Anger and anxiety loom over the Republican convention, but there is positive news for Trump in court
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Anger and anxiety loom as thousands of Donald Trump’s loyalists gather for the Republican National Convention. The convention in Milwaukee comes shortly after the former president narrowly escaped an assassination attempt that shook U.S. politics.  On Monday, just before the first convention session, some favorable news for Trump gave the day a good start for him and his party. The federal judge overseeing Trump’s classified documents case dismissed the prosecution due to concerns about the appointment of the prosecutor who brought the case.
The Latest: RNC set to begin following Trump assassination attempt
The Republican National Convention is set to start this week, with delegates and officials arriving in Wisconsin amidst the turmoil following a Saturday assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump as he prepares to become the GOP’s official nominee. The event takes place as Trump leads a party firmly behind him and as Democrats debate over President Joe Biden’s candidacy.
Federal judge dismisses Trump classified documents case over concerns with prosecutor’s appointment
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal judge presiding over the classified documents case against ex-President Donald Trump in Florida has dismissed the prosecution. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon sided with defense lawyers who argued that the special counsel who filed the charges against Trump was unlawfully appointed by the Justice Department. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team had opposed Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case. Trump’s team did not immediately comment on the case dismissal. Trump had been accused of improperly holding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach and obstructing FBI efforts to retrieve them. The judge’s decision can be appealed and may be overturned by a higher court.
Former fire chief who died at Trump rally used his body to shield family from gunfire
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The victim who was killed at a Pennsylvania rally for Donald Trump spent his final moments diving in front of his family to protect them from gunfire that erupted during an assassination attempt on the former president. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed Sunday that Corey Comperatore had died a “hero,” using his body as a shield to protect his wife and daughter from the bullets. Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company, described Comperatore as “a stand-up guy” and “a true brother of the fire service.” A GoFundMe campaign to support Comperatore’s family had already raised over $696,000 in donations as of Sunday.
GOP convention protests are on despite shooting at Trump rally
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Activists in Milwaukee for the first day of the Republican National Convention intend to proceed with protest plans for marches and rallies following an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The activists aim to raise awareness about issues such as abortion rights, economic justice, and the war in Gaza. The largest group, the Coalition to March on the RNC, plans to start demonstrations near the downtown convention site. The group had disagreements with the city and law enforcement over a protest route but reached an agreement with city officials last week.
Battered by Hurricane Idalia last year, Florida village ponders future as hurricane season begins
HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Nearly a year after Hurricane Idalia devastated Florida, many residents of Horseshoe Beach in the north are still recovering. Those who lost homes are contemplating whether to stay or leave, rebuild or make different living arrangements. Coastal residents facing climate impacts across the U.S. are grappling with similar decisions as they confront rising seas, eroding coastlines, intensifying storms, and increased flooding due to climate change. Protecting communities from these challenges is becoming increasingly complex.
Hamas says Gaza cease-fire talks ongoing and states military chief survived Israeli strike
MUWASI, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas reports that cease-fire negotiations in Gaza are continuing and the group’s military commander is in good health despite a massive airstrike by the Israeli military targeting Mohammed Deif, which resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people, including children. Deif’s status remains uncertain, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating there is still doubt regarding his death. Hamas officials provided no evidence to support their claim about Deif’s condition, a key figure in the attack that sparked the conflict.
Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon suitable for sheltering future explorers
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Scientists have verified the existence of a cave on the moon, near where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago. They believe there are potentially hundreds more caves and tunnels on the moon that could serve as habitats for astronauts in the future. An Italian-led team announced evidence of a large cave accessible from the moon’s deepest known pit at the Sea of Tranquility, formed by a collapsing lava tube. By analyzing radar data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and comparing it with lava tubes on Earth, the scientists made this discovery.
From basement to battlefield: Ukrainian startups develop cost-effective robots to combat Russia
NORTHERN UKRAINE (AP) — Ukraine is looking to gain a strategic advantage over Russia with drones manufactured in abandoned warehouses or factory basements. A network of adaptable labs hidden in numerous secret workshops is utilizing technological innovation to create a robot army with the aim of eliminating Russian troops or assisting injured soldiers and civilians. About 250 defense startups throughout Ukraine are constructing these killing machines in modest, secluded locations resembling rural car repair shops. Dozens of new unmanned air, ground, and marine vehicles await evaluation as Ukraine boosts its startup sector with practical and efficient production methods far removed from those of major Western defense firms.
World’s rarest whale may have washed up on New Zealand beach, potentially revealing insights about the species
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Spade-toothed whales are considered the rarest in the world, with no live sightings ever documented. Little is known about their population, diet, or habitat within the vast southern Pacific Ocean. Scientists in New Zealand have a rare opportunity if DNA testing confirms that a creature found on a South Island beach this month is a spade-toothed whale. This discovery would mark only the seventh known finding of these whales, almost all of which have washed up on the coasts of New Zealand or its offshore territories. Scientists are hopeful that studying this whale will provide valuable information about these enigmatic creatures.
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