Maduro declared winner of Venezuela’s controversial presidential election
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) β NicolΓ‘s Maduro has been officially declared the winner of the disputed presidential election in Venezuela. The announcement came on Monday, following claims of victory from both the political opposition and the entrenched incumbent. The National Electoral Council, loyal to Maduro’s ruling party, awarded him a third six-year term as the leader of a struggling economy and a population yearning for change. The opposition has not yet responded. Opposition leaders are expected to hold a news conference later in the day. Meanwhile, protestors have started gathering in the capital city of Caracas, with some attempting to block highways.
Biden introduces plan for Supreme Court reforms, addressing sinking public confidence
WASHINGTON (AP) β Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced support for President Joe Biden’s proposed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, aiming to restore confidence in the institution. Biden’s plan includes establishing term limits and an ethics code for the nine justices on the court. He is also calling for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity. The White House unveiled the details of Biden’s proposal on Monday. However, with just 99 days until Election Day, the plan faces an uphill battle in a divided Congress. Biden is set to discuss his proposal at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas.
Trump and Harris gear up for a 99-day sprint in a rapidly shifting election landscape
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) β The presidential election, once seen as almost predetermined, has taken on a new dynamic just 99 days before Election Day. Vice President Kamala Harris is breaking fundraising records, dominating social media, and generating excitement reminiscent of former President Barack Obama’s historic campaign. On the other side, Republicans are grappling with the uncertain reality that Donald Trump’s reelection is not a certainty. The swift transformation of the election landscape serves as a reminder that in the Trump era, nothing is guaranteed and conventional wisdom can often be inaccurate.
Trump agrees to FBI interview regarding assassination attempt
WASHINGTON (AP) β Former President Donald Trump has agreed to be interviewed by the FBI as part of the investigation into his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. The FBI announced on Monday that the interview with the 2024 Republican presidential nominee is a standard procedure when speaking with victims of federal crimes in investigations. Trump was struck by a bullet or bullet fragment during the assassination attempt on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBI provided new details about the shooter, including an interest in mass shootings and the attempted assassination of Slovakia’s prime minister earlier this year.
Two children dead, 11 injured in stabbing spree at dance class in England
LONDON (AP) β A stabbing incident in northwest England has left two children dead and 11 others injured. The attack took place on Monday in Southport, near Liverpool, where a 17-year-old boy was arrested and a knife was confiscated. The stabbing occurred at a community center hosting a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event for young children. Witnesses reported seeing several injured children fleeing the building. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “horrendous and deeply shocking.”
Israeli military detains soldiers over alleged abuse at military facility
SDE TEIMAN BASE, Israel (AP) β Nine soldiers in the Israeli military are being held for questioning following allegations of abuse of a detainee at a facility where Palestinian prisoners have been held during the Gaza conflict. The military did not provide further details on the alleged abuse but stated that a probe has been initiated by its top legal official. Reports have previously revealed poor conditions at the Sde Teiman facility, Israel’s largest detention center. The soldiers’ detentions have sparked outcry among members of Israel’s far-right government.
Deputy charged in Sonya Massey’s shooting death ejected from Army
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) β The Illinois sheriff’s deputy accused in the shooting death of Sonya Massey had been discharged from the Army for two DUI convictions, one of which involved having a weapon in his car. Law enforcement experts believe Sean Grayson’s prior convictions should have raised red flags during his hiring process as a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy. Grayson pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in Massey’s death on July 6. Grayson’s discharge from the Army stemmed from a DUI conviction in Illinois in 2015. Experts suggest that his record should have prompted concerns for law enforcement agencies considering hiring him.
Infants’ tongue-tie may be overdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary treatment, says American Academy of Pediatrics
NEW YORK (AP) β The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concerns over the overdiagnosis of tongue-tie in infants, a condition that can impact breastfeeding, leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. The academy issued a report on Monday urging medical professionals to consider nonsurgical options for ankyloglossia, the condition commonly known as tongue-tie. Research cited in the report suggests that less than half of children exhibiting characteristics of tongue-tie actually experience breastfeeding challenges.
California firefighters make progress against wildfires
FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) β Firefighters in California are gaining ground in the fight against wildfires that have devastated large areas of the western United States. The Park Fire in California, larger than Los Angeles, is one of over 100 fires burning across the country. Some of these fires were sparked by extreme weather conditions and dry environments. A man accused of starting the Park Fire is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Firefighters have increased containment to 12%, aided by cooler weather and higher humidity levels. Evacuations were ordered for approximately 2,000 residents due to a fire in Southern California’s Sequoia National Forest. Air quality alerts have been issued for parts of the U.S. and Canada.
Simone Biles competes in Olympic team finals despite calf injury
PARIS (AP) β Despite a calf injury, American gymnast Simone Biles is set to compete in all four events during the Olympic women’s team finals. Biles sustained the injury while warming up for floor exercise during qualifying rounds. After receiving treatment, she returned to post top scores on the floor and vault, securing her spot in the all-around competition.
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