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The riverfront brawl in Alabama reignites national debate over race

Dustin Jones

The Harriott II riverboat sits at the Riverfront dock in Montgomery, Ala. Three white men have been charged with assault for attacking the ship's co-captain last Saturday, which turned into a brawl along racial lines, as seen in dozens of videos online. Kim Chandler/AP hide caption

The Harriott II riverboat sits at the Riverfront dock in Montgomery, Ala. Three white men have been charged with assault for attacking the ship's co-captain last Saturday, which turned into a brawl along racial lines, as seen in dozens of videos online.

Warning: This story contains profanity and a racial slur.

Police in Montgomery, Ala., say that they have not found evidence that last weekend's riverfront brawl — in which a large number of people squared off against each along racial lines — rises to the level of a hate crime.

However, a week later, people who have seen videos of the fight, including experts, pundits and social media users, remain divided: Some are saying race had nothing to do with the incident, while others say the footage clearly shows how groups divided by race.

What's certain is that the incident has reignited conversations about race across the U.S.

I've spent my career explaining race, but hit a wall with Montgomery brawl memes

What montgomery officials are saying.

Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that the brawl doesn't meet the criteria for hate crime charges under federal law. He said that he also understands why people are raising the issue of race.

"That's why this department went above and beyond and looked under every stone for answers," Albert said, adding that the charges that were brought accurately reflect the evidence available at the time. Investigations are ongoing.

Steven L. Reed, Montgomery's first Black mayor , has promised to hold the people responsible for fight accountable. He says he has two different perspectives on the incident, one as a public servant and one as Black man.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed (seen here on Aug. 8 speaking to the press with Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert in the background) says the people responsible for the fight will be held accountable. Julie Bennett/Getty Images hide caption

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed (seen here on Aug. 8 speaking to the press with Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert in the background) says the people responsible for the fight will be held accountable.

"At this point in the investigation, the FBI has not classified these attacks as a hate crime. As a former judge and as an elected official, I understand that and will trust this process and the integrity of our justice system," Reed said in a statement to NPR on Thursday.

"However, my perspective as a Black man in Montgomery differs from my perspective as mayor. From what we've seen from the history of our city — a place tied to both the pain and the progress of this nation – it seems to meet the moral definition, and this kind of violence cannot go unchecked."

He also says that as more information becomes available, his office will work with the U.S. Justice Department to "thoroughly vet whether new evidence reclassifies the incident as a hate crime per FBI protocol."

How the brawl unfolded

Dozens of videos of the incident last Saturday began surfacing earlier this week, including one from Alabama political reporter Josh Moon, who shared a video of the fight on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. It shows that the incident at Montgomery's Riverfront Park appears to have started after a group of people docked their pontoon boat in a space reserved for the city's riverboat, the Harriott II.

A screenshot from one of the videos of the brawl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday. The video shows a fight that broke out between a boat co-captain and several men who appeared to be parking their pontoon boat in a space reserved for the city's riverboat. @Josh_Moon/Screenshot by NPR hide caption

A screenshot from one of the videos of the brawl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday. The video shows a fight that broke out between a boat co-captain and several men who appeared to be parking their pontoon boat in a space reserved for the city's riverboat.

After 45 or so minutes of announcements over a loudspeaker asking for the pontoon boat to be moved, the Black co-captain of the Harriott II, named as Dameion Pickett in court documents, and a white 16-year-old deckhand, who NPR isn't naming because he's a minor, went ashore to move the craft so the riverboat could dock, said Albert, the police chief.

Pickett, 43, was confronted by several men from the pontoon boat, and heated conversation escalated to a fight. Video appears to show Richard Roberts, 48, striking Pickett first. Allen Todd and Zachery Shipman joined the fight, punching and kicking Pickett.

Another Harriott II crew member, Crystal Warren, witnessed the incident from aboard the riverboat. Her son is the 16-year-old deckhand, who was allegedly assaulted by people associated with the pontoon boat . She said in a sworn statement to police that she heard one of the men yell, "F*** that n*****" as Pickett was trying to move the vessel.

3 men are being charged with assault for the waterfront brawl in Montgomery

Warren also said that one of the men fighting Harriot II crew members was heard saying he was "getting his gun." She said a riverboat employee tackled the man as he appeared to try and get the weapon.

As of Friday, Roberts has been charged with two counts of 3rd degree assault, while Todd, 23 , and Shipman , 25, each face one count of 3rd degree assault. They are scheduled to be arraigned on these misdemeanor charges on Sept. 1. (A fourth person, Mary Todd, 21, has also been charged with one count of 3rd degree assault.)

NPR attempted to reach the defendants for comment, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Why conversations about race are hard for officials

It's not surprising that authorities have been reluctant to discuss race, says Christina Ferraz , a public relations consultant who specializes in reaching communities of color.

Public officials can be risk-averse on the topic because of its general divisiveness in today's "culture wars," says Ferraz .

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"As this conflict may be identified as racially motivated, but not yet been charged as a hate crime, it can be considered slander and defamation of character for a public official to make a statement on the conflict without anyone being charged," Ferraz tells NPR. "Public officials can be sued and this can negatively impact their brand reputation with donors and constituents."

NPR reached out to the Montgomery Police Department for further comment, but did not receive a response.

One historian says the question of race is clear

Formal hate crime charges haven't been made, but observers like Derryn Moten , a professor of American history at Alabama State University, are blunt when describing Saturday's attack: "I completely reject the idea that race had no part or played no part in that incident."

To those who disagree, he says, "That's not what my eyes saw, that's not how my brain understood what I was looking at."

Moten, who also serves as chair of the university's Department of History and Political Science, says the fight took place in the area where enslaved people were brought in by boat on the Alabama River — and mere blocks from warehouses where they were held before being sold at auction.

Media outlets and pundits have been discussing these ties between Montgomery's racial history and the brawl. But Moten says what happened in Montgomery isn't exclusive to the South; it's a national problem.

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"The incident that happened in Montgomery is not unique to Montgomery," he says. "I don't want, or would not want, anybody to think, 'Oh, these are the types of things that just happen in the South.' No. Sadly, they can happen anywhere in the United States."

