Ukrainian president says push into Russia’s Kursk region is to create a buffer zone there
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces that the recent military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is aimed at establishing a buffer zone. This operation, which began on Aug. 6, is the first time the president has explicitly stated the objective, after previously stating that it was to protect communities in the Sumy region from ongoing shelling. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of destroying Russian military capabilities and conducting counteroffensive actions, including creating a buffer zone in the Kursk region.
Convention delegates will nominate Harris, again. This time, there’s less suspense and more pizzazz
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris officially secured the Democratic presidential nomination nearly two weeks ago through an online vote. The 4,700 delegates responsible for selecting the nominee did so in a process that lacked excitement due to isolation. Democratic party leaders are planning a ceremonial vote at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago to enhance the convention experience. This departure from the usual procedure is not expected to significantly impact the overall look or atmosphere of the convention, as nominees are typically identified before the event.
Blinken, on ninth Mideast trip since Gaza war began, seeks cease-fire momentum as talks to resume
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on his ninth diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict to accelerate efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement. Blinken’s visit to Israel precedes crucial negotiations in Cairo this week aimed at finalizing a cease-fire deal. He is scheduled to meet with top Israeli officials before heading to Egypt. Progress has been reported on a potential deal, involving Israel halting most military operations in Gaza and a prisoner exchange with Hamas.
Quintuplets among Gaza’s dead as Blinken visits the region to seek a cease-fire deal
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 29 individuals, including quintuplets. These tragic events coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel as part of efforts to broker a cease-fire deal. Despite progress reported by mediators, Hamas has expressed resistance to what it views as new Israeli demands. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 40,000 Palestinians, with concerns about famine and disease outbreaks looming.
Harris and Walz make phone calls, rally volunteers on Pennsylvania bus tour before DNC in Chicago
ROCHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz engaged with campaign volunteers and a high school football team during a bus tour in Pennsylvania. This tour offered a more intimate glimpse into the nominees’ campaign style before the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The pair visited volunteers and local community institutions, emphasizing important themes like character, perseverance, and the nation’s future.
Ernesto strengthens back into a hurricane, sends powerful swells, rip currents to US East Coast
Tropical Storm Ernesto has intensified back into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching Category 1 strength. Further strengthening is expected before Ernesto transitions into a post-tropical cyclone. The storm’s path is projected to impact southeastern Newfoundland after passing near Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dangerous surf, swells, and rip currents are affecting the U.S. East Coast due to Ernesto’s activity.
Cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed at least 22 people, health minister says
CAIRO (AP) — Sudan is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals and sickened hundreds in recent weeks. The outbreak comes amid a prolonged conflict and devastating floods in the African nation. Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim announced that 354 confirmed cholera cases have been reported across the country.
Black men emerge as key constituency in 2024 race, bringing dynamic views to the top of politics
ATLANTA (AP) — Black male voters have historically leaned towards the Democratic Party and are considered a key demographic in the upcoming 2024 election. The potential election of Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted the multifaceted experiences and political preferences of Black men, often overlooked in public discourse. Their priorities typically revolve around civil rights and economic mobility, leading to strong support for Democratic candidates. The voter turnout and level of support for Democratic contenders among Black men could play a significant role in the election outcome.
A hunter’s graveyard shift: grabbing pythons in the Everglades
HOLEY LAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, Fla. (AP) — In the depths of the Florida Everglades, hunters embark on nighttime expeditions to capture invasive Burmese pythons preying on local wildlife. Armed with only the headlights of their trucks, these hunters traverse the dark marshes in pursuit of pythons during Florida’s annual Python Challenge. Thomas Aycock, a contractor with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, participates in the challenge and conducts year-round efforts to remove pythons from the Everglades.
Can AI truly replicate the screams of a man on fire? Video game performers want their work protected
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Video game performers are advocating for protection against the use of artificial intelligence in their industry due to the physical demands and labor involved in their work. SAG-AFTRA’s video game workers are currently on strike, pushing for equal protection of all performers, including stunt workers and voice actors, from unregulated AI technology. Performers express concerns that AI could undermine job opportunities by replicating performances without their consent. Game studios are negotiating with the union to address these concerns while leveraging advanced technology to create games.
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