Donald Trump is heading to North Carolina for an economic speech. Will he be able to deliver a focused message?
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Donald Trump is set to address a rally in North Carolina that his campaign is touting as a significant economic speech. Aides and supporters believe Trump needs to refine his criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris and highlight clear policy differences, especially on the economy. Lately, his focus has been on personal attacks and grievances. The speech coincides with a report from the Labor Department showing the lowest year-over-year inflation in over three years in July, which could benefit Harris.
In response to the surge in border crossings, Kamala Harris has chosen a strategic, long-term approach to the issue
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris was never appointed as the “border czar,” as her critics have asserted. Officials in the Biden administration clarify that she was assigned to address the “root causes” of migration from countries in Central America, such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, where a significant number of border crossers originate. Harris has taken a strategic approach, aiming to entice multinational corporations and Latin American businesses to invest in the region. This, she argues, would create more job opportunities and discourage locals from embarking on the challenging journey north.
A senior Hamas official expresses skepticism about the US as a mediator in Gaza cease-fire negotiations
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — A top Hamas official has expressed doubt about the United States’ ability to facilitate a cease-fire in Gaza ahead of upcoming talks. The talks come amid escalating pressure to end the 10-month-long conflict with Israel. Osama Hamdan stated in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that Hamas will only participate if the discussions focus on implementing a proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden in May and supported internationally. Hamas is particularly opposed to Israel’s insistence on maintaining a permanent military presence in two key areas of Gaza post-cease-fire, a condition that was recently disclosed.
Hunter Biden reportedly sought assistance from the US government for the Ukrainian gas company Burisma
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden allegedly requested help from the US ambassador to Italy in support of an energy project pursued by a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice president. According to reports from The New York Times, Biden penned a letter to the ambassador in 2016 seeking assistance for Burisma, the Ukrainian company. A businessman disclosed to the Times that Burisma encountered regulatory obstacles in Italy while pursuing a geothermal project at that time.
Ukraine claims territorial gains and prisoners in its military advance into the Russian border region
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces continue their significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk region for a second week. Reports indicate that they have captured more ground, taken Russian soldiers as prisoners, and destroyed a jet bomber. The Ukrainian military commander stated that assault troops had advanced 1-2 kilometers in certain parts of Kursk since the start of the day. The surprise attack onto Russian territory, which commenced on August 6, has unnerved the Kremlin. The bold Kursk operation marks the largest assault on Russia since World War II, potentially involving up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops supported by armor and artillery.
New research shows that the ‘altar stone’ at Stonehenge originated from Scotland, not Wales
WASHINGTON (AP) — Researchers have made progress in unraveling the mystery of Stonehenge’s construction. A recent study reveals that the distinctive stone slab positioned horizontally at the center of Stonehenge had its origins in a sandstone quarry near the northeastern tip of Scotland. The journey of the 16-foot slab, whether by boat or land, spans over 460 miles. For over a century, it was believed that the “altar stone” at Stonehenge was sourced from Wales. The findings were published in the journal Nature. Stonehenge, erected around 5,000 years ago, involved the transportation of different sets of stones to the site at different times.
Ernesto strengthens into a hurricane after causing damage in the northeast Caribbean
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto has intensified, causing heavy rainfall in Puerto Rico and leaving hundreds of thousands without power in the US territory. Ernesto poses a threat of escalating into a major storm en route to Bermuda. The storm is expected to pass through open waters for the remainder of the week, with a close approach to Bermuda projected for Saturday. Ernesto is forecasted to become a Category 3 hurricane in the coming days. With maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, Ernesto was situated around 225 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving towards the northwest at 16 mph.
Alex Murdaugh, three years into a life sentence, prepares to present his appeal before the South Carolina Supreme Court
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh is beginning the appeals process. Serving nearly three years of a life sentence without parole for the murders of his wife and son, Murdaugh’s appeal of his convictions is set to be reviewed by the South Carolina Supreme Court. His defense team contends that the court clerk interfered with jurors during his six-week trial. Additionally, Murdaugh is appealing the harshness of the 40-year federal sentence he received after admitting to embezzling nearly $11 million from clients and his law firm. Legal proceedings are also pending on whether it was unjust to introduce evidence of his financial crimes in his murder trial.
The WHO declares the mpox outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency amid the spread of a new virus strain
LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization has categorized the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African countries as a global emergency. The virus has been confirmed in children and adults across more than a dozen nations, with a new variant spreading rapidly. Vaccine availability on the African continent is limited. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently declared the mpox outbreaks a public health emergency, reporting over 14,000 cases and more than 500 deaths. International assistance is being sought to contain the virus’ spread, with the WHO expressing concern about the potential for global transmission beyond Africa.
Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to miss the season due to knee surgery for a torn meniscus
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will sit out the season following surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. McCarthy underwent the procedure after sustaining the injury during his preseason debut against Las Vegas. Initially expected to serve as backup to starter Sam Darnold, McCarthy impressed during training camp. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision regarding McCarthy as the team arrived for joint practices with the Browns. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft and a former Michigan standout, was poised for a significant role before the injury.
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