Acting Secret Service director expresses his ‘shame’ following the assassination attempt on Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting director of the Secret Service has criticized the lack of security at the Pennsylvania roof where the gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Ronald Rowe faulted local law enforcement for not sharing urgent information before the shooting and for failing to secure the scene adequately. Rowe, who recently visited the site of the shooting, described feeling ashamed by what he saw. He assured lawmakers that “people will be held accountable.” The incident occurred on July 13, when the Republican former president was shot in the ear before a Secret Service counter-sniper killed the gunman.
Israel claims responsibility for strike on Beirut, targeting commander linked to deaths of 12 youth in Golan
BEIRUT (AP) — The Israeli military has conducted a strike in Beirut, aiming at the militant commander believed to be responsible for the deaths of 12 children and teenagers in a rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Israel has accused the Hezbollah militant group of carrying out the rocket attack, an allegation which Hezbollah denies. According to a Hezbollah official and the group’s TV station, the Israeli airstrike hit Hezbollah’s stronghold south of Beirut, causing damage.
Venezuelan opposition presents evidence of victory in disputed election against President Maduro
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Amid widespread protests in Venezuela, opposition candidate Edmundo González has claimed that he has evidence proving his victory in the country’s disputed election, which electoral authorities awarded to President Nicolás Maduro. González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated that they have obtained over 70% of tally sheets from the election, showing González with more than double the votes of Maduro. They called for calm among protestors and invited them to gather peacefully to celebrate the results.
Democratic competition for Harris’ running mate likely to be decided in the next week
AMBLER, Pa. (AP) — Democratic governors and officials under consideration for Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate are engaging in a long-standing tradition of balancing self-promotion with support for the potential nominee. Sources familiar with the vice president’s plans revealed that Harris and her yet-to-be-announced running mate will begin traveling to battleground states next week, indicating an imminent decision. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro campaigned for Harris outside Philadelphia, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear campaigned in Georgia over the weekend. Harris is reportedly considering Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, among others.
Trump hints at debate with Harris but expresses hesitancy. Harris’ team suggests he is fearful
NEW YORK (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign accuses former President Donald Trump of being afraid to debate her. Trump, who previously agreed to debate President Joe Biden, now wavers on debating Harris, stating that he “probably” will debate but could make a case for not doing so. Harris’ team interprets Trump’s reluctance as fear of having to defend his running mate’s actions or his own controversial statements. Meta reaches a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas in privacy lawsuit related to facial recognition
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Meta has agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement with Texas in a privacy lawsuit concerning allegations of unauthorized use of biometric data of users. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that this is the largest settlement ever reached by a single state. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, welcomes the resolution of the matter and states that it did not obtain users’ biometric information without consent, based on allegations in the Texas lawsuit.
3 girls killed in stabbing at Taylor Swift-themed UK dance class. 7 people still critically wounded
LONDON (AP) — Three young girls have been identified as the victims of a stabbing spree at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in northwestern England. Five children and two adults remain in critical condition at regional hospitals. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident in Southport. Taylor Swift expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, while the local community paid tribute with flowers and stuffed animals at the scene.
Putin references Russia’s ‘nuclear doctrine’ on atomic weapons usage. What does it entail?
In an effort to deter Western support for Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin suggests that Russia may reconsider its nuclear doctrine regarding the use of atomic weapons. Putin warns against Kyiv’s actions, like strikes on Russian soil with Western-supplied weaponry or the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, which could prompt a forceful response. Putin describes Russia’s nuclear policy as a flexible tool that can be adapted based on evolving circumstances. Some Russian officials advocate for tougher measures in the doctrine, believing that the current version is insufficient to deter Western powers.
Simone Biles leaves her mark on gymnastics with skills bearing her name
PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles has revolutionized gymnastics over the past decade, earning five skills named after her in the sport’s Code of Points. Biles may introduce a sixth element at the Olympics, having submitted a new skill for the uneven bars. While she did not attempt the skill during qualifying, she could showcase it in the team or all-around finals.
Men’s Olympic triathlon postponed in Paris due to concerns over Seine water quality
PARIS (AP) — Paris Olympics organizers have delayed the men’s triathlon due to worries about water quality in the Seine River. Officials aim to proceed with the swimming segment of the race once the river’s water meets safety standards following a cleanup effort. The women’s triathlon is also scheduled for the same day, contingent on safe water conditions. However, anticipated storms could impact rescheduling efforts, as rainfall typically leads to higher bacteria levels in the Seine.
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