He says that race is a factor in many of the issues that currently divide the country, including critical race theory, what some politicians and conservative activists refer to as "cancel culture" and "wokeness," police use of deadly force, and how American history is taught.

When Republicans Attack 'Cancel Culture,' What Does It Mean?

"The time period that we're experiencing socially and politically in our country is really interesting in that there seems to be an effort among some, for lack of a better word, to sanitize American history, particularly American history as it relates to enslavement, as it relates to immigration, as it relates to the forced migration of Native people," Moten says. "And all of this done in an effort to paint the United States as exceptional. And I think any honest person who reads American history would find it impossible to accept that notion."

Despite the painful racial fault lines of the U.S. today, Moten says he remains optimistic that things will get better with time, and that "good ultimately will triumph."

"I'm a student of history, so I have a lot of evidence to back that up," he says, citing the reunification of Germany, the end of apartheid in South Africa and, closer to home, the success of the Montgomery bus boycott .

"I think one of the difficult things for a lot of people to accept is that we have to work constantly at making sure that equal protection means equal protection for all. That equal rights means equal rights for all. And that we can't rest on our laurels."

Correction Aug. 12, 2023

An earlier photo caption incorrectly referred to a dock worker instead of a boat co-captain.

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Three white men facing charges in Alabama riverboat brawl are identified as police share detailed account

The montgomery police chief said that the conflict started between a pontoon boat owner and a co-captain of the harriott ii riverboat, article bookmarked.

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Police in Montgomery, Alabama, have unveiled new details of a waterfront brawl captured on stunning viral video over the weekend - including the names of three white men currently facing charges.

Mongtomery Police Chief Darryl Albert addressed the incident at a press conference on Tuesday, confirming it all began with a private pontoon boat blocking a tourist cruise ship.

Chief Albert said that the Harriott II cruise ship, which takes passengers for 2-hour rides along the Alabama River, had 227 passengers on board when it tried to dock in its designated space, when it noticed a pontoon boat was docked there.

Damian Pickett, the Harriott’s co-captain, waited for 40 to 45 minutes for the boat to move. A smaller boat picked up Mr Pickett and brought him to the pier to try to have a conversation with the pontoon boat owner so that he could park the large vessel in its spot.

That’s when the co-captain “was attacked by several members of the private boat” after they “confronted him in a hostile manner,” the police chief said. Mr Pickett “was doing his job,” he added. The videos of the incident that ensued have now gone viral.

A video posted on Twitter by Alabama Political Reporter’s Josh Moon shows a white man coming up the co-captain and punching him. More people are then seen piling on the alleged dock worker, hitting and punching him.

Mr Moon posted subsequent footage of even more people attacking each other. “Here’s part of what happened after the riverboat docked and the other workers and people on the boat were able to get to the fight,” the journalist wrote. The footage captured one man grabbing a foldable chair and then hitting people over the head with it.

The police said that in addition to Mr Pickett, an employee on the smaller vessel that transported him to the dock, a 16-year-old white male, was “assaulted by members of the pontoon boat.”

On the night of the incident, police detained 13 individuals; the interviews lasted several hours, but all parties involved were released.

Now, three people have warrants out for arrest. Richard Roberts, a 48-year-old white male has two warrants for assault, Allen Todd, a 23-year-old white male has one warrant for assault, and Zachary Shipman, a 25-year-old white male, also has one warrant for assault.

All individuals with warrants were members of the pontoon boat, the police chief said. The mayor said they are not residents of Montgomery, Alabama.

The police chief said one person is in custody with the Selma Police Department, and two still have to turn themselves in within the hour, but he did not identify who had already been detained.

Chief Albert also called for Reggie Gray, who is seen “wielding that folding chair” in videos, to contact police for further interviews.

The police chief added that the Montgomery Police Department is working with the state police agency, DA’s office and local FBI office; he said ”more charges are likely” as the investigation is ongoing.

He added that the police “examined whether there was enough to file hate crime charges” but these are the applicable charges with the footage they have so far. Chief Albert encouraged people to keep sending videos of the incident to the Montgomery Police Department.

“This is not indicative of who we are as a city. We are much better than that,” the police chief added. He called the incident “disturbing.”

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed released a statement following the brawl, saying that officers detained “several reckless individuals for attacking a man who was doing his job”. He continued, “This was an unfortunate incident which never should have occurred. As our police department investigates these intolerable actions, we should not become desensitized to violence of any kind in our community. Those who choose violent actions will be held accountable by our criminal justice system.”

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Police Investigate Alabama Riverfront Brawl

The Montgomery police are seeking the arrest of several people in connection with a fight that broke out over the weekend when a group of white boaters attacked a Black boat captain.

By Remy Tumin and Chang Che

Update: All three men who were wanted in the brawl have turned themselves in . A woman also turned herself in to Montgomery police.

The police in Montgomery, Ala., are expected to charge at least three people in connection with a brawl that broke out over the weekend when a group of white boaters attacked a Black boat captain at the city’s popular Riverfront Park. The violent scene, which bystanders captured on video, has stoked memories of the city’s racist history.

The police issued arrest warrants for three men and more might follow, said Darryl J. Albert, the chief of the Montgomery Police Department, at a news conference on Tuesday. Richard Roberts, 48, faces two warrants for third-degree assault, a misdemeanor; Allen Todd, 23, faces one warrant for third-degree assault; and Zachery Shipman, 25, also faced a warrant for third-degree assault. All three men have been asked to turn themselves in; none of them are residents of Montgomery, the police said.

One of the men has already turned himself in to the police in Selma, Ala., Chief Albert said, and the other two are expected to turn themselves in later Tuesday afternoon.

A fourth man, Reggie Gray, 42, was wanted for questioning by the police after videos showed him wielding a folding chair during the incident, Chief Albert said.

While the police and federal authorities are still reviewing video evidence, the Montgomery police are not pursuing hate crime or riot charges at this time, he said.

“When the incident took place, the Police Department didn’t have the luxury of videos that we all have seen now,” Chief Albert said. “Now that we have more information, more charges are pending.”

