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Trump Tells Christian Voters “They Won’t Have to Vote Anymore” If He Is Elected in November

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Former President Donald Trump made a striking promise to attendees at a conservative Christian event on Friday night, asserting that they “won’t have to vote anymore” if he is elected to office in November. Trump urged Christians to participate in the election “just this time” to secure a landslide victory, which he claimed would be “too big to rig.”

The event, The Believers’ Summit, hosted by the conservative advocacy group Turning Point Action, took place in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump, who is the Republican Party’s candidate for president, used the platform to emphasize the importance of Christian voters in the upcoming election.

“Christians, get out and vote. Just this time,” Trump passionately implored. “You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years. You know what? It’ll be fixed. It’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.”

Trump continued, “I love you Christians, and I’m a Christian. I love you, but you got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not going to have to vote.”

These comments quickly sparked a wave of concern and criticism on social media. Many interpreted Trump’s statements as hinting at authoritarianism and suggesting he might not relinquish power if he wins the election.

Allison Gill, host of the podcast “Jack,” voiced her alarm on social media, posting, “Democracy is in danger. This is not a drill,” accompanied by an image highlighting Trump’s message to Christians.

Several commentators noted the potential implications of Trump’s remarks, suggesting they could undermine democratic processes. Some pointed out that such rhetoric could discourage voter participation or suggest a desire to alter or dismantle established electoral systems.

Political analysts weighed in, expressing varying degrees of concern. Some saw Trump’s comments as typical campaign hyperbole aimed at energizing his base, while others feared they reflected a more sinister intent to consolidate power and erode democratic norms.

The Believers’ Summit itself was a high-profile gathering, attracting numerous conservative Christian leaders and activists. Trump’s speech was one of the most anticipated events of the summit, and his comments about voting were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

In his broader speech, Trump reiterated his commitment to Christian values and policies, promising to protect religious freedoms and continue his administration’s work in appointing conservative judges. He also criticized his political opponents, accusing them of trying to undermine Christian values and freedoms.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s remarks at The Believers’ Summit are likely to be a focal point of debate and discussion, highlighting the ongoing tension between his campaign and concerns about the future of American democracy.

Tragedy at Paris Olympics: Samoan Boxing Coach Dies at Olympic Village

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In a somber start to the 2024 Paris Olympics, officials confirmed on Saturday that Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach for Samoa, passed away at the Olympic Village. The tragic event occurred on Friday, just before the Games’ opening ceremony, casting a shadow over the start of the world’s premier sporting event.

According to reports from AFP, Fatupaito suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite prompt attention from emergency services, they were unable to save his life. The local prosecutor’s office has stated that the cause of death was due to “natural causes.”

The International Boxing Association (IBA) released a statement mourning the loss of Coach Fatupaito. “Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community,” the IBA said. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Fatupaito’s passing comes as a significant blow to the Samoan Olympic team, particularly as the boxing preliminary events began on Saturday. Samoa has 24 athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, with one boxer among them.

Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, a 25-year-old heavyweight boxer and Samoa’s sole representative in Olympic boxing, paid tribute to his late coach on social media. Plodzicki-Faoagali, who won gold at the 2023 Pacific Games and competed in the Tokyo Olympics, shared fond memories of Fatupaito.

“I first met coach Lionel when I was 15 trialling for Samoa’s Youth team,” Plodzicki-Faoagali wrote, accompanying his words with a photo of himself and Fatupaito. “He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge. You will be sorely missed coach … Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there, you were the calm one and dad the storm of our corner.”

This tragic event highlights the intense pressure and stress that can accompany participation in high-level sporting events like the Olympics. It also underscores the close bonds formed between coaches and athletes, with Fatupaito clearly having made a lasting impact on the boxers he mentored.

As the Olympic community comes to terms with this loss, attention will inevitably turn to the welfare of athletes and support staff at major sporting events. The incident may prompt discussions about health screenings and support systems in place for team officials at the Olympic Games.

