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Lakers Conclude Bronny James’ Summer League Run After Promising Performances

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The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to end Bronny James’ Summer League stint after two promising performances, signaling they’ve seen enough from the high-profile rookie. James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, finished his Summer League run on an upward trajectory after a challenging start.

In his final two games, James scored 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including 3 of 8 from 3-point range. This marked a significant improvement from his first four games, where he went 0 for 15 from beyond the arc.

Lakers Summer League coach Dane Johnson commented on James’ progress, saying, “He had two pretty good games last two. I think it’s just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level.”

Despite fan disappointment at James’ absence in Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, briefly chanting “We want Bronny,” the Lakers stuck to their decision. Johnson emphasized James’ resilience, stating, “In general, he doesn’t let any of that stuff get to him. He just wants to play basketball and be on a team.”

James’ Summer League performance has been a topic of intense scrutiny. Initially shooting 7 for 31 overall in stints in San Francisco and Las Vegas, he faced criticism that the Lakers had wasted their 55th pick. However, his final two games have quieted some of these concerns.

Looking ahead, the Lakers are likely to bring James along slowly, potentially giving him time in the G League to refine his skills. At 6-foot-2, James has played as a shooting guard in Summer League, though questions remain about his ideal position in the NBA.

The possibility of James sharing an NBA court with his father LeBron adds an extra layer of intrigue to his development. If it happens, they would join a rare group of father-son duos to play together in major North American sports.

James’ journey to the NBA has been marked by perseverance, particularly following a cardiac arrest incident last summer that required surgery. His progress in Summer League, despite a rocky start, suggests a promising future as he continues to develop his game at the professional level.

AP

Tunisian Presidential Candidate Lotfi Mraihi Barred from Elections for Life

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A Tunisian court on Friday sentenced presidential candidate Lotfi Mraihi to eight months in prison and banned him from contesting elections for life. This decision is the latest move to stifle opponents of President Kais Saied in the upcoming October election, which critics call a sham.

The court found Mraihi guilty of vote-buying during the 2019 election, adding him to the list of government critics prosecuted for alleged wrongdoing in that contest. The charge is the latest to face Mraihi, the 65-year-old president of the Republican People’s Union, a nationalist opposition party. He also faces money laundering charges, which he denies. In January, he was charged under an anti-fake news statute that authorities have used to target those critical of Saied.

Mraihi’s lawyer, Omar Ben Ismael, told The Associated Press that he planned to appeal Friday’s verdict, which would give Mraihi an opening to remain a presidential candidate and challenge Saied.

Tunisia’s election authority confirmed Friday that a representative for Mraihi had pulled the signature-gathering paperwork presidential candidates need to submit to appear on the ballot. Mraihi is the latest of a wave of candidates to face charges ahead of the election, which opposition members have criticized as a sham due to the increasingly authoritarian political conditions in Tunisia. However, he is the only candidate thus far to have a court ban him for life from contesting elections.

apnews.com

Gov. Newsom Thanks Biden, Biden’s Family Responds to His Decision to Leave 2024 Race

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California Governor Gavin Newsom praised President Joe Biden for his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race, calling him one of the most “selfless presidents.” Newsom, a top Biden surrogate and a potential replacement for the Democratic nomination, thanked the president for his leadership.

“President Biden has been an extraordinary, history-making president — a leader who has fought hard for working people and delivered astonishing results for all Americans. He will go down in history as one of the most impactful and selfless presidents. Thank you, @JoeBiden,” Newsom said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

**Biden’s Family Responds to His Decision to Leave 2024 Race**

First Lady Jill Biden responded to her husband’s decision to leave the presidential race on Sunday by reposting his announcement with a heart emoji.

Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden, wrote in a post on X that she is “proud of my Pop.”

“I’m nothing but proud today of my Pop, our President, Joe Biden, who has served our country with every bit of his soul and unmatched distinction,” Naomi wrote. “Not only has he been — and will continue to be — the most effective president of our lifetime, but he has likely already cemented himself as the most effective and impactful public servant in our nation’s history.”