Bystanders captured the incident on video from multiple angles that showed how a lively Saturday afternoon on the Alabama River turned into an all-out brawl. The fight, which seemed largely to be divided along racial lines, garnered a large social media response, including cartoons , TikTok videos , a song and even re-enactments , with many users reacting to a seeming reversal of fate along one of America’s most brutal historical markers of the slave trade. The fight occurred at the same dock where enslaved Africans arrived by steamboat to be sold in the center of town.

The altercation began when a group of white boaters docked a pontoon in an area designated for a larger riverboat on the Gun Island Chute portion of the Alabama River in Montgomery. The riverboat, known as the Harriott II, offers cruises with dining and live entertainment along a stretch of the river.

As the Harriott tried to re-dock after an outing with 227 passengers aboard, its captain attempted to contact the owners of the pontoon for 45 minutes via the public announcement service, instructing them to move their vessel, Chief Albert said.

They responded with “gestures, curse words and taunting,” he said.

After this, Dameion Pickett, a co-captain of the Harriott, took a ride on a small boat to the dock so he could talk to them, Chief Albert said. When Mr. Pickett, who is Black, tried to move the pontoon just enough to allow the Harriott to dock, the owners of the pontoon confronted him “in a very hostile manner” and attacked him, Chief Albert said.

“The co-captain was doing his job,” he said.

Several members of the Harriott’s crew “came to Mr. Pickett’s defense,” Chief Albert said, “engaging in what we all have seen since on social media.”

Videos showed one of the white men then punching Mr. Pickett, who was jumped on and beaten by the other white boaters; one of them appears to try to place Mr. Pickett in a headlock. Other videos show another Black man, who appears to be a staff member of the Harriott II, jump off the riverboat and swim to the dock to defend Mr. Pickett as other Black bystanders join them on the deck. Several videos show one Black bystander, whom the police identified as Mr. Gray, hitting a white man with a folding chair.

Chief Albert said that in addition to Mr. Pickett, an unnamed 16-year-old white male, who took Mr. Pickett to the dock, was also attacked by the owners and operators of the pontoon. Mr. Pickett received treatment for injuries on Saturday night, but Chief Albert said he did not know of anyone else seeking medical care.

Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery’s newly elected first Black mayor, said at the news conference that the attack did not characterize the Montgomery community at large, especially since the attackers were not from the city.

“It’s important for us to address this as an isolated incident, one that was avoidable and one that was brought on by individuals who chose the wrong path of action,” Mr. Reed said at the news conference. “This is not indicative of our community at all.”

An earlier version of this article, relying on information provided by the Montgomery Police Department, misspelled the given names of two people. The boat co-captain is Dameion Pickett, not Damien; and a person charged is Zachery Shipman, not Zachary.

How we handle corrections

Remy Tumin is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics. More about Remy Tumin

Chang Che is the Asia technology correspondent for The Times. He previously worked for The China Project and as a freelance writer covering Chinese technology and society. More about Chang Che

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American Queen, world's largest riverboat, docks in Pittsburgh

August 8, 2022 / 1:59 PM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - For the first time in two years, the world's largest riverboat is back in Pittsburgh. 

The American Queen is docked at North Riverfront Park until 6 p.m. Monday. 

The 417-guest boat is currently sailing two nine-day Ohio River voyages between Louisville and Pittsburgh, stopping in ports like Madison, Cincinnati, Maysville, Point Pleasant and Marietta.   

While in Pittsburgh, student-athletes are headlining a name, image and likeness campaign about what it takes for a crew of up to 160 to run the boat. 

Pittsburghers are invited to come see the American Queen and take pictures, but non-sailing guests aren't allowed on board. 

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2 charged in Hudson River capsize deaths of woman, 7-year-old nephew

Two men have been arrested for allegedly causing the deaths of a 7-year-old boy and his aunt when the  boat their group had chartered for a Hudson River tour capsized in 2022 , throwing more than a dozen people overboard, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Richard Cruz and Jaime Pinilla Gomez were taken into custody in Elizabeth earlier in the day and are expected to appear in federal court. Attorney information for them wasn’t immediately available.

Lindelia Vasquez, 48, and 7-year-old Julian Vasquez, were among a group of family and friends who chartered a boat out of New Jersey on July 12, 2022. They were trapped under the vessel when it flipped over in the Hudson near Pier 86, in front of the USS Intrepid in the middle of the afternoon.  They later died.

Cruz had purchased the boat, which he called Stimulus Money, about three months prior and was the owner and captain. Gomez was his pilot. Both were operating the vessel the day of the accident. The two men allegedly conducted boat “tours” for paying customers onboard the vessel on multiple occasions in the months leading up to the capsizing, although they did not have the required United States Coast Guard credentials and certifications to do so.

According to prosecutors, Cruz’s and Gomez’s allegedly negligent actions and omissions caused the capsizing and, therefore, the two deaths. Aside from required documentation issues, prosecutors say Stimulus Money had 13 people on board at the time of the capsizing, which is more than the max capacity for that boat. They allege Cruz and Gomez drove the boat at a high rate of speed while small craft advisory for high winds and heavy seas advisory was in effect.

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They claim Gomez lacked sufficient experience as a mariner, and piloted the boat dangerously before the capsizing, rapidly accelerating an engine and contributing to its overturning. He also allegedly wasn’t wearing a safety device, which kept the engine going even after Gomez shifted. Everyone fell overboard when the boat capsized.

Ten passengers and Gomez were recovered conscious and in varying medical conditions. Cruz was among several who were critically hurt. The bodies of Lindelia Vasquez and her nephew were found under the capsized boat about a half-hour after the others were pulled from the water. They had drowned.

Lindelia Vasquez had planned the excursion for the visiting group. She owned a restaurant in the heart of the Colombian community, of which she was a huge part, in Elizabeth.

Friends said she was generous, hardworking and kind.

