Mideast mediators strike hopeful note after talks in Doha
JERUSALEM (AP) — Mediators attempting to bring an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict are expressing optimism about an imminent deal. Following two days of discussions in Qatar, the mediators announced on Friday that they plan to reconvene in Cairo next week to finalize an agreement to cease the fighting. Israel issued a vague statement acknowledging the mediators’ efforts. However, a statement from Hamas did not show enthusiasm for the latest proposed deal to end the 10-month war in Gaza and release Israeli hostages. A cease-fire is seen as the most promising solution to prevent a larger regional conflict.
Harris aims to counter Trump’s economic criticisms by proposing new tax breaks to reduce costs
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is presenting a comprehensive set of economic proposals designed to provide new tax breaks and lower the cost of living for Americans. Her goal is to address the financial concerns that are top-of-mind for voters and that Republican Donald Trump is trying to attribute to her. The plans she is outlining during a visit to North Carolina on Friday include tax cuts for middle- and lower-income families, incentives for builders of starter homes, and federal support for first-time homebuyers’ down payments. She is also looking to expand the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, and reduce health insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act.
They appear to be real news articles, but they are actually advertisements from the Harris campaign
A Harris advertising campaign utilizing Google search has raised some concerns among news outlets regarding their content being used for political purposes. The campaign, which includes links to news stories, highlights the importance for news organizations to safeguard their independence at a time when many consumers are wary of bias in journalism. Despite the revelation this week, the Harris campaign has stated that it has no intentions of discontinuing the under-the-radar campaign. Google confirms that the ads are clearly labeled for viewers. With less than three months until a closely contested election, campaigns are exploring new approaches to reach voters.
Bibles, cryptocurrency, Truth Social, and gold bars: Examining Trump’s reported sources of income
Former President Donald Trump reportedly owns over $1 million worth of cryptocurrency and up to $250,000 in gold bars, in addition to a portfolio of golf courses and real estate properties that have contributed to his billionaire status. Financial disclosures filed by Trump as part of his Republican presidential candidacy reveal these assets. However, most asset values are listed in a range due to federal regulations. The documents do not provide details on Trump’s business losses, making it difficult to assess the profitability of his numerous holdings.
Michael Brown’s death sparked a decade of racial reckoning and transformation in America
Michael Brown has been deceased for ten years. The death of the Black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked protests in the city and bolstered the emerging Black Lives Matter movement. However, the impact extended beyond BLM, encompassing Indigenous, Latino, and Asian American activism against various forms of injustice. These movements have reshaped American democracy and culture, inspiring multiracial activism. Nevertheless, ten years later, the progress, setbacks, and future prospects for racial justice in the U.S. remain uncertain.
New California laws target smash-and-grab robberies, car thefts, and shoplifting
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bipartisan package of ten bills aimed at combating retail theft. These laws include significant measures to address professional crime rings. The new laws, signed by Newsom on Friday, simplify the process of prosecuting repeat shoplifters, auto thieves, and sellers of stolen goods. Lawmakers hope that these measures will persuade voters to reject a ballot measure that proposes making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders, among other provisions. Democrats argue that the measure would disproportionately impact low-income individuals and those struggling with substance abuse. The ballot measure is backed by district attorneys, businesses, and some local officials.
Hurricane Ernesto approaches Bermuda as the wealthy British territory prepares for the storm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is heading towards Bermuda, prompting officials on the affluent British territory to ready shelters and close government offices. The Category 2 storm, located 180 miles south-southwest of Bermuda on Friday, boasts maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and is moving north-northeast at 14 mph. Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning, bringing tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and potentially life-threatening floods, starting on Friday afternoon.
With mpox declared a global health emergency, could it precipitate another pandemic?
LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization has designated the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African countries as a global emergency, necessitating urgent measures to contain the virus’ spread. Sweden has reported the first case of a new variant of mpox previously only found in Africa, while European health authorities anticipate more imported cases. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or their contaminated belongings.
Woman charged with elaborate scheme to extort Elvis Presley’s family and sell off Graceland
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Missouri woman has been arrested for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to sell Elvis Presley’s Graceland property in Memphis. Lisa Jeanine Findley of Kimberling City, Missouri is accused of plotting to steal the Presley family’s ownership of Graceland, falsely claiming that Presley’s daughter used the property as collateral for an unpaid loan prior to her death. Findley, who used multiple aliases, does not have a listed attorney in court documents, and a public phone number is not readily available.
Exploring ketamine, the drug implicated in Matthew Perry’s death
Ketamine is the drug linked to the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, and it is an potent anesthetic endorsed by U.S. health regulators for surgical use. It can be administered via intramuscular injection or IV. Ketamine is a chemical relative of the recreational drug PCP and has been used recreationally for its euphoric effects. It can induce hallucinations and affect respiration and cardiovascular function.
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