Chief of the General staff is currently conducting a situational assessment and approving plans for the IDF’s continued activity. The Hamas terrorist organization is responsible for these attacks and will face consequences for them.”
Palestinian militants fired at least 2,200 rockets toward Israel, the IDF said. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed at least 5,000 rockets were fired, all landing in southern and central Israel.
Air raid sirens began sounding in Jerusalem at 8:15 a.m. local time warning citizens of the attack.
Netanyahu released a video statement Saturday, making his first comments in Hebrew.
“This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists,” Netanyahu said. “This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.”
Elsewhere, the IDF confirmed that they are striking Hamas targets in Gaza as a result of the incursion, according to a statement on social media.
In a statement issued Saturday, President Joe Biden said he spoke with Netanyahu, telling him that the U.S. “condemns” Hamas’ assault on Israel.
“I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” Biden said in the statement.
The U.S. embassy in Israel earlier said that it is “closely monitoring” the security situation.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware that there have been casualties as a result of these incidents. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning,” the embassy said in the statement announcing the security alert.
U.S. Embassy personnel are currently sheltering in place and the ambassador condemned the attack in a message on social media, saying “I condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. I am in contact with Israeli officials, and fully support Israel’s right to defend itself from such terrorist acts.”
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism,” read a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, condemning the attacks against Israel. “We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a statement said he is ‘closely monitoring” the situation and said the Department of Defense “will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
A U.S. defense official told ABC News that Austin had a call with his team this morning including U.S. Centcom Commander Gen. Eric Kurilla – Israel falls under Centcom’s area of responsibility.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself and “unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says his people have the right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” according to Reuters.
Today marks the day that 50 years ago in 1973 when the Yom Kippur War — or the Arab/Israeli War — began.
ABC News’ Joseph Simonetti contributed to this report.
(OHIO) — Legislation that incentivizes gun owners in Ohio to secure their weapons is getting major support from gun control advocates and gun rights groups alike.
One of the bill’s sponsors told ABC News that he hopes that it can spur a bigger discussion both in the state and country on safe storage and safety protections for firearms.
Ohio’s HB 186, which was introduced in the state’s House of Representatives in May, would waive the state’s 5.75% sales and use tax on firearm safety devices.
State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer, who co-sponsored the bill, told ABC News that sales tax exemption would apply to numerous products already being sold in firearm shops from as low as a $30 gun lock to as high as $800 for storage lockers with biometric locks.
“It’s a little nudge and urge to gun owners to lock up and secure their guns,” he said.
HB 186 defines a “firearm safety device” as “A device that, when installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the firearm from being operated without first deactivating the device,” and “A gun safe, gun case, lockbox, or other device that is designed to prevent access to a firearm unless an individual uses a key, a combination, biometric data, or other similar means.”
Brewer, who is not a gun owner, said that he’s been looking to find common sense solutions to gun violence and one of the most common calls he has gotten from constituents, law enforcement, non-profits and other groups is that guns are left unsecured.
That has led not only to more gun thefts, which are used in shootings, but also accidental shootings and suicides, according to Brewer.
“If these devices had been safely stored, or if these owners had a safety device, these instances wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
The representative said he has supported state bills in the past that mandated safe storage, including one that was introduced this session that mandates trigger locks for firearm sales, but none of them passed due to opposition from gun rights groups who contended it violated their second amendment rights.
That’s when Brewer said he and other leaders decided to think about a different approach.
The representative said it was hard to argue against a bill that focused on the costs of safe storage,
“What we are saying is ‘Give [gun buyers] the opportunity to have a sales tax free device so they can buy it with less hassle,'” Brewer said.
Brewer’s intentions have already sparked interest in both gun rights supporters and gun control supporters.
Representatives from the Ohio-based Buckeye Firearms Association, National Rifle Association, Moms Demand Action and Sandy Hook Promise all provided testimony in support of the bill during a Sept. 26 hearing in the Ways and Means committee hearing.