In a video exclusive obtained by NBC New York, the family could be seen in Brisas Bakery and Restaurant in Elizabeth hours before boarding the doomed boat. They were buying food for what should have been a beautiful day, loading up on hundreds of dollars worth of empanadas, cheese, bread and sweets. Little Julian was seen holding an armful of frozen drinks, happy and excited for the day of cruising the Hudson.

Stimulus Money was a 24-foot Yamaha AR-240 jet boat with a top speed just below 52 mph and a 12-person capacity, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Breakthrough study from IU scientists predicts catastrophic river shifts that threaten millions worldwide

Indiana University researchers have uncovered key insights into the dangerous phenomenon of “river avulsion,” offering a way to predict when and where rivers may suddenly and dramatically change course. Published in Nature , this breakthrough study sheds light on a process that has shaped human history through devastating floods and continues to threaten millions of people worldwide.

Study sheds light on phenomena that have shaped human history

Led by James “Jake” Gearon, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) within the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, the research team has outlined for the first time the conditions that create river avulsions. Co-authors include Harrison Martin (Ph.D. EAS ’23), a post-doctoral fellow now at CalTech, Clarke DeLisle (Ph.D. EAS ’23) now at EVS, Inc, Eric Barefoot, a post-doctoral researcher at IU Bloomington and now a faculty member at UC-Riverside, and Professor Douglas Edmonds, the Malcolm and Sylvia Boyce Chair in Geological Sciences in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department.

Using advanced satellite technology, the team mapped how certain landscape features make avulsions more likely. “Measuring topography around a river is difficult and time-consuming because of the dense vegetation,” said Gearon. “We took advantage of a new satellite that uses lasers to measure topography.” This technology, called lidar, penetrates vegetation to find bare-earth elevations, allowing for accurate topographical measurements. The study presents a novel framework for predicting when avulsions will occur, a problem humanity has dealt with for millennia. “Avulsions which are possibly the inspirations for ancient flood myths, have created the largest floods in human history, and continue to threaten millions of people today,” explained Edmonds. “As climate change alters global water cycles and human expansion into flood-prone areas increases, understanding and predicting avulsions has never been more critical.”

What Causes River Avulsions?

Avulsions occur when a river’s water rises above the surrounding landscape, often due to the buildup of sediment in the riverbed. When this happens, the river may spill over its banks and carve a new path across the floodplain. This can lead to severe flooding, as the entire river rushes through areas not typically designed to handle such volume. For example, the 2008 avulsion of the Kosi River in Northern India directly affected over 30 million residents, killed hundreds of people, and caused over $1 billion dollars in damage.

Traditionally, scientists believed avulsions happened due to two main factors: either the riverbed became elevated above the floodplain, or the land on either side of the river offered a steeper, more appealing path for the water to follow. “We can now actually test these two 80-year-old ideas with the topography data we have collected from space” said Edmonds, “and we were surprised to find that both factors work together and play different roles depending on the river’s location.”

Predicting avulsion hazards – A new way to map flood risks

Researchers analyzed data from 174 river avulsions around the world, using satellite imagery to track river movements over the past several decades. The study authors reveal that avulsions are much more common near mountain ranges and coastal areas than in the middle sections of rivers. They discovered that 74 percent of these avulsions occurred near mountain fronts or coastlines, areas where sediment tends to build up quickly.

Further, using topographic data, the researchers developed a new model to map what they term “avulsion corridors”—paths that rivers might take if they break from their current course. This tool could help governments and planners identify areas at high risk for sudden flooding, especially in regions with limited flood management resources.

The study also highlights the importance of considering avulsions in flood hazard assessments, something that current flood models don’t usually account for. “Traditional flood models focus on rising water levels from heavy rains, but avulsions can occur without warning, even in areas where rainfall isn’t a major concern. This makes them particularly dangerous and difficult to predict, much like earthquakes” said Gearon.

Implications for the Global South

The findings could be especially valuable in the Global South—less developed parts of Africa, Latin America, and Asia—where avulsions are more frequent and often more deadly. In many of these regions, a combination of geological factors and infrastructure challenges makes communities more vulnerable to sudden river changes. The 2010 avulsion-related flooding on the Indus River in Pakistan, for example, affected over 20 million people.

The new model, which relies on minimal data, could help countries prepare for avulsion-related disasters, potentially saving lives and reducing economic damage. By offering scientists, policy makers, and practitioners a new way to think about and plan for flood risks—and as climate change continues to reshape weather patterns and increase flood hazards worldwide—the study provides essential tools for understanding and mitigating the dangers posed by river avulsions.

Example of an ongoing river avulsion on the Zulia River, Venezuela that began in 2022

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Report: Staffing woes, violence & gangs continue to plague Indian River juvenile prison

• An annual inspection of Indian River found assaults on workers have gone down but staff and youth still fear violence.
• The facility has 55 job vacancies, including 32 youth specialists positions that remain unfilled.
• The facility scored one exceptional rating on its food services.

MASSILLON – Assaults on workers at Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility have decreased but staff and juveniles at the facility continue to fear violence, according to a recent state report.

The Correctional Institution Inspection Committee's yearly examination on June 6 looked at several areas, including safety and security, health and well-being, fair treatment, workforce readiness and fiscal accountability. It also interviewed staff members and juveniles.

The report addressed issues that have been long-standing concerns at the higher-security juvenile prison like staffing shortages, youth violence and gang activity.

Each area examined by the committee is given a rating: "Exceptional" means there is no room for improvement; "good" means the facility more than meets standards; "acceptable" means standards are mostly met with minor exceptions; and "in need of improvement" means standards aren't met and the CIIC staff has serious concerns.

Of the 30 areas examined, Indian River scored one exceptional rating on its food services. It got six good ratings, five acceptable ratings and 15 areas in need of improvement, including unit and institutional management, behavioral health services, youth discipline and staff management. Three areas did not receive a rating because the committee did not have the data needed.

Violence continues to plague Indian River in Massillon

There are fewer youths housed at the facility, which has a capacity of 165. Youths are spending more time in their rooms and there were more acts of violence so far in 2024.

In 2023, there were 10.5 fights and assaults per week. That has increased to 13.8 per week so far this year. The committee noted that assaults on staff have decreased but employees continue to have concerns about recent acts of violence on them that include being targeted by a liquid mixture of bodily fluids and feces.

