Harris tries to navigate the situation in Gaza after meeting with Netanyahu
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the conflict in Gaza. The meeting took place shortly after she announced her White House campaign, putting Harris in the position to address a contentious issue within the Democratic Party. While maintaining President Joe Biden’s stance on the conflict, Harris emphasized the importance of easing Palestinian suffering. In a separate statement, she condemned protestors who vandalized American flags and expressed pro-Hamas sentiments during Netanyahu’s speech at Capitol Hill.
Netanyahu to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to mend strained relations
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in nearly four years. The meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday aims to repair the damaged relationship between the two leaders at the end of Trump’s presidency and position Trump as a strong ally and statesman. For Trump, who is now the Republican presidential nominee, this meeting is crucial in bolstering the Republican Party’s image as the most supportive of Israel. For Netanyahu, reconciling with Trump is essential as he considers the possibility of Trump returning to the presidency, a key ally of Israel as its main arms supplier and protector.
US apprehends 2 leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel: ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and son of ‘El Chapo’
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a long-time leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and JoaquĂn Guzmán LĂłpez, son of another notorious cartel leader, have been detained by authorities in Texas, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Zambada, along with JoaquĂn “El Chapo” Guzmán, has been a prominent figure in the cartel for years, known for overseeing the cartel’s smuggling operations discreetly. A Mexican federal official revealed that Zambada and Guzmán LĂłpez surrendered to U.S. authorities after arriving on a private plane. The official spoke anonymously, as he lacked authorization to disclose the information.
Venezuelan voters face critical decision: Re-elect Maduro or give opposition a chance after 25 years
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans prepare to make a crucial choice as they decide whether to grant President Nicolas Maduro a third term in office or offer the opposition an opportunity to reverse the policies that led to economic collapse and mass emigration. Maduro faces competition from nine other candidates. In previous elections, Maduro has secured his position by disqualifying rivals and portraying them as out-of-touch elites in allegiance with foreign powers. However, this time, he has allowed the main opposition parties’ coalition to participate, with former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia as their candidate.
Harris expresses readiness to debate Trump and accuses him of reneging on agreed faceoff
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris declared her willingness to debate Donald Trump and criticized him for backing out of a previously agreed debate scheduled by ABC News on Sept. 10. While Trump has suggested moving the event to Fox News, he has indicated openness to holding two debates with Harris. Harris insists that voters deserve to witness a head-to-head confrontation on the debate stage. She made these remarks to reporters after returning from a trip to Indiana and Texas.
Prosecutors oppose throwing out Trump’s hush money conviction, reject immunity claim
NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors are advocating for the preservation of Donald Trump’s hush money conviction, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. The Manhattan district attorney’s office contends that the ruling does not influence the hush money case, as it pertains to unofficial acts for which a former president is not immune. Trump’s legal team is seeking to dismiss the conviction, as well as the indictment, citing the Supreme Court’s decision that provides presidents with considerable protection from prosecution.
Lightning strike and burning car lead to wildfires ravaging the West
Wildfires continue to devastate the Western region, with authorities attributing the start of a major blaze to a burning car pushed into a gully. A 42-year-old individual was arrested on suspicion of initiating the wildfire, now known as the Park Fire, which has consumed over 195 square miles near Chico, California. Meanwhile, in Oregon, residents were allowed to return home following a thunderstorm that brought both beneficial rain and potentially hazardous lightning to the largest active blaze in the U.S.
Gang massacre claims lives of at least 26 villagers in remote Papua New Guinea, officials report
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Reports indicate that a gang of men has killed at least 26 individuals across three isolated villages in Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik province. Acting Provincial Police Commander James Baugen stated that a group of 30 young men were responsible for the brutal attacks, resulting in the burning of all houses in the villages. Remaining villagers have sought refuge at a police station, too fearful to disclose the identities of the perpetrators. United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk disclosed that the attacks occurred on July 16 and July 18, with 16 children among the deceased.
Video game performers initiate strike over concerns about artificial intelligence
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Video game actors and performers in Hollywood are commencing a strike due to failed contract negotiations with major game studios, particularly regarding artificial intelligence protections. This strike, set to commence at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, marks the second instance of video game performers striking under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. While progress has been made on wage and job safety discussions, the impasse remains regarding the regulation of generative AI.
Paris sets ambitious goals for Olympics, aiming to captivate with audacious Games and a grand opening ceremony
PARIS (AP) — Paris, in hosting its first Olympic Games in a century, seeks to redefine the sporting event with a groundbreaking, grand opening ceremony on the River Seine, as stated by French President Emmanuel Macron. The 16 days of competition promise to be a blend of Olympic sports, iconic Parisian landmarks, and France’s renowned style and culture. Paris’ ability to enhance the Games with its fashion, gastronomy, and cultural essence may secure its place in the Games’ future. However, the city faces significant challenges in successfully executing this monumental event.
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