“Whether it’s a mass shooting, a suicide, an unintentional shooting, or a homicide, we must collectively do something as a society to encourage people to safely secure their firearms. HB186 is something that will encourage people to do this, and maybe something we can all agree on that makes sense,” Michelle Lee Heym, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, testified.
“This straightforward legislation does not include any mandates and recognizes that the government should not be placing additional cost barriers on citizens who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights, and who wish to safely store their firearms,” John Webber, an NRA representative, said in his testimony.
Paul Kemp, the co-founder of the grassroots group Gun Owners for Responsible Gun Ownership, told ABC News he was surprised that the gun rights groups have expressed support for the Ohio bill.
“I suspect one of the reasons they would support is that it provides business opportunities for firearms dealers,” he said. “They’re not going to the point of supporting a mandate outright.”
Kemp, who helped push Oregon’s safe storage law two years ago, said HB 186 is a good start to get more guns safely stored, but more importantly, it will spark a bigger conversation about the benefits of safe storage.
Brewer said that’s his hope for the bill as it moves forward.
There is no date yet as to when it will be voted in the committee and advanced to the full house, but the representative said the conversation that the bill has started will get more people to think about storing their weapons.
“We can find a solution. If the NRA and Moms Demand Action agree on this bill, what else can they agree on? There are many common sense solutions we can agree to,” he said.
(NEW YORK) — Evelin Miranda first noticed something was off with her husband, Eddie, about 10 years ago, when he started picking her up from work late. Then, her son Miguel told her Eddie hadn’t been paying bills on time.
“Things just weren’t getting better,” she told ABC News. “I was saying to myself, well, there’s something wrong.”
Eddie was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018. He lives at home, and Evelin is his full-time caretaker. She has a nursing background, and was familiar with Alzheimer’s disease. But this was different.
“You never expect it in your own home, with your own loved one, your partner, that you share your whole self to,” she said.
The Mirandas’ story is featured on “Our America: Unforgettable,” an hour-long special produced by ABC Owned Television Stations in partnership with ABC News that takes a look at the alarming data of Alzheimer’s disease through a Hispanic and Latino lens.
Families like the Miranda’s are more likely than most to be struggling with the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. Older Hispanic people have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias than older white people — a 1.5 times higher risk, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. They’re also expected to have the steepest increases in rates of disease over the next few decades.
But they’re also less likely to benefit from research around the disease. Hispanic and Latino people tend to be diagnosed later in the course of the illness and are also less likely to participate in clinical trials investigating the disease.
Those are two key challenges in the efforts to reduce the burdens of Alzheimer’s disease, experts say — and make it less likely the group will be able to benefit from treatment innovations.
“We need action now,” Christian Salazar, a research scientist at the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, told ABC News. “We need to address these disparities now.”
More disease, less diagnosis
There’s no clear answer as to why Hispanics are more at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Zaldy Tan from Cedars Sinai told ABC News. It’s likely a combination of factors, including socioeconomic factors like income level, and rates of underlying illnesses like high blood pressure.
“I tell my patients that controlling diabetes and high blood pressure is important,” Tan said.
Even though older Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias than older white people, the disease is underdiagnosed in the community — they’re only 18% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And when they are diagnosed, they’re often diagnosed later in the course of the disease, according to Maria Aranda, executive director of the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging.
“They do so when it’s later in the trajectory of the disorder,” Aranda told ABC News. “And as a result, they could be exhibiting higher levels of behavioral and psychological symptoms.”
The disease can be hard to detect, Tan said.
“It can take the form of forgetting to pick up something from the grocery, it could take the form of forgetting to pick up your kids after school,” he said. “It’s very subtle in the beginning.”
But Latinos also tend to see some memory loss as a normal sign of aging, which it is not, Tan said. So they put off going to see a doctor.
“There is that reluctance to come earlier for an evaluation,” he said.
Diagnosis can also be difficult for people who speak limited English or speak English as a second language, because it’s harder to communicate with healthcare providers, said Carmen Carrión, a neuropsychologist at the Yale School of Medicine.
