Paris wraps up the Olympics, and Los Angeles looks to Tom Cruise for its 2028 mission
SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Paris concludes an incredible two and a half weeks of Olympic sports and emotions with a star-studded show in France’s national stadium. The French capital has passed on hosting duties for the Summer Games to the next city: Los Angeles in 2028. Hollywood star Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the top of the stadium to the “Mission: Impossible” theme song, taking the Olympic flag from gymnast Simone Biles, placing it on the back of a motorcycle, and speeding out of the stadium. Los Angeles is gearing up to demonstrate that surpassing Paris is not an impossible mission. Paris showcased its cityscape, with iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower serving as beautiful backdrops and venues.
Israel expands evacuation orders in southern Gaza as Hamas seeks a deal instead of negotiations
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military issues additional evacuation orders in southern Gaza following an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the north that claimed the lives of at least 80 Palestinians. Hamas is now hesitant to resume talks on new cease-fire proposals and urges mediators to implement the agreements reached last month. The evacuation orders affect areas in Khan Younis, including parts of an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, due to rocket fire from that region. Israel has repeatedly ordered evacuations as troops return to heavily damaged areas where they previously engaged with militants.
Pentagon chief deploys a submarine to the Middle East and accelerates the transit of an aircraft carrier
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directs a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and instructs the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to hasten its journey to the region. These actions come as the U.S. and its allies strive for a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas to ease escalating tensions in the aftermath of the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
Families of Brazilian plane crash victims gather in Sao Paulo as French experts join the investigation
SAO PAULO (AP) — Over 40 families of victims of a plane crash in Brazil unite at a morgue and hotels in Sao Paulo as three French government investigators arrive in the country. Forensics experts work to identify the remains of the 62 individuals who perished in the crash. The bodies of the pilot and co-pilot are the first to be identified by the forensics team. The crash involved an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop operated by Brazilian airline Voepass which was bound for Guarulhos international airport in Sao Paulo with 58 passengers and four crew members aboard when it went down in Vinhedo, around 50 miles north of the city.
Vance praises Trump’s Fed idea and responds to criticism regarding past remarks on American families
ATLANTA (AP) — Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance defends the Democratic ticket, touting Donald Trump’s accomplishments and second-term plans. Vance addresses previous remarks that have become campaign issues, affirming Trump’s suggestion that presidents have more influence over U.S. monetary policy. Vance also questions Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s military record, maintaining the GOP stance. He aims to elucidate Trump’s stance on abortion while advocating for the Republican ticket.
Early Harris-Walz rallies draw large crowds, emphasize ‘joy’, and face unsolicited GOP opposition
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Democrats Kamala Harris and Tim Walz embark on their initial campaign tour, attracting significant crowds, highlighting “joy,” and dealing with unanticipated GOP challenges. The presidential nominees traverse five battleground states after Harris selects the Minnesota governor as her running mate. Their rallies draw thousands of attendees but also capture the attention of Republican nominees Donald Trump and JD Vance, who campaign in parallel cities during the week. Vance attempts to observe Air Force Two, the vice president’s plane, when he coincides with Harris in Wisconsin.
English town mourns 9-year-old stabbing victim and calls for peace
LONDON (AP) — The community of Southport in England grieves the loss of three girls, including 9-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, who were murdered during a dance class themed around Taylor Swift. Mourners pay tribute to Alice’s infectious smile and advocate for an end to the turmoil that has gripped Britain since the tragedy. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church hosts the first of the funerals, attracting hundreds of mourners and extending outside with pink ribbons and balloons for Alice. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy conveys the parents’ plea against violence in their daughter’s memory.
U.S. surgeon general disregards his mother’s advice to avoid politics and delves into the arena anyway
MIAMI (AP) — Surgeon General Vivek Murthy defies his mother’s childhood wish for him to steer clear of politics. As the “Nation’s Doctor,” Murthy challenges powerful tech companies for contributing to children’s mental health issues through algorithms and online content. He advocates for a surgeon general’s warning label on social media and addresses the public health crisis of gun injuries and deaths in America. Murthy also tackles themes like loneliness, burnout among healthcare workers, and misinformation.
Ukraine’s president acknowledges military activity in Russian territory
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indirectly references ongoing military actions in Russia’s Kursk border region to push the conflict onto the aggressor’s terrain. Zelenskyy makes the statement in his nightly address following Ukraine’s surprise military action in the Kursk region. The incursion into Russia spans over six days, with clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces reported in several areas. The Russian Defense Ministry confirms engagements between Russian troops and Ukrainian forces near the border.
Catholic devotees honor St Jude’s relic with a procession through Mexico’s Xochimilco canals
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Catholic followers embark on a unique procession through Mexico City’s renowned Xochimilco canals, adoring a relic of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of impossible causes. The wooden figure bearing a bone fragment from St. Jude’s arm is displayed in a glass case as it glides through the serene waters as part of its stay in Mexico. Devotees in Mexico, a predominantly Catholic country, have the opportunity to venerate the relic at various parishes until Aug. 28 after its visit to the United States.
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