President Biden is working to secure his reelection with a visit to Wisconsin and an interview on network TV
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden is making efforts to save his at-risk reelection campaign by holding a rally in Wisconsin and participating in a network television interview there. He affirmed that he will continue in the race during the campaign rally in the crucial battleground state. His responses in the TV interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos will be closely analyzed for signs of his competence and suitability to run for office. The questioning is expected to be thorough and rigorous, and Biden’s team states that he has been preparing diligently. Additionally, his reelection campaign is launching a new $50 million ad campaign this month to accompany his in-person events.
Federal Reserve emphasizes its political independence as the presidential campaign intensifies
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is underscoring the significance of its political independence, particularly as Donald Trump, who has historically criticized the Fed’s policies, moves closer to becoming the Republican nominee for president. In its biannual report on interest-rate policies released on Friday, the Fed emphasized the necessity for the central bank to function autonomously from political pressures, focusing on its analysis of job growth, inflation, interest rates, and other economic indicators.
Key takeaways from the recent UK general election that will shape future politics
LONDON (AP) — The UK experiences a change in government after 14 years with the Labour Party achieving a resounding victory in a general election, marking the largest defeat ever for the Conservative Party. The incoming government faces significant challenges including addressing the country’s slow economic and social recovery resulting from factors such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and various Conservative Party controversies. Several insights from the election include the diminishing dominance of the two main parties, numerous Cabinet ministers losing their parliamentary seats, Labour’s position on the Gaza conflict impacting its votes, and the resurgence of Labour in Scotland.
US announces withdrawal of troops from Niger bases following coup
WASHINGTON (AP) — The US military commander in Niger states that all American forces and equipment will exit a small base in the West African country this weekend, with fewer than 500 remaining troops expected to leave a critical drone base in August. Ahead of the Sept. 15 deadline agreed upon with the new ruling junta, the departures have commenced. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman mentions that small teams of 10-20 US troops, including special operations forces, have relocated to other West African countries, with the majority of remaining forces initially heading to Europe.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro faces indictment for alleged money laundering involving undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia
SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for money laundering and criminal association in relation to undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia, marking his second formal accusation with potential additional charges pending. Sources familiar with the case confirm the indictment by Federal Police on Thursday, following a previous accusation in May for allegedly falsifying his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Supreme Court of Brazil is yet to receive the police report detailing the latest indictment, raising the legal challenges for Bolsonaro.
Wrestler Kyle Snyder aims to become the fourth American to claim two Olympic gold medals
With his impressive track record, wrestler Kyle Snyder is poised to make history as the fourth American to win two Olympic gold medals. Having already secured Olympic gold in 2016 and a silver medal in Tokyo, Snyder, a three-time NCAA champion, seeks to add to his accomplishments by competing in the Paris Olympics in the 97-kilogram freestyle category. If successful, he would join a select group of American athletes who have achieved this feat.
Beryl hits Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as Texas officials advise coastal residents to prepare for the storm
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Beryl makes landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as officials in Texas urge residents along the coast to make necessary preparations as the storm moves towards the Gulf of Mexico. Initially a Category 2 hurricane, Beryl weakens to a tropical storm as it crosses the peninsula but is expected to strengthen back to hurricane status once it reenters the warm waters of the Gulf. The storm is projected to head towards northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, prompting some Texas counties to issue voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying areas.
Candidates in crucial French legislative elections make final push in heated campaign
PARIS (AP) — Candidates in France prepare for the final round of the pivotal legislative elections after a contentious campaign marred by hate speech, verbal abuse, and physical attacks. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reports 51 incidents of attacks against candidates, their deputies, or supporters during the campaign, prompting the deployment of 30,000 police officers on election day to ensure the integrity of the results. The parliamentary elections will conclude on Sunday, with efforts to uphold the democratic process amid heightened tensions.
Israeli raid and airstrike in the West Bank result in the deaths of 7 Palestinians in the Jenin area
JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian authorities report that seven individuals were killed during an Israeli military operation in the vicinity of the West Bank city of Jenin, where the Israeli military conducted “counterterrorism activity” involving an airstrike. Israeli soldiers engaged in a firefight with individuals barricaded in a building, while an airstrike targeted armed combatants in the area. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirms the death of seven individuals during the operation, with the Islamic Jihad militant group identifying four of the deceased as its members.
Wisconsin Supreme Court permits expanded use of ballot drop boxes in upcoming elections
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In a reversal of its previous ruling, the Wisconsin Supreme Court grants approval for officials to establish ballot drop boxes across communities in the upcoming elections in the swing state. In a 4-3 decision, the court determines that placing a ballot in a drop box constitutes delivery to a local election clerk regardless of the box’s location, allowing for greater flexibility in the voting process.
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