Democrats are set to honor Biden as they transition to focusing on Harris on the first day of the convention
CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic Party, invigorated by President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from his reelection bid, is coming together for a farewell speech from Biden. This move has sparked a new wave of energy with Vice President Kamala Harris ascending to the top of the ticket. The stakes are high for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where a successful event could propel Harris into a showdown against Republican Donald Trump, who Democrats see as a significant threat to their cause. However, any misstep could hinder Harris at a critical moment when her campaign has been gaining momentum, funding, and optimism.
Protesters breach security fence near location of Democratic National Convention
CHICAGO (AP) — Demonstrators have breached a security fence erected by police near the site of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. City officials have pledged to maintain peaceful demonstrations as protesters take to the streets to express their opposition to the conflict in Gaza. Despite President Joe Biden withdrawing from the race and the party quickly rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, protesters remain committed to their plans. Activists are determined to amplify their progressive message in front of the nation’s top Democratic leaders.
Trump travels to battleground states as he grapples with Harris as his new opponent
YORK, Pa. (AP) — With Democrats launching their convention in Chicago, Donald Trump is working to regain his footing after struggling to adjust to facing Vice President Kamala Harris as his rival. The former president and GOP nominee delivered a speech at a factory in Pennsylvania on Monday as part of his efforts to overshadow the Democratic festivities with a busy schedule of events in battleground states. Trump is focusing on themes where Republicans believe they have an edge, such as the economy, crime, national security, and border security.
Blinken announces Israel’s acceptance of a plan to resolve ceasefire deadlock, urges Hamas to follow suit
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed that Israel has agreed to a proposal aimed at bridging the gap that has stalled progress on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Blinken has called on Hamas to reciprocate without specifying if the latest draft addresses concerns raised by the militant group. Following a 2 1/2 hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Egypt and Qatar. The proposal’s details with regards to Israel’s demands for control over strategic corridors inside Gaza remain undisclosed, posing challenges in the negotiations.
Civilians evacuate Pokrovsk as Russia’s army advances on the crucial city in eastern Ukraine
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Families with young children and heavy suitcases are fleeing the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army is rapidly approaching despite a sudden Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Local authorities have urged residents to leave the city and nearby towns and villages starting Tuesday as Russian forces advance. Around 53,000 people still reside in Pokrovsk, with some choosing to evacuate while Russia’s army looms. Residents of all ages are hustling to depart, boarding trains and buses with their belongings. Soldiers are assisting the elderly with their luggage. Pokrovsk holds strategic importance as one of Ukraine’s main defensive strongholds.
George Santos admits guilt, confesses to deceit and ambition in his path to Congress
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in his federal fraud case. The New York Republican entered the plea on Monday in Long Island, with his trial set to commence in early September. Santos faced charges of misappropriating funds from political donors, using campaign contributions for personal expenses, providing false information to Congress about his finances, and collecting unemployment benefits while employed. Expelled from Congress following an ethics inquiry, Santos awaits sentencing on Feb. 7 and could face over six years in prison along with a substantial restitution sum.
US intelligence officials implicate Iran in cyberattacks targeting Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence agencies have affirmed that Iran was responsible for hacking attempts against Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, framing the cyber intrusion as part of a broader effort by Tehran to interfere in American politics and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. This marks the first time the U.S. government has attributed the attack to Iran, with the FBI and other agencies linking Iran to hacking efforts against Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign as well. The joint statement issued on Monday indicates that the hackers sought access to individuals associated with both presidential campaigns.
Search continues for British tech magnate and others after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily
PORTICELLO, Sicily (AP) — British tech mogul Mike Lynch and several others are missing following the sinking of their luxury superyacht during a sudden storm off Sicily. Lynch’s wife and 14 individuals were rescued, one body has been recovered, and six individuals remain unaccounted for. The superyacht capsized in the early hours off the port of Porticello with a crew of 10 and 12 passengers, including British, American, and Canadian nationals. Reports indicate that a violent storm with waterspouts battered the region overnight.
Flooding from ‘training thunderstorms’ leads to dramatic rescues and fatalities in Connecticut
OXFORD, Conn. (AP) — Recent torrential rains in Connecticut and Long Island resulted in two women losing their lives after being swept away by floodwaters. The storm, which dumped up to a foot of rain, trapped individuals in cars and a restaurant. In Oxford, the two women were carried away from separate vehicles by floodwaters. A Long Island official reported numerous homes affected by flooding and mudslides covering cars. The severe weather system in Connecticut and Long Island was distinct from Hurricane Ernesto and led to over 100 individuals being evacuated by search and rescue teams.
Television icon Phil Donahue, known for revolutionizing daytime talk shows, passes away
Phil Donahue, the trailblazing television host whose daytime talk show pioneered a lasting television format, has died at 88. Credited as the “king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to integrate audience participation into a talk show, setting his program apart from its peers in the 1960s and influencing a style that launched the careers of Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, and others. Renamed “Donahue,” the show enjoyed a 26-year national run and secured 20 Emmy Awards. Donahue resided in New York with his wife, actress Marlo Thomas.
