12:47 p.m. EDT AP News Summary | National News

Trump rally gunman looked online for information about Kennedy assassination, FBI director says

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray has informed lawmakers that a laptop connected to the Trump rally gunman contained a Google search for “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” in reference to Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. The search, believed to have been conducted by rally gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, was performed on July 6, a week before the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Wray revealed these details during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

Netanyahu’s visit sparks wave of protests in DC, with all sides criticizing the Israeli leader

WASHINGTON (AP) — Demonstrators are gathering near the Capitol building to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in anticipation of his address to Congress. Protesters are calling for the arrest of Netanyahu and an end to US aid to Israel. The protests come after a sit-in at a congressional office building that led to multiple arrests. Some protesters have erected a large effigy of Netanyahu, depicting him with devil horns and blood dripping from its mouth. Police have removed protesters who were sitting in the street along Pennsylvania Ave.

Netanyahu seeks support for war in Gaza with speech to Congress but sparks protests and boycotts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to gain US support for Israel’s fight against Hamas and other Iran-backed militants in his speech before Congress. Despite many Democratic lawmakers planning to boycott his appearance, protesters are rallying around the Capitol to denounce the violent conflict in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu also wants to demonstrate his statesmanship credentials to a skeptical Israeli audience, but this is complicated by differing American opinions on Israel and the ongoing conflict, which has become a key issue in the US presidential election.

Harris visits Indiana to address historically Black sorority as campaign hopes to win women of color

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is in Indiana to speak to the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis to connect with key Democratic constituents. As her campaign focuses on attracting female, Black, Latino, Asian, and younger voters, Harris’ appearance comes shortly after entering the 2024 race following President Joe Biden’s decision not to run. Campaign officials see a broader avenue for Harris, who is of Black and South Asian descent, compared to the narrow path previously envisioned for Biden. Harris is also scheduled to speak to the American Federation of Teachers in Houston, who have endorsed her candidacy.

Republican leaders urge colleagues to steer clear of racist and sexist attacks on Harris

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders are cautioning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris as they adjust to a new Democratic rival just months before Election Day. House Republicans have been advised to focus on criticizing Harris for her role in the Biden-Harris administration policies, rather than resorting to personal attacks. The National Republican Congressional Committee chairman and Republican House Speaker emphasized that the election should be about policies rather than personalities.

Biden will make a case for his legacy – and for Harris to continue it – in his Oval Office address

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to deliver an Oval Office address to discuss his decision not to run in the 2024 race and lay out what lies ahead. While Biden won’t be on the ballot this November, voters will evaluate his legacy, which will be closely tied to Vice President Kamala Harris’ electoral success. Harris is poised to take on the mantle of the Democratic standard-bearer as she continues the Biden administration’s achievements. Biden’s one-term presidency and how it is remembered will significantly impact Harris’ electoral prospects.

Man who attacked author Salman Rushdie charged with supporting terrorist group

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A man who brutally attacked author Salman Rushdie in a knife assault in western New York is facing new terrorism charges. The federal indictment unsealed in Buffalo accuses Hadi Matar of attempting to provide support to Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Matar is also charged with engaging in terrorism that transcends national boundaries and supporting terrorists. Matar’s attorney states that his client will deny the charges during his court appearance. The attack on Rushdie occurred two years ago, resulting in severe injuries.

NASA telescope spots a super Jupiter that takes more than a century to go around its star

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers have observed a super Jupiter orbiting a nearby star, taking more than a century to complete a full orbit. The planet, located 12 light-years away, is much larger and farther from its star than previously suspected. Images captured by the Webb Space Telescope revealed the planet’s characteristics, which are similar in diameter to Jupiter but with six times the mass. Launched in 2021, Webb is the most significant observatory ever sent into space.

Can you guess Olympians’ warmup songs? World’s top athletes share their favorite tunes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Associated Press spoke with Olympians from various countries to discover the songs that motivate them during warmups before competitions. Athletes like Rai Benjamin, McKenzie Coan, Fernando Dayan, and Rebecca McGowan shared their favorite tracks in a mix of genres, including hip-hop, pop, R&B, and rock.

This is one of the oldest games in North America. You’ve likely never heard of it

CHOCTAW, Miss. (AP) — Stickball, an ancient game played by Indigenous peoples in North America, has been a tradition for centuries. Teams have competed in Mississippi annually since 1975, aiming to become champions of the physical and endurance-based game. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has produced top players for generations, making their tournament a prestigious event in stickball. Teams from Mississippi are often frontrunners in tournaments across the country, showcasing the skill and tradition of the game.

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