The violence impacts the facility's function, rehabilitation of youth and staffing, the committee said.

Indian River Superintendent Charles Freeman, who began the post in January, made a commitment to reduce violence and increase safety. Efforts include creating units specific to youth preparing for release and youth who have graduated; recruiting volunteer programs; and increasing life skill opportunities and positive activities.

Kenneth Black later took over the top job at Indian River in early August.

Both youth and staff said that gangs remain an area of concern. Of the 156 youths housed at the facility, 37 were considered active gang members and 48 were identified as being passive. Since September 2022, there has not been a consistent gang intervention specialist at Indian River. Counterparts from other youth facilities have been lending a hand.

Staff members said that gang members are coercing others into committing violence and assaults. According to the report, the youth said their rehabilitation is being hindered due to the gang presence. Youth want to be housed and educated separately from gang members, the committee reported.

Indian River staffing levels remain a concern

The facility has 55 job vacancies. There are 32 youth specialist positions that are unfilled. According to the report, Indian River had 279 workers with 109 being youth specialists as of June 1.

At the time of the inspection, 19 staff members were on leave, increasing the facility's vacancy rate to 22.2%.

The facility struggles to fill positions like gang intervention specialist, behavioral health care practitioners and psychologists, the report said.

As of Aug. 14, three-quarters of the young people incarcerated at Indian River were recognized as needing mental health care.

The lack of staff increases the time juveniles spend alone in their room. The report noted that in September 2022, the Department of Youth Services changed its population management philosophy and integrated youth, including gang populations, resulting in increasing violence and transitional separation.

Ohio's juvenile prisons under scrutiny

DYS Director Amy Ast recently addressed worker shortages during a press conference announcing the findings of the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group, which was formed to review juvenile justice operations after a USA Today Ohio Network project highlighted problems at the state's youth facilities .

Gov. Mike DeWine recently said Ohio should eventually close Indian River and its two other juvenile prisons, and replace them with a dozen small, close-to-home juvenile lockups .

Like other corrections agencies across the nation, staffing continues to be an issue, Ast said.

DYS has focused on staffing and has hiring events in the evenings, on weekends and at the three state facilities, including Indian River. The agency has also offered signing bonuses to new teachers and behavioral health staff.

"All areas around safety start with staff," Ast said. The agency has focused on jobs with the highest vacancies that involve direct care of the youth like teachers, corrections officers, recreation staff and behavioral health workers.

DYS has partnered with Ohio universities and colleges to bring on interns, which has led to many becoming full-time staff members, Ast added.

The agency is also part of an effort pairing it with the University of Cincinnati and Georgetown University to address how to recruit and retain staff members.

Transitional separation — time youths spend alone in their rooms — continues to rise because of staff resignations and removals.

Ast said in the press conference that she sees the hard work employees of the youth facilities are doing.

"They show up every day," she said. "They come to work with the hope that at the end of an eight-hour shift they will get relieved. Many times they end up working 16-hour shifts. I see them. I want to thank them for their service."

The committee interviewed 12 youth specialist during the recent state inspections at Indian River. It was noted that staff from multiple levels didn't want to be interviewed out of fear of retaliation from state leadership.

Those interviewed indicated staff safety was low, youth safety was low and staff morale was low. They said morale has deteriorated over the last year. They also noted that staff turnover is high and discipline is not given fairly.

While there were many areas in need of improvement, the facility did score well in food services, medical services, recreation, academic programming and unit conditions.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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For the first time in four years, the Charles River experiences a cyanobacteria bloom

charles river

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed a cyanobacteria bloom at Longfellow Bridge’s downstream of the Charles River. This the first major bloom in four years and is being considered a public health advisory.

Cyanobacteria, also considered blue-green algae, is a microorganism that occurs in rivers, lakes and ponds. Cyanobacteria releases harmful toxins known as cyanotoxins, which can be fatal for pets or young children. Direct contact with cyanobacteria-water can lead to skin rashes. If the toxins are inhaled, can affect respiratory systems, especially for those who suffer from conditions with asthma.

The Department of Public Health has deemed the area as unsafe for people and pets and advises those to not swim, swallow, and keep clear of the area and immediately rinse off if you come in contact with it. Children and pets are to be kept away.

In collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency’s Charles River buoy and Charles River Watershed Association, noticed and identified that the amount of cyanobacteria cells exceeded the guidelines for recreational waterbodies placed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

In 2022, the Charles River Watershed Association sued the Environmental Protection Agency for not issuing permits that would reduce stormwater pollution in the Charles River. Currently, that case is on hold and to be continued in November.

Stormwater is particularly concerning because cyanobacteria grows rapidly with high phosphorus levels and hotter tempatures. With Boston’s longest dryspell in 25 years, it will only worsen.

Ameya Gehi, a CLF Staff Attorney, says that, “Continued inaction by the Environmental Protection Agency has threatened the health of one of the most cherished symbols of Boston,” Gehi adds that the algae bloom is evidence of the issue of unregulated stormwater pollution issues, and that, “Any more delay by the EPA risks more cyanobacteria blooms that threaten this communal treasure.”

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Israel’s war on Gaza live: 34 Palestinians killed in Gaza since dawn

At least 13 people, including three children, are killed in Israeli air attacks on homes in the Mesbah area of Rafah.

• At least 34 Palestinians have been killed in unrelenting Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, medical sources tell Al Jazeera, as fighting rages in the south.
• At least 13 Palestinians, including three children, are killed in Israeli air strikes on two homes in the Mesbah area of southern Gaza’s Rafah city.
• Video captures Israeli soldiers pushing bodies off a roof as Israeli raid leaves five Palestinians dead in Qabatiya in the occupied West Bank.
• At least 41,272  people have been killed  and 95,551 wounded in  Israel’s war on Gaza . In Israel, the number of those killed in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 was at least 1,139 while more than 200 people were taken captive.

LISTEN: Can Israel destroy Hamas?