For now, the Samoan team and the wider Olympic community mourn the loss of a dedicated coach. As the Games continue, Fatupaito’s memory will undoubtedly be honored by those he influenced and the sport he loved.

The Paris 2024 organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee are expected to pay their respects in the coming days, as the Olympic spirit of unity in sport takes on added meaning in the face of this tragedy.

Israeli Airstrike Hits Girls’ School Housing Displaced People in Central Gaza, Killing at Least 30

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At least 30 people were killed after Israeli airstrikes hit a girls’ school that houses displaced people in central Gaza, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Saturday. The school, located in Deir Al-Balah, was reportedly sheltering many families who had been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region.

Israel’s military stated that it targeted a Hamas command and control center used to store weapons and plan attacks in Deir Al-Balah, one of the areas most populated with displaced families. The strike led to significant destruction and casualties, with many women and children among the victims, as reported by the CBS News team in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that at least 11 other people were killed in separate attacks across the region. The CBS News team in Gaza also confirmed multiple strikes in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, which is near the school.

Near the hospital, the scene was one of chaos and tragedy. An injured man lay on a stretcher on the ground, while a body covered with a blanket and a dead toddler lay inside an ambulance. Inside the school, classrooms were in ruins, with people searching for victims under the rubble and gathering the remains of those who were killed.

The Gaza Health Ministry and the Hamas-run government media office reported that more than 100 others were wounded in the airstrikes. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with many families left without shelter and basic necessities.

At Least 11 Killed, Including Children, in Golan Heights as Israel Blames Hezbollah for Rocket Attack

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A rocket attack on Saturday targeted a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and wounding several others, including children, according to Israeli authorities. The attack occurred hours after an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed three members of the militant Hezbollah group.

The strike, the deadliest on an Israeli target since the renewed hostilities between the two foes began in October, has raised fears of a broader conflagration in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning home urgently from a trip to the United States, his office confirmed.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for striking a military base in the Golan Heights in retaliation for Israeli attacks on a village in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah chief spokesman Mohammed Afif told The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.

Chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari addressed journalists, asserting that “Hezbollah is lying.” He confirmed that all 11 people killed were aged 10 to 20 and that more than 20 others were wounded.

In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli military indicated that, based on intelligence, “the rocket launch toward Majdal Shams was carried out by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.” The statement further accused Hezbollah of orchestrating the attack that resulted in the casualties at the soccer field in Majdal Shams.

U.S. Claims First Gold in Swimming on Opening Day of Paris Olympics, Katie Ledecky Wins Bronze

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The United States swimming team made a splash on the first day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing their first gold medal and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting competition in the pool.

In a display of aquatic prowess, the U.S. men’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay team clinched gold on Saturday, finishing 1.07 seconds ahead of silver medalists Australia. The winning team, comprised of Jack Alexy, Chris Guiliano, Hunter Armstrong, and veteran Olympian Caeleb Dressel, continued America’s dominance in this event, marking their 10th victory in the last 13 Olympics.

This victory is particularly significant for Dressel, as it marks his eighth Olympic gold medal, further cementing his status as one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history. The win also sets a positive tone for Team USA’s swimming campaign in Paris.

However, the day wasn’t without its challenges for the American team. In the women’s 400-meter freestyle, Katie Ledecky, a dominant force in distance swimming, had to settle for bronze. Australian Ariarne Titmus, nicknamed “The Terminator,” successfully defended her Olympic title, leading from start to finish with a time of 3 minutes, 57.49 seconds.

Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh claimed silver with a time of 3:58.37, while Ledecky touched in at 4:00.86. Despite the third-place finish, Ledecky’s bronze adds to her impressive tally of 11 Olympic medals, including six individual golds – still the most of any female swimmer in Olympic history.

Titmus’ victory cements her growing legacy, now boasting three individual Olympic golds. She’s favored to repeat her 200m and 400m freestyle double from Tokyo in these Paris Games.

