Harris attempts to navigate the situation in Gaza following her meeting with Netanyahu
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the conflict in Gaza. The discussion took place on Thursday, just days after the launch of her White House campaign, putting Harris in a position to address one of the most divisive issues within the Democratic Party. While Harris maintained President Joe Biden’s stance on the conflict, she emphasized the need to alleviate Palestinian suffering. In a separate statement, Harris condemned protesters who vandalized American flags and expressed pro-Hamas sentiments during Netanyahu’s speech on Capitol Hill.
Netanyahu to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, reconciling a long-standing feud
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet face-to-face with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in nearly four years. The meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday aims to mend strained relations that occurred towards the end of Trump’s presidency. Trump, now the Republican nominee, hopes to strengthen the portrayal of Republicans as the party most committed to supporting Israel. For Netanyahu, restoring ties with Trump is crucial given the possibility of his return to the presidency of the United States, Israel’s primary arms supplier and protector.
US authorities arrest 2 leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel: ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and ‘El Chapo’s’ son
WASHINGTON (AP) — According to the U.S. Justice Department, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure in Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and JoaquĂn Guzmán LĂłpez, the son of another notorious cartel leader, have been apprehended by authorities in Texas. Zambada has been a key player in the cartel’s operations for many years alongside JoaquĂn “El Chapo” Guzmán. Known for overseeing the cartel’s smuggling activities while maintaining a low profile, Zambada surrendered to U.S. authorities along with Guzmán LĂłpez. A Mexican federal official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the two men arrived in the U.S. via a private plane.
Venezuelan voters face a critical decision: Re-elect Maduro or give the opposition a chance after 25 years
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are facing a pivotal choice as they decide whether to grant President Nicolas Maduro a third term in office or provide an opportunity for the opposition to implement changes to address the economic collapse and mass emigration. Maduro faces challenges from nine candidates, having previously thwarted rivals by excluding them from elections and portraying them as elitists aligned with foreign powers. This time, however, he is allowing the main opposition parties’ coalition to participate, with former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia as the candidate.
Harris expresses willingness to debate Trump and accuses him of reneging on a scheduled faceoff
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has stated her readiness to debate former President Donald Trump, accusing him of backing out from a previously agreed-upon debate hosted by ABC News on Sept. 10. While Trump has suggested moving the event to Fox News, he has also indicated willingness to participate in two debates with Harris. Harris believes that voters deserve to witness the differences between them on the debate stage and made these comments upon her return after visits to Indiana and Texas.
Prosecutors advocate for upholding Trump’s hush money conviction, refuting claims of immunity
NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors are urging a judge to uphold Donald Trump’s historic hush money conviction, despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity. The Manhattan district attorney’s office argues that the verdict should stand since the case involves unofficial acts for which a former president is not immune, distinct from the Supreme Court ruling. Trump’s legal team is seeking to dismiss the conviction, and even the indictment, citing the Supreme Court’s decision that provides significant protections for presidents against prosecution.
Wildfires in the West sparked by lightning and a burning car pushed into a ravine
Wildfires continue to ravage the Western regions, with authorities attributing one major blaze to a burning car pushed into a gully. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting a wildfire that has become California’s largest this year, known as the Park Fire. The blaze, which has covered over 195 square miles near Chico, California, prompted evacuations, while Oregon residents were permitted to return home following a thunderstorm that brought rain and lightning to the largest active fire in the U.S.
Gang violence claims the lives of at least 26 villagers in remote Papua New Guinea
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Reports indicate that a gang of men has killed at least 26 individuals in three isolated villages in Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik province. Acting Provincial Police Commander James Baugen revealed that the victims were attacked by a group of 30 young men, resulting in fatalities and the destruction of homes. The surviving villagers sought refuge at a local police station out of fear of naming the perpetrators. The United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed the attacks occurring on July 16 and July 18, with 16 children among the casualties.
Video game performers set to strike over concerns regarding artificial intelligence
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Video game performers in Hollywood are initiating a strike after negotiations for a new contract with major game studios faltered over issues related to artificial intelligence protections. The strike is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, marking the second time video game actors and performers under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have gone on strike. Despite advancements in wages and job safety, negotiations have stalled due to the lack of agreement on regulating generative AI within the gaming industry.
Paris aims to redefine the Olympics with audacious Games and a spectacular opening ceremony
PARIS (AP) — Paris is preparing to host its first Olympic Games in a century, with the opening ceremony set to usher in a new era of innovative and groundbreaking sports competitions. The grand event on the River Seine promises to be the most ambitious Olympic opening ceremony ever, highlighting iconic Parisian landmarks and France’s cultural prowess in fashion, gastronomy, and the arts. While the Games seek to captivate global audiences, Paris faces significant challenges in ensuring the success and legacy of the Olympics in the long term.
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