“There’s also these cultural differences,” she told ABC News. “That creates a disconnect and can sometimes make it very difficult to communicate the difficulties that you’re having.”
Carrión is bilingual and conducts patient evaluations in Spanish, but few physicians in the United States speak Spanish.
“It’s important to have physicians that speak Spanish that can explain to the Latino families, because a lot of them, they don’t understand where Alzheimer’s is coming from,” Evelin Miranda said.
Getting diagnosed — and getting diagnosed early — is important to help people and their families prepare for the progression of disease, maximize quality of life, and make plans for caregiving, experts say. It also makes it more likely someone would be able to get access to new drugs that may be able to slow the progression of disease. The two drugs, Aducanumab and Lecanemab, are only approved for the early stages of the disease.
The importance of research
There’s a complicated tangle of issues around Alzheimer’s disease in the Hispanic and Latino communities. Researchers and doctors are making strides in understanding how to address them — but in order to push forward, they need to engage with people in that community.
“The only way that we’re really going to understand how or why it manifests differently among diverse communities is by having these diverse communities, Latinos, Hispanics, participating in research and clinical trials,” Carrión said.
But Hispanics are less likely to participate in clinical trials, research shows.
“Clinical trials come in two different types. You have pharmacological trials — those that are geared towards drugs — and those that are not geared towards drugs, the lifestyle interventions,” Salazar said. “We need Hispanic participation in both of these types of clinical trials, because without them, we won’t know how to intervene.”
It’s particularly important with new drugs on the horizon. Aducanumab and Lecanemab are the first drugs that may slow the disease down, not just treat symptoms, and there are other investigational drugs in the development pipeline.
“We are at the cusp of a revolution in understanding better treatments for Alzheimer’s disease,” Salazar said.
But in order for all groups to get the benefits of those drugs, researchers have to pursue strategies to encourage all groups to sign up.
“We have to do a better job getting the message out there,” Carrion said.
(NEW YORK) — A deaf man who says a truck driving company told him that they would not hire him because he couldn’t hear won over $36 million in damages by a jury a month ago.
Victor Robinson, who is in his 40s and has lived his whole life deaf, told ABC News that Werner Enterprises trucking company passed him in their commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program, but when he applied for a job in 2016, the company’s Vice President of Safety and Compliance Jamie Hamm, who was Jamie Maus at the time, told him he wouldn’t get the job.
“It was really intense,” Robinson told ABC News through an interpreter. “The person said, ‘We can’t hire you because you can’t hear,’ and hung up [the video call]. And there it was. The end. And I got to the point where I didn’t know what else to do.”
Robinson eventually reached out to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They reviewed his case and decided to file a lawsuit against Werner.
“That fact has baffled us from the beginning,” Josh Pierson, Robinson’s lawyer, told ABC News. “The fact that Victor and other deaf drivers can complete training school, can get their CDL, even attend training schools owned by Werner but then aren’t allowed to drive for the company, ultimately.”
Pierson told ABC News that Werner violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities so they can perform the essential functions of their job.
Werner denies any wrongdoing.
“The company operates with the mantra that nothing we do is worth getting hurt or hurting others, whether that be its professional drivers, customers or the motoring public at large,” Werner told ABC News, in part, through a statement. “Werner prides itself on fostering an inclusive workplace where our associates are encouraged to bring their full selves to work, including our valued associates who may have a disability.”
According to Pierson, Werner thought Robinson was unfit to complete the company’s test to evaluate new truck drivers, which requires communication between the driver and instructor. Werner could have easily accommodated Robinson by implementing hand gestures or flashcards for the driver and instructor to communicate,” Pierson said.
According to Robinson, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) gave him a hearing exemption required of most truck drivers. It is common for the FMCSA to give exemptions to professionals with disabilities, such as diabetes, amputations, or hearing loss, Pierson said.
The jury awarded Robinson $75,000 in compensatory damages, and $36 million in punitive damages.
