Biden vows to continue running despite declining support on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is refusing to bow to pressure from members of his own party calling for him to drop out of the race following a lackluster debate performance that raised doubts about his preparedness. Despite one of his top allies suggesting the possibility of selecting a different candidate, Biden assured his staff that he will not be pushed out of the race. However, there are indications that Democratic support for Biden is diminishing among lawmakers in Congress. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a long-time Biden supporter, mentioned the idea of a “mini-primary” leading up to the Democratic National Convention next month if Biden were to step down.
Congressional Democrats torn between supporting Biden and expressing concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following Joe Biden’s disappointing debate, there has been little communication between Biden and congressional leaders. Rep. James Clyburn openly discussed the concept of a “mini-primary” preceding the Democratic National Convention in August. Biden’s debate performance has forced lawmakers to confront a potential crisis that extends beyond the outcome of the presidential election. Many Democrats are cautioning that Biden may not be able to defeat Donald Trump in November and are beginning to consider the idea of his withdrawal.
Trump takes a back seat as focus remains on Biden’s debate aftermath
NEW YORK (AP) — In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has chosen not to draw attention to himself. Instead, he is allowing the drama within the Democratic Party to dominate the spotlight. This strategy comes as Trump’s campaign celebrates several legal and political victories leading up to the Republican National Convention this month. Recent triumphs include a Supreme Court ruling granting former presidents broad immunity from prosecution and a decision by the judge in Trump’s New York criminal case to postpone sentencing.
Israel accelerates West Bank settlement expansion with substantial land seizure
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved the largest confiscation of land in the occupied West Bank in over 30 years, according to a settlement monitoring group. Peace Now reported that authorities have recently authorized the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers of land in the Jordan Valley, marking the most significant single seizure since the 1993 Oslo accords. The expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is seen by Palestinians as a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace agreement, with most of the international community regarding them as illegitimate.
Increasing floods and deteriorating conditions threaten US dam safety
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Recent flood events in Minnesota and Texas have highlighted the risks posed by aging dams in the United States. With over 90,000 significant dams in the country, more than 4,000 are deemed to be in poor or unsatisfactory condition, raising concerns about potential fatalities or environmental damage if they were to fail. While many dams are well-maintained, some owners lack the resources to make necessary repairs. Climate change has exacerbated the situation by intensifying rainfall in certain regions, escalating the risk of dam failures.
Summer months see rise in mass shootings and violence
Violence and mass shootings tend to increase during the summer months, particularly around the Fourth of July, which historically ranks as one of the deadliest days. Data from the Gun Violence Archive indicates that June, July, and August have seen the highest number of mass shootings over the past decade. Factors contributing to the spike in violence during the summer include increased social events, school break for teenagers, and higher temperatures.
US officials plan to cull hundreds of thousands of barred owls to save spotted owls
U.S. wildlife officials have proposed a controversial plan to deploy trained shooters to eliminate nearly half a million barred owls in West Coast forests over the next several decades. This initiative aims to protect spotted owls, which are being displaced by barred owls migrating from the eastern U.S. Previous efforts to safeguard spotted owls focused on preserving their habitats, but the surge in barred owl populations has jeopardized those conservation efforts, putting spotted owls at risk of extinction.
Fossil discovery reveals ancient salamanderlike predator predating dinosaurs
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists have identified a large salamanderlike predator with sharp fangs that inhabited waters 280 million years ago, preceding the era of dinosaurs. This creature likely used its wide, flat head to capture prey. Research published in the journal Nature sheds light on early tetrapods, providing insights into the evolution of land-dwelling animals. The discovery in present-day Namibia suggests that tetrapods thrived in colder climates much earlier than previously believed.
General Motors to pay fines for emissions violations in older vehicles
WASHINGTON (AP) — General Motors has agreed to pay nearly $146 million in penalties for emissions violations in 5.9 million older vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that these vehicles did not meet federal fuel economy standards. The Environmental Protection Agency’s testing revealed that GM’s pickup trucks and SUVs emitted over 10% more carbon dioxide than initially reported. GM maintains it complied with pollution and mileage regulations for its vehicles.
TikTok trends reshape consumer culture while facing uncertainty over its future
NEW YORK (AP) — TikTok has become an integral part of American consumerism, revolutionizing trends and changing how people interact with food and fashion. Born out of the Chinese app Douyin, TikTok has quickly become a staple in social media. However, concerns over national security have prompted legislative action threatening TikTok’s existence unless its Chinese parent company divests. Despite legal challenges, TikTok’s influence remains strong and unmatched for the time being.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
