US beefs up posture in Middle East, warns an Iran-backed attack on Israel could come this week
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has instructed a guided missile submarine to head to the Middle East and has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its journey to the region. This decision comes as the U.S. expressed concerns on Monday about a potential attack by Iran or its proxies on Israel within the week. These actions were taken amidst efforts by the U.S. and its allies to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in order to alleviate escalating tensions following the recent assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
FBI launches investigation after Trump campaign alleges sensitive documents were hacked by Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI has initiated an investigation into claims made by Donald Trump’s campaign that confidential documents were stolen in a cyber intrusion shortly after the campaign reported being hacked by Iran. In a brief statement released on Monday, the FBI confirmed its active investigation into the matter. While the campaign did not provide concrete evidence implicating Iran, the accusation came shortly after Microsoft published a report detailing foreign entities’ attempts to interfere in the 2024 U.S. campaign. Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied any involvement when asked about the Trump campaign’s claims.
Judge denies RFK Jr.’s bid to be on New York’s ballot, citing lack of state residency
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A judge ruled that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed to reside in New York on his nominating petitions, rendering the documents invalid for ballot inclusion in the state. The ruling by Judge Christina Ryba was issued after a brief trial and is expected to be appealed. Should the ruling be upheld, it may lead to challenges in other states where Kennedy used the New York address to collect signatures. A lawsuit supported by a PAC aligned with the Democrats argued that Kennedy actually lives in California with his spouse, actress Cheryl Hines. Kennedy asserted during the trial that his relocation is temporary and that he still maintains a residence in his home state.
Trump makes inaccurate claim about AI-manipulated image from Harris’ campaign event
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump falsely asserted that a photo depicting a large crowd awaiting Democrat Kamala Harris at an airport rally in Detroit was digitally altered using artificial intelligence. Harris’ campaign refuted this allegation. Journalists from The Associated Press and other news outlets who were present either accompanying Vice President Harris or waiting on the airport tarmac last Wednesday documented the actual size of the crowd.
New Mars study suggests significant water reserve beneath the planet’s surface
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A recent study indicates that Mars may hold a substantial amount of water beneath its surface, potentially forming a global ocean within the crevices of underground rocks. The findings, published on Monday, were derived from computer simulations and seismic data gathered by NASA’s InSight lander, which recorded over 1,300 marsquakes before ceasing operation two years ago. Scientists believe the water lies approximately seven to twelve miles deep in the Martian crust and may have seeped from the surface billions of years ago when the planet featured rivers and lakes.
Ukrainian commander reports control over nearly 390 square miles in Russia’s Kursk region
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s top military commander announced that his forces now hold 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of Russia’s neighboring Kursk region. This marks the first public acknowledgment by a Ukrainian military official of the gains made in the rapid incursion that has embarrassed the Kremlin. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi made the statement in a video shared on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel on Monday. Russian forces are still scrambling to respond to the unexpected Ukrainian offensive after nearly a week of intense combat. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian military operations are ongoing in the Kursk region and commended the country’s soldiers and commanders for their efforts.
Burials commence for victims of Brazil plane crash; cause of accident still under investigation
SAO PAULO (AP) — The pilot of the plane involved in the recent Brazil crash has been laid to rest in Sao Paulo, marking the first burial among the 62 victims, as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the tragedy. The funeral procession for Danilo Santos Romano passed through the streets of Penha, a neighborhood on Sao Paulo’s east side, before reaching the cemetery located near the apartment he shared with his spouse. Friends, family, and local residents paid their respects to Romano as he was laid to rest. He was 35 years old.
Pacific Northwest tribes struggle with climate change impacts and bureaucratic obstacles
SEATTLE (AP) — A report reveals that coastal tribes in the Pacific Northwest are facing severe consequences of climate change yet encounter challenges accessing government funds designated to assist in adaptation efforts. The tribes along the coasts of Oregon and Washington detailed the obstacles they face including rising sea levels, erosion, warming waters, and extreme heat. The report emphasizes the need for a more coordinated federal response and increased funding to support tribal adaptation to climate change effects.
Americans’ financial decisions play a role in curbing U.S. inflation surge
WASHINGTON (AP) — Economists attribute the nearing end of the recent inflation surge to American consumers, who are seeking out lower-priced alternatives, pursuing bargains, or avoiding costly items. Major U.S. companies report that their customers are increasingly price-conscious and unwilling to spend excessively. This consumer behavior is helping to reduce inflation towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and reflects a return to pre-pandemic economic norms, where companies could not raise prices significantly without losing business. The shift towards more price-sensitive consumer attitudes signifies a decline in inflation, ending a period of high prices that strained budgets and impacted people’s economic outlook.
Georgia tops preseason AP Top 25 with Ohio State close behind
Georgia has secured the top spot in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second consecutive year. The Bulldogs received 46 first-place votes, putting them ahead of second-ranked Ohio State, which received 15 top votes. Oregon, Texas, and Alabama round out the top five. Conference realignment has resulted in a unique preseason ranking with only four conferences represented: The SEC boasts nine ranked teams, the Big Ten has six, the Big 12 has five, and the ACC has four. Notre Dame, an independent team, holds the seventh spot.
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