News briefs for Sunday, May 26. Among today’s news is a fire in an Indian maternity ward; PGA star dead; Hamas missile attack on Israel and Indianapolis 500.
PGA golfer dies at 30
PGA golfer Grayson Murray died by suicide Saturday at the age of 30. He had earlier withdrawn from the tournament as a result of “illness” after playing 16 holes in the second round, according to the tour. “We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote in a statement. Murray had battled depression and also sought treatment for alcohol abuse. As of January, he said he had been sober for several months. This story was updated Monday to reveal the cause of death.
Hamas in Rafah launches missile attack on Tel Aviv
Hamas on Sunday launched a massive missile attack on Israel’s most heavily populated region–home to half the country’s residents. It was the first time missiles were fired by Hamas in nearly four months and, say observers, underscores why the Biden administration is wrong to force Israel into a ceasefire while Hamas can still attack. Sirens sounded across Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Petah Tikva, home to millions of people and hundreds of skyscrapers. The Israeli military continues to push into Rafah. Israel is being pressured to enter into a ceasefire but the country says that Hamas must be eliminated to end their threat to nearly 10 million Israelis. Hamas has promised to repeat Oct. 7 until no Jews are left alive.
Landslide death toll tops 650
The death toll in a d devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea continues to rise. Authorities now say more than 670 people are feared dead following a tragedy a UN official says. Rescuers are finding more bodies than survivors. More than 150 houses in Yambali village are buried in debris, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the country Serhan Aktoprak said on Sunday. The new death toll is higher than earlier estimates that 100 people had died.
Indy 500 Sunday
“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” returns on Sunday, according to CNN with the 2024 edition of the Indianapolis 500, known as “The brickyard” because it was originally paved with bricks. Part of the IndyCar Series, a talented field of 33 drivers will navigate 200 laps and 500 miles around the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the ultimate test of speed and stamina. “It is the biggest sporting event in the world, right?” British driver Katherine Legge told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell ahead of last year’s race. “The whole place just has this feeling about it, this personality that it takes on and when it’s full of fans, it’s just the most incredible feeling, like it has a pulse almost.”
‘Heartbreaking:’ Newborns die in hospital blaze
Authorities say at least six newborn babies died following a fire at a hospital in Delhi. The blaze broke out late on Saturday night in a unit that contained 12 babies. Authorities said legal action would be taken against the owner of the hospital, who had fled. Disturbing photos on social media show several bursts of fire as it engulfed the entire building and oxygen and other gas tanks exploded. Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the fire was “heartbreaking”. “The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared,” Mr Kejriwal said. The death toll is expected to rise.
–Dwight Widaman and news services