Dozens of protesters arrested at Israeli consulate in Chicago during DNC
Chicago police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters on Tuesday, Aug. 20, after violent clashes with police officers outside the Israeli Consulate during the second night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The mass arrests are the largest since the DNC got underway on Monday.
Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling called the protests “a danger to our city.”
Protesters, reportedly dressed in black, charged police blocking the march and eventually got past the line of officers in riot gear. Officers reportedly “penned” in some protesters, which prevented the crowd from dispersing.
“We had a group that showed up with intent on committing acts of violence and vandalism,” Snelling said. “As a Chicago Police Department, we did everything we could to deescalate the situation but there’s only so much de-escalation that you can attempt before it become excessive repetition.”
Organizers rallied activists under the slogan “Make it great like ’68,” which is a reference to the 1968 Democratic Convention marred by violence during protests against the Vietnam War.
“Make it great like ’68,” Snelling said. “That was what they brought to Chicago. It’s 2024, and the Chicago Police Department proved that. So, let’s get off of the 1968. Let’s stop talking about 1968. It’s 2024.”
Two officers were hurt but not seriously and continued responding to the protests. Snelling also said that three journalists were among the people arrested outside the consulate. However, he did not provide further details about the arrests.
Snelling denied criticism that the police response was too much. He also called the response “proportionate” to the threat.
The demonstrators at Tuesday’s rally were not part of the 200-plus groups that have organized permitted demonstrations.
The largest pro-Palestinian protest occurred on Monday, during the first day of the DNC. Around 3,500 demonstrators showed up to the rally, and while it was largely peaceful, 13 people were arrested for trying to breach a security barrier at the convention.
Fmr. President Obama rallies support for Harris at Night 2 of DNC
Former President Barack Obama headlined night two of the DNC, rallying support behind Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. And Russian officials say Moscow came under the largest attack by Ukrainian drones since the war began over two years ago. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.
Former President Obama rallies support for Harris at Night 2 of DNC
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will formally accept the nomination for vice president at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago Wednesday night. Among those set to speak on night three of the DNC is former President Bill Clinton.
Tuesday, Aug. 20, was a night of Democratic Party star power — including speeches from the Obamas.
Former President Barack Obama closed out the night by rallying up the crowd and throwing his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris while speaking out against her opponent, former President Donald Trump.
“We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos,” Obama said. “We have seen that movie before, and we all know that the sequel is usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris.”
Her running mate, Gov. Walz, will headline night three with a primetime speech Wednesday night.
Running mate says RFK Jr. can stay in the race or back Trump
Former President Donald Trump is continuing a rally blitz across battleground states. He spent Tuesday, Aug. 20, campaigning in Michigan with an emphasis on crime and inflation.
On Wednesday, Trump will join his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, in North Carolina.
This comes as it looks like Trump could potentially pick up an endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan. Shanahan said on a podcast they have two options: stay in the race or join forces with Trump to avoid a Kamala Harris presidency.
RFK Jr. has yet to comment on this direction of his campaign, but said Tuesday he is open to talks with other political parties with similar goals.
A CNN reporter asked Trump whether he would consider RFK Jr. for a spot in his administration following the news of the potential endorsement. Trump said he is open to the idea.
Matt Gaetz defeats McCarthy-backed candidate in Florida primary
McCarthy and his allies had targeted Gaetz as well as three other Republicans who voted to oust him from the speakership late last year.
McCarthy did claim one win — helping to defeat House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good, R, in Virginia earlier this summer. However, South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace and Arizona Rep. Eli Crane won each of their races despite the opposition from McCarthy.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez officially resigns after bribery conviction
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, D, has officially resigned. Tuesday, Aug, 20, was his last day in office.
It comes just over a month after a jury convicted him on federal bribery charges.
The state’s Democratic governor is tapping former top aide George Helmy to succeed the three-term incumbent until the November election results for the Senate seat are certified. It’s a high stakes race, with Democrats holding a narrow majority in the Senate.
