Biden’s candidacy faces new peril as Pelosi, Clooney and more Democrats weigh in
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is facing fresh challenges. Rather than urging him to stay in, on Wednesday Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said “it’s up to the president to decide” if he should. Celebrity donor George Clooney said he should not run, and Democratic senators expressed renewed concerns about his ability to defeat Republican Donald Trump. This uncertainty highlights the ongoing questions within the Democratic party regarding Biden’s candidacy, despite his insistence that he will continue. Pelosi’s thoughts are closely watched as indicators of Democratic leaders’ perspectives on Biden’s candidacy. Clooney’s comments portraying Biden as “the same man we all witnessed at the debate” underscore the depth of these concerns.
A defiant Biden adopts tactics from his rival as he seeks to move past the debate disaster
NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden is employing tactics reminiscent of his rival by calling into his favorite morning cable news show, criticizing the “elites” of his party, and disregarding negative polls. Despite widespread calls for him to step down after a disastrous debate performance that raised questions about his competence, Biden is taking a defiant stance. He is embracing certain strategies utilized by former President Donald Trump, whom he considers a serious threat to democracy. Trump has a well-established playbook for handling controversies, and Biden is now taking pages from that playbook.
Israeli military instructs evacuation of Gaza City, an early target in conflict with Hamas
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military has issued orders for all Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City and relocate to the south. The evacuation directives provided on Wednesday indicate that Israel is escalating its offensive across various regions of the embattled territory, resulting in numerous casualties over the past 48 hours. This increased military activity comes as U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators hold talks with Israeli officials in Doha, Qatar, in pursuit of a long-awaited cease-fire agreement with Gaza’s Hamas militant group. Israel used leaflets to inform Gaza residents about the evacuation order.
Houston residents struggle after storm Beryl leaves millions without power
HOUSTON (AP) — The scorching heat has exacerbated the difficulties for Houston residents still without power following Hurricane Beryl. The storm forced people to seek relief from the heat and to find fuel sources in the midst of extended power outages affecting one of the nation’s largest cities. As of Wednesday morning, over 1.7 million homes and businesses in Texas were without electricity, which is a decrease from the peak of over 2.7 million on Monday. Officials are facing inquiries regarding the adequacy of preparations by the power utility serving the region. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the use of a sports and event complex to accommodate hospital patients.
Man suspected of murdering family of BBC radio commentator apprehended, say British police
LONDON (AP) — British law enforcement authorities have located the individual believed to have killed three women with a crossbow near London, and he is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. The Hertfordshire Police reported on Wednesday that 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found in the Enfield area of north London. The BBC confirmed that the victims were the family of its well-known radio racing commentator John Hunt. Police confirmed that no shots were fired and that they are not seeking any other suspects in relation to the killings. Following a tip about the murders in a house in Bushey, a residential area in northwestern London, police conducted a search in a park near Clifford’s home.
Defense attorney claims ‘Alec Baldwin committed no crime; he was an actor, acting’ at trial openings
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A defense attorney stated that Alec Baldwin’s shooting of a cinematographer was “an unspeakable tragedy,” but emphasized that “he committed no crime, he was an actor, acting.” Baldwin’s attorney, Alex Spiro, delivered the opening statement on Wednesday at the involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico. Prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson argued in her opening that Baldwin “violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety.” The trial will explore the intersection of gun safety, celebrity status, and a low-budget Western movie filmed on a remote ranch. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer of “Rust,” pleaded not guilty and contended that he followed instructions in handling the gun and did not pull the trigger.
Judge indicates Rudy Giuliani bankruptcy case likely to be dismissed, but debts will persist
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge is leaning toward dismissing Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case after lawyers for the financially struggling former New York City mayor and his primary creditors reached an agreement on the best course of action. Dismissing the case would terminate Giuliani’s pursuit of bankruptcy protection, but it would not absolve him of his debts. The bankruptcy proceedings have been turbulent, with accusations that Giuliani is flouting bankruptcy laws and potentially concealing assets. His principal creditors are two former Georgia election workers who secured a $148 million defamation verdict against him. A U.S. bankruptcy judge announced on Wednesday that he intends to issue a decision on dismissing the case by the end of the week.
Experts affirm benefits of couples sleeping separately
NEW YORK (AP) — Couples who choose to sleep in separate rooms experience no lack of intimacy, only better sleep quality. Specialists agree that there are advantages to sleeping in separate beds. For couples contemplating this arrangement, specialists recommend undergoing a sleep evaluation, as the underlying issue causing sleep disturbances may be treatable, such as sleep apnea. While sharing a bed is not essential for intimacy, advancements in technology have made it easier for couples who do choose to share a bed. Tools like white noise machines, cooling pillows, dual temperature-controlled mattresses, and individual blankets can enhance sleep quality for both partners.
Astronauts express confidence in Boeing space capsule to safely bring them back to Earth, despite setbacks
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Two astronauts who were expected to return to Earth weeks ago remain confident in Boeing’s Starliner capsule’s ability to bring them back safely. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard the Starliner early last month. Leaks and thruster malfunctions almost derailed their arrival at the International Space Station, necessitating a prolonged stay. During a news conference from orbit on Wednesday, the astronauts expressed readiness to return once thruster testing is completed on Earth. They are appreciative of the extended time in space and are enjoying assisting the station crew.
Lorenzo Musetti advances to his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon and will face Novak Djokovic
LONDON (AP) — Lorenzo Musetti secured a spot in his first Grand Slam semifinal by defeating Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon and is set to compete against Novak Djokovic next. The 25th-seeded Musetti overcame the 13th-seeded Fritz with a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. This year’s Wimbledon has witnessed 37 five-set matches, the highest number at any Grand Slam event. Djokovic’s path to the semifinals was made easier when he advanced to a record-tying 13th semifinal through a walkover, as Alex de Minaur withdrew due to a hip injury. In the women’s tournament, Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova secured semifinal berths. Rybakina was the Wimbledon champion in 2022, while Krejcikova won the 2021 French Open.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