Hamas is able to keep fighting the Israeli army despite its losses, say senior leaders, after Israel announced the group no longer existed as a military force in Gaza.

Hamas says it’s recruiting a new generation. So can Israel destroy Hamas?

US wants Israel to explain ‘abhorrent behaviour’ as troops push bodies off roof

Videos appearing to show Israeli forces throwing Palestinian bodies off a roof in the occupied West Bank are “deeply disturbing”, the White House says.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said if the footage is corroborated “it clearly would depict abhorrent and egregious behaviour by professional soldiers”.

“We reached out immediately to our Israeli counterparts about it, and we pressed them for more details. They have assured us that they’re going to investigate this and that there will be proper accountability if it’s warranted,” said Kirby.

“We’re going to be very eager to see what the [Israeli army] investigation finds and, as always, we expect that investigation be done thoroughly and transparently.”

Video of the incident, circulated widely on social media, shows Israeli troops tossing bodies off a roof of a multi-story house in the city of Qabatiya after a deadly raid.

Israeli strategy always to control region and ‘neutralise’ opposition

Israel’s “consistent strategy” for the past few decades has been to “dominate Palestine and the surrounding area to the point it neutralises any opposition to it,” Rami Khoury, a professor at the American University of Beirut, said.

“But it just doesn’t work … human beings who are subjugated will resist,” Khoury told Al Jazeera.

Israel’s violent policies have pushed groups to become “more proficient at resistance”, both politically and militarily, he said.

Some 80 percent of the world is supporting the Palestinians because “they understand that what’s going on now is the last colonial uprising and colonial struggle for independence in the entire world”.

Israeli settlers assault Palestinian man in Hebron: Report

In the village of at-Tuwana, the occupied West Bank, south of Hebron, Israeli settlers assaulted a Palestinian resident, Wafa news agency reports.

Farmer Hafez Bilal al-Arini was grazing his sheep when he was attacked, it said.

The assault came amid a surge in Israeli military and settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which has unfolded in the shadow of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. More than 700 people have been killed in the occupied territory either by the Israeli military or Israelis from illegal settlements since October 2023.

‘Netanyahu knows the Americans cannot stop him’

Israeli political analyst Akiva Eldar says most of the Israeli public supports Netanyahu as he and his “radical right” ministers continue to pound the Gaza Strip.

“Domestically, he’s leaning on a solid coalition in parliament. The Israeli public is tired, there is a fatigue and the army is exhausted. So I’m not sure how long it will last,” Eldar told Al Jazeera.

But he added: “Netanyahu is obsessively looking at the polls and it looks like in the last few weeks – since Israel was able to target leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas – his position is improving in the polls. So he’ll keep doing this.

“What we need here to put an end to this is a responsible adult. Right now, the American administration and the American people are busy with their own elections. And Netanyahu takes advantage of this, and he knows the Americans cannot stop him and he can keep doing what he’s been doing for the last year.”

UNRWA sprays pesticides to protect displaced people from insects

The UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) says displaced families in Khan Younis are sheltering in open spaces without a sewage network or a rainwater drainage system, making them prone to health issues.

Its teams have sprayed pesticides and removed waste “as reptiles, rodents, and insects spread”, the agency said.

One of the displaced people there, a mother who fled from Gaza City, said the presence of insects and rodents “poses a huge risk to my children’s health”.

"I am very worried about the risk to my children's health." In #Gaza , people shelter in open spaces with no sewage network or rainwater drainage system. As reptiles, rodents, and insects spread, @UNRWA teams spray pesticides and remove waste to protect families from diseases. pic.twitter.com/lBbpdponiM — UNRWA (@UNRWA) September 20, 2024

As Israeli attacks surge, President Biden says Gaza truce ‘realistic’

Reaching a Gaza ceasefire is still realistic, US President Joe Biden says at the White House, telling reporters: “We have to keep at it until we get it done, but we’ve got a way to go.”

Asked if getting an agreement may be slipping out of reach in the final months of his presidency, Biden said he still had hope and his national security team continues its efforts.

“If I ever said it wasn’t realistic, we might as well leave,” Biden said. “A lot of things don’t look realistic until we get them done.”

The Biden administration has been accused of not doing enough to rein in Israel, including halting weapons transfers. after nearly a year of war on Gaza, which has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians.

High waves add to plight of displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza

In a new challenge to Palestinians displaced in the al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza, many are concerned about the danger of high waves pounding the coast.

“Enough, enough, enough. We were pushed by the occupation [Israel] to the sea, where we believed it was safe. Last week, the sea flooded and washed away some tents, and that could happen again. Where would we go?” asked Shaban, 47, an electrical engineer displaced from Gaza City.

Some tents close to the beach flooded last week.

PA medical aid convoy enters Gaza for first time since war began

A convoy carrying much-needed medicine and medical supplies from the Palestinian Authority arrived in southern Gaza for the first time since the start of Israel’s war more than 11 months ago.

The convoy was dispatched on Wednesday from the Health Ministry’s central base in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus in coordination with the World Health Organization.

It marked the first time the ministry was able to send medicine directly from its main warehouse to the besieged enclave since the war began, Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan said.

Five other trucks loaded with supplies are expected to be sent “in the coming few days”.

“The trucks contain medicines and medical supplies designated for emergency departments and operating rooms in addition to antibiotics and medical supplies for kidney dialysis patients,” Abu Ramadan said.

Gaza’s healthcare system has been on the brink of collapse since the war began. Multiple hospitals have come under siege and attack and have since become nonoperational.

‘Horrific’ scene as rescuers try to reach site of deadly Rafah attack

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, central Gaza

We’ve been getting horrific reports of what has happened in Rafah where two residential homes were completely destroyed, killing at least 13 people.

Civil defence crews are scrambling to reach the scene of the attack as fighting between Hamas and Israel rages in the area. There are still people buried in the debris.

Israel has also escalated raids elsewhere in the Gaza Strip. Over the last few hours in the north, a civilian vehicle was targeted, killing at least three Palestinians and wounding nine others.

Just in the last 20 minutes, a house was also hit in the western side of Gaza City. Day by day, the hope for displaced people here of a cessation of fighting and a return to northern Gaza is dwindling.

