Harris attracts a large crowd at the Wisconsin arena where the RNC was held while the Obamas get ready to speak at the DNC in Chicago
CHICAGO (AP) — Kamala Harris has energized thousands of voters in a packed arena while former President Barack Obama is set to rally millions more on behalf of Harris in another venue. Prior to Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris emphasized in battleground Wisconsin that she was running a campaign powered by the people. At the convention, a symbolic roll call where delegates from each state pledged support for the Democratic nominee turned into a festive atmosphere. A DJ played state-specific songs, and Atlanta native Lil Jon made a surprise appearance during Georgia’s turn performing his hit song “Turn Down for What,” much to the delight of the audience at the United Center.
The Latest: Day 2 of the DNC will showcase the Obamas and second gentleman Doug Emhoff
Day two of the Democratic National Convention has commenced. Former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will be speaking at the DNC, following President Joe Biden’s farewell speech the previous day. Biden will not be present at the event to hear his former running mate speak, as he has left Chicago after delivering his own address. With President Biden having addressed the delegates, the focus now shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov Tim Walz.
Dance party breaks out during the roll call at the DNC with celebrities, state-specific songs, and Lil Jon
CHICAGO (AP) — The convention roll call votes are typically formal and uninspiring, but Democrats turned theirs into a lively dance party on Tuesday. DJ Cassidy took the stage, playing a different song for each state and territory awarding their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention. The event felt like a high-end karaoke night, with songs like Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for Michigan and the Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts. Atlanta’s Lil Jon even joined the party, performing “Turn Down for What” with DJ Snake during Georgia’s turn.
Several protesters arrested after clash with police outside Chicago’s Israeli consulate
CHICAGO (AP) — Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police outside the Israeli consulate during the second night of the Democratic National Convention. After the crowd began to disperse, smaller groups faced off with police, resulting in over a dozen arrests. Police declared the demonstrations as an “unlawful assembly.” Earlier in the evening, police prevented the demonstrators from marching by blocking them on the street, leading to the burning of an American flag as the roll call for Vice President Kamala Harris was taking place in the United Center a few miles away.
Trump campaigns to ‘make America safe again’ while Democrats focus on his criminal record
HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump vowed to “make America safe again” during a campaign event in Michigan, as the Democrats in Chicago branded him as a career criminal. Trump’s campaign in Michigan was part of a series of battleground events designed to counter the Democratic National Convention. He criticized Kamala Harris, calling her the “ringleader” of a “Marxist attack on law enforcement” across the country. While the event was meant to draw distinctions with Harris, Trump spent the majority of his speech attacking the vice president.
Arizona Supreme Court allows voters to decide on constitutional right to abortion
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that a 200-word summary used to collect signatures for a ballot measure on the constitutional right to abortion is valid. The measure would allow abortions until an embryo or fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks, with exceptions for later-term abortions in certain circumstances. The ruling came just before a Thursday deadline for printing the ballots.
Blinken concludes Mideast visit without a cease-fire, emphasizing the urgency of the situation
JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his visit to the Middle East without securing a cease-fire in Gaza. Blinken warned that “time is of the essence,” even as both Hamas and Israel indicated that challenges still remain. The focus is now on getting Hamas to accept a proposal to bridge gaps with Israel. Mediators must ensure that both sides agree on crucial details to implement a deal. Blinken highlighted that the bridging proposal includes a clear schedule and locations for Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza.
FTC’s attempt to ban noncompete agreements rejected by federal judge in Texas
A federal judge in Texas has halted a new rule from the Federal Trade Commission that aimed to make it easier for employees to leave a job and work for a competitor. Judge Ada Brown granted a motion for summary judgment filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others, rejecting the FTC’s petition for judgment in its favor. The judge ruled that the FTC had exceeded its authority in creating the rule, which was supposed to go into effect next month.
Details emerge about the sinking of a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily and the individuals onboard
PORTICELLO, Sicily (AP) — Specialist cave divers are conducting underwater searches in 12-minute shifts for six missing passengers and crew, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, believed to be inside the sunken wreck of a luxury yacht off Sicily. The yacht, with a crew of 10 and 12 passengers, sank after being hit by a powerful storm near the Mediterranean island. One body has been recovered, and 15 people survived. Here’s what is known so far about the incident and the individuals onboard.
Former poacher in Zimbabwe now advocates for conservation
CHIREDZI, Zimbabwe (AP) — In Zimbabwe’s wildlife-rich Chiredzi district, an ex-poacher who was recently released from prison now promotes conservation efforts. However, escalating human-animal conflicts, largely due to climate change, pose challenges to these efforts. Encroachment by humans for various activities like farming, illegal hunting, and logging is shrinking animal habitats. Droughts and reduced habitats are also prompting animals to raid settlements for survival. The former poacher now condemns poaching as a selfish act and believes that communities can benefit from wildlife through tourism.
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