Harris is promoting joy while Trump is painting a darker picture. The question is, will these contrasting moods have an impact?
During his first speech as her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for “bringing back the joy.” The following day, Harris referred to the Democratic ticket as “joyful warriors.” In contrast, former President Donald Trump, at a news conference in his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, began by stating, “We have a lot of bad things coming up.” Democrats are emphasizing their optimistic outlook, while the Trump campaign argues that their candidate is reflecting the country’s more realistic, gloomy mood.
Americans’ refusal to continue paying higher prices may be delivering a final blow to the US inflation spike.
The recent surge in inflation, which lasted for three years, is nearing its end – with economists attributing this to American consumers who have contributed to its decline. Many of the country’s largest companies are reporting that their customers are increasingly seeking cheaper alternatives, looking for bargains, or avoiding expensive items altogether. This shift in consumer behavior is not causing an economic downturn but rather signals a return to pre-pandemic norms when companies were cautious about raising prices too high. A more price-sensitive consumer base helps explain the downward trend in inflation, bringing it closer to the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% and ending a period of high prices that strained people’s budgets and outlook on the economy.
Israel-Hamas war latest: Leaders of France, Germany, and Britain endorse the push for a cease-fire in Gaza.
The leaders of France, Germany, and Britain have jointly endorsed the latest efforts by mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker an agreement to end the 10-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. They also call for the release of numerous hostages held by Hamas and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid. Mediators have been working on a three-phase cease-fire deal, and the leaders’ statement also urges Iran and its allies to refrain from any retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions in the region following the recent killing of two senior militants in Beirut and Tehran.
Released Palestinians recount worsening abuses in Israeli prisons.
Recently released Palestinians have described deteriorating conditions in Israeli prisons overcrowded with thousands detained since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza 10 months ago. Israeli officials have admitted to making prison conditions harsher for Palestinians, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stating prisons will no longer be “summer camps” under his watch. Survivors of prison cells operated by the ministry since the start of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza report significant deterioration in treatment. Some detainees emerged from captivity emaciated and emotionally scarred, with one individual barely able to speak due to regular beatings.
Russia’s Putin claims Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk aims to halt Moscow’s offensive in the east.
Russian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine’s military activity in the Kursk region is an attempt to disrupt Moscow’s ongoing offensive in the Donbas region. Addressing top security and defense officials, Putin suggested that the incursion initiated by Ukraine last Tuesday was aimed at improving their negotiating stance in future talks. He accused Ukraine of seeking to destabilize Russia internally but asserted that these attempts had failed, resulting in an increase in volunteers joining the Russian military. Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to achieving its military objectives in the Donbas.
How a young generation in Bangladesh ousted a longtime leader.
A generation of young people in Bangladesh, many of whom have never known a time before Sheikh Hasina was prime minister, led protests that culminated in her removal from office. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian rule. Initially, students took to the streets demanding an end to government job quotas that favored supporters of Hasina’s Awami League. These quotas provide some of the most stable and well-paying jobs in a country where economic growth has not translated into sufficient employment opportunities for the educated middle class. Members of Generation Z, particularly affected by the lack of prospects, are less bound by traditional narratives reflected in the quota system.
Dozens of pregnant women, some in severe distress, turned away from ERs despite federal law.
Since 2022, more than 100 pregnant women seeking emergency care have been denied treatment or received negligent care, according to an Associated Press investigation of federal hospital reports. In Texas, where doctors face severe penalties for performing illegal abortions, medical experts are concerned that the law is complicating decisions regarding emergency care for pregnant women. Recent cases include two women who were not treated for dangerous ectopic pregnancies in separate Texas emergency rooms, resulting in significant reproductive system damage when the pregnancies ruptured.
From Paris to Los Angeles: Preparations for the 2028 Olympics.
As the current Olympics in Paris come to a close, Los Angeles is gearing up to host the games for the third time. The last time was in 1984 when Los Angeles was a standout alongside Olympians like Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Olympic organizers will utilize the city’s recent construction boom, with the almost-new SoFi Stadium hosting the opening ceremony, incorporating the historic Memorial Coliseum. The region has significantly expanded its public transportation since 1984 and plans to further improve it by 2028.
Mini farm animals gain popularity amid growing demand.
Americans are increasingly interested in owning miniature cows, goats, donkeys, and other small farm animals. This trend is being driven by hobby farmers seeking manageable livestock and homesteaders attracted to the idea of having petite farm animals as pets. Animal breeders report a rise in sales of mini farm animals since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to raise backyard chickens for enjoyment and fresh eggs. Similar to chickens, mini farm animals appeal to beginners with limited space who desire a taste of rural living. However, raising these miniature animals does come with a learning curve.