Russia says it fought off Ukraine’s largest drone attack yet on Moscow
Russian officials said they shot down at least 12 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow late Aug. 20 night and early Aug. 21 morning, local time. Russia said it was part of one of the largest drone attacks since the Russia-Ukraine War began in 2022.
While it’s not clear how many drones were launched in total, Russia said it took out more than 45 over various regions.
The attacks come as Russia is advancing in eastern Ukraine while also trying to fight off Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region — which is the biggest foreign attack on Russian territory since World War II.
Federal judge blocks FTC’s rule banning noncompete agreements
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) plan to ban noncompete agreements in the workplace is no longer happening — at least for now. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, a federal judge in Texas blocked the new rule that would have made it easier for employees to quit a job and go work for a competitor or start a competing business.
The judge ruled the FTC “exceeded its statutory authority” in making its decision back in April and said the ban would cause irreparable harm. The FTC has previously said noncompete agreements restrict workers’ freedoms and suppress wages.
The rule was to take effect on Sept. 4. An FTC spokesperson said the agency is considering appealing the judge’s decision.
Biden highlights his legacy, passes torch to Harris in DNC address
In a speech lasting nearly an hour on the first night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), President Joe Biden defended his record as he passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. And protesters took to the streets outside the DNC calling for an end to the war in Gaza. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Aug. 20, 2024.
Biden highlights his legacy, passes torch to Harris in DNC address
Former President Barack Obama is slated to be among the speakers on night two of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday, Aug. 20, as the party gears up for Vice President Kamala Harris to officially accept the nomination for president.
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, were in the building Monday night, Aug. 19 for the first night. The vice president gave a surprise speech on the stage thanking President Joe Biden for his “historic leadership.” She then spoke of unity within the party.
“People from every corner of our country and every walk of life are here, united by our shared vision for the future of our country, and this November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people, we are moving forward,” Harris said.
And while the convention is largely focused on Harris, the first night was centered on President Biden as the party paid tribute to his decades-long political career. The crowd chanted in support of the president, giving him a 4-minute standing ovation before his speech. Biden took a moment to thank his supporters before reiterating his endorsement of Harris.
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” the president said. “For 50 years, like many of you, I have given my heart and soul to our nation … It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president.”
First lady Dr. Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke on the first night of the DNC.
“I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us,” Clinton said. “This is our time, America. This is when we stand up. This is when we break through!”
Harris and Walz will both be back on the campaign trail in Wisconsin Tuesday, Aug. 20. That’s also where the Republican vice presidential pick Ohio Sen. JD Vance will be as former President Donald Trump continues his blitz across battleground states. Trump was in Pennsylvania Monday, Aug. 19, and will hold a rally in Michigan Tuesday afternoon.
Protesters attempt to breach barricade at DNC
While the Democratic Party rallied in unison inside Chicago’s United Center, it was a different story on the outside. Protesters broke through a fence set up by police near the site of the DNC as thousands took to the streets to protest the war in Gaza.
As the larger group marched, a few dozen broke away and tore down pieces of the security fence. They chanted “end the occupation now” and then “the whole world is watching!” just as anti-Vietnam war protesters did during the 1968 convention in Chicago when police clashed with protesters on live television.
On Monday, Aug. 19, police in riot gear formed a wall and arrested at least four people. Large protests are expected to continue over the next several days outside the DNC.
U.S. government says Iran was behind Trump campaign hack
A joint statement on Monday from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said the breach was part of Iran’s plans to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.
The FBI briefed former President Trump on their preliminary findings after news organizations reported receiving documents believed to have come from an account belonging to a senior Trump campaign official. Those turned out to be from a hacker.
Vice President Harris’ campaign said hackers were unsuccessful in their attempts against the Biden-Harris campaign.
