Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming election, according to three sources who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The choice aims to bolster the Democratic ticket’s appeal in crucial Midwestern states.
Harris is expected to introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia, where the two will make their first public appearance as running mates. The Vice President’s campaign plans to release a video announcement prior to the rally, though the exact timing remains undisclosed.
In choosing Walz, Harris opts for a Midwestern governor with a strong record of implementing progressive policies. Walz, a military veteran and union supporter, has successfully enacted an ambitious Democratic agenda in Minnesota, including comprehensive protections for abortion rights and substantial aid to families.
The selection comes after Harris officially claimed the Democratic nomination on Monday night when the Democratic National Committee (DNC) released final results. She was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other contenders qualified by last week’s deadline.
Walz’s selection follows intense speculation about Harris’s potential running mates. In recent days, reports suggested she had narrowed her choices to a trio of finalists, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, alongside Walz.
The decision to choose Walz reflects the campaign’s strategy to strengthen its position in the Midwest, a region crucial to electoral success. Walz’s experience as a governor and his track record on progressive issues are expected to appeal to a broad range of Democratic voters and potentially swing voters in key battleground states.
Ukraine on Monday criticized Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic ties as hasty and short-sighted, stating that no evidence had been provided to support claims of Kyiv’s involvement in recent clashes that resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries.
The West African nation announced on Sunday the immediate termination of relations with Ukraine following comments made by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency about fighting in northern Mali in late July. During these clashes, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers, marking what appeared to be Wagner’s heaviest defeat since its involvement in Mali two years ago.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed regret over Mali’s decision, stating, “It is regrettable that … Mali decided to sever … relations … without conducting a thorough study of the facts and circumstances of the incident … and without providing any evidence of Ukraine’s involvement in the said event.”
The diplomatic rupture was triggered by remarks from Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, who said in a televised interview that Malian rebels had received “necessary” information to conduct the attack. Ukraine’s statement, however, fell short of confirming Kyiv’s direct involvement in the incident.
Mali condemned the remarks as “subversive” and equated them to supporting international terrorism. In response, Ukraine’s foreign ministry rejected the allegation of supporting terrorism and viewed the severance of ties as an unfriendly act.
“Ukraine unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law, the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries,” the ministry stated, adding that Ukraine reserves the right to take necessary political and diplomatic measures in response.
This diplomatic spat comes at a time when Ukraine is actively seeking global support, particularly aiming to broaden its appeal in the Global South. However, Oleksandr Merezhko, a senior Ukrainian lawmaker heading the parliament’s foreign policy committee, predicted that the rupture in relations would not significantly impact Ukraine or its ties with the Global South.
“There will be no serious consequences, as there are no established relations between Mali and Ukraine today,” Merezhko was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
Ugandan police arrested 14 opposition officials and supporters on Monday as they marched through Kampala towards the Kenyan embassy, local media reported. The protesters, members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), were demonstrating against Kenya’s recent detention and deportation of their colleagues.
Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango stated that the arrests were made for “participating in unlawful assembly activities.” The group, which included two lawmakers, was later charged in a magistrate’s court with being “a public nuisance,” according to court documents seen by Reuters.
This incident follows the July 23 detention of 36 FDC members by Kenyan authorities. The group had traveled to Kenya for a training course but was deported to Uganda and subsequently charged with terrorism-related offenses, which they denied.
The arrests and deportations come amid a backdrop of anti-government demonstrations in both Uganda and Kenya, though Kampala’s streets remained largely quiet on Monday apart from the protest march.
In court, all 14 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Four were released on bail, while the others were remanded to prison until their next court appearance on August 7, according to an unnamed FDC official present at the hearing.
Opposition critics and human rights campaigners have long accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of using fabricated charges to suppress political opponents. Government officials deny these allegations.