Pierson believes that Werner will file an appeal to the jury’s decision, reducing the amount awarded to Robinson to $300,000 because of a statutory cap for punitive damages, which a corporation would pay under the ADA.
“The company is evaluating its options relative to an appeal of this jury’s decision,” Werner said in their statement.
Robinson told ABC News it was distressing to know that the damages awarded would most likely be reduced and believes that Congress should raise the cap amount in the ADA.
“Some people look at deaf people and think that they are lesser, think they have a disease,” Robinson told ABC News. “We’re literally regular people. We’re not sick. We have skills. We have abilities. We think the same as other people. We literally just can’t hear.”
Robinson eventually acquired a truck driving job with another company and loves the career he has had for almost five years. He told ABC News that he has driven through nearly every state in the country, exploring the American landscape and its varied terrains of mountains, plains, rivers and valleys.
“People wonder how we can drive when we can’t hear. I see people driving all the time with earbuds in and with their music on loud,” Robinson told ABC News. “And that’s certainly not any different. We depend on our eyes to drive. You do, I do. It’s not about sound. It’s more about being aware, visually. Our visual acuity is much better.”
(NEW YORK) — Simone Biles has made gymnastics history.
On Friday, the gymnastics superstar, 26, won her 27th world championship medal when she earned the gold for the individual all-around title at the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium with a score of 58.399 in the women’s all-around.
The win was her sixth all-around title, which makes her tied for the most in history (man or woman). She is tied with Vitaly Scherbo, who competed for the Soviet Union, the Unified Team and Belarus throughout his career.
Biles now holds 34 World and Olympic medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history.
Shilese Jones, Biles’ Team USA teammate, also earned bronze in the women’s all-around category with a score of 56.332. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil earned a score of 56.766 and won silver.
At the podium after her win, Biles was in tears as the national anthem played in the background.
The win comes two days after the Women’s National Gymnastics Team cemented a spot in sports history with its seventh consecutive world championship title.
Biles, who leads the team, helped carry Team USA to a record-breaking gold medal at the world championships. The gymnast performed a floor routine, which earned the highest score of the day and solidified the team’s victory by more than two points over Brazil.
Biles’ history-making win on Friday was also a full-circle moment for the athlete. A decade ago, the U.S. gymnast won her first individual all-around title in the same city when she made her global debut at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
ABC News’ Jill Tatara and Rachel Katz contributed to this report.
Bruce Springsteen recently released the new song “Addicted to Love” from the movie She Came To Me, starring Marissa Tomei, Peter Dinklage and Anne Hathaway. The idea to get The Boss for the song came from The National‘s Bryce Dessner.
Dessner produced the song and composed the music for the film. He tells Varietythat while watching the movie with the film’s director, Rebecca Miller, he saw Tomei’s character as a “miraculous, amazing and powerful woman,” noting, “She just felt like she could be a character from a Springsteen song.”
“It was an absurd idea, but it just came to me,” he says. “What would normally feel insurmountable to most people is not the thing that occurs to Rebecca first, but she said, ‘Oh, that’s interesting.’”
Dessner had a feeling Bruce would agree to the song. After Miller finally approached Springsteen, he watched the movie and was on board.
“Bruce loved the idea. He loved the film. He was inspired and he allowed me to produce the song, and we became texting buddies,” Dessner says.
He adds, “It’s a good testament in life. Just ask. Why not try things as opposed to thinking they’re not going to happen?”
She Came To Me opens in theaters Friday, October 6.
Bob Moses has premiered a new single called “Round and Round.”
“This one is about those moments where you’re having the time of your life on the dance floor and you never want the night to end,” the Vancouver duo says. “Hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
You can listen to “Round and Round” now via digital outlets and watch its accompanying visualizer streaming now on YouTube.
“Round and Round” follows Bob Moses’ 2022 album, The Silence in Between, which spawned the #1 Billboard Alternative Airplay hit “Love Brand New.”
Bob Moses is set to play the Austin City Limits Festival on Saturday October 7. You can watch their set via the festival’s Hulu livestream.