Israel says bodies of 6 hostages retrieved in overnight operation
Israel said it has recovered the bodies of six hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 terror attack. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s security agency said in a joint statement Tuesday the bodies were retrieved during an overnight military operation in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “hearts are aching over the terrible loss” and thanked those involved in the recovery efforts.
This comes as Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences that are preventing a temporary cease-fire and the release of an unknown number of hostages. Now the U.S. and other world leaders helping to mediate the negotiation talks are urging Hamas to accept the proposal.
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Blinken will be leaving Israel and traveling to Egypt and Qatar, where Hamas has a political office.
It’s unclear if Hamas will sign off on the deal, as one of their stipulations has been a permanent truce, not just a temporary pause in fighting.
The high-stakes talks come as fears rise that the war could escalate into a bigger regional conflict, potentially by an attack on Israel led by Iran and its proxy groups.
Santos pleads guilty to federal charges, faces 6 years in prison
Former New York Congressman George Santos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He’s agreed to pay more than $370,000 in restitution and could spend at least six years in prison for stealing from donors and using campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses.
The plea comes as his federal fraud case — which led to the Republican’s expulsion from Congress — was just weeks away from going to trial.
He’s now set to be sentenced in February.
Former head of Warner Music submits $4.3B bid for Paramount
Like any good TV show or movie, the saga of the sale of Paramount has a last-second plot twist. According to reports, billionaire media mogul Edgar Bronfman Jr., the former head of Warner Music Group, has submitted an offer of $4.3 billion to take control of Paramount Global — the parent company of CBS, MTV and Paramount Pictures.
Last month, Skydance Media entered a deal to purchase the conglomerate for $8 billion, but that deal came with a catch: a 45-day window where Paramount could field other offers. Bronfman entered the fray just as that deadline was about to expire on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Now Paramount has the option to extend that period. If it does, that would be a sign Paramount is seriously thinking about Bronfman’s offer.
Day 1 of Democratic National Convention, Biden slated to speak tonight
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago as President Joe Biden is among the names scheduled to speak the first night. And Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel preparing for what he calls a ‘decisive moment’ in cease-fire talks. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.
Day 1 of Democratic National Convention, Biden slated to speak
The stage in Chicago for the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that kicks off Monday. The four-day event will conclude with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accepting the Democratic nominations for president and vice president.
Part of the agenda for day one includes special tributes planned to honor the opening night’s headline speaker, President Joe Biden. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also slated to speak at the DNC Monday night.
Other speakers you’ll see over the next few days include former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago is “prepared and ready” and security has been beefed up inside and outside the convention as thousands of Gaza war protesters are planning to descend on the city.
The Democratic Party has released some of its key policy points it expects to address over the next four days. Those include raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, making the child tax credit permanent and IVF and abortion protections.
Ahead of the DNC, Harris and Walz spent time in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Former President Donald Trump will be back in Pennsylvania Monday after also spending time over the weekend in the Keystone State.
A new ABC News poll has Harris leading Trump overall 50 to 45%. However, Trump is leading Harris on key issues for voters: the economy and immigration.
Former Congressman George Santos to plead guilty to federal charges
Former Congressman George Santos, R-N.Y., is expected to plead guilty to federal charges Monday, Aug. 19 afternoon. It’s a reversal of his previous plea of not guilty.
Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives, faces 23 felony charges, including defrauding donors, lying about his finances and needlessly accepting unemployment benefits, among other things.
A guilty plea would avoid a trial, which is scheduled to begin next month. Sources close to the matter told The New York Times Santos is expected to give a statement acknowledging the crimes he has agreed to plead to.
Blinken: ‘This is a decisive moment’ in cease-fire talks
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel Monday, meeting with top Israeli officials before traveling to Egypt for ongoing negotiations to reach a cease-fire and hostage release agreement. This is his ninth trip to the region since the Israel-Hamas War began.
“This is a decisive moment,” Blinken said at a press conference in Tel Aviv. “Probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has expressed “cautious optimism” that a deal can be reached, while Hamas is accusing Israel of stalling efforts to reach a deal in order to continue striking inside Gaza.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting applications for individuals requesting “parole in that place” that would allow migrant spouses without legal status to apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship.
