Obamas close DNC’s second night with rousing Harris endorsement and pointed warnings about Trump
CHICAGO (AP) — Warning of a tough road ahead, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have urged the nation to support Kamala Harris in urgent messages to the Democratic National Convention that were both hopeful and ominous. “America, hope is making a comeback,” the former first lady declared. She then criticized Republican Donald Trump, a stark departure from her 2016 convention speech where she encouraged her party to take the high road. Barack Obama, the first Black president in U.S. history, stated that the nation is prepared to elect Harris, who would be the first female president with Jamaican and Indian heritage.
A double dose of Obama firepower, a devoted spouse, and a dance party: Key points from Day 2 of the DNC
CHICAGO (AP) — The second night of the Democratic National Convention featured speeches from both Barack and Michelle Obama in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. The Obamas did not hold back in criticizing Republican Donald Trump. Additionally, second gentleman Doug Emhoff expressed his desire for Americans to love his wife as much as he does. Harris and running mate Tim Walz left Chicago for the evening to host a rally in Milwaukee, recognizing the importance of winning over voters in swing state Wisconsin.
Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police near Chicago’s Israeli consulate on the second night of DNC
CHICAGO (AP) — Several pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested after clashes with police during a protest outside the Israeli consulate that spilled onto the surrounding streets on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. The confrontations with officers began shortly after the start of Tuesday’s demonstration. Police declared the protests as “an unlawful assembly” and instructed the crowd to disperse. Amid the protest, some demonstrators set an American flag on fire as the roll call for Vice President Kamala Harris took place approximately 2 miles away at the United Center. Superintendent Larry Snelling commended his officers for their proportional response to the protests.
Moscow faces largest Ukrainian drone attack to date, all drones destroyed, say Russian authorities
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian authorities report that Moscow experienced the largest Ukrainian drone attack since the start of the conflict in 2022, with all drones being destroyed. Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced that 45 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight, with 11 in the Moscow region, 23 in Bryansk, six in Belgorod, three in Kaluga, and two in Kursk.
Putin’s delayed response to the Kursk attack may test the loyalty of some of his supporters in Russia
Ukraine’s rapid military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region has seemingly caught Moscow off guard. Since August 6, Kyiv’s forces have captured villages, taken numerous prisoners, and forced tens of thousands of civilians to evacuate in what has become the largest attack on the country since World War II. President Vladimir Putin, known for hesitating in response to crises, has downplayed the attack so far. However, 2 1/2 years after initiating a war in Ukraine to address what he deemed a threat to Russia, his own country faces increasing turmoil. The consequences of Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk on Putin remain uncertain.
Blinken concludes latest Mideast visit without cease-fire, emphasizes urgency
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his recent visit to the Middle East without achieving a cease-fire in Gaza. Blinken stressed on Tuesday that time is of the essence, although Hamas and Israel have signaled that challenges remain. Following meetings with officials in mediating countries Egypt and Qatar, Blinken noted that while Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge gaps with the militant group, the focus now shifts to getting Hamas to agree. Mediators must ensure that both sides agree to crucial details to implement a deal. Blinken mentioned the clarity of the proposed schedule and locations for Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza.
Bus transporting Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq crashes in Iran, resulting in at least 28 deaths
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A bus carrying Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq crashed in central Iran, leading to at least 28 deaths. The incident occurred Tuesday night in the central Iranian province of Yazd, as reported by local emergency official Mohammad Ali Malekzadeh to the state-run IRNA news agency. Another 23 individuals sustained injuries, with 14 being serious. At the time of the crash, there were 51 people on board. The pilgrims were en route to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after the death of a Shiite saint in the 7th century.
Trump campaigns to ‘make America safe again’ amidst focus on his criminal record at Democratic convention
HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump vowed to “make America safe again” while campaigning in Michigan, countering the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where Kamala Harris was nominated and Trump was labeled a career criminal. Trump campaigned in Michigan on Tuesday as part of a battleground campaign aimed at overshadowing the Democratic National Convention. In Howell, he stood alongside sheriff’s deputies and accused Harris, a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, of leading a “Marxist attack on law enforcement” nationwide. The event emphasized Trump’s efforts to highlight the contrast between himself and Harris, with much focus on criticizing the vice president.
Arizona and Montana voters to decide on constitutional abortion rights
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona and Montana voters will determine whether to safeguard the right to an abortion in their state constitutions. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a 200-word summary used by advocates to gather signatures is valid, allowing the issue to remain on the ballot. Montana’s abortion measure has been certified by the secretary of state to appear on the November ballot. Both measures protect the right to an abortion until the fetus can survive outside the womb and allow later-term abortions in cases where the mother’s life or health is at risk.
Toy or danger? Brazilian kite flying prompts calls for a national ban
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Kite flying is a common pastime in Brazil, particularly in Rio’s favelas, low-income communities. While kite flying symbolizes leisure elsewhere, it can be perilous in Brazil, especially when involving kite fighting. The objective is to cut a challenger’s line, causing the kite to fall. This activity can be dangerous due to the use of razor-sharp lines, leading to severe accidents. Efforts are underway in Congress to outlaw razor-sharp lines nationwide, with a bill heading for a Senate vote. Supporters of kite fighting argue for its safe practice in designated areas rather than implementing a ban.
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