Israeli army says one of its troops badly wounded in Gaza

In a post on X, the Israeli military said the soldier was “seriously injured” in the southern Gaza Strip and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The announcement comes as Israeli forces continue to pound the besieged enclave, including its central and southern areas, where more than 1.5 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

US worried Israel’s finance minister will cut off Palestinian banks

Concern is growing with the administration of President Biden that Israel’s finance minister will sever Palestinian banks from Israel’s financial network, according to a report by US media outlet Axios.

Such a move, which the US administration fears could happen next month, would cause tumult in the occupied West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority depends on Israeli banks to process shekel transfers.

Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in an illegal settlement, has called for Israel to annex the occupied West Bank and taken steps to weaken the territory.

Three children among 13 killed in Israeli attacks on Rafah

At least 13 Palestinians, including three children, have been killed in Israeli air strikes on two homes in the Mesbah area of southern Gaza’s Rafah city, medical sources tell Al Jazeera.

More on this soon.

Israel shells bus west of Gaza City: Civil defence

Gaza’s civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal says Israel shelled a bus near al-Abbas Junction, west of Gaza City.

He said the attack “killed and wounded” three people.

WATCH: Lawmaker criticises US silence on thousands killed in Gaza

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has criticised her colleagues’ silence on the thousands of people killed in Israel’s war on Gaza after a 600-page document with the names of dead Palestinians is made public.

Watch the video below:

Hezbollah claims to have hit Israeli base with rockets

Lebanon’s Hezbollah armed group has claimed to have struck Israel’s Meron military base in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights with “volleys of Katyusha rockets”.

It said the attack came in response to Israel’s attack in southern Lebanon, without mentioning Israel’s latest attack in Beirut’s southern neighbourhood.

Lebanese envoy to UK warns Israeli invasion will be ‘doomsday’: Report

Rami Mortada, Lebanon’s ambassador to the UK, has told The Times newspaper that an Israeli ground invasion into his country will lead to a “doomsday” scenario of an all-out regional conflict on multiple fronts and the radicalisation of a new generation in Europe.

He warned that his country’s armed forces – who are trained by the British – would not “stand idly” by and watch if Israel were to put boots on the ground or “mount a heavy aerial attack”.

Mortada said the region was on a “perilous path” with the prospect of Iran and its proxy forces in Yemen, Iraq and Syria all joining the conflict should the crisis escalate.

“We are facing all the risks of an all-out regional conflict and that’s what we have been tirelessly trying to avoid,” he said, adding that Hezbollah had become a “formidable fighting force” in recent years and Israel should learn from history and its past “humiliating” defeats, such as an inconclusive month-long war it fought with the Shia group in 2006.

How will Hezbollah respond?

With Beirut attacked again, Hezbollah has a strategic choice to make: Absorb another hit or escalate and risk an all-out war that the group says it is not seeking.

Hezbollah has suggested that it wants to maintain the status quo of low-level hostilities, which the group argues draws Israeli military resources to the north and mounts pressure on Netanyahu to end the assault on Gaza.

Hezbollah has been willing to make sacrifices to keep that equation going, losing hundreds of its men on the front. But Israel is now unilaterally expanding the parameters of the conflict.

But from the start, Hezbollah has said that civilians and Beirut – including Dahiyeh – are a red line. Still, it did not proportionately respond to the assassination of Fuad Shukr in Beirut on July 31, which also killed civilians.

And it promised that its response to the pager attack that injured nearly every civilian in its base would be unconventional and separate from the continuing hostilities.

Now the bombing in Dahiyeh, which appears to have levelled an entire residential building, likely killing and injuring many civilians, will be difficult to overlook.

So, whether today’s the assassination attempt succeeded in killing top Hezbollah leaders or not, the clear harm to civilians will put Hezbollah’s red lines to the test once again.

If Hezbollah enforces its “Beirut for Tel Aviv” warning, the region many be looking at a devastating conflict that would rock and change the entire Middle East.

Israel on a rampage, emboldened by US support

The latest attack carried out by Israel on the southern Beirut suburbs is the latest proof that Israeli forces feel emboldened by the US’s unwavering support to “do anything they want”, says Rami Khoury, a professor at the American University of Beirut.

“Israel on a rampage,” Khoury told Al Jazeera, adding that while he does not believe an all-out regional war to be imminent, an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah appears inevitable.

Israel has long sought to defeat Hezbollah, which is better equipped than Hamas and has closer ties to Iran.

“The problem is it has tried this many times without success,” Khoury added.

Death toll in Beirut attack rises to 8: Ministry 

Lebanon’s health ministry has issued a statement saying eight people have now been confirmed killed in southern Beirut.

It added that hospitals have so far received 59 injured, including eight in critical condition.

Netanyahu shortens upcoming US trip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will shorten his upcoming trip to the US by one day in light of the ongoing security situation in northern Israel, according to The Times of Israel newspaper citing his office.

He will leave on Wednesday and stay for four days instead of five, the report said.

Netanyahu is set to address to the UN General Assembly next Friday morning, his office said.

Initial death toll in Beirut stands at 3: Ministry

Lebanon’s health ministry says three people have so far been confirmed killed in the attack in Beirut’s southern district.

It said in a statement that 17 people have been brought to the hospital.

Senior Hezbollah commander may have been target of Beirut attack

Reporting from Amman, Jordan

Al Jazeera is reporting from outside Israel because it has been banned by the Israeli government.

Israeli media have been reporting that a very senior official of Hezbollah was the target of this attack.

The Israeli army has put out warnings to the Israeli people, saying everything is on the table and to be prepared. There are now renewed calls for people to stay near bomb shelters.

The promise that Israel seems to be delivering is that that will put military pressure on Hezbollah to push them to agree to a ceasefire deal.

We are closer to an all-out war in Lebanon

Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute, says the raid on Beirut’s southern district marks a “dangerous escalation” that takes the region closer to an all-out war.

“[The situation is] out of the rules of engagement that had been prevailing,” Nader told Al Jazeera, referring to the cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon targeting military objectives. “We’re not in a tit-for-tat, we’re in an open war.”

