Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Biden and Harris at a critical juncture for the US and Israel
WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will finally visit the White House to hold talks with President Joe Biden and presumable Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. This meeting comes at a crucial time for all three leaders as they face mounting pressure to find a resolution to Israel’s conflict in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held there. Biden is working towards finalizing a proposal to release hostages in Gaza over three phases, as a landmark achievement for his presidency. White House officials indicate that negotiations are nearing completion, but there are still unresolved issues to address.
Biden issues a solemn plea for the defense of democracy as he explains his decision to withdraw from the presidential race
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivers a heartfelt plea to the American people to safeguard the nation’s democracy. In a speech on Wednesday, he announced his withdrawal from the re-election campaign and pledged his support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden emphasized that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” without directly naming former President Donald Trump, whom he has criticized as a threat to democracy. “Nothing can stand in the way of preserving our democracy,” Biden stated from the Oval Office. “This includes personal ambition.”
Survivors and a leaked UN analysis point to Russia’s involvement in the deaths of Ukrainian POWs two years ago
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Former Ukrainian prisoners of war who survived the tragic events at Olenivka barracks two years ago continue to seek answers regarding the circumstances leading up to the deadly night. More than 50 Ukrainians lost their lives and dozens were injured in the explosions. An investigation by The Associated Press involving survivors, family members, and investigators revealed evidence believed to implicate Russia in the incident. Additionally, an internal United Nations analysis reached the same conclusion. Russia has denied the allegations, instead accusing Ukraine of attacking its own men with U.S.-supplied missiles. However, the U.N. analysis remains unpublished and Russia has not been officially named as the perpetrator, leaving families of the victims seeking justice.
Kamala Harris, a Baptist with a Jewish spouse, reflects on her diverse religious background
WASHINGTON (AP) — Black clergy members who are familiar with Vice President Kamala Harris, now the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, admire the blend of traditions and teachings that have shaped her faith and values. As a Baptist married to a Jewish man, Harris draws inspiration from the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and is influenced by the religious practices of her mother’s native India and the Black Church. Religious scholars note the symbolic significance of Harris’ candidacy following Biden’s departure from the race, given her potential historic role as the first female president of the United States and her identity as a Black American with South Asian heritage, bridging two culturally distinct backgrounds.
Trump shifts his focus to Harris during his first rally since Biden’s exit from the 2024 race
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump directs his criticism towards his likely Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, during a rally in North Carolina. Describing Harris as his “new target to conquer,” Trump accuses her of misleading the public about President Joe Biden’s ability to run for a second term before he withdrew from the race. This rally marks Trump’s return to public campaigning since Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election, signaling a more intense and personal phase of the campaign ahead. Harris’s campaign dismisses Trump’s speech as “unhinged” and “rambling.”
US economic growth accelerates to a healthy 2.8% annual rate last quarter
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy shows signs of improvement, with a robust 2.8% annual growth rate recorded in the last quarter, driven by consumer spending and business activity despite persistent high interest rates. This growth marks an acceleration from the 1.4% pace in the previous quarter and surpasses economists’ forecast of 1.9%. The report also indicates a slight easing of inflation, although it remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. These figures instill confidence in the economy’s trajectory towards achieving a successful “soft landing,” where controlled interest rates by the Fed curb inflation without triggering a recession.
DEA files reveal inappropriate behavior among agents, with one accused of misconduct
MIAMI (AP) — U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents engaged in inappropriate behavior, including sharing explicit content and making inappropriate jokes, as revealed in secret documents obtained by The Associated Press. This misconduct culminated in one agent being accused of serious offenses. The incident, which occurred in Spain in 2018, was dismissed, shedding light on a culture of corruption among agents where DEA operations mixed with excessive partying and questionable activities.
Wildfires prompt evacuations in California as fires rage in Oregon and Idaho ignited by lightning
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Intense wildfires force evacuations in Northern and Southern California, while strong winds and lightning strikes create chaos in eastern Oregon and Idaho, causing power outages and fueling fires. The U.S. witnesses its largest active wildfire in Oregon, while another fast-moving blaze leads to the evacuation of a town in Canada. The Park Fire near Chico, California, has spread rapidly to over 70 square miles, with minimal containment. Skies filled with smoke pose air quality concerns in western U.S. states and parts of Canada.
Former school officer pleads not guilty to charges of negligence during school attack in Uvalde, Texas
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — A former school police officer in Uvalde, Texas, enters a not guilty plea during a court hearing, following allegations of inadequate response during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. Adrian Gonzales, along with former Uvalde schools police Chief Pete Arredondo, faced charges related to failing to protect children during the tragic event. Teary-eyed family members watched as Gonzales was arraigned on the charges, amid criticisms of the law enforcement response during the school shooting.
Argentina’s coach condemns chaotic incidents during Olympic soccer match against Morocco
The head of Argentina’s soccer federation expresses outrage over the chaotic conclusion to the Olympic soccer match against Morocco, labeling it nonsensical. Argentina’s coach described the situation as scandalous after the match was suspended for nearly two hours due to disturbances caused by Morocco fans protesting a late goal by Argentina. The goal was eventually overturned, resulting in a 2-1 loss for Argentina. Paris organizers are investigating the events to understand the causes and implement appropriate actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
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