Harris secures majority of delegates needed for nomination, breaks fundraising record
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered support from over two-thirds of the Democratic delegates required to secure her party’s nomination. She has also set a new fundraising record in her first 24 hours as a presidential candidate, as key Democrats rally around her to defeat Republican Donald Trump. In a bid to put inter-party conflicts over President Joe Biden’s candidacy behind them, influential Democratic officials, party leaders, and political organizations are swiftly backing Harris. Concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s suitability for office have been replaced with indications of party unity.
Biden’s exit from presidential race introduces uncertainty for Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The decision of U.S. President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race adds a new layer of uncertainty for Ukraine. Questions regarding the future of American support are exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Many Ukrainians are apprehensive about the potential victory of former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. Kyiv is concerned that Trump would reduce support and compel Ukraine to seek peace terms favoring Russia. Democrats are hopeful that Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris will energize the Democratic campaign, although the impact on Trump’s chances of victory remains unclear.
Secret Service director faces scrutiny over Trump assassination attempt, admits failure
WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the Secret Service revealed that the rooftop where a shooter targeted Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally had been identified as a potential vulnerability days before the incident. Director Kimberly Cheatle made these remarks while being interrogated by lawmakers regarding the failed assassination attempt on the Republican presidential nominee on July 13. Cheatle acknowledged that the agency had been alerted about a suspicious individual multiple times before the incident. During a congressional hearing, Cheatle admitted, “On July 13, we failed.” Republican and Democratic lawmakers criticized Cheatle for avoiding questions about the investigation into the shooting.
Biden’s withdrawal decision finalized in private moments before public announcement
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden never intended to drop out of the race. Until he made the decision to step aside on Sunday, he was fully committed. His campaign was making plans for fundraisers, events, and travel in the coming weeks. Despite publicly declaring his determination to stay in the race, Biden was privately reflecting on recent setbacks, his presidency over the past three years, and his extensive political career. Ultimately, the decision to withdraw was made by the president alone, quietly from his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Republicans threatened to sue over November ballot if Biden withdrew, experts dismiss claim
WASHINGTON (AP) — Even before President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race, allies of former President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of legal action to prevent Democrats from replacing Biden on the ballot in November. However, election administration experts argue that the timing of Biden’s withdrawal makes it unlikely for any Republican challenges to succeed, with some labeling the idea as “ridiculous” and “frivolous.” Democrats are on solid legal ground as they select a new nominee since the party has not officially finalized its candidate. The Democratic National Convention is set to begin on Aug. 19.
Biden’s withdrawal adds uncertainty to global conflicts and foreign policy challenges
Joe Biden’s departure from the U.S. presidential race introduces greater uncertainty at a time when world leaders are grappling with conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, a more assertive China in Asia, and the rise of the far right in Europe. With a five-decade political career, Biden cultivated personal relationships with numerous foreign leaders that potential Democratic replacements cannot match. The complex foreign policy issues facing the next U.S. president underscore the global implications of developments in Washington.
Bodycam footage exposes chaotic scene of deputy fatally shooting Sonya Massey who sought help
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Body camera footage released by a prosecutor depicts a tumultuous situation in which a Black woman in Springfield, Illinois, who called 911 for assistance is shot in the face in her home by a white sheriff’s deputy. The video captures a tense exchange where former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson confronts 36-year-old Sonya Massey over relocating a pot on the stove. Grayson threatens to shoot her, Massey dodges, and Grayson fires his gun at her three times. Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, and he is currently detained in the Sangamon County Jail without bond.
Israel orders evacuation of part of Gaza humanitarian zone as casualties surpass 39,000 Palestinians
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military has instructed the evacuation of a section of a congested area in Gaza designated as a humanitarian zone. The military cites the presence of Hamas militants in the area and urges civilians to vacate the eastern part of the zone. This announcement coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress to justify the nine-month war against Hamas amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that new Israeli airstrikes have pushed the death toll in the conflict to over 39,000 Palestinians.
Conservatives criticize DEI efforts at Secret Service following shooting at Trump rally
Several Republican lawmakers have criticized gender and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the Secret Service as contributing to security failures during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. This reflects a broader conservative backlash against DEI that has grown since the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions last June. The recent criticism was evident during a Congressional hearing on the Secret Service and its director, Kimberly Cheatle. Cheatle defended the DEI initiatives, while others viewed the allegations as an attempt to gain political advantage.
CrowdStrike CEO summoned to testify before Congress on cybersecurity firm’s role in global tech outage
WASHINGTON (AP) — House leaders have called on CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz to testify before Congress regarding the cybersecurity company’s involvement in triggering a widespread tech outage that grounded flights, disrupted banking and hospital systems, and impacted services globally. CrowdStrike has reported that numerous computers that crashed on Friday, causing global disruptions, have been restored, as customers and regulators await a detailed explanation of the incident. Republican leaders leading the House Homeland Security committee have expressed the urgency of receiving these answers promptly.
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