Trump reaffirms commitment to debate with Harris on Sept. 10 and criticizes her at a press conference
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump has once again agreed to debate Vice President Kamala Harris after initially backing out. The Republican presidential nominee conducted a lengthy press conference on Thursday where he mocked his new opponent, boasted about his Jan. 6 crowd, and responded critically to questions about the enthusiasm generated by her campaign. While speaking to reporters at his Palm Beach, Florida estate, ABC confirmed that Trump and Harris are set to debate on Sept. 10. Trump, who took questions for over an hour, attempted to highlight the contrast between himself and Harris, noting that she has not held a press conference since becoming the likely Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal.
FACT FOCUS: Examining Trump’s statements at the press conference
During his first press conference since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for president, former President Donald Trump confirmed his willingness to debate her on Sept. 10 and called for two additional debates. The Republican presidential nominee spoke for over an hour, addressing various national issues before engaging with reporters. However, many of the claims he made were found to be false or misleading, some of which had been previously stated.
Harris and Walz demonstrate their support for organized labor by visiting a Detroit union hall
WAYNE, Mich. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz showcased their solidarity with organized labor by attending an event at a union hall in the Detroit area. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, along with Walz, addressed a group of United Auto Workers members on Thursday. The duo are making joint campaign appearances this week in key battleground states that will play a critical role in deciding the November election against Republican Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. Michigan is one of these crucial states, with organized labor serving as a crucial support base for Democrats.
Debby’s impact continues with heavy rain, flooding, and potential tornadoes in the northeast
LUCAMA, N.C. (AP) — Debby’s movement towards the north and northeast from the Carolinas is expected to bring persistent rain, flash flooding, and the potential for tornadoes into the weekend. According to Accuweather’s chief meteorologist Jon Porter, parts of the Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England can expect substantial rainfall that may lead to hazardous flooding over the weekend, particularly in urban areas along Interstate 95. Additionally, from eastern Virginia to Vermont, there is a looming threat of tornadoes on Friday. Tornadoes spawned by Debby have caused destruction, including leveling homes, damaging a school, and claiming one life. The tropical storm was downgraded to a tropical depression on Thursday afternoon.
Suspects in thwarted attack on Taylor Swift concerts motivated by Islamic State group, officials say
VIENNA (AP) — Austrian authorities have revealed that both suspects involved in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna were inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. Officials announced on Thursday that bomb-making materials were discovered at one of the suspect’s homes. One of the individuals confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.” As a result, three sold-out concerts were canceled, leaving fans from around the world devastated, many of whom had invested significant resources to attend the Eras Tour shows.
US urges Israel and Hamas to resume Gaza talks, saying ‘no excuses’
WASHINGTON (AP) — Leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have jointly called for Israel and Hamas to resume discussions on the conflict in Gaza. In a statement released on Thursday, the three leaders emphasized that only minor details remain to be ironed out for a cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages. President Joe Biden, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and Emir Tamim al-Thani of Qatar expressed growing frustration, stating that they will tolerate no further delays from any party involved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed attendance at talks scheduled for August 15, while there was no immediate response from Hamas. The top Hamas representative, however, was assassinated on July 31, an incident widely attributed to Israel.
Maui commemorates the 102 individuals lost in the Lahaina wildfire with a paddle out ceremony 1 year after the devastating blaze
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Dozens of surfers, canoe paddlers, and boat riders in Maui gathered at the ocean off Lahaina on Thursday to honor the memory of the 102 people who perished during the nation’s deadliest wildfire in over a century that consumed the historic town a year ago. The “paddle out” tradition, which is a form of tribute in Hawaii, saw boat riders casting flower petals into the sea while surfers splashed water into the air. Onlookers observed the ceremony from a beach park on the shore. Hawaii Governor Josh Green mentioned that Maui is still mourning the losses from the tragic fire on August 8, 2023.
Could NASA astronauts be stranded at the space station until next year? Here’s what you need to know
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is grappling with the dilemma of how and when to bring back two astronauts from the International Space Station after encountering issues with their new Boeing capsule. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been aboard since early June, extending their stay by two months. If NASA deems Boeing’s Starliner thrusters unsafe for their return, their mission could be prolonged until next year. SpaceX stands as an alternative option for their retrieval. Should the need arise, NASA plans to remove two of the four astronauts set to launch to the space station next month to accommodate Wilmore and Williams, who may not return until February.
Wall Street witnesses strongest rally since 2022 on positive unemployment data; S&P 500 surges 2.3%
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks experienced a significant surge in their biggest rally since 2022 in Wall Street’s latest volatile movement. The S&P 500 surged by 2.3% on Thursday following a reassuring report on unemployment that alleviated concerns about the slowing economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 683 points, while the Nasdaq composite saw a 2.9% increase. Treasury yields also rose in the bond market, signaling a boost in investor confidence in the economy after a report indicated fewer jobless claims last week. Eli Lilly played a key role in driving the market forward after reporting better-than-expected spring profits, with major tech stocks also making a recovery.
US men’s basketball team stages comeback to defeat Serbia at Paris Olympics, advancing to face France for the gold medal
PARIS (AP) — With a remarkable six points scored in two seconds, the U.S. Olympic team initiated a resurgence that led to victory and secured their place in the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics. Stephen Curry’s 36-point performance, including a critical go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:16 to go, propelled the U.S. to a 95-91 win over Serbia. Trailing by 17 points in the first half and facing an 11-point halftime deficit, this marked the largest comeback successfully engineered by an American team since NBA players joined the Olympic roster in 1992. Curry described the victory as “special.”
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