Museveni, 79, has led Uganda, an East African nation of 46 million people, since 1986. His long tenure and the recent crackdown on opposition activities have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition groups, as well as the broader political challenges facing the East African region. As both Uganda and Kenya grapple with public dissent, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 16, 2020, Tunisian President Kais Saied gives a talk on constitutional law during a state visit to Qatar at an event hosted by Lusail University. - Tunisian authorities opened an investigation after a suspicious letter intended for Tunisian President Kais Saied was intercepted, sources close to the presidency said. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Tunisian President Kais Saied filed his candidacy on Monday to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 6th. Saied is expected to face minimal competition due to the imprisonment of several potential challengers during his first term.
President Saied submitted 242,224 signatures from registered voters to qualify for inclusion on the ballot, significantly surpassing the requirement set by the Independent High Authority for Elections, which mandates 10,000 signatures for candidates to appear on the ballot in the North African nation.
Despite the political climate, four other candidates have also gathered the required signatures to run in the election. Among them is Abir Moussi, a right-wing critic of Saied, who has been detained since staging a protest outside the presidential residence last year. Her legal team confirmed the submission of her candidacy paperwork on Sunday.
Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Elections will publish a complete list of candidates by Saturday, ensuring transparency in the electoral process. The authority is tasked with overseeing the fairness and integrity of the elections amidst a challenging political environment.
Political participation in Tunisia has seen a significant decline since the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. Last year’s local elections recorded a voter turnout of just 11%, highlighting the growing apathy among the Tunisian electorate.
The upcoming presidential election is set against a backdrop of political unrest and economic challenges, with many citizens expressing disillusionment with the current political system.
The outcome of the October presidential election will play a crucial role in shaping Tunisia’s political landscape and addressing the country’s economic and social issues. The international community is watching closely, as the election will test the resilience of Tunisia’s democratic institutions.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report Tuesday accusing Chad’s military of responsibility for the deaths of several detainees arrested during protests in October 2022. The report highlights a pattern of human rights abuses, including unlawful detentions and mistreatment at the notorious Koro Toro prison.
According to HRW, at least four people died en route to Koro Toro prison, located about 600 kilometers from N’djamena, the capital. Six others died at the prison, with the fate of another detainee unclear. The rights group suggests that the actual death toll is likely much higher.
The protests in question were against interim leader Mahamat Deby Itno’s two-year extension of power. Security forces reportedly fired live ammunition, killing at least 60 demonstrators in what was described as unprecedented unrest in Chad.
Lewis Mudge, central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, called for action, stating, “The Chadian government must act decisively to address the impunity for these abuses.” The organization urged Chadian authorities, the African Union, and UN bodies to investigate the unlawful detentions, ill-treatment at the prison, and deaths in custody.
The report details harrowing conditions during the transfer to Koro Toro, with detainees denied basic supplies and subjected to mistreatment. A former detainee, quoted anonymously, reported that “the bodies of those who died were thrown out of the trucks.”
At Koro Toro, which operates under military oversight, the day-to-day administration was allegedly delegated to prisoners with links to Boko Haram. The report describes widespread abuse, including chaining detainees with iron rods and subjecting them to prolonged solitary confinement and forced labor.
HRW has called for the closure of one of Koro Toro’s main buildings, describing it as unfit for use. The organization also urged that the remains of those who died be returned to their families for burial.
The Chadian government maintains that the 2022 protests amounted to an insurrection, justifying the detentions at Koro Toro. In a July 2023 letter to HRW, Chad’s justice minister claimed there was “no evidence relating to the violation of human rights related to (the) transfer or detention in Koro-Toro prison.”
Larry Ahmat Haroun, a Chadian activist previously jailed at Koro Toro, described it as “one of the most dangerous prisons in Chad,” citing instances of untreated bullet wounds and torture.
These revelations come as Chad, part of a region recently affected by military coups, grapples with political instability. The current president, Deby Itno, was elected on May 6 in a delayed vote marred by allegations of political opponent elimination, which authorities have denied.
