3:16 a.m. EDT AP News Summary | National News

Harris’ choice of Walz amps up excitement in Midwestern states where Democrats aim to bridge divisions

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will kick off their first full day together as running mates in Wisconsin and Michigan. The trip is focused on solidifying support among younger, diverse, labor-friendly voters who played a key role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. This coalition has shown signs of strain over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Leaders of the Arab American community and essential unions express optimism in Harris’ running mate selection as a sign that she is attentive to their concerns. These leaders had objected to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro due to his strong support of Israel.

Selecting a running mate: A look inside the 16-day period between Kamala Harris’ campaign launch and her selection of Tim Walz

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris’ fast-paced journey to pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate can be described as unconventional. The typical vetting, interviews, and decision-making process that spans months was compressed into 16 days. This accelerated timeline was due to Harris being thrust into the role of party standard-bearer on July 21 when President Joe Biden withdrew as the Democrats’ presumptive nominee. Walz emerged as the chosen governor, not initially perceived as a frontrunner, but ultimately seen as the best governing partner for a Harris administration.

Tropical Storm Debby lingers over the Atlantic, set to once again soak the Carolinas before moving north

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby is currently situated over the western Atlantic ocean but is projected to impact the coastal Carolinas with rain before slowly moving north. Debby was centered southeast of Savannah on Tuesday night and has already caused tornadoes and widespread flooding. There are forecasts of heavy rainfall in certain areas as the storm moves gradually across southern states. The latest predictions suggest that Debby could regain strength over the Atlantic Ocean before making landfall near Charleston, South Carolina, by Thursday. Debby initially made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a hurricane, resulting in at least six fatalities.

Israel-Hamas conflict update: Hamas selects Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar as their new leader

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar as its new leader following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in a presumed Israeli attack. Sinwar, who orchestrated the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, is Hamas’ top official in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes Sinwar has the capability to facilitate a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the killings of Haniyeh and a senior commander from the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister declares an ongoing “multi-front war” with Iran and its allies. Inside Gaza, essential corridors for humanitarian aid have been closed due to the conflict, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Pakistani man with connections to Iran charged in conspiracy to carry out political assassinations on U.S. soil

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has filed charges against a Pakistani man with alleged ties to Iran for plotting political assassinations on U.S. soil. Asif Merchant is accused of traveling to New York to hire a hitman, but the plot was foiled before execution. The identities of the potential targets remain undisclosed. This case emerged weeks after U.S. officials revealed a threat on Donald Trump’s life from Iran, heightening security before a Pennsylvania rally where Trump was injured by a gunshot.

Nobel laureate Yunus to lead Bangladesh’s interim government post-uprising that ousted Hasina

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead Bangladesh’s interim government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amidst a popular uprising against her regime. The decision was announced on Wednesday by Joynal Abedin, President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s press secretary. The interim administration’s leadership was determined after a meeting with student protest leaders, military division heads, civil society members, and business leaders. Yunus, currently in Paris for the Olympics, has accepted the role according to a student leader.

Wesley Bell defeats ‘Squad’ member Cori Bush aided by $8.5 million pro-Israel group campaign

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell has emerged victorious against U.S. Rep. Cori Bush in a Democratic primary in St. Louis. This marks the second time in the year that an incumbent from the party has been replaced in a contentious and costly election reflecting deep divisions on the Gaza conflict. Bush, a progressive member of the congressional ‘Squad,’ sought a third term in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District but was bested by Bell, who received $8.5 million backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC. Bush had critiqued Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, similar to how another ‘Squad’ member was defeated in New York in June.

Extreme heat affecting Americans’ electricity bills, A.P.-NORC poll reveals

WASHINGTON (AP) — An A.P.-NORC poll indicates that approximately 70% of Americans have experienced significant or minor impacts on their electricity bills due to extreme heat over the past year. A majority also noted similar effects on their outdoor activities. Nearly 40% reported changes to their sleep, pet care, or exercise routines due to extreme heat. This data comes as various U.S. regions break all-time temperature records, with Las Vegas reaching a scorching 120 F on July 7.

Revival of Lahaina’s 150-year-old banyan tree post-deadly fire

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The devastating wildfire that ravaged Lahaina last August severely impacted the 151-year-old banyan tree on Front Street. Approximately half of the tree’s branches were lost in the fire, but efforts by arborists and volunteers have shown signs of recovery. Installation of sap flow sensors, compost tubes, and an irrigation system have aided in the tree’s rejuvenation process. Some branches are now displaying new growth with hundreds of leaves and even bearing fruit.

Open water swimmers permitted to practice in Seine River ahead of marathon event

PARIS (AP) — Olympic open water swimmers have been given the green light to train in the Seine River despite its history of pollution, with organizers deeming it safe for use. World Aquatics has scheduled a two-hour practice session providing swimmers a unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with the course through Paris. The women’s 10-kilometer marathon event is set for the following day, with the men’s race scheduled for Friday. Open water swimmers typically train in the controlled environment of a pool, but given concerns about water quality in the Seine, some may opt out of the training session and restrict their time in the river to the actual competition.