“He’s been the daughter of, and had a material impact on, literally every single major issue that our country and world has faced for 50 years,” she continued. “His record speaks for itself, and today marks his lasting commitment to ensuring America’s better tomorrow by stepping aside to allow his extraordinary team to build on the progress he’s made.”

Trump Responds to Biden’s Withdrawal from 2024 Race, Claims Former President “Not Fit to Run”

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Former President Donald Trump has swiftly responded to President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, asserting that his former opponent was “not fit to run” for the nation’s highest office. Trump’s reaction, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, offers insight into how he might frame the upcoming election against a new Democratic nominee.

In his statement, Trump wrote, “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was!” The former president’s comments echo his long-standing criticisms of Biden’s cognitive abilities and leadership capacity, themes that have been central to Republican messaging throughout Biden’s presidency.

Trump expanded on his critique, stating, “All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t.” This assertion attempts to implicate Biden’s inner circle and the media in what Trump suggests was a cover-up of the president’s alleged unfitness for office.

The former president then pivoted to policy criticisms, particularly focusing on border security, a key issue in his previous campaigns and presidency. Trump concluded his statement with a forward-looking message, saying, “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Trump’s rapid response to Biden’s withdrawal underscores the fluid nature of the 2024 presidential race and hints at how he might adjust his campaign strategy in light of this development. By reaffirming his criticism of Biden and promising to undo the current administration’s policies, Trump is signaling continuity in his message despite the change in his potential opponent.

Israeli Military Intercepts Missile from Yemen Following Airstrikes on Houthi Targets

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The Israeli military announced early Sunday that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, mere hours after Israeli warplanes launched a series of strikes on several Houthi targets in the Arabian Peninsula country.

These Israeli airstrikes, a response to a deadly Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, mark the first known Israeli retaliation against repeated Houthi assaults during its nine-month conflict with Hamas. The recent surge in hostilities between these distant adversaries has escalated tensions, as Israel contends with a series of Iranian proxies throughout the region.

Late Saturday, the Israeli army confirmed the airstrikes targeted the western Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, a significant Houthi stronghold and essential entry point for aid and other supplies. The airstrikes, involving dozens of aircraft, including U.S.-made F-15 and F-35 warplanes, were described as a response to numerous Houthi attacks.

The Health Ministry in Yemen reported that the Israeli strikes killed six people and injured 83 others, many suffering severe burns from a major fire. Additionally, three individuals were reported missing, as stated in a broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulslam condemned the strikes on social media platform X, labeling them as “blatant Israeli aggression” aimed at fuel storage facilities and the province’s power station.

Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, a leader among the rebels, indicated that the Israeli airstrikes specifically targeted elements crucial to Yemen’s economy, suggesting an economic warfare strategy.

The Israeli military also confirmed that a surface-to-surface missile fired from Yemen on Sunday was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.

Meanwhile, health officials in Yemen have stated that the airstrikes resulted in multiple casualties, although further details were not provided.

The ongoing conflict has drawn significant international attention, with the U.S., U.K., and other Western allies joining forces in the region. Israeli defenses have intercepted the majority of Houthi missiles and drones. Early Friday, a Houthi drone managed to strike Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring several others.

apnews.com

Biden Endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic Frontrunner Following His Withdrawal from 2024 Race

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President Joe Biden who announced his withdrawal as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor. This unexpected development has reshaped the Democratic field, with Harris emerging as the frontrunner in recent polls against former President Donald Trump.

Harris’s Strong Polling Performance

Recent polls indicate that Harris is well-positioned to challenge Trump in a potential general election matchup:

1. An Ipsos poll shows Harris (42%) nearly tied with Trump (43%), compared to Biden’s 40-40 tie with Trump in the same poll.

2. A CNN poll from early July revealed Harris trailing Trump by a narrower margin (45-47%) than Biden (43-49%).

These results suggest that Harris may be a more competitive candidate against Trump than Biden, potentially alleviating some Democratic concerns about electability.