As international attention focuses on Chad’s human rights record, the HRW report underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform in the country’s justice and prison systems.
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced on Monday a criminal investigation against opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The probe is linked to their appeal to the armed forces to abandon support for President Nicolás Maduro and cease repressing demonstrators.
Saab’s statement, posted on social media, accused the duo of “falsely announcing a winner of the presidential election other than the one proclaimed by the National Electoral Council” and openly inciting “police and military officials to disobey the laws.” The prosecutor cited potential charges including usurpation of functions, dissemination of false information to cause fear, and conspiracy.
Earlier on Monday, González and Machado had issued a written appeal calling on rank and file members of the security forces to reconsider their loyalty to Maduro. They stated, “We appeal to the conscience of the military and police to put themselves on the side of the people and their families,” claiming victory in the July 28 election.
Authorities have declared Maduro the victor but have not yet produced voting tallies. The opposition claims to have collected records from over 80% of the 30,000 polling booths nationwide showing their win.
President Maduro announced on Saturday that the government has arrested 2,000 opponents, pledging to detain more. The post-electoral uprising has claimed at least 11 lives, according to the human rights group Foro Penal.
The Venezuela-based human rights organization Provea reported that the government’s response to public discontent has involved “disproportionate use of force” and coordination between security forces and pro-Maduro armed civilian groups.
Both González and Machado have gone into hiding, citing fears of arrest or assassination. Maduro and his supporters have threatened to imprison them both.
Internationally, pressure is mounting for the Venezuelan government to publish a full breakdown of the electoral results. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chile’s President Gabriel Boric discussed the situation in Venezuela on Monday, calling for respect for popular sovereignty and transparency of election results.
Meanwhile, some of Maduro’s allies, including Russia, China, and Cuba, have congratulated him on his victory. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone call with Maduro on Monday, reiterating congratulations and condemning “any foreign interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.”
As the political crisis unfolds, Venezuela faces increasing scrutiny from both domestic opposition and international observers regarding the legitimacy of the recent election and the government’s response to protests.
Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday, clearing the way for new elections following the resignation and departure of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move comes after weeks of demonstrations against Hasina’s rule that escalated into violent unrest.
In addition to dissolving parliament, President Shahabuddin ordered the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest. Zia, a longtime rival of Hasina, was convicted on corruption charges by Hasina’s government in 2018.
Hasina fled to India by helicopter on Monday as protesters defied military curfew orders to march on the capital. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family. The protests, which began against a quota system for government jobs, grew into a broader challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule in recent weeks.
Bangladesh’s figurehead president and top military commander announced late Monday that an interim government would be formed soon to oversee new elections. The streets of Dhaka appeared calmer on Tuesday, with no reports of new violence as protesters gathered at the ousted leader’s residence.
The recent unrest has taken a significant toll on the country. Media reports, which could not be independently confirmed, indicate that at least 109 people have died, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured. Security concerns led to the suspension of operations at Dhaka’s main airport for eight hours.
In the southwestern district of Satkhira, 596 prisoners and detainees reportedly escaped from a jail following an attack on the facility Monday evening. Police in Dhaka largely abandoned their stations, assembling in a central barracks due to fears of attacks after several stations were torched or vandalized.
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has called for restraint during this “transitional moment.” The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, stated that the transition of power in Bangladesh must be “in line with the country’s international obligations” and “inclusive and open to the meaningful participation of all Bangladeshis.”
Hasina, 76, was elected for a fourth consecutive term in January in a vote boycotted by her main opponents. The election was criticized by the U.S. and U.K. as not credible, though the government defended the results.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed Hasina’s presence in India, stating she had requested approval to come to the country “at very short notice.” The Indian Express newspaper reported that Hasina met with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval upon arrival and was taken to a safe house.
