2:35 p.m. EDT AP News Summary | National News

Maduro Declared Winner of Venezuela’s Presidential Election

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been formally declared the winner of his country’s disputed presidential election. The announcement came a day after the political opposition and Maduro both claimed victory in the contest. The National Electoral Council, loyal to Maduro’s ruling party, handed him a third six-year term as the leader of a country facing economic collapse and a desperate population. There was no immediate comment from the opposition, which had promised to defend its votes. Opposition leaders planned to hold a news conference later in the day. Demonstrators began to gather at a few points in Caracas, the capital, and some attempted to block freeways.

Trump and Harris in 99-Day Sprint to Decide Election

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — With just 99 days before Election Day, a new race is taking shape with Vice President Kamala Harris shattering fundraising records and generating excitement not seen since former President Barack Obama’s candidacy. Republicans are struggling to accept the new reality that Donald Trump’s victory is not guaranteed. The rapid transformation of the election in the past week serves as a stark reminder that little is certain in the Trump era.

Trump Agrees to FBI Interview Regarding Assassination Attempt

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI announced that former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed as part of the investigation into his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. The interview is a standard protocol for victims of federal crimes during investigations. Trump was hit by a bullet or bullet fragment during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. New details about the gunman and his interests have been revealed by the FBI.

Biden Unveils Plan for Supreme Court Changes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris stated that President Joe Biden’s proposed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court aim to restore confidence in the institution. Biden is calling on Congress to establish term limits and an ethics code for the court’s nine justices, as well as ratify a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity. The proposal faces challenges in a closely divided Congress with Election Day looming.

Israeli Military Detains Soldiers Over Alleged Abuse

SDE TEIMAN BASE, Israel (AP) — The Israeli military is holding nine soldiers for questioning following allegations of substantial abuse of a detainee at a detention facility where Palestinian prisoners have been held during the Gaza war. The military’s top legal official has launched a probe into the alleged abuse. Reports have exposed poor conditions at the Sde Teiman facility, prompting an outcry among members of Israel’s far-right government.

California Firefighters Make Progress Against Wildfires

FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters are making progress battling wildfires that have devastated large areas in the western United States. The Park Fire in California has burned an area larger than Los Angeles, one of over 100 blazes in the U.S. Many fires were sparked by extreme weather conditions. Efforts to contain the blazes have been aided by cooler temperatures and increased humidity, with thousands evacuated in Southern California’s Sequoia National Forest. Air quality alerts have been issued in the northwestern U.S. and Western Canada.

Army Removes Deputy Involved in Sonya Massey Shooting

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged in the shooting death of Sonya Massey was discharged from the Army after two DUI convictions that involved having a weapon in his car. Law enforcement experts believe that the deputy’s record should have raised red flags when he was hired. The deputy has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in Massey’s death, sparking concerns about hiring practices in police agencies.

Doctors Concerned About Overdiagnosis of Infant Condition

NEW YORK (AP) — The American Academy of Pediatrics is warning about the overdiagnosis of tongue-tie, a condition in infants that can affect breastfeeding. The group is concerned about the increasing use of unnecessary surgery to treat this condition and urges medical professionals to consider nonsurgical options first. The report highlights the need to avoid unnecessary procedures for infants with ankyloglossia.

Simone Biles to Compete Despite Injury

PARIS (AP) — American gymnast Simone Biles, despite a calf injury, will compete on all four events during the Olympic women’s team finals. Biles sustained the injury while warming up but still posted top scores on floor and vault during qualifying rounds.

Harris Woos Arab American Voters

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is making efforts to win over Arab American voters in Michigan, addressing concerns over President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Arab American leaders are cautiously optimistic about Harris’ presidential campaign and are closely watching for signals of her stance on the issue.