Biden’s Endorsement and Harris’s Response

In his withdrawal statement, Biden threw his full support behind Harris, saying, “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Harris, who has been actively campaigning for Biden, responded to earlier speculation about replacing him by stating, “Look, Joe Biden is our nominee. We beat Trump once, and we’re going to beat him again.”

Other Potential Candidates

While Harris leads the pack, several other prominent Democrats are being discussed as potential nominees:

1. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Governor: Seen as a potential 2028 candidate, Whitmer trails Trump 36% to 41% in the Ipsos poll and 42% to 47% in the CNN poll.

2. Gavin Newsom, California Governor: Newsom fares slightly better, with 39% to Trump’s 42% in the Ipsos poll and 43% to 48% in the CNN poll.

3. Andy Beshear, Kentucky Governor: A rising star in the South, Beshear trails Trump 36% to 40% in the Ipsos poll.

4. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Governor: Pritzker receives 34% support compared to Trump’s 40% in the Ipsos poll.

5. Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary: In the CNN poll, Buttigieg garners 43% support against Trump’s 47%.

The Michelle Obama Factor

Interestingly, former First Lady Michelle Obama, despite repeatedly stating she has no interest in running, performs exceptionally well in hypothetical matchups. The Ipsos poll shows her leading Trump 50% to 39%, the strongest performance of any potential Democratic candidate.

Party Unity and Next Steps

As the Democratic Party grapples with this unexpected shift, maintaining unity will be crucial. Many of the potential candidates have previously expressed strong support for Biden and may need to recalibrate their positions in light of his withdrawal.

The coming weeks will be critical as the party works to coalesce around a new nominee. The Democratic National Committee will need to establish a process for selecting the new nominee, which could involve a series of primary debates or a more streamlined selection process given the proximity to the general election.

Implications for the 2024 Election

Biden’s withdrawal and the emergence of a new Democratic nominee could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. Key considerations include:

1. Messaging and policy focus: A new nominee may shift the party’s messaging on key issues like the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy.

2. Fundraising: The Democratic Party will need to quickly mobilize donors around the new nominee.

3. Campaign infrastructure: Transitioning Biden’s campaign infrastructure to a new nominee will be a complex but necessary task.

4. Republican strategy: Trump and the Republican Party will need to adapt their strategy to face a potentially different opponent.

As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the Democratic Party and its potential nominees. The choice of candidate will not only shape the party’s immediate electoral prospects but could also influence its long-term direction and identity.

abcnews.com

Will Democratic Party Take Historic Gamble with Kamala Harris as Presidential Candidate?

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The Democratic Party is on the verge of making a historic gamble by potentially nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential candidate for the 2024 election. This decision marks a significant bet that a Black woman can overcome the enduring challenges of racism, sexism, and her own political hurdles to defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Historically, the United States has seen only one Black president and has yet to elect a woman to the highest office. This reality has led to concerns among some Black voters and party members about Harris’s ability to surmount the deeply entrenched barriers in U.S. politics.

“Will her race and gender be an issue? Absolutely,” said LaTosha Brown, a political strategist and co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. “It’s not just about overcoming Trump; it’s about overcoming a system that has historically sidelined women of color.”

Harris’s candidacy would face numerous challenges. If she were promoted to the top of the ticket, she would have a mere three months to campaign effectively and rally the Democratic base and donors. Uniting a divided party in such a short time frame would require immense effort and strategic planning.

Despite these challenges, many Democrats are enthusiastic about Harris’s prospects. Her candidacy is seen as a bold move that could energize the party’s base, particularly among younger voters and progressives. Harris’s background as a prosecutor and her leadership on key issues like abortion rights position her as a strong contender who could resonate with a diverse electorate.

However, some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s ability to secure a second term. At 81, Biden faces doubts about his mental and physical stamina to endure a rigorous campaign and another four years in office. These concerns have sparked discussions about the party’s future and the need for fresh leadership.

Biden, however, remains steadfast in his intention to run for re-election. On Friday, he reiterated his commitment to the campaign and stated that he would resume active campaigning after recovering from COVID-19. Harris, meanwhile, has been advocating for Biden’s re-election, making the case for his leadership at a recent fundraiser.

