Democrats are set to honor Biden while transitioning to Harris on the first day of the convention
CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic Party, invigorated by President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid, is gearing up for a valedictory speech from him as Vice President Kamala Harris takes the spotlight. The Democratic National Convention, commencing on Monday in Chicago, carries immense significance for the party. A successful event could propel Harris to a head-to-head clash with Republican Donald Trump, who Democrats perceive as a grave threat to their prospects. However, any missteps could potentially hinder Harris’s momentum at a time when her candidacy has been gaining traction in terms of financial support, momentum, and overall enthusiasm.
Protesters breach police barrier near Democratic National Convention venue
CHICAGO (AP) — Demonstrators have breached a police barrier near the location of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. City officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful demonstrations as protesters voice their dissent against the conflict in Gaza. Regardless of President Joe Biden’s exit from the race and the subsequent rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, demonstrators state that their objectives remain unchanged. Activists are prepared to amplify their progressive message in front of the top Democratic leaders in the nation.
Trump tours battleground states following the emergence of Harris as his new rival
YORK, Pa. (AP) — With Democrats launching their convention in Chicago, Donald Trump is striving to regain his footing after encountering challenges in adjusting to Vice President Kamala Harris as his opponent. The former president and GOP nominee delivered a speech at a Pennsylvania factory on Monday as part of his efforts to counter the Democratic festivities. Trump’s schedule is packed with daily events in battleground states where Republicans believe they hold an advantage on issues such as the economy, crime, safety, national security, and border control.
Blinken announces Israel’s acceptance of a plan to resolve cease-fire deadlock and urges Hamas to follow suit
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reveals that Israel has agreed to a proposal aimed at overcoming obstacles hindering a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. Blinken emphasizes the importance of Hamas reciprocating the gesture, without specifying whether the latest draft adequately addresses the concerns raised by the militant group. Following a lengthy meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken is scheduled to visit Egypt and Qatar. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether the proposal addresses key issues such as Israel’s demand for control over strategic corridors within Gaza.
Civilians evacuate Pokrovsk as the Russian army advances towards the crucial eastern Ukraine city
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — As the Russian army swiftly approaches Ukraine’s eastern city of Pokrovsk, civilians, including families with young children and heavy luggage, are fleeing the area. Local authorities report that Russian forces are rapidly advancing, prompting families to vacate the city and surrounding towns and villages. Despite a current population of around 53,000 residents in Pokrovsk, many have opted to leave as the threat from Russia intensifies. The citizens, of all ages, are hurriedly leaving on trains and buses, carrying whatever belongings they can manage. Soldiers are assisting the elderly with their luggage as residents depart from Pokrovsk, a critical defensive stronghold in Ukraine.
George Santos pleads guilty, admitting to deceitful practices driven by ambition in securing a congressional seat
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal fraud case. The New York Republican entered his plea in a Long Island courtroom on Monday, marking a turning point in his legal battle that was slated for trial in early September. Santos faced charges of misappropriating funds from political donors, misusing campaign contributions for personal expenses, providing false information to Congress regarding his wealth, and fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits while employed. Expelled from Congress following an ethics inquiry, Santos remains out on bond until his sentencing scheduled for February 7, with a potential prison term exceeding six years under federal guidelines and an outstanding restitution of at least $370,000.
US intelligence officials attribute cyber hacks targeting Trump, Biden-Harris campaigns to Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence authorities confidently attribute the hack of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign to Iran, characterizing the cyber intrusion as part of an audacious and overarching scheme by Tehran to interfere in American democratic processes and undermine faith in democratic institutions. Definitively blaming Iran for the hacking attempts, the U.S. government, for the first time, holds Iran accountable for the attack. In a joint statement released on Monday, federal agencies, including the FBI, also point fingers at Iran for trying to hack Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. The statement underscores the hackers’ attempts to access individuals associated with both presidential campaigns.
Search underway for British tech mogul and 5 others after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily
PORTICELLO, Sicily (AP) — British technology giant Mike Lynch and several other individuals are missing following the sinking of their luxury superyacht during a freak storm near Sicily. While Lynch’s wife and 14 people were rescued, authorities announced the discovery of one body, with six individuals still unaccounted for. The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. off the port of Porticello, with the vessel carrying a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers of British, American, and Canadian nationalities. Reports indicate that severe weather conditions, including water spouts, battered the area overnight, leading to the tragic turn of events.
Flooding from ‘training thunderstorms’ results in dramatic rescues and fatalities in Connecticut
OXFORD, Conn. (AP) — Two women lost their lives after being swept away by floodwaters triggered by heavy rainfall in Connecticut and New York’s Long Island. Record-breaking rainfall, reaching up to a foot in some areas, caused widespread flooding, trapping individuals in vehicles and buildings. Authorities describe the meteorological phenomenon as “training thunderstorms,” likening each thunderstorm to a car on a track continuously passing over the same location. The catastrophic weather event affected hundreds of homes on Long Island, with mudslides submerging cars and posing dangers to residents.
Television icon Phil Donahue passes away at 88, leaving a lasting legacy in the talk show genre
Phil Donahue, a trailblazer in daytime talk shows whose innovative format revolutionized television, has died at the age of 88. Known as “the king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to introduce audience participation in talk show discussions, a pioneering concept that set his show apart from others in the 1960s. His show, later renamed “Donahue,” enjoyed a successful 26-year run, winning 20 Emmys and influencing a generation of talk show hosts including Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, and Ellen DeGeneres. Donahue resided in New York with his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry.
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