He added that “this is not an open war like in 2006, but unfortunately, it’s getting there.”

Israel targeted the southern part of Beirut in June when it killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr .

The latest attack came as Hezbollah was retaliating for the recent blasts of communication devices used by the group.

Israel’s president claims country needs war to return residents to its north

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog says the Gaza war and the possible war in Lebanon is necessary to bring “the displaced citizens from north and south to their homes, schools, and businesses”.

“I repeat again and again – we did not want this war. We do not want war – not today, not ever,” he said on X.

“Last night, we saw the precise and impressive actions of Israel’s Air Force against Hezbollah. We salute them, along with all our security forces, for their tremendous efforts in this difficult war,” Herzog added.

I repeat again and again – we did not want this war. We do not want war – not today, not ever. But we are entitled to the most basic rights of any nation to live like any other people, in peace, security, and tranquility, and to bring our sons and daughters back home – the… — יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) September 20, 2024

1 dead, 1 missing after reported drowning at Salt River; search underway

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — One person is dead, and a search is actively underway after two people went under and didn’t resurface at Salt River.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Maricopa County Sheriff’s lake patrol deputies were called to Sheep’s Crossing Recreation Site for reports of a drowning. Deputies say multiple people “became distressed” in the water and at least two people went under and didn’t come back up.

When deputies arrived, they found two Good Samaritans who were performing CPR on a man along the shoreline, roughly 300 yards upstream of Blue Rock Beach on the south side of the river. Deputies and lake patrol paramedics took over chest compressions, but the man was pronounced dead.

Deputies are currently searching for a second person who hasn’t been located. Law enforcement is resuming the search Thursday during the daylight hours.

MCSO drone and aviation have been searching for the second person but came up empty on Wednesday.

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Sewage from burst Bulimba-Hamilton siphon under Brisbane River contained, temporary pipe to funnel waste

ABC Radio Brisbane

Topic: Infrastructure

Urban Utilities will begin installing these pipes next week. ( Supplied: Urban Utilities )

Construction will begin next week to replace a sewage pipe that burst under the Brisbane River. 

Urban Utilities will build a temporary bypass pipeline between Bulimba and Hamilton.

What's next?

The company says the bypass pipe should be operational by early next year. 

Repairs are underway after a pipe containing raw human sewage burst about 60 metres beneath the Brisbane River.

Urban Utilities said all human waste was contained within an underground tunnel and none of the untreated effluent had leaked into the river itself.

The company said wastewater services would continue as normal, but it would need to replace a 600-metre stretch of two underground pipes. 

The temporary bypass will allow workers to replace the two damaged pipelines. ( Supplied: Urban Utilities )

Next week the company will start building a kilometre-long temporary pipe to funnel the waste, allowing workers to enter the tunnel and replace the old pipes.

The Bulimba-Hamilton siphon carries around 150,000 people's waste from the south side of Brisbane to the Luggage Point Resource Recovery Centre for treatment.

Paul Arnold says the siphon was an under-appreciated piece of Brisbane's infrastructure. ( ABC Radio Brisbane: Kenji Sato )

Urban Utilities chief executive Paul Arnold said he expected the temporary pipe to be up and running by early next year.

"The siphon is … perhaps the city's most important but hidden piece of infrastructure," Mr Arnold said.

"It's been in place for the last 70 years and has served us well, but it's reached the end of its service life.

"It's now important for us to take the opportunity for us to renew it so it can continue to support the people of Brisbane for the next 70 to 100 years."

While major works continue, certain sections of the Brisbane River will be sectioned off with buoys and speed limits will apply for boats.

The area around the barge will be sectioned off to other boats. ( Supplied: Urban Utilities )

The work will be done from a barge which will start near the Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal at Hamilton and then move diagonally across the river to Bulimba over the coming months.

Mr Arnold said if everything went to plan, there should be no major disruptions to Brisbane's ferry services.

He said the company was working with RiverCity Ferries, Maritime Safety Queensland, and Brisbane City Council to minimise disruption to river users.

Scuba divers will be deployed to oversee pipe laying. 

Specialist divers will be dispatched for underwater works. ( Supplied: Urban Utilities )

No timeline for broken pipes

Urban Utilities spokesperson Michelle Cull said one of the two pipes burst on January 16 this year when workers were attempting to replace the second pipe, which was offline.

Ms Cull said once the temporary pipeline was connected, workers would fix the breakage so that both pipes could be removed and replaced.

Lucy Collier says this is a critical project. ( ABC Radio Brisbane: Kenji Sato )

She said the company currently did not know when the two pipes would be up and running again.

"At this stage, we're unable to provide a time frame for when the project will be completed as we first need to assess the pipes, tunnel, and complexity of repairs once we can safely access the tunnel," Ms Cull said.

Brisbane City Council Morningside Ward Councillor Lucy Collier said this was a crucial upgrade for the growing city.

"One of the most important issues that people raise with me as a local representative is ensuring that infrastructure keeps up pace with growth in our community," Cr Collier said.

"I support the provision of new and improved essential infrastructure, like the Bulimba-Hamilton siphon project."

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Environment | Since July, Colorado Parks and Wildlife have…

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Environment | Since July, Colorado Parks and Wildlife have found no more invasive zebra mussels in the Colorado River

Despite taking around 350 additional samples along the Colorado River, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have yet to find any further discoveries of zebra mussels in the state.

The wildlife agency discovered evidence of several zebra mussel veliger, the species’ free-floating larvae, in early July in the Colorado River near Grand Junction and the Government Highline Canal. No adult zebra mussels were found.

“As of this time, we haven’t found any additional adults or zebra mussel veligers since July, which is really good news, but it also sort of confounds us a bit in terms of discovering the cause and source of the original discovery,” said Rob Harris, the water resources section manager for Parks and Wildlife, at a Colorado Water Conservation Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The invasive species, which is known for its rapid reproduction rate, pose “extreme risk of ecological impacts to Colorado,” according to Parks and Wildlife.

Read more at Summit Daily .

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