Harris’s potential candidacy brings both opportunities and challenges. As a leader on abortion rights, she connects with younger voters and the progressive wing of the party. Her legal background and experience as a prosecutor provide her with the skills needed to effectively debate and counter Trump’s rhetoric. Moreover, her ability to consolidate the party’s fundraising machine and energize voters could prove crucial in a highly contested election.

If Harris were to face Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, the contrasts would be stark. Harris’s vision for America, reflecting its new and diverse reality, stands in opposition to Trump’s platform. Her candidacy could be a galvanizing force, mobilizing voters who seek change and progress.

In the end, the Democratic Party’s decision to potentially nominate Harris represents a significant moment in American politics. It is a gamble that underscores the party’s commitment to diversity and progress, even as it faces the immense challenges of uniting behind a candidate who could make history.

Culled from Reuters

President Biden Ends Reelection Campaign Amidst Democratic Doubts, Paving Way for Historic Nomination

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U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would end his reelection campaign after prominent Democrats expressed doubts about his mental acuity and ability to defeat Donald Trump, leaving the presidential race in uncharted territory.

Biden, in a post on X, stated that he will continue in his role as president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025 and will address the nation this week.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote.

By withdrawing his reelection bid, Biden clears the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to run at the top of the ticket, potentially becoming the first Black woman to do so in the country’s history.

Biden, 81, did not specify when he decided to end his campaign.

It remains uncertain whether other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the party’s nomination. Harris was widely considered the frontrunner by many party officials, though it is unclear if the party will open the field for new nominations.

Biden’s decision follows a wave of public and private pressure from Democratic lawmakers and party officials to exit the race after his poorly received performance in a televised debate last month against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Xander Schauffele Clinches British Open Victory, Secures Second Major of the Year

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Xander Schauffele won the British Open on Sunday, marking his second major victory of the year. Delivering an impressive performance at Royal Troon, Schauffele shot a 6-under 65 to overcome a two-shot deficit, securing a major sweep for the Americans for the first time since 1982.

Schauffele previously won the PGA Championship at Valhalla two months ago, clinching the title with a decisive 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole. In a final round brimming with potential drama—nine players were within three shots of the lead at the start—Schauffele’s calm and skillful play made it look like a leisurely walk along the Irish Sea.

He navigated the course bogey-free despite a strong, chilly wind, pulling away with three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine. This surge took him from two shots behind to a lead of as many as three.

The 30-year-old from San Diego is the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win his first two majors in the same season. His victory also continues American dominance at Royal Troon, with Schauffele being the seventh American to win the Open in the last eight visits to the Scottish links.

Over 1,600 Displaced by Floods in Sokoto State, Nigeria

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Sokoto State, Nigeria – No fewer than 1,664 people have been displaced following severe floods that ravaged four communities in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The flooding, triggered by a recent heavy downpour on July 17, 2024, has left many residents homeless and destroyed significant farmland in the area.

In a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Ghani, it was revealed that the flood resulted from the recent intense rainfall in the region. The statement, made available to newsmen on Sunday, highlighted the extent of the damage.

“The recent downpour, which happened on July 17, 2024, left many residents of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State homeless and displaced. It also destroyed several hectares of farmlands and resulted in the perish of a high number of sheep and goats,” Ghani reported.

Ghani further detailed the findings of an assessment conducted on Saturday at Gada by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and SEMA. The assessment confirmed the widespread impact of the flooding on local communities.

The statement listed some of the affected communities ravaged by the incident, including Dantudu, Balakozo, Gidan Tudu, and Tsitse towns, among others.

– Dan Tudu village: 62 houses and 71 households were affected.

– Balakozo village (Tsitse Ward): 33 houses and 48 households were impacted.

– Gidan Tudu village: 38 houses and 52 households suffered from the flooding.

– Tsitse town: 68 houses and 89 households were also affected.

The local authorities are working to provide relief and support to those affected by the flooding. The significant displacement and destruction of farmland pose a challenge for the community as they recover from the disaster.

Punchng.com

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