Biden faces a crucial day in his campaign, with his team stating that no other Democrat would perform better
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is facing important tests on Thursday in his bid for reelection. He is set to answer questions at a highly anticipated press conference that many Democrats will be closely watching for signs of his readiness for another four-year term. Additionally, his campaign team has been meeting privately with skeptical senators on Capitol Hill, as two more House Democrats have called for him to withdraw from the race. In a new memo, the Biden campaign outlines its strategy for retaining the White House, emphasizing that winning key states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan is crucial for victory. The campaign asserts that there is no evidence to suggest that another Democrat would fare better against Republican Donald Trump.
Biden attributes pressure to elites, while voters present a more nuanced view
SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — President Joe Biden claims that pressure to end his reelection campaign is originating from Democratic Party “elites,” the same individuals who have doubted him throughout his lengthy public career. He believes that voters will ultimately support him. However, feedback from voters and Democratic activists in various swing states following Biden’s poor debate performance paints a more complex picture. While many voters still stand behind him, there is concern that a lack of enthusiasm for his candidacy could result in Democratic voters staying home on election day.
Trump seeks support from Black and Latino communities, but faces challenges, poll analysis shows
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, as he prepares for his third Republican nomination, has vowed to broaden his coalition by appealing to more nonwhite voters who predominantly rejected him in the 2020 election. However, an analysis of polls conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in June reveals that approximately 7 out of 10 Black Americans and about half of Hispanic Americans have a somewhat or very unfavorable opinion of Trump. While attitudes toward Trump have slightly improved since he left office in 2021, the overall sentiment remains predominantly negative among these groups.
Zelenskyy asserts that the US must remove restrictions on military strikes within Russia to win the war
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is embracing international support while also urging a lift on limitations for using U.S. weapons to target military sites within Russia. He expressed gratitude on Thursday to military allies who have provided significant aid and a pathway to NATO membership. However, Zelenskyy stressed that to achieve victory, all restrictions on weapons must be removed. During a private meeting, President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine and assured Zelenskyy of unwavering support.
Alec Baldwin’s attorney questions crime scene tech in shooting trial
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Alec Baldwin’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, scrutinized a crime scene technician, Marissa Poppell, during the second day of Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial. Spiro suggested that the investigation into the source of live ammunition found in the actor’s gun, resulting in the death of a cinematographer, was flawed and inadequate. Poppell denied these claims and stated that law enforcement was thorough in investigating the supplier of guns and ammunition for the film “Rust.”
House rejects GOP’s attempt to fine Attorney General Garland over Biden audio refusal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has dismissed a GOP resolution that sought to impose a $10,000 daily fine on Attorney General Merrick Garland until he releases audio of President Joe Biden’s interview in his classified documents case. A small group of Republicans opposed taking such drastic action against a Cabinet official, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the House majority and the Democratic administration. The resolution’s passage was unlikely, and it remains unclear how the fine would have been enforced amid the legal dispute over the tape of Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur.
Orphaned Holocaust survivor discovers newfound family through DNA tests
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — An Israeli man orphaned during the Holocaust, Shalom Korai, thought he would never reconnect with his relatives. Through modern DNA technology, Korai was able to meet his second cousin, Ann Meddin Hellman, in Charleston, South Carolina. Korai, who was a toddler when his family was killed by Nazis in Poland, found Hellman after taking a DNA test in 2023. Through research, Hellman discovered their familial connection, leading Korai to meet his newfound family for the first time.
Elderly journalists sue to protect their work from artificial intelligence
GRAFTON, Mass. (AP) — Two octogenarian journalists named Nick have filed a lawsuit against companies behind the ChatGPT chatbot, alleging that the AI may be stealing and repurposing their lifetime of work. Nicholas Gage and Nicholas Basbanes, both veteran reporters and authors, are part of a broader class-action lawsuit that includes prominent figures like John Grisham, Jodie Picoult, and George R. R. Martin. The suit, which targets OpenAI and Microsoft, seeks to protect the intellectual property of creators from being misused by artificial intelligence technology.
Actress Shelley Duvall, known for roles in ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ passes away at 75
Texas-born actress Shelley Duvall has died at the age of 75. She was known for her roles in films by Robert Altman and her appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Duvall passed away in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes. Duvall caught the attention of Altman’s team while attending junior college and would go on to become his protege.
Jasmine Paolini advances to Wimbledon final after winning longest women’s semifinal
LONDON (AP) — Jasmine Paolini secured a spot in the Wimbledon final after defeating Donna Vekic in a grueling match. Paolini, the No. 7 seed at the All England Club, will face Barbora Krejcikova in the final. Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, overcame 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a tough semifinal match. Paolini’s victory at Centre Court follows her runner-up finish at the French Open last month, becoming the first woman to reach the final matches at both Grand Slam tournaments in the same season since Serena Williams in 2016.