Ben Affleck has surprised fans and media alike with a striking new look that many are calling a midlife crisis makeover. The 51-year-old actor was spotted in Los Angeles over the weekend, showcasing his dramatic transformation amid ongoing marital troubles with Jennifer Lopez. The couple, who have been married since 2022, are rumored to be heading towards divorce, with sources telling DailyMail.com that they have prepared divorce documents to be filed at a later date.
Affleck’s latest appearance has set the rumor mill abuzz, as he debuted a bold faux hawk hairstyle paired with a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt and a sleek black leather jacket. The actor’s sartorial choices signal a shift towards a more edgy, punk-inspired aesthetic, complete with skinny jeans and aviator sunglasses. Notably absent from his ensemble was his wedding ring, a glaring omission that has fueled speculation about the status of his relationship with Lopez.
The sides of Affleck’s head were almost entirely shaved, leaving only a hint of stubble, further emphasizing his departure from his usual polished Hollywood image. He completed the look by sporting a scruffy beard as he leaned into a more rebellious persona.
Affleck was seen making his way through a parking lot before mounting his electric motorcycle, where he secured his helmet and rode off, leaving photographers and fans in a flurry of speculation. His recent appearances without Lopez have only intensified rumors of a looming divorce, as the couple has not been seen together in public for two months.
This isn’t the first time Affleck has made headlines with a drastic change. During his separation from his first wife, Jennifer Garner, Affleck acquired a large, colorful back tattoo of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Initially, he claimed the tattoo was fake, a part of a role he was preparing for. However, as public interest grew, Affleck admitted the tattoo was real, and he embraced the symbolism behind it.
The news of Affleck’s makeover comes as reports suggest that he and Lopez, who have previously starred together in acclaimed films such as Good Will Hunting and Argo, are preparing to finalize their divorce. The couple, who famously rekindled their romance nearly two decades after their initial engagement in the early 2000s, is said to be living separately and managing their affairs individually.
Despite the personal upheavals, both Affleck and Lopez have remained active in their respective careers. Lopez continues to make waves in the music and entertainment industries, while Affleck is involved in several film projects and charitable endeavors.
As Affleck navigates this transitional period, his new look may represent more than just a stylistic change—it could signify a deeper personal transformation as he grapples with changes in his personal life. Whether this makeover is a temporary phase or a longer-term shift in identity remains to be seen.
Fans and observers alike are watching closely to see how Affleck’s journey unfolds, both personally and professionally. While the actor has yet to make any public statements regarding the status of his marriage, the absence of his wedding ring and his new appearance speak volumes about the current state of his life.
Jennifer Lopez has once again become the center of media attention as rumors of an impending divorce from her husband Ben Affleck continue to swirl. On Monday, Lopez was photographed without her wedding ring, adding fuel to the speculation that the Hollywood power couple is on the verge of ending their marriage. Reports indicate that the couple is no longer on speaking terms, and recent documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal that their divorce paperwork is finalized but has not yet been filed in court.
The singer and actress, 55, was seen making a significant public appearance in Beverly Hills, notably without her wedding ring. This outing marks a decisive moment in the ongoing speculation about her relationship status with Affleck. Lopez was visiting a lavish $68 million mansion, suggesting she may be preparing for a significant life change.
During the outing, Lopez appeared with her 16-year-old daughter, Emme, wearing a sleek black top paired with high-waisted cream trousers, and accessorized with large sunglasses and her signature soft waves hairstyle. The mother-daughter duo was seen touring the impressive property, which boasts five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, reflecting a potential new chapter for Lopez.
Lopez’s decision to remove her wedding ring publicly is the latest in a series of events that have fueled rumors about the state of her marriage to Affleck. Just days earlier, Affleck was spotted without his own ring, showcasing a new hairstyle described by some as a “midlife crisis makeover,” further intensifying speculation about their relationship’s stability.
The couple, who once captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their whirlwind romance, initially dated from 2002 to 2004 before rekindling their relationship in recent years. However, attempts at reconciliation seem to have faltered, as both have been seen in public without their wedding bands, a clear indication of their ongoing marital struggles.
