Venezuela’s capital is eerily calm after the presidential election where both Maduro and the opposition claimed victory
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Following the presidential election in Venezuela, an eerie calm has settled over the country’s capital. Both the opposition and incumbent Nicolás Maduro have declared victory, setting the stage for a high-stakes standoff. Despite Maduro being proclaimed the winner with 51% of the vote compared to 44% for retired diplomat Edmundo González, several foreign governments, including the U.S. and European Union, have refrained from recognizing the election results. Detailed vote tallies have been delayed, and the opposition has vowed to defend its votes while urging supporters to remain calm and calling on the government to avoid escalating tensions. In western Caracas, a usually bustling area, several businesses were closed, bus stops were empty, and traffic was nonexistent.
Latest on Israel-Hamas conflict: Israeli strike in southern Lebanon kills 2, says Lebanese media
Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported on Monday that Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to three others. The strikes occurred in the aftermath of a rocket attack from Lebanon over the weekend that killed 12 youths in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. These new strikes were not the anticipated response to the deadly weekend attack, raising concerns about a potential wider regional conflict. Cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have been frequent since the start of the war in Gaza in October. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the site of the rocket attack, which was met with protests by some residents.
Biden reveals plan for Supreme Court reform, citing public confidence crisis in the U.S.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris announced the details of President Joe Biden’s proposed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, aimed at restoring confidence in the institution. The proposal includes establishing term limits and an ethics code for the court’s nine justices, as well as pushing for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity. Despite the White House providing a comprehensive outline of Biden’s plan, the proposal faces an uphill battle in a closely divided Congress with only 99 days left until Election Day. Biden is scheduled to discuss the proposal at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas on Monday.
Trump and Harris enter a 99-day sprint to navigate an election that has undergone a significant transformation
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Just a week ago, the outlook for the presidential election seemed inevitable. However, with only 99 days left until Election Day, a new race is taking shape with fresh candidates, a revised focus on issues, and shifting perspectives for both parties. Vice President Kamala Harris is breaking fundraising records, dominating social media, and generating levels of excitement reminiscent of former President Barack Obama’s historic campaign. On the flip side, Republicans are grappling with fear and frustration as they come to terms with the uncertainty of Donald Trump’s victory. The rapid transformation of the election in the past week underscores the unpredictability of the Trump era and challenges conventional wisdom.
California firefighters make progress amid wildfires causing devastation and spreading smoke across the Western U.S.
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters have made headway in battling wildfires that have ravaged vast areas and caused significant damage in the western United States. The Park Fire in California has burned an area larger than Los Angeles and is one of over 100 fires blazing across the U.S. on Sunday. Many of these fires were triggered by extreme weather conditions, including scorching heat and dry environments. A man accused of starting the Park Fire is set to appear in court on Monday. Firefighters have increased containment to 12% as cooler temperatures and higher humidity aid their efforts. Approximately 2,000 individuals were evacuated due to a fire sweeping through Southern California’s Sequoia National Forest. Air quality alerts have been issued in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada for Monday.
Many Yazidis displaced by Islamic State assault struggle to find permanent homes a decade later
SINJAR, Iraq (AP) — A decade ago, Islamic State militants launched a brutal attack on Yazidi communities in northern Iraq, resulting in the deaths and capture of thousands, including women and girls subjected to human trafficking and abuse. As the anniversary of the assault approaches, tens of thousands of Yazidis face a challenging decision: continue living in displacement camps, which have become their long-term homes despite harsh conditions, or return to their hometowns, which many believe remain unsafe. A government mandate to clear out displacement camps has added urgency to this decision-making process.
Thousands in Ukraine honor soldiers killed in explosion, urge government to secure release of prisoners
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians gathered on Sunday to commemorate the second anniversary of an explosion that claimed the lives of over 50 individuals, including soldiers, at Olenivka prison barracks. Several thousand soldiers and civilians assembled at Kyiv’s Independence Square to demand the release of prisoners of war held by Russia. Speakers at the solemn ceremony called on the Ukrainian government to intensify efforts in negotiating a prisoner exchange for the soldiers. The Olenivka explosion remains a painful chapter in the ongoing war, according to many soldiers.
American Academy of Pediatrics warns against overdiagnosis and overtreatment of infants’ tongue-tie
NEW YORK (AP) — The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about the overdiagnosis of a condition in infants known as tongue-tie, which can impact breastfeeding, leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. The academy’s latest report advises pediatricians and healthcare professionals to explore non-surgical options for children with ankyloglossia, a condition often mistaken for tongue-tie. A study cited in the report suggests that less than half of children exhibiting signs of tongue-tie actually experience difficulties while breastfeeding.
Communication lines in France vandalized during Paris Olympics
PARIS (AP) — Multiple telecommunication lines in France have been vandalized, affecting fiber lines, fixed phones, and mobile phone services as cities host events for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The extent of the damage and its impact on Olympic activities remain unclear. The vandalism followed arson attacks on train networks in France just before the Olympics’ opening ceremony. Marina Ferrari, the secretary of state for digital affairs, reported damage to telecommunication operators across several regions, resulting in localized disruptions to fiber lines and phone services.
Day 2 of Paris Olympics: American athletes shine as Simone Biles and LeBron James stand out
PARIS (AP) — On the second day of the Paris Olympics, American athletes delivered standout performances in the bright sunshine. Notable figures like Simone Biles, LeBron James, and the U.S. women’s soccer team excelled in their respective events. Torri Huske and Haley Batten seized the spotlight, with Batten securing a silver medal in mountain biking, marking the highest finish by an American rider. Despite French swimmer Léon Marchand’s gold medal win in the men’s 400-meter individual medley, the U.S. had a strong showing on Day 2 of the Games.
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