To be eligible, the spouses must have been continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not pose a security threat or have a disqualifying criminal history, and have been married to a U.S. citizen before June 17 — the day before the program was announced. They must also pay a $580 fee to apply and fill out an application explaining why they deserve humanitarian parole and providing a list of supporting documents proving how long they have been in the country.
The Biden administration says about 500,000 people could be eligible for “parole in place” plus about 50,000 of their children.
Egg prices on the rise again as bird flu impacts supply
Egg prices are on the rise — again. According to the Consumer Price Index, egg prices were up by nearly 20% in July, and economists say inflation is not the issue this time.
Rather, it’s believed to be the ongoing bird flu outbreak limiting the supply of eggs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the average rate for a dozen large, grade A eggs topped $3 in July for the first time in more than a year. July also marked the third month egg prices rose on an annual basis, a reversal after a year of relative decreases.
Perdue recalls over 167K pounds of chicken after wire found in packaging
The products are the Perdue Simply Smart Organic gluten-free breaded chicken breast nuggets, the breaded chicken breast tenders, and the Butcher Box organic free fully frozen-cooked breast chicken nuggets. All have a “best-if-used-by date” of March 23, 2025.
Biden, Harris making first trip together since Biden dropped out of 2024 race
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will make their first trip together since the president dropped out of the 2024 race. And Columbia University’s president becomes the latest Ivy League leader to step down following concerns of antisemitism on college campuses. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
Biden, Harris making first trip together since Biden dropped out of 2024 race
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Maryland on Thursday, Aug. 15, for their first joint appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump will be in Bedminster, New Jersey to host another news conference following his rally in the battleground state of North Carolina on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
The Biden and Harris are expected to focus on efforts to lower prescription drug costs Thursday, Aug. 15. On Friday, Aug. 16, Harris will be in North Carolina to lay out her own economic agenda, which is said to include a plan to “tackle inflation” and “lower costs for middle class.”
The economy is taking center stage in the race this week, as Trump also laid out some of his plans for the economy when he was in North Carolina. He told rallygoers he plans to remove taxes on Social Security and claimed his administration would slash energy costs to ease inflation.
With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) starting on Aug. 19 in Chicago, Trump’s campaign said it plans to offer some sort of counter-programming. Harris’ presidential campaign is launching a $90 million advertising effort over the next three weeks. It’ll be her campaigns’ largest-yet investment in messaging to voters with just two and a half months left until Election Day.
Walz agrees to vice presidential debate on Oct. 1
On the vice presidential front, both Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn, and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, have also been busy. Each hit the campaign trail in solo appearances in rallies and fundraising events across battleground states.
Vance held a rally in Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and will speak at a veterans event Thursday, Aug. 15 morning in Pennsylvania. Walz held events in Denver and Boston on Wednesday and will be campaigning in Newport on Thursday.
Vance has not formally accepted. He said in an interview he wants to know the debate rules and moderators first to avoid what he called a “fake news media garbage debate” but added he “strongly suspects” he will be there.
Columbia University’s president resigns in wake of recent protests
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned effective immediately. It comes months after student protests over the Israel-Hamas war turned destructive, leading to multiple arrests and widespread criticism over how the university handled the demonstrations.
In April, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested, and an on-campus tent encampment was removed by New York City police after Shafik gave them the go-ahead. Students pushed back, leading to weeks of protests and widespread tent encampments before students ultimately ended up occupying the university’s Hamilton Hall.
Shafik — who became the first woman and person of color to lead the university in 2023 — is the third Ivy League president to step down in recent months among concern over antisemitism on college campuses.
Hurricane Ernesto heads toward Bermuda after pounding Puerto Rico
A hurricane watch is in effect in Bermuda as Ernesto heads that way after dropping torrential rain on Puerto Rico. That storm also knocked out power to two-thirds of homes and businesses across the U.S. territory.
