5:30 a.m. EDT National News Summary

Venezuelan opposition claims proof that its candidate defeated President Maduro in disputed election

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Amid ongoing demonstrations in Venezuela, opposition candidate Edmundo González has announced that his campaign possesses evidence indicating his victory in the country’s disputed election, despite electoral authorities declaring President Nicolás Maduro as the winner. González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado shared that they have acquired over 70% of tally sheets from the election, showing González with more than double the votes of Maduro. They have urged the public to remain calm and invited them to gather peacefully to celebrate the results on Tuesday at 11 a.m., following protests that erupted after Maduro’s declaration as the winner.

Israeli military detains 9 soldiers over alleged abuse of a detainee at a shadowy military facility

SDE TEIMAN BASE, Israel (AP) — The Israeli military has acknowledged holding nine soldiers for questioning in response to allegations of significant abuse of a detainee at a secretive facility where Palestinian prisoners have been held during the war in Gaza. Details surrounding the alleged abuse were not disclosed, and the military’s top legal official has initiated an investigation. Reports by The Associated Press and rights groups have shed light on dire conditions at the Sde Teiman facility, Israel’s largest detention center. The detentions of the soldiers have sparked outrage within Israel’s far-right government.

Lice, scabies, rashes inflict Palestinian children in Gaza’s tent camps as skin diseases spread

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Health officials in Gaza report a surge in skin diseases due to poor conditions in overcrowded tent camps where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians reside. Palestinians lament the lack of soap for personal and clothing hygiene in the sweltering summer heat. The U.N. states that the sanitation system has collapsed amidst Israel’s strikes and military operations. The World Health Organization has documented over 160,000 cases of lice, scabies, and skin rashes. Hospitals report a high number of daily cases, including children covered in spots, scabs, rashes, and lesions prone to infections.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains claim 49 lives and bury numerous others in southern India

NEW DELHI (AP) — Multiple landslides caused by torrential rains in southern India have resulted in 49 fatalities and left numerous individuals potentially trapped under debris. The landslides struck hilly villages in Kerala state, destroying many houses and a bridge. Authorities are yet to assess the full extent of the tragedy. Rescue efforts are underway to extricate those trapped in mud and debris, but obstacles like blocked roads and unstable terrain are impeding progress. Images from television broadcasts depict rescuers navigating through mud, uprooted trees, and vehicles stuck in a swollen river.

Democrats revitalized about Georgia with Vice President Kamala Harris taking Biden’s place

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia, once considered a lost cause for Democrats with Biden in the race, has been reignited with Vice President Kamala Harris set to campaign in the state. Democrats express newfound optimism for Georgia, attributing it to a surge in fundraising and a wave of fresh enthusiasm. Harris plans to hold a sizable rally in Atlanta on Tuesday, positioning the state as a toss-up battleground once again.

Donald Trump mulls over debating Kamala Harris but remains undecided

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump appears uncertain about engaging in a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning the merits of such an interaction. In an interview with Fox News, Trump indicated that he “probably” would debate Harris but also suggested arguments for not doing so. His stance is less definitive than his eagerness to debate President Joe Biden during the election.

Putin hints at revising Russia’s nuclear doctrine in response to escalating tensions

President Vladimir Putin warns of potential modifications to Russia’s nuclear doctrine in light of escalating conflicts, specifically mentioning Kyiv’s attacks with Western-supplied weapons and NATO deployments to Ukraine. Russian hawks advocate for a more robust nuclear policy to deter Western actions. Putin underscores that Russia’s nuclear policy remains adaptable to evolving circumstances.

California man defends home amid wildfires devastating the U.S. West

COHASSET, Calif. (AP) — Ron Ward, a California resident, successfully defended his property against approaching wildfires by implementing a sprinkler system after losing his homeowners insurance. The Park Fire, the largest wildfire in the state, has burned over 575 square miles with over 100 large active wildfires ongoing in the U.S. An individual has been arrested for suspected arson in connection to the Park Fire.

U.S. bolsters alliance with the Philippines amidst rising concerns over China

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — U.S. officials in Manila announce $500 million in funding to enhance Philippine defenses and progress in a proposed military intelligence-sharing pact, citing ongoing Chinese aggressions in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meet with Filipino counterparts to solidify cooperation, emphasizing the importance of a U.S. military presence in the region amidst conflicting territorial disputes.

Men’s Olympic triathlon postponed due to water quality concerns

PARIS (AP) — The men’s Olympic triathlon in Paris has been postponed due to worries about water quality in the Seine River, the intended location for the swimming segment of the race. Organizers plan to reschedule the men’s event to Wednesday from the original Tuesday date, subject to water tests. Rain forecasts could complicate rescheduling efforts, with the women’s triathlon similarly scheduled for Wednesday pending further assessments.