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Demonstrators Converge on Milwaukee to Protest at Republican National Convention

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 2024 – Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in downtown Milwaukee to protest at the Republican National Convention (RNC). Despite an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, their plans to demonstrate outside the event remain unchanged.

A wide range of organizations and activists assembled in a park outside the Fiserv Forum’s security perimeter on Monday. They listened to speakers before a street march coordinated by the Coalition to March on the RNC. This coalition, primarily composed of local groups, is advocating for an end to the war in Gaza and supports abortion and immigrant rights. Organizers anticipated 5,000 to 10,000 attendees.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with music playing over loudspeakers, a man strumming a guitar, and vendors selling T-shirts and buttons supporting both Republicans and Democrats. One demonstrator wore an orange prison jumpsuit and a cutout of Trump’s face.

Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Stand with Palestine,” “We Can No Longer Afford the Rich,” and “Defend and Expand Immigrant Rights.” At one point, a group of demonstrators argued with counter-protesters who denounced LGBTQ rights, Muslims, Black Lives Matter, and others.

As the demonstrations set off on the march around the arena’s perimeter, temperatures approached 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). The crowd chanted slogans like, “Hey-hey, ho-ho, Republicans have got to go.”

Violence Erupts in DR Congo Despite Truce, Leaving Four Dead Including Children

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Violence has once again erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in the deaths of at least four people, including two children, despite a recently announced humanitarian truce. The incident occurred in Bweremana, approximately 15km west of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

The United States had brokered a ceasefire between the Kinshasa government and the M23 rebel group on July 5, which was meant to last until July 19. However, fighting resumed on Friday, quickly escalating and spreading towards Goma by Monday.

Local civil society leader Innocent Mwitehofu Mumbara reported that the victims included two children from the same family, with the deceased ranging in age from two to 18 years old. Bweremana Police Commissioner Paulin Ilunga stated that the attack came from “the hills where the M23 is,” also noting that a mother and her four-year-old child were among the wounded.

This latest outbreak of violence underscores the fragility of peace efforts in the region. The DRC has been grappling with political instability and armed conflict since 1996, resulting in an estimated six million deaths. The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwandan army units, has seized significant territory in North Kivu since late 2021, nearly encircling Goma.

Human Rights Watch has reported numerous atrocities committed by M23, including mass executions of civilians and militia members between November 2022 and April 2023. The UN Human Rights Office documented the execution of 171 civilians in the last 10 days of November alone.

The situation remains dire, with the M23 and Rwandan army seizing several towns in Lubero territory at the end of June following the collapse of the Congolese army and its auxiliary militias. In a stark illustration of the conflict’s brutality, nearly 50 Congolese soldiers were sentenced to death for “fleeing the enemy” in the days following these losses.

As the violence continues to escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and find a lasting solution to the conflict in the DR Congo.

Source:aljazeera.com

Violent Students Clash Erupt in Bangladesh Over Government Job Quota Protests

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Violent clashes have erupted in Bangladesh between protesters opposing government job quotas and supporters of the ruling Awami League party, resulting in at least 100 injuries. The confrontations, centered on Dhaka University’s campus, highlight growing tensions over the country’s controversial quota system for civil service positions.

Students scuffle with police during a protest to demand merit-based system for civil service jobs in Dhaka on July 11, 2024.

The quota system, which reserves over half of coveted government jobs for specific groups, including children of independence war veterans, has come under intense scrutiny. Critics argue it unfairly benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, who recently won her fourth consecutive term in a contested election boycotted by the opposition.

Despite a recent court order temporarily suspending the quotas, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the system is substantially reformed. The situation escalated when hundreds of anti-quota protesters clashed with pro-government students, resulting in hours of violence involving rocks, sticks, and even petrol bombs.

Nahid Islam, coordinator of the anti-quota protests, reported that at least 150 students were injured, including 30 women, with 20 in serious condition. Protesters claim they were peacefully demonstrating when attacked by members of the ruling party’s student wing.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud accused protesters of attempting to transform the movement into an anti-state campaign, warning that the government would not tolerate instability.

The protests, which began Sunday night and continued into Monday, were partly sparked by Prime Minister Hasina’s comments comparing protesters to collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 independence war. Students across multiple universities have joined the demonstrations, demanding reform of the quota system while supporting provisions for ethnic minorities and disabled individuals.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation underscores the complex interplay between Bangladesh’s political history, current governance, and the aspirations of its younger generation. The government faces increasing pressure to address the protesters’ concerns while maintaining stability in this volatile political climate.

Shannen Doherty Settled Divorce with Kurt Iswarienko Shortly Before Her Death

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Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” managed to settle her contentious divorce with husband Kurt Iswarienko shortly before her untimely death. Legal documents obtained by TMZ reveal that the couple had come to an agreement on various issues in their divorce case, which was active up until Doherty’s passing this weekend.

The settlement, reached just a day before Doherty’s death, covered property division and other matters, transforming the case from contested to uncontested. As part of the agreement, both parties exchanged final disclosures, typically detailing financial information.