Ernesto, which is currently a Category 1 hurricane, is strengthening and could become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday, Aug. 16. Its center was expected to pass near Bermuda on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Cisco cuts 7% of workforce amid focus shift
Cisco Systems, one of the world’s largest makers of computer networking equipment, has announced its second round of job cuts this year. The tech company plans to cut about 7% of its workforce, which is expected to affect nearly 6,000 employees.
This comes after the company already laid off around 4,000 workers in February. Cisco said the jobs cuts come as the company pivots its focus to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Mars to buy Kellanova for $36 billion
The merger that’s shaking up the snack food aisle is now official. Candy giant Mars has acquired the snack food maker Kellanova.
Mars, the company behind M&Ms and Snickers, is buying Kellanova, the maker of Cheez-Its and Pringles, for nearly $36 billion.
The purchase is not expected to close until next year, but analysts have been discussing what’s in it for mars. Bank of America’s Peter Galbo told CNBC the deal gives Mars three things: Additional space in stores beyond the chocolate section, expansion in international markets and innovative new product opportunities.
“Then third and probably the most fun for the consumer, you’re going to get the fun innovation with the salty and sweet what we’ve seen out of Hershey over the past year with things like chocolate covered popcorn.” Galbo said. “Now Mars will have that opportunity with some of the Kellanova brands.”
The Associated Press suggested the deal could lead to possible combinations like Skittles-flavored Pop-Tarts or Snickers-flavored Pringles.
Chicago taxpayers foot nearly $400 million in lawsuits for police misconduct
Chicago taxpayers have been forced to pay out $384.2 million in court costs for a pattern of police misconduct over the past five years, according to analysis of citywide data by WTTW News on Monday, Aug. 12. Data revealed that of the 1,300 officers involved in the lawsuits, 200 officers were involved in more than one incident, accounting for 43% of the total expenses in court costs.
One Chicago Police Department sergeant is reportedly responsible for $1.4 million in taxpayer costs alone. An instance of reported misconduct involved an $850,000 payout to a man the sergeant allegedly slammed to the ground after stopping him for drinking. A suspension was recommended for the sergeant. However, the sergeant is said to have received a promotion and a raise the next year instead of facing discipline.
The analysis found that the sergeant has had 22 complaints of misconduct throughout his career with the department.
The findings come as the city promises to crack down on repeat offenders among law enforcement. The Chicago Police Department has even recommended the city review settlements and judgements to identify patterns of behavior among officers. The department added that it will reduce both costs for the city and misconduct among officers.
Meanwhile, a system designed to catch officers with multiple complaints could have reportedly been rolled out citywide in 2021. However, the Chicago Police Department disclosed that it is still reviewing and assessing the program to “ensure that it’s being utilized effectively ahead of a citywide rollout.”
A new legal case management system was also scheduled to launch in March, but it is not ready. City officials said that they do not expect to have it ready until later in 2024.
The Chicago Police Department is also under a federal court order to change the way it disciplines and supervises police officers. In over four years, the department has reportedly complied with just 7% of the requirements since the agreement in 2019.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, D, responded to the findings by saying that it is his “top priority” to comply with the federal agreement’s requirements.
Elon Musk interviews Donald Trump for 2 hours on X after delay
Elon Musk sats down with former President Donald Trump in an interview on X that lasted two hours. And the impact of an earthquake in Los Angeles is caught on live TV. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.
Elon Musk interviews Donald Trump for 2 hours on X after delay
Former President Donald Trump sat down with tech billionaire Elon Musk for a conversation that was livestreamed on X Monday, Aug. 12. However, the broadcast began more than half an hour late due to a glitch, which Musk later attributed to “a cyber-attack.”
Despite the rocky start, the conversation went on for over two hours. Trump and Musk delved into topics ranging from immigration and inflation to the assassination attempt on Trump’s life, and some of Trump’s top priorities if he should win the November election.