The American women found redemption in the 4×100-meter relay, securing a silver medal behind a record-setting Australian team. The U.S. quartet of Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, and Simone Manuel set a new American record with a time of 3:30.20, just under two seconds behind Australia’s Olympic record time of 3:28.92. China rounded out the podium with bronze.

As the swimming events continue, all eyes will be on Ledecky, who is favored to claim gold in both the 800m and 1,500m races. The veteran swimmer’s pursuit of more medals adds an intriguing subplot to the ongoing aquatic drama in Paris.

The opening day’s results highlight the fierce competition in the pool, with established swimming powers like the U.S. and Australia trading blows, while emerging stars like Canada’s McIntosh shake up the established order. As the Games progress, swimming enthusiasts can look forward to more record-breaking performances and intense rivalries in the state-of-the-art Paris La Défense Arena.

With many events still to come, the U.S. swimming team has set a strong foundation for what could be another memorable Olympic campaign. The blend of experienced champions like Dressel and Ledecky with rising stars ensures that Team USA remains a force to be reckoned with in the pool, promising more exciting races and potential medals in the days to come.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Super Falcons Chase Vital Win Against Spain

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria will hope to secure their first win in the women’s Olympic football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they take on world champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive in Group C.

The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening match on Thursday and will look to earn a vital three points to stay in the tournament.

The match is scheduled for the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes and will be the first encounter between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Nigeria time.

La Roja are making their Olympic Games debut in Paris after defeating France 2-0 to win the maiden Women’s Euro Nations League.

They are also clear favourites to win their first Olympic gold at the tournament. The Falcons are making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, having debuted at the 2000 Games in Sydney.

The Falcons are currently bottom of the group after losing 1-0 to Brazil, while Spain sits at the top with three points, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Japan.

Though finishing third in the group could still be enough for qualification, a defeat for the Falcons will further limit their chances of taking one of the two slots available for the best third-placed teams.

Spain is in imperious form since their World Cup triumph, winning nine of their last ten matches.

The eleven-time African champions will have their work cut out against a star-studded Spanish side led by World Cup Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who scored the equalizer in the victory over Japan.

Randy Waldrum’s side will need to improve on their display against Brazil, where they missed several opportunities to score. The Falcons must bring their best game to stand a chance against the formidable Spanish team.

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Rebounds with 4-1 Thrashing Over New Zealand for First Win at Olympics

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The U.S. men’s soccer team crucially needed a good result against New Zealand to increase its chances of making it out of the group stage, and the team did exactly that. Days after losing its opener to France, the U.S. was able to pick itself up and beat New Zealand in dominant fashion by winning 4-1.

The Americans got on the board early after defender Nathan Harriel was fouled in the opposition’s box, and midfielder Djordje Mihailovic was able to coolly put away the penalty to give his side a 1-0 lead.

It only took the U.S. four minutes to double its lead after veteran defender Walker Zimmerman—one of the overaged players on the roster—got on the end of a rebound from close range.

The first half wasn’t quite over for the Yanks as Kevin Paredes teed up Gianluca Busio inside the box to score and make it 3-0.

The U.S. continued to dominate possession and create opportunities in the second half as Paxten Aaronson got in on the fun by adding his team’s fourth goal of the match in the 58th minute.

Nigeria Moves to Placate Youth to Avert Looming Inflation Protests

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Days before a nationwide protest over bad governance and the high cost of living, Nigerian leadership is offering its young people jobs in the state-oil company and billions of naira worth of grants among other incentives to discourage the action.

Nigerian activists have been looking to emulate youth-led protests elsewhere in Africa, which have rocked the government in Kenya and prompted a tough security response in Uganda.

