Harris and Walz describe themselves as ‘joyful warriors,’ narrowly avoid a tarmac confrontation with Vance
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, self-proclaimed “joyful warriors,” embarked on their first full day as running mates rallying Democrats in the Midwest. However, tensions arose when they coincidentally crossed paths with Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance on a Wisconsin tarmac. The Harris campaign revealed that it raised $36 million within 24 hours of the vice presidential announcement. The purpose of Wednesday’s trip was to reinforce support among young, diverse, and labor-friendly voters who played a crucial role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. This coalition has displayed signs of strain due to Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Vance and other Trump allies propagate a false assertion about Harris’ racial background
Ohio Senator JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, is defending a baseless claim made by the former president regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity. Trump falsely suggested that Harris had minimized her Black heritage to portray herself as someone she’s not. Vance interpreted this as an attack on Harris’ authenticity. Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, did not provide a specific response to Trump’s unfounded statement. In a speech to a Black sorority, the vice president criticized Trump for perpetuating divisiveness and disrespect.
Organizers cancel Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to security concerns
VIENNA (AP) — Organizers of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna canceled the events after authorities arrested suspects linked to a possible attack, potentially targeting one of the concerts in Vienna. Swift was scheduled to perform at the Ernst Happel Stadium in the Austrian capital on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Event organizer Barracuda Music announced the cancellation on its Instagram channel, citing safety concerns.
9/11 hearings at Guantanamo Bay disrupted after unexpected order by US defense chief
FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) — Hearings for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants at Guantanamo Bay are in turmoil following Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to nullify a plea agreement. Defense attorneys argue that the plea deal remains valid and have halted participation in pre-trial hearings pending legal challenges to Austin’s actions. The judge overseeing the case acknowledged concerns about external influence on the proceedings, marking the latest disturbance in the US military’s prosecution of individuals accused in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Lin Yu-ting advances to gold-medal Olympic match amid gender misconceptions
PARIS (AP) — Boxer Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan has progressed to the gold-medal bout in the women’s featherweight division at the Paris Olympics. Despite facing scrutiny over gender misconceptions, Lin defeated Esra Yildiz Kahraman of Turkey to secure her third consecutive victory in the tournament. Lin and Imane Khelif responded to doubts stemming from a decision by the International Boxing Association by achieving unprecedented success in Paris. Lin employed her height and technique to outperform the more physically dominant Kahraman. She is set to compete for gold against Julia Szeremeta of Poland on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Debby causes repeated heavy rainfall for residents
HUGER, S.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby continues to bring adverse weather up the East Coast, although floodwaters in South Carolina are receding. Residents are assessing the damage following a spate of storms. Despite experiencing multiple floods in recent years, some homeowners in affected areas like Huger were prepared. Elsewhere, regions as far as the Great Lakes and New Jersey faced heavy rains attributed to the slow-moving tropical storm.
NASA considers possibility of astronauts switching from Boeing to SpaceX for return journey
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is increasingly contemplating the scenario where test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who piloted a new Boeing capsule to the International Space Station in June, might need to return home aboard a SpaceX spacecraft. While there is still a chance that Wilmore and Williams could use Boeing’s Starliner for the return trip next month, unresolved issues with leaks and thruster problems may prolong their stay until February, necessitating a return trip via SpaceX. The internal debates within NASA highlight uncertainty over the best course of action.
US abortion rates slightly increase post-Roe v. Wade overturn, study reveals
A recent report indicates a slight uptick in monthly abortion numbers in the US during the first quarter of 2024 following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The #WeCount report attributes this rise to protective laws in Democratic-controlled states allowing prescribers to use telemedicine in regions with abortion restrictions. The survey recorded an average of nearly 99,000 abortions per month, a modest increase from the period pre-Dobbs ruling. January marked the first instance of over 100,000 abortions nationwide in a single month since the survey’s inception.
New Hamas leader appointed amid Gaza conflict and cease-fire efforts
Yahya Sinwar’s ascendancy as Hamas’ leader formalizes his role following the violent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last October. Viewed as a hard-liner with strong ties to Hamas’ military wing, Sinwar succeeded his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, who perished in an explosion in Tehran blamed on Israel. Sinwar wields significant influence over cease-fire negotiations in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. However, his reclusive presence in Gaza raises questions about managing Hamas operations across the Middle East.
Study finds Great Barrier Reef waters hottest in 400 years over previous decade
WASHINGTON (AP) — Research published in the journal Nature reveals that ocean temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef reached four-century highs over the past decade. Scientists from Melbourne University obtained historical temperature data using coral samples from the Coral Sea, indicating consistent temperatures until 1900 followed by a warming trend from 1960 to 2024. The past decade witnessed significantly elevated temperatures coinciding with mass bleaching events. The researchers caution that the reef’s survival hinges on halting global warming.
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