One idea the former president threw out there was potentially dismantling the Department of Education.
“Well, think of education, we’re ranked at the bottom of every list, 40, 38,” Trump said. “In other words, horrible. And we spend more per pupil, more than anyone in the world. And one of my first acts — and this is where I need an Elon Musk, someone who has strength and smarts — I want to close the Department of Education and move education back to the states.”
The FBI is now investigating attempted hacks into both the Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns. The investigation includes attempted hacks targeting three Biden-Harris campaign staffers and Roger Stone, a former adviser to former President Trump.
Stone told The Washington Post his email had been compromised, but it’s not clear if attempts to hack the Biden campaign were successful. A Harris campaign official said it does not appear to have been hacked.
On Friday, Aug. 9, Microsoft issued a report showing Iranian operatives had been trying to interfere with the 2024 election. Trump’s campaign confirmed over the weekend it appears to have been impacted by those efforts after news outlets were sent hundreds of confidential pages.
White House confirms Biden will speak at DNC
The White House has confirmed President Joe Biden is set to speak at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Multiple media outlets are reporting other speakers will include former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The convention starts Monday, Aug. 19, and will go through Thursday, Aug. 22.
We're a week out from the start of the 2024 @DemConvention and content creators are getting excited to cover the convention from their own unique lens. @6figga_dilla talked to @saramachi at convention HQ last week about this historic moment for the city and the country. pic.twitter.com/oTxj8ro0Jy
Sources told ABC News the current plan is for Biden and Hillary Clinton to speak Monday night, then former President Obama on Tuesday, Aug. 20. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, it’ll be vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton. Finally, Harris is set to address the DNC on Thursday, Aug. 22.
That is a tentative schedule and could still change.
U.S. preps for potential Iranian-backed attack on Israel this week
Security Adviser John Kirby said the U.S. is prepared for “significant” attacks by Iran or its proxies in the Middle East as soon as this week. Kirby said the U.S. has bolstered its forces in the region.
Secretary of Defense Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike…
It’s a rare move to publicly announce such military moves; a tactic some say is meant to de-escalate tensions in the region and deter Iran from possibly attacking.
Concerns of an attack come after Iran and Hamas accused Israel of carrying out the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran in July.
U.S. troops suffer minor injuries in Syrian drone attack
Defense officials said several U.S. service members suffered minor injuries in a drone attack in Syria on Friday, Aug. 9. The drone targeted a landing zone which hosts U.S. and partner forces in the global coalition to defeat ISIS
U.S. Central Command said it’s still evaluating the damage, but initial assessments show there was minor damage to one set of facilities.
This attack was the second within a week to injure U.S. personnel who are part of the coalition to defeat ISIS.
This latest California quake came almost a week after a magnitude 5.2 quake struck Bakersfield.
Team USA’s Jordan Chiles to lose bronze medal after appeal denied
The latest turn in the Olympic medal controversy involving gymnast Jordan Chiles did not go Team USA’s way. On Monday, Aug. 12, the USA Gymnastics Organization sent Olympic officials what it called time-stamped video evidence that showed Chiles’ coach requested a review of her score within the allotted one minute, meaning Chiles should be able to keep the bronze medal that was awarded to her following a score change.
However, USA Gymnastics released a statement later Monday saying the Court of Arbitration for Sport would not reconsider its ruling to strip Chiles of the medal.
But the twists to this saga may not be over just yet though.
USA Gymnastics said it will continue to “pursue every possible avenue and appeal process” including the Swiss Federal Tribunal to “ensure the just scoring, placement and medal award for Jordan.”
Venezuela’s violent Tren de Aragua gang approves attacks on Denver PD
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reportedly released a memo on Tuesday, July 30, that members of the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA) were given the “green light” to open fire on and attack Denver Police Department officers. The agency said it was tipped off to the threat by Albuquerque, New Mexico, law enforcement.