Sources close to the couple suggest that Lopez and Affleck have reached a point where they are no longer communicating directly. According to TMZ, the couple has stopped speaking to each other entirely, making the already complex divorce proceedings even more challenging. They reportedly rely on intermediaries and their legal teams to handle all communications and negotiations related to their separation.
This breakdown in communication marks a significant departure from their previous public image as a supportive and unified couple. The decision to cease direct interaction suggests a deepening rift that may be difficult to bridge, even for two individuals accustomed to navigating the complexities of life in the public eye.
As the couple moves forward with their divorce, they are reportedly enlisting the expertise of high-profile lawyers to negotiate the terms of their separation. While both Lopez and Affleck have remained tight-lipped about the details of their divorce, sources suggest that they are committed to resolving the matter amicably and with as little public drama as possible.
Despite the challenges, both Lopez and Affleck continue to focus on their respective careers and personal lives. Lopez, a multifaceted entertainer with ventures spanning music, film, and fashion, remains dedicated to her professional endeavors. Meanwhile, Affleck is focusing on his acting and directing projects, seeking to maintain stability amid personal upheavals.
The potential dissolution of Lopez and Affleck’s marriage has captivated fans and media outlets alike, as the couple’s high-profile romance has been a subject of fascination for years. Their relationship, marked by public declarations of love and joint appearances, now faces the scrutiny and speculation that accompany celebrity breakups.
As the world watches the unfolding drama, questions remain about how the couple will navigate this difficult period and what the future holds for two of Hollywood’s most prominent figures. For now, fans are left to ponder the intricacies of their relationship and the factors that have led to this pivotal moment.
Amidst the backdrop of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has become the center of a heated debate surrounding gender identity and societal norms. The question that has caught international attention is whether Imane Khelif is truly transgender in a country like Algeria, where changing one’s natural identity for the unnatural can be met with severe consequences, including death.
Imane Khelif has been thrust into the spotlight as accusations and rumors about her gender identity circulate. These speculations arose in the wake of her impressive performances and the global attention she garnered as an athlete from Algeria, a nation with strict laws against homosexuality and gender non-conformity. In Algeria, being gay or identifying as transgender is illegal, and those who defy these societal norms can face harsh penalties.
However, Khelif’s situation is further complicated by cultural and social dynamics. She has not publicly identified as transgender, and the claims surrounding her gender seem to have been fueled more by assumptions and misinterpretations than by any official statement from her.
The issue of mislabeling athletes based on their appearance or performance in sports is not new, but it has profound implications. Labeling someone as “male” or questioning their gender without substantial evidence can lead to a cascade of misinformation and discrimination. This is precisely the situation Khelif finds herself in, where her achievements are overshadowed by a debate that questions her identity rather than celebrates her skill.
Renowned personalities, including authors and activists, have weighed in on the issue, some of whom have contributed to the controversy. Critics argue that making baseless claims about an athlete’s gender identity is irresponsible and only serves to perpetuate stigma and bias against those who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
The controversy highlights the broader conversation about gender identity in sports and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by athletes from diverse backgrounds. It is essential to recognize that each individual’s identity is deeply personal and should be respected, especially in cultures where deviation from the norm can lead to severe repercussions.
Imane Khelif’s case underscores the importance of supporting athletes for their achievements and dedication rather than focusing on unfounded claims about their identity. In a world where sports are meant to bring people together, fostering inclusivity and respect is paramount.
As the global community continues to follow the developments in Imane Khelif’s story, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. The narrative should shift from questioning her identity to celebrating her accomplishments and recognizing the resilience it takes to excel in the face of adversity.
The conversation about gender identity in sports must evolve to include voices from diverse cultures and backgrounds, ensuring that athletes like Khelif are supported and uplifted for their contributions to the sporting world.
