Israel launches attacks on Gaza while Blinken heads to the region to assist in closing a cease-fire deal
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A series of Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in the death of 19 individuals, including a mother and her six children. These recent attacks coincide with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region in an effort to finalize a cease-fire agreement after lengthy negotiations. The U.S., along with mediators Egypt and Qatar, seem to be making progress towards a deal following talks in Doha, with American and Israeli officials cautiously optimistic. However, Hamas has shown reluctance towards new demands by Israel, causing delays in the negotiations. The proposed plan involves a three-phase process where Hamas would release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and Israel would withdraw from the territory.
Harris and Trump present starkly different views on key issues in the presidential race
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has taken over as the face of the presidential campaign, while former President Donald Trump is eager to return to the White House and accomplish unfinished tasks from his previous term. Despite Biden stepping down, Harris has not announced major proposals yet but has indicated her commitment to continuing many of Biden’s top priorities in the economy, health care, foreign policy, immigration, and the environment. Sharp policy differences persist between Harris and Trump’s proposals.
Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for the Democratic convention to call for a Gaza ceasefire
CHICAGO (AP) — As the Democratic National Convention approaches, thousands of activists are anticipated to gather in Chicago to advocate for abortion rights, economic justice, and peace in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris garners support from supporters leading up to the convention, progressive activists remain focused on their mission. Drawing lessons from the previous Republican National Convention, activists are predicting larger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with a rich history of social activism.
Trump delivers a mix of economic remarks and personal attacks at a rally in critical Pennsylvania
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — In a rally in northeastern Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump alternated between economic policy discussions and personal insults, notably claiming multiple times that he is more attractive than Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s rally targeted conservative, white working-class voters near Biden’s hometown with a blend of economic talking points and jabs at political opponents like President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Hurricane Ernesto weakens to a tropical storm as it moves away from Bermuda
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto has downgraded to a tropical storm as it travels away from Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm passed over Bermuda earlier in the day, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that left over 23,000 residents without power. By late Saturday, the storm’s maximum sustained winds reduced to 70 mph as it moved north-northeast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast of the United States and Canada, with Ernesto expected to near southeastern Newfoundland by Monday night.
Venezuelans worldwide protest to support opposition’s claim of victory
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — In response to a call from Venezuela’s political opposition, Venezuelans across the globe gathered in rallies to defend the faction’s assertion of victory over President Nicolás Maduro in the recent disputed presidential election. The demonstrations in various cities aimed to demonstrate the opposition’s belief in the election outcome, urge governments to support candidate Edmundo González, and show solidarity with Venezuelans facing repression in their homeland for opposing Maduro.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra sworn in as Thai prime minister following royal approval
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has become Thailand’s prime minister after receiving a royal endorsement following her selection by Parliament. She takes over from the previous leader of the Pheu Thai Party, leading a coalition that includes military-linked parties associated with the coup that ousted the party’s previous government. In her address, Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to the king, the Thai populace, and lawmakers, pledging to govern with an open mind and create opportunities for the people to shape their future.
India’s medics and women protest against violence following the rape and murder of a doctor
NEW DELHI (AP) — Outrage over the Indian government’s failure to address escalating violence against women has prompted protests by medical workers and women’s groups in various Indian cities after the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Medical workers initiated a nationwide strike to demand action following the discovery of the victim’s body at a hospital in Kolkata. Police have detained a volunteer in connection with the crime, and the protests, led mainly by women, call for a safer environment for women in the workforce.
Donkey carts aid in addressing garbage accumulation in Mali’s capital
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — In response to increasing garbage accumulation in Bamako, Mali’s capital, residents are utilizing donkey carts for waste collection. The city, which has experienced significant population growth, struggles to manage its waste, leading to piles of garbage in some areas. Donkey carts prove to be effective in navigating through traffic and reaching inaccessible locations on poor roads, unlike trucks. Authorities and residents are at odds over responsibility for the waste management crisis in the absence of compliant disposal sites.
Search for Tulsa Race Massacre victims uncovers more remains with gunshot wounds
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The recent search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has yielded three additional sets of remains with visible gunshot wounds. State archaeologists confirmed that these discoveries were made during the latest search in Oaklawn Cemetery, bringing the total exhumed remains to 47. The search marks the fourth conducted since the initiative was launched by Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum in 2018, aiming to bring closure to families affected by the historic massacre.
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