Convention delegates will once again nominate Harris. This time, there is less suspense and more pizzazz.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination nearly two weeks ago in an online vote. This process involved roughly 4,700 delegates who picked a nominee in relative isolation from one another. Democratic party leaders aim to correct this by having a ceremonial vote at the Democratic National Convention, beginning on Monday in Chicago. While this departure from the typical procedure may not have a significant impact on the convention’s overall look or feel, both parties have been identifying their presumptive nominees long before the convention for decades.
Blinken, on his ninth diplomatic trip to the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, is seeking momentum for a ceasefire as talks are set to resume.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is using his ninth diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war to push for a swift conclusion to an elusive ceasefire agreement. Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday for what mediators have called the final push to reach a deal that will take place in Cairo later this week. He will meet with top Israeli officials on Monday before traveling to Egypt on Tuesday. Progress on a proposed ceasefire deal has been reported by the three countries mediating, with Israel pausing most military operations in Gaza and releasing some Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas.
Ukrainian forces have targeted two key bridges in Russia’s Kursk area, possibly indicating their intention to stay.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine has destroyed a crucial bridge in Russia’s western Kursk region and struck a nearby second bridge, disrupting supply lines as part of a bold cross-border incursion that began on August 6. Both Ukraine’s air force chief and Russia’s regional governor confirmed that Ukrainian troops hit the second bridge over the Seim River less than two days after an airstrike ruptured one near Glushkovo. While Kyiv has not stated whether their troops aim to establish a foothold in the Kursk region, targeting bridges suggests an effort to impede a potential Russian counterpush.
Quintuplets are among the dead in Gaza as Blinken visits the region to negotiate a ceasefire deal.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 29 individuals, including young quintuplets. The recent bombardments occurred as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the region to seek an agreement on a ceasefire. Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israel’s prime minister on Monday. The U.S., along with mediators Egypt and Qatar, are reportedly close to striking a deal, with American and Israeli officials cautiously optimistic. However, Hamas has indicated resistance to what they view as new demands from Israel. The war has claimed the lives of over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, prompting concerns about famine and disease outbreaks like polio.
Harris and Walz are kicking off a bus tour in Pennsylvania before the Democratic convention in Chicago.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have started a bus tour in southwestern Pennsylvania before heading to Chicago for their party’s political convention. Vice President Harris and Minnesota Gov. Walz are joined by spouses Doug Emhoff and Gwen Walz. Harris aims to engage with voters during her stops in the Pittsburgh area and maintain the momentum her candidacy has brought to the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump leading up to the convention week. The Democratic National Convention commences on Monday at Chicago’s United Center.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is sending powerful swells and rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is moving away from Bermuda towards the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, but it is still generating strong swells towards the U.S. East Coast. Rip currents associated with the storm have led to at least one death and numerous rescues. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory and a high rip current risk along the Atlantic Coast until Monday evening, warning that these currents can carry even experienced swimmers from the shore into deeper waters. The warning extends from Florida to the Boston area and parts of Maine. Authorities in Manasquan Inlet in New Jersey reported that a fisherman was washed off the north jetty on Saturday but was promptly rescued.
Cholera outbreak in Sudan claims the lives of at least 22 people, says health minister.
CAIRO (AP) — A cholera outbreak in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of nearly two dozen individuals and the illness of several hundred more in recent weeks. The African nation has been dealing with a 16-month conflict and devastating floods. Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim announced on Sunday that at least 22 people have died from the disease, with 354 confirmed cases of cholera identified across the country in recent weeks.
Black men are emerging as a crucial constituency in the 2024 race, bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of politics.
ATLANTA (AP) — Black male voters have traditionally been a consistently Democratic-leaning demographic in the nation. The potential election of Vice President Kamala Harris has placed renewed focus on Black men, a demographic seen as persuadable by both Democrats and Republicans. However, their multifaceted experiences and political preferences are often overlooked in public discourse. Black voters have historically prioritized civil rights and economic mobility policies, leading to overwhelming support for Democrats. The turnout of Black men and the extent to which they maintain their traditional support for Democratic candidates could play a decisive role in November.
A hunter’s graveyard shift involves capturing pythons in the Everglades.
HOLEY LAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, Fla. (AP) — During the dead of night, hunters venture deep into the Florida Everglades to hunt invasive Burmese pythons that are preying on mice, rabbits, and other wildlife. The only source of light in the dark night comes from a pickup truck’s headlights. In the eerie darkness, punctuated only by the sounds of croaking frogs and rustling through tall sawgrass, these hunters stalk pythons in hopes of winning a prize during Florida’s annual Python Challenge. Thomas Aycock, a contractor with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, participates in the challenge and works year-round to remove pythons from the Everglades. Last year, the challenge resulted in the capture of 209 Burmese pythons, with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize.
Can artificial intelligence accurately replicate a man’s screams when on fire? Video game performers advocate for protection of their work.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Video game performers argue that the physical strain and long hours dedicated to motion capture and voice work justify protecting their work against artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA’s video game workers are currently on strike, advocating for equal protection for all performers, including stunt workers and voice acting talents, against the unregulated use of AI. Video game performers fear that AI could diminish job opportunities by replicating performances without their consent. Game studios in negotiations with the union maintain that they are striving to offer proposals with reasonable terms that safeguard performers’ rights while enabling the use of advanced technology to create games.
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