Interestingly, the documents show that Doherty waived her right to receive future spousal support. However, the specifics of the settlement, including any potential lump sum payments, remain undisclosed.

This resolution comes after a period of financial strain for Doherty. In recent legal filings, Shannen had requested up to $15,000 per month in spousal support from Iswarienko, citing dwindling income from her “Charmed” residuals and other past TV work. She had also sought thousands in attorneys’ fees.

The timing of this settlement adds a poignant note to Doherty’s final days, as she battled cancer. It suggests that despite their differences, Doherty and Iswarienko were able to find common ground and resolve their legal disputes before her passing.

This development offers a glimpse into the personal challenges Doherty faced alongside her public health struggles. It also highlights the complexities of celebrity divorces and the importance of resolving legal matters, even in the face of grave illness.

As fans and the entertainment world mourn Doherty’s loss, this final resolution of her personal affairs provides a sense of closure to a chapter in her life, allowing her legacy to be remembered beyond the legal battles that marked her final years.

50 Cent Uses Trump’s Face for ‘Many Men’ Performance After Assassination Attempt

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Rapper 50 Cent made a bold statement during his recent performance in Boston, using Donald Trump’s face in place of his own on the iconic “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” album cover while performing his hit song “Many Men.” This move came in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on the former president, drawing parallels between their experiences of surviving potentially fatal attacks.

The performance, which took place shortly after the attempt on Trump’s life, saw 50 Cent project a modified version of his album artwork featuring Trump’s face superimposed over his own shirtless image. This deliberate choice sparked widespread discussion and amusement on social media platforms.

50 Cent further acknowledged the connection on his social media, posting the Trump-infused image with the caption, “Trump gets shot and now I’m trending.” While it’s unclear if 50 Cent created the image himself, his embrace of it has resonated with fans and observers alike.

The song “Many Men” is widely regarded as an anthem of survival for 50 Cent, who famously survived being shot multiple times early in his career. By using Trump’s image during this performance, 50 Cent seems to be drawing a parallel between his own experience and Trump’s recent brush with death.

Trump’s defiant response to the assassination attempt, pumping his fist and rallying the crowd immediately after being shot in the ear, has been met with mixed reactions. Some praise it as a display of resilience, while others view it as potentially inflammatory.

This incident highlights the complex intersection of hip-hop culture, politics, and personal survival narratives. 50 Cent’s artistic choice serves as a commentary on shared experiences of violence and survival, transcending political and cultural boundaries.

As discussions continue around this performance and its implications, it underscores the power of music and imagery to provoke thought and dialogue about current events and shared human experiences.

TMZ

Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa Removed from Southwest Flight in Seat Dispute

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Sandra “Pepa” Denton, the legendary rapper from Salt-N-Pepa, found herself unexpectedly grounded in Las Vegas after being removed from a Southwest Airlines flight to Nashville. The incident, which Pepa describes as discriminatory, has raised questions about airline policies for passengers with disabilities.

Sandra, who suffers from a knee injury stemming from a 2018 car crash, had purchased two seats for her comfort and used wheelchair assistance. Upon boarding, she was initially told by a flight attendant that she couldn’t occupy both seats as she wasn’t wearing a cast, despite having a knee brace.

The situation escalated when another passenger requested one of Pepa’s seats, claiming he was traveling to a funeral. This led to a debate among passengers about whether Sandra should relinquish the seat she had paid for. Eventually, the other passenger was given the seat.

Pepa claims she was then removed from the flight without explanation. Southwest later told her it was because she was recording the incident, which Pepa denies doing. The airline has since reimbursed her $2,500 for the seats but not for additional expenses like her greeter service and car service.

Southwest Airlines‘ statement to TMZ Hip Hop contradicts Pepa’s account, claiming she did not respond to crew member instructions, leading to her removal to ensure other passengers’ safety and comfort.

Pepa with her Salt-N-Pepa rap group

The incident has prompted Pepa to consider exploring legal options regarding potential ADA violations. She notes that Southwest attempted to move her to an emergency exit row, which she declined due to her disability status.

This controversy highlights ongoing issues surrounding accommodations for passengers with disabilities and the interpretation of airline policies. It also underscores the potential for miscommunication and disputes in high-stress travel situations.

As the story develops, it may prompt broader discussions about airline policies, passenger rights, and the treatment of individuals with disabilities in air travel.

Source: TMZ

Father and Daughter Hikers Die in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park Amid Extreme Heat

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A father and daughter from Green Bay, Wisconsin, lost their lives in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park on Friday after running out of water during a hike in scorching temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and his daughter Beatriz Herrera, 23.

Albino Herrera, 52 and his daughter, Beatriz Herrera, 23, of Green Bay, were found dead at Canyonlands National Park on Friday. (pictured: The pair pictured on July 3) 

The tragic incident occurred on the Syncline Loop Trail, where the hikers became disoriented and ran out of water. Their bodies were discovered around 6 p.m. on Friday and were retrieved by helicopter the following morning. The National Park Service reported that air temperatures in the area had surpassed 100 degrees at the time the hikers went missing.