Nigeria’s state oil firm, which seven years ago warned job seekers against falling prey to fraudulent messages about job placements in the company, published nationwide job vacancies in a post on X for the first time in nearly a decade on Friday. An NNPC Ltd spokesperson said a flood of applications crashed the company’s website.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development on Friday also relaunched a 110 billion naira ($70 million) youth investment fund that was started in 2020, aimed at providing grants to Nigeria’s youth to generate jobs. The youth ministry had said in May it would revive the program, but little had been heard about it until Friday.

On Tuesday, Nigerian lawmakers passed a new minimum wage more than doubling the amount the least paid worker will earn monthly. Nigerians are organizing online for nationwide protests next week in response to surging inflation that has seen inflation rise to a 28-year-high of 34.2% which they blame on President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and a currency devaluation.

Religious clerics, traditional rulers, and other prominent Nigerians have joined the government in urging young people from embarking on protests, addressing the negative impact, and urging them to consider the adverse effects Kenya-style protests will have on the country.

Couple Shot Dead in South African Housing Complex Parking Lot

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A couple, Delon Jaganath and Micaela, were shot dead in a parking lot of a housing complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The shooting took place on Clayfield Drive in Clayfield around 1 am on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Prem Balram from Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said their control room received multiple calls from residents reporting a shooting incident. “On arrival, Reaction Officers discovered the Phoenix SAPS in attendance,” he said.

The body of a female was found in the passenger seat of a white VW Polo and a man believed to be her husband was located in a pathway approximately 20 meters away.

They were shot multiple times and were pronounced deceased at the scene,” Balram said. Witnesses reported seeing a silver VW Jetta (registration unknown) fleeing the scene of the murders. The motive for the shooting was not established.

KZN police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that police in Phoenix are investigating two counts of murder. “This follows an incident in which a 26-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were found with multiple gunshot wounds on Clayfield Drive,” he said.

Men’s Soccer Recap: Argentina and Spain Cruise to Victories at Paris Olympics

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As Matchday 2 of the men’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolded, both Argentina and Spain overcame initial challenges to secure crucial victories, reshaping their medal prospects in the process.

Argentina, desperate for a win after a disappointing start, faced off against Iraq at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The South American side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Manchester City star Julian Alvarez playing a pivotal role. Alvarez provided two assists as Argentina cruised to a 3-1 victory.

Thiago Almada opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a clever pass from Alvarez. Despite a brief setback when Iraq’s Aymen Hussein equalized just before halftime, Argentina regained control in the second half. Luciano Gondou restored their lead with a solid header in the 62nd minute, and Ignacio Fernandez sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 85th minute.

This win breathes new life into Argentina’s Olympic campaign, bringing them level on points with Morocco in their group. Coach Javier Mascherano will be particularly pleased with his team’s response to their opening game struggles.

Meanwhile, in Bordeaux, Spain faced a stubborn Dominican Republic side in what initially appeared to be a challenging match. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez broke the deadlock for Spain in the 24th minute, but the underdogs surprised everyone by equalizing through Angel Montes de Oca’s header – the Dominican Republic’s first-ever Olympic goal.

The game’s turning point came in first-half stoppage time when the Dominican Republic’s Edison Azcona received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike conduct. Spain capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, with Alex Baena doubling their lead in the 55th minute and Miguel Gutierrez adding a third in the 70th minute.

This 3-1 victory all but secures Spain’s place in the Round of 16 and likely guarantees them top spot in Group C. For the Dominican Republic, while not mathematically eliminated, their path to progression now requires a win against Uzbekistan in their final group stage match.

These results highlight the intensity and unpredictability of Olympic soccer, where established powerhouses must overcome determined underdogs. As the tournament progresses, the performances of key players like Julian Alvarez for Argentina and Spain’s midfield maestros will be crucial in determining their teams’ medal chances.

With more matches to come, including Ukraine facing Morocco later in the day, the men’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics continues to offer excitement and drama for fans around the world.

The next round of matches will be pivotal, potentially deciding the fates of several teams. Soccer enthusiasts and Olympic followers alike will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures, as the road to Olympic glory in men’s soccer becomes clearer with each passing game.

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