Ukrainian forces strike 2 key bridges in Russia’s Kursk area in a possible sign they intend to stay
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials say Ukraine has destroyed a key bridge in Russia’s western Kursk region and struck a second one nearby, disrupting supply lines as it pressed a stunning cross-border incursion that began Aug. 6. Ukraine’s air force chief and Russia’s regional governor both reported that Ukrainian troops hit the second bridge over the Seim River, less than two days after a Ukrainian airstrike ruptured one near the town of Glushkovo. Kyiv has said little about whether its troops intend to seek a foothold in the Kursk region, but striking bridges would point to an attempt to frustrate a Russian counterpush there.
Quintuplets among Gaza’s dead as Blinken visits the region to seek a cease-fire deal
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed 29 people, including young quintuplets. The latest bombardment came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived on a visit to the region to try to seal a cease-fire deal. He will meet with Israel’s prime minister on Monday. The U.S. and fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar say they are closing in on a deal, with American and Israeli officials expressing cautious optimism. But Hamas has signaled resistance to what it calls new demands by Israel. The war has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and led experts to warn of famine and the outbreak of diseases like polio.
Harris and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on top issues in presidential race
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has replaced President Joe Biden atop the presidential ticket. But the president’s “finish the job” campaign mantra can still largely apply to Harris’ top policy goals. Former President Donald Trump, for his part, is itching to get back to the White House and accomplish what he didn’t during his first term. Since Biden stepped down, Harris has announced few major proposals. But she’s also suggested that she’ll continue a lot of Biden’s top goals on the economy, health care, foreign policy, immigration and the environment. Huge policy differences with Trump’s proposals persist.
Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza ceasefire
CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of activists are expected to converge in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic justice and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination at the event this week, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same. Activists say they have learned lessons from last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and are predicting bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep social activism roots.
Black men emerge as key constituency in 2024 race, bringing dynamic views to the top of politics
ATLANTA (AP) — Black male voters are traditionally one of the most consistently Democratic-leaning demographics in the nation. The potential election of Vice President Kamala Harris has refocused attention on Black men, a demographic that Democrats and Republicans view as persuadable but whose multifaceted experiences and political preferences often go unaddressed in public debate. Black voters have historically prioritized policies on civil rights and economic mobility, leading to overwhelming support for Democrats. Whether Black men turn out in high numbers and to what degree they maintain traditional support for Democratic candidates may prove decisive in November.
French actor and heartthrob Alain Delon dies at 88
PARIS (AP) — Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, has died at age 88, French media reported. With his handsome looks and tender manner, the prolific actor was able to combine toughness with an appealing, vulnerable quality that made him one of France’s memorable leading men. His children announced the death on Sunday in a statement to the French national news agency Agence France-Presse, a common practice in France. Tributes to Delon immediately started pouring in on social platforms, and all leading French media switched to full-fledged coverage of his rich career.
A hunter’s graveyard shift: grabbing pythons in the Everglades
HOLEY LAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, Fla. (AP) — In the dead of night, hunters go deep into the Florida Everglades, searching for the invasive Burmese pythons that are eating up mice, rabbits and other prey. The only gleam on those dark nights come from a pickup truck’s headlights. In the eerie darkness, where the only sounds are croaking frogs and the occasional scurry through the tall sawgrass, these hunters stalk pythons, hoping to win a prize during Florida’s annual Python Challenge. Thomas Aycock is a contractor with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He participates in the annual challenge and works year-round to remove pythons from the Everglades. Last year, the challenge netted 209 Burmese pythons, with the winner getting a $10,000 prize.
The trash in Mali’s capital is piling up. Donkey carts are coming to help
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Hauling garbage in Mali’s capital, Bamako, can be grim. The city more than doubled its population in recent years and struggles to manage its waste. Piles of garbage dominate some streets. Residents are turning to donkey carts for garbage pickup. The carts can weave in and out of vehicle traffic and reach more places than trucks can, especially on bad roads. The garbage collected from Bamako’s streets is meant to be deposited in a transfer site and then taken to a landfill. But the city doesn’t have sites that meet required standards. Authorities and residents blame each other for the trash problem.
Can AI truly replicate the screams of a man on fire? Video game performers want their work protected
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Video game performers say the physical strain and hours put into motion capture and voice work make it worth protecting against artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA’s video game workers are now on strike. They argue that all performers — from stunt workers to voice acting stars — should be protected equally from the use of unregulated AI. Video game performers say they fear that AI could reduce or eliminate job opportunities because the technology could be used to replicate one performance into a number of other movements without their consent. The game studios negotiating with the union say they have worked hard to deliver proposals with reasonable terms that protect the rights of performers while ensuring they can continue to use the most advanced technology to create games.
Democrats are dwindling in Wyoming. A primary election law further reduces their influence
LUSK, Wyo. (AP) — Democrats are flirting with extinction in some rural reaches of the U.S. In Niobrara County, Wyoming, the least-populated county in the least-populated state, Becky Blackburn is one of just 32 left. Some less populated counties have even fewer Democrats, but those in Niobrara County are more outnumbered than any in the states that track local party affiliation. Wyoming’s overwhelming Republican dominance may be even more cemented-in now that the state has passed a law that makes changing party affiliation much more difficult. Democrats in Wyoming have been switching their registration to vote in more competitive Republican primaries, then changing back for the general election. Tuesday’s primary is the first election since the law took effect and essentially banned the practice.
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