The gang is allegedly linked to hundreds of crimes, including the shootings of two New York Police Department officers who were attempting to arrest one of its members in June. Reports have also tied the gang to the brother of the suspect in the murder of Georgia student Laken Riley. Both men are undocumented immigrants from Venezuela.
U.S. border officials said that members of TDA have been sneaking over the southern border disguised as asylum-seekers.
According to U.S. government officials, the gang is linked to human smuggling and sex trafficking in the United States, as well as involved in murder, kidnapping, gun smuggling and a number of prison riots in Venezuela. Authorities warn that TDA has infiltrated cities like Denver, Chicago, Miami and New York City.
U.S. Border Patrol has been tracking the criminal organization and since last year has captured 70 of its members.
The Denver Police Department said it is taking the warning from federal authorities seriously and is making sure officers are aware of the safety concerns raised.
Donald Trump sparks controversy after questioning Kamala Harris’ racial identity
Former President Donald Trump’s comments about Vice President Kamala Harris at a conference of Black journalists in Chicago on Wednesday, July 31 are creating controversy on the campaign trial. Trump made the remarks after being asked if he agrees with Republicans on Capitol Hill who have said the vice president was a “DEI hire.”
“Do you believe that Vice President Kamala Harris is only on the ticket because she is a Black woman?” ABC News’ Rachel Scott asked him.
“Well, I can say no,” Trump said. “I think it’s maybe a little bit different. So, I’ve known her a long time indirectly, not directly very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”
“She has always identified as a Black woman,” Scott interjected, “she went to a historically Black college.”
“You know what, I respect either one,” Trump said. “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t. Because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden, she made a turn and she went, she became a Black person.”
Vice President Harris responded to Trump’s comments during a campaign stop of her own in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, July 31.
“We all here remember what those four years were like,” Harris said. “And today we were given yet another reminder. This afternoon, Donald Trump spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, and it was the same old show, the divisiveness and the disrespect. And let me just say, the American people deserve better. The American people deserve better. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth, a leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us. They are an essential source of our strength.”
During her daily press conference, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to Trump’s comment, saying “it’s insulting.”
The former president defended his comments on his Truth Social platform, saying the questions he was being asked were “rude and nasty” and “often in the form of a statement” rather than question.
Some Black Republican lawmakers have also jumped in to defend him — like Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt. Hunt posted a statement on his own Truth Social account reading in part, “He stood strong in the face of vicious attacks and gotcha questions, because that’s what leaders do.”
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., also commented on the former president’s remarks in a post on X.
“Fostering tough conversations and debate is how we make America great again for all Americans,” Donalds said. “Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump is not afraid of going into any venue, any time, anywhere.”
Pop artist R. Kelly wants US Supreme Court to toss Chicago conviction
R&B singer R. Kelly’s defense team announced it is petitioning the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 30, to overturn Kelly’s Chicago conviction for possession of child pornography and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity. His attorneys argue that the Chicago convictions and 20-year prison sentence should be thrown out because of the statute of limitations.
Kelly was tried under the federal PROTECT act, which is a 2003 law that extended the federal statute of limitation for sex crimes involving children. His lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, contended that because Kelly’s actions occurred in the 1990s, before the law was passed, the statute of limitations should have expired.
Kelly has previously appealed his Chicago conviction in lower courts using the same defense. However, both the district and appellate courts rejected his defense team’s appeal.
The singer is currently serving a separate 30-year sentence for sex trafficking from a New York case. He is also reportedly appealing that conviction, though it is not part of the Supreme Court petition.
Bonjean successfully represented comedian Bill Cosby in his appeal in 2021. A judge tossed Cosby’s conviction due to a legal technicality. Bonjean is also representing Harvey Weinstein as he appeals his conviction in Los Angeles following the overturning of his conviction on sexual crimes in New York.
The Supreme Court only hears a few cases each year. If Kelly’s appeal is heard, it would take place in the next court session, which occurs in October.