This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of proper preparation and caution when engaging in outdoor activities during extreme heat conditions. The National Park Service strongly advises visitors to carry and consume ample water and to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

The deaths of Espinoza and Herrera are part of a broader pattern of heat-related fatalities across the United States in 2024. As of Monday, 59 confirmed heat-related deaths have been reported nationwide, with the majority occurring in western states such as California, Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada. Arizona and Oregon have each recorded 16 deaths. Eastern states, including Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, have also reported heat-related fatalities.

The recent historic heat wave in the West, which saw Las Vegas experience seven consecutive days of temperatures at or above 115 degrees, highlights the increasing dangers of extreme heat events. The impact of these high temperatures is not limited to the western United States; on Tuesday, New York City’s Central Park registered a heat index of 96 degrees, while Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reached a heat index of 103.

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities in extreme heat and emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and preparation when venturing into nature during hot weather conditions.

NBCnews

Deadly Shooting in Albstadt, Germany Linked to Domestic Dispute Leaves 3 Dead, 2 Wounded

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A devastating shooting incident in Albstadt, Germany, believed to be sparked by a domestic dispute, has left three people dead and two others injured, according to police reports.

The tragic event unfolded on Sunday in southwestern Germany, specifically in the town of Albstadt, located between Stuttgart and Lake Constance. Police spokesperson Ramona Döttling confirmed to The Associated Press that among the deceased were the suspected shooter, another man, and a woman.

Authorities responded to the scene shortly after noon following reports of gunfire within a family setting. Döttling stated that the shooting victims and the suspected shooter were all related, highlighting the intimate and tragic nature of the incident.

Currently, an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the shooting. Details surrounding the events leading up to the violence remain unclear as authorities continue their probe into the circumstances.

The two wounded individuals, both women, were airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical treatment. Their conditions were not immediately disclosed, but their injuries were reported to be severe.

As the community of Albstadt grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence, authorities are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events and provide support to the affected families.

Trump Announces JD Vance as GOP Running Mate, Unveiling Set for RNC 2024

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Former President Donald Trump has made a decisive move in his political comeback, announcing Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate ahead of the 2024 election. Trump revealed his choice via his Truth Social Network, citing Vance’s alignment with his policies and the need for a fresh perspective from the heartland.

The decision comes amid intense speculation and deliberation within Trump’s inner circle, with sources close to the former president confirming that Vance has emerged as the preferred candidate over other contenders like Florida Senator Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

Trump’s announcement is scheduled to take place during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Vance will be formally introduced and nominated as Trump’s running mate. The selection is seen as a strategic move to bolster Trump’s base and appeal to younger voters, given Vance’s age of 39 and his conservative credentials.

The unveiling of Trump’s VP pick comes amidst heightened security concerns following an attempted assassination at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. The incident has underscored the significance of the vice presidential role as a potential successor to the presidency.

Trump, known for his dramatic flair, had hinted at a grand reveal reminiscent of his reality TV days on “The Apprentice.” Despite the security scare, Trump remains steadfast in his plans to maintain the convention schedule, emphasizing resilience and unity among Americans.

The choice of JD Vance signals Trump’s strategy to energize his campaign with a figure who resonates strongly with his political base while offering a fresh face for the upcoming election cycle. Stay tuned for more updates as the RNC unfolds and Trump’s VP pick takes center stage in national politics.

Simone Biles Moves Forward, Addresses Critics Ahead of Paris Olympics

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Simone Biles, the renowned gymnastics star, has spent the past three years moving beyond the events of the Tokyo Olympics, even as she acknowledges that not everyone else has. As she prepares for her third Olympic appearance in Paris, Biles finds herself addressing lingering criticism from those unable to move past her decision to withdraw from multiple finals in Tokyo to protect her mental health.

Despite her continued success, including national titles and world championship victories, Biles recognizes that for some critics, she remains defined by the 2020 Games. The 27-year-old athlete candidly discusses encountering negative comments on social media, which she tries to ignore but inevitably encounters.

Biles emphasizes that her goals for the Paris Olympics are not about silencing her critics or proving anything to those who might be watching to see if she experiences “the twisties” again. Instead, she’s focused on her personal journey and growth as an athlete.

“They’ll still say like, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to quit again? Or are you going to quit again?’ And like, and ‘If I did, what are you going to do about it? Tweet me some more?'” Biles remarked after winning the Olympic trials. “Like I’ve already dealt with it for three years. But yeah, they want to see us fail.”

The Simone Biles who will compete in Paris is not the same person who left Tokyo amidst discussions about mental health in sports. She has evolved, both as an athlete and a person, emphasizing that life continues to happen and change.

As she prepares for the qualifying rounds on July 28, Biles is focused on her performance and personal goals rather than external expectations or criticisms. Her journey highlights the ongoing conversation about athlete mental health and resilience in high-pressure environments.

Biles’ approach to the Paris Olympics demonstrates her maturity and growth since Tokyo, serving as an inspiration to athletes facing similar pressures and criticisms. As she steps onto the floor in Paris, she represents not just her athletic prowess but also the importance of prioritizing mental health in sports at the highest level.