Venezuelan opposition claims to have evidence that their candidate defeated President Maduro in the controversial election
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Amid widespread protests across Venezuela, opposition candidate Edmundo González has declared that his campaign has obtained proof showing that he won the disputed election, which electoral authorities awarded to President Nicolás Maduro. González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado informed the media that they have acquired over 70% of tally sheets from Sunday’s election, which indicate González received more than double the votes of Maduro. They urged the public, some of whom protested after Maduro’s victory was announced, to remain calm and invited them to peacefully gather at 11 a.m. on Tuesday to celebrate the results.
Investigation of soldiers for alleged sexual abuse causes tension between Israeli military and hard-line factions
JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli military court is expected to hold a hearing on Tuesday for nine soldiers who were detained for questioning regarding alleged abuse of a Palestinian at a secretive facility used to hold prisoners from Gaza during the conflict. According to a defense attorney representing some of the soldiers, the investigation involves allegations of sexual abuse. This probe has heightened tensions between the military leadership and hard-line nationalists in the government who advocate for a more aggressive approach in Israel’s actions in Gaza. The upcoming hearing, where judges will decide on extending the soldiers’ detention, could lead to further protests by supporters of the soldiers.
Outbreak of lice, scabies, and rashes afflicts Palestinian children in Gaza’s overcrowded tent camps
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials report that skin diseases are spreading rapidly in Gaza due to dire conditions in densely populated tent camps housing thousands of displaced Palestinians. Palestinians claim to lack basic hygiene products such as soap to wash themselves, their children, or their clothes in the scorching summer heat. The U.N. states that the sanitation system has collapsed following Israel’s bombings and offensives. The World Health Organization has documented over 160,000 cases of lice, scabies, and skin rashes. Hospitals are seeing hundreds of cases of skin diseases daily, including many children with various dermatological issues.
Death toll rises to 70 in southern India due to landslides caused by heavy rains
NEW DELHI (AP) — Severe landslides triggered by incessant rains in southern India have claimed the lives of 70 individuals and left many others feared trapped under debris. The landslides struck hilly villages in Kerala state on Tuesday, destroying numerous houses and a bridge. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the catastrophe. Rescue efforts are underway to extract those trapped under mud and rubble, although blocked roads and unstable terrain are hindering progress. Television footage shows rescuers navigating through mud, fallen trees, and vehicles submerged in a swollen river. Helicopters are being utilized to assist in the rescue operation. More rainfall is predicted.
Taylor Swift expresses shock after 3 children die in a UK dance class attack
LONDON (AP) — British authorities are interrogating a suspect and striving to comprehend the motives behind a 17-year-old boy’s assault on children at a dance and yoga session inspired by Taylor Swift, resulting in three fatalities and six individuals in critical condition. Eight other children and two adults sustained injuries in the incident in Southport, northwest England, with five children and both adults in critical condition in local hospitals. Swift took to Instagram to convey her shock and bewilderment at the tragic events. The 17-year-old assailant has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Georgia becomes a focal point for Democrats as Kamala Harris campaigns in the state
ATLANTA (AP) — In a recent turn of events, Georgia has regained significance for Democrats in the wake of President Joe Biden stepping down and Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the probable nominee. Democrats had previously considered Georgia to be drifting beyond their grasp, with the focus shifting to safeguarding the “blue wall” states in the Midwest and potentially relinquishing battleground states in the “Sun Belt.” However, Harris’ candidacy has revitalized hopes for Democrats in Georgia, with a surge in fundraising and renewed enthusiasm making Georgia a competitive battleground once again. Harris is set to hold a major rally in Atlanta on Tuesday, reflecting a renewed push by Democrats in the state.
Donald Trump mulls over debating Kamala Harris but leaves room for uncertainty
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has tempered his prior commitment to debating Vice President Kamala Harris, casting doubt on the necessity of a debate and stating that he will “probably” engage in a debate, while also considering the option of not doing so. In an interview with Fox News Channel aired on Monday night, Trump appeared less definitive about debating Harris compared to his earlier stance. The former Republican president had been eager to debate President Joe Biden during the election campaign, but with Harris poised to assume Biden’s presidential duties, Trump has raised questions about the terms of the originally agreed-upon debate.
Understanding Russia’s nuclear doctrine as cited by Vladimir Putin amid escalating tensions
As a clear signal to dissuade Western nations from escalating military support for Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of revising Russia’s nuclear doctrine concerning the deployment of its atomic arsenal. Putin warns that any Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with longer-range Western-supplied weapons or the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine would represent a significant escalation and could provoke a forceful response. Putin characterizes Russia’s nuclear policy as a flexible tool that can be adjusted based on evolving circumstances. Hawks in Russia have advocated for a toughening of the doctrine, claiming that the current policy is insufficient in deterring Western actions.
Men’s Olympic triathlon in Paris postponed due to concerns over Seine water quality
PARIS (AP) — Fears regarding water quality in the Seine River led Paris Olympics organizers to delay the men’s triathlon event. Officials aim to conduct the swimming segment of the race in the long-polluted waterway on Wednesday or in the following days following extensive cleanup efforts. The women’s triathlon event is also scheduled for Wednesday, contingent on water tests showing safe levels of E. coli and other bacteria in the river. However, anticipated storms and rainfall from Tuesday night through Thursday could complicate the rescheduling of the events, as rainfall typically leads to elevated bacteria levels in the Seine river.
Paris braces for a heat wave following a damp start to the Olympics
PARIS (AP) — The 2024 Olympics in Paris is preparing for a heat wave in various parts of France following a rain-drenched opening ceremony. The national weather agency forecasts temperatures exceeding 95 degrees in Paris and surrounding regions on Tuesday. Air conditioning is less prevalent in homes, shops, and eateries compared to other regions like the United States. Southern France is expected to experience even higher temperatures. Some venues have set up misters, while the train and metro operator in the Paris area plans to distribute water. Horses participating in equestrian competitions will seek shelter in shaded areas and receive water sprays. Despite the heat, some athletes express confidence in coping with the conditions.
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