Harris’ selection of Walz generates excitement in Midwestern states where Democrats aim to mend divisions
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will kick off their first full day as running mates in Wisconsin and Michigan. The trip is designed to bolster support among the younger, diverse, labor-friendly voters who played a pivotal role in helping President Joe Biden win the 2020 election. This coalition has shown signs of fracturing over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Leaders of the Arab American community and key unions view Harris’ choice of a running mate positively. They see it as an indication that she is attentive to their concerns. These leaders had objected to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro due to his perceived strong support of Israel.
Selecting a running mate: Inside the 16 days between Kamala Harris’ announcement and her decision to pick Tim Walz
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris’ rapid process of choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate can be described as unusual. Typically, the vetting, interviews, and final decision-making process is spread out over several months, not days. However, the vice president did not have the luxury of time. She was thrust into the role of party leader on July 21 when President Joe Biden stepped down as the Democrats’ presumptive nominee. What ensued was a compressed 16-day process. This involved accelerated private vetting work and a noticeable public audition by multiple contenders. Ultimately, she selected a governor who was not initially seen as a frontrunner. Aides stated that Walz emerged as the best potential governing partner in a Harris administration.
Tropical Storm Debby lingers over the Atlantic, expected to once again soak the Carolinas before heading north
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby is currently located over the western Atlantic Ocean but is projected to bring heavy rainfall to the coastal Carolinas again before gradually moving northward. On Wednesday morning, Debby was centered east of Savannah. The storm has already triggered tornadoes and caused significant flooding in some areas with waist-high floodwaters in submerged streets. Debby is forecasted to move slowly across southern states, potentially resulting in substantial rainfall accumulation in specific regions. The latest predictions suggest that Debby may strengthen again over the ocean before making landfall in South Carolina by Thursday. Debby made its initial landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a hurricane early Monday, leading to the loss of at least six lives.
Israel-Hamas conflict update: Hamas appoints Yahya Sinwar, mastermind behind Oct. 7 attacks, as their new leader
The Palestinian militant organization Hamas has selected Yahya Sinwar as its new leader following the presumed Israeli strike that killed Ismail Haniyeh. Sinwar, Hamas’ top official in Gaza, orchestrated the October 7 attacks in Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes that Sinwar has the capability to facilitate a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the killings of Haniyeh and a senior commander from the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel’s prime minister has declared that the country is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies. Within Gaza, the sole humanitarian aid corridor to the south has been closed due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating the severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Nobel laureate Yunus to lead Bangladesh’s interim government after unrest forces Hasina out
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to head Bangladesh’s interim government subsequent to the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread protests against her administration. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Joynal Abedin, the press secretary of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Abedin revealed that leaders of the student demonstrations, military division chiefs, civil society members, and certain business leaders convened with the president on Tuesday to select the leader of the interim administration. Yunus, currently in Paris for the Olympics, has not issued a statement yet; however, a student leader confirmed his acceptance of the position.
Thai court dissolves progressive Move Forward Party, which secured election victory but was prevented from assuming power
BANGKOK (AP) — A court in Thailand has ordered the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward Party, which emerged victorious in the national elections of 2023, citing a violation of the constitution for advocating to amend a law related to defaming the country’s royal family. The Constitutional Court unanimously decided to disband the party due to its campaign to alter the law, which was viewed as an attempt to undermine the nation’s constitutional monarchy. The ruling also imposes a 10-year ban on political activities for individuals who held executive positions within the party during the campaign for the proposed amendment, including its former charismatic leader and current chief.
UK police deploy 6,000 specially trained officers this week in anticipation of further far-right disturbances
LONDON (AP) — British authorities are preparing for another night of potential violence amid concerns that far-right groups are planning to target up to 30 locations across the country following a week of rioting and unrest. Approximately 6,000 specially trained officers are being mobilized this week to respond to potential disturbances on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police Service in London has pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard the capital.
No alcohol consumption and only Christian music during Sunday Gospel Hour at Nashville’s renowned honky tonk
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Robert’s Western World is synonymous with country music and is considered Nashville’s most iconic honky tonk. However, every Sunday morning for one hour, alcohol consumption is prohibited, and only Christian music is permitted. During the Gospel Hour, Rev. Ron Blakely, donning a cowboy hat, plays the guitar while his daughter Mimi Fischer sings on stage to a crowd of locals and tourists from across America. Attendees join in singing and praying. Blakely, a Christian pastor, has led this service at the honky tonk for nearly two decades, providing many with a spiritual sanctuary away from their conventional places of worship.
Extreme heat impacting most Americans’ electricity bills, reveals AP-NORC poll
WASHINGTON (AP) — According to a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, around 70% of Americans report that extreme heat has either a major or minor impact on their electricity bills over the past year, with a majority experiencing a similar impact on their outdoor activities. Additionally, approximately 40% indicate that extreme heat has affected their sleep, pets, or exercise routine to some extent. These results come at a time when various regions in the U.S. have set record temperatures, including Las Vegas reaching a scorching 120 F on July 7.
Marathon swimmers brave the Seine River amid concerns of polluted water and strong currents
PARIS (AP) — Olympic open water swimmers had the opportunity to explore the historically polluted Seine River after Paris organizers confirmed its safety for swimming. A two-hour training session took place on a cool, overcast morning, providing swimmers with the only chance to familiarize themselves with the picturesque course through the heart of the French capital. Numerous swimmers, from 2016 Olympic champion Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands to Irish newcomer Daniel Wiffen, participated in open water swimming for the first time. The training session preceded the women’s 10-kilometer marathon event scheduled for the following day, with the men’s race set for Friday. Several swimmers assessed the conditions from the renowned Pont Alexandre III.
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