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After a recent anomaly with the Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX has been designated ready for launch by the FAA. The issue, caused by a liquid oxygen leak, prevented the deployment of 20 Starlink satellites. Despite previous incidents, the Falcon 9 has a successful track record with 364 launches, including missions for NASA to the ISS. The FAA found no public safety risks, allowing SpaceX to resume operations from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Prosecutors in New York have asked a judge to reject Donald Trump's appeal of his conviction for falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments. The prosecutors argue that the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity does not apply to this case. Trump's lawyers are attempting to have the verdict and even the indictment thrown out based on the Supreme Court's ruling. The conviction stems from a case brought by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, in which Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels. The prosecutors argue that the immunity issue was not raised in a timely manner and that the case involves unofficial acts not subject to immunity. The judge is expected to rule on Trump's arguments by September 6th. In other news, Kamala Harris is gaining support among Black voters, according to a recent survey. She is trusted by 71% of Black Americans, while only 5% trust Donald Trump. This survey provides insight into voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming presidential and local elections.

President Joe Biden plans to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night. He will discuss his decision to withdraw from the presidential race and outline his plans for the final six months of his term. This includes campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris, who will hold her first rally in Milwaukee. Additionally, Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to address a joint meeting of Congress. After recovering from COVID-19 at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden was treated with Paxlovid upon disembarking from Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base. His decision to withdraw came after facing doubts about his physical and mental fitness, and he has endorsed Harris as his successor. Despite facing pressure to abandon the race, Biden intends to return to campaigning. In his address, he will reflect on his presidency and the challenges that lie ahead for the American people. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. aims to secure support despite tensions between the U.S. and Israel due to the Gaza offensive. He plans to address Congress and is expected to meet with Biden and Harris.

The German government is considering tax incentives to attract skilled workers from abroad. The plan is to exempt newly immigrated skilled workers from taxes on a percentage of their gross salary in the first three years. Other EU countries, such as Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, also offer tax breaks to attract foreign talent. However, these incentives are met with opposition from trade unions who fear a two-class tax system. Employers argue that other factors, such as simplified migration processes and faster recognition of foreign degrees, are more important. Economists question the effectiveness of tax incentives, citing high costs and doubts about their ability to address the shortage of skilled workers in Germany. The debate revolves around issues of equality, Germany's attractiveness as a destination, and the practical implementation of the tax incentives. It remains to be seen whether the German government will proceed with the tax incentives, as they seek to address the concerns of employers and ensure active utilization of the program.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies in the US Congress about the security lapse during the attack on former President Donald Trump. The Secret Service is under pressure after the assassination attempt, where the shooter was able to position himself only 150 meters away from Trump. Cheatle admits to the agency's failure in protecting Trump, who was shot in the ear. The incident has sparked calls for Cheatle's resignation and demands for improved security measures. The hearing, attended by lawmakers, highlights concerns over the agency's failures and the need to prevent future security lapses and attacks. The Secret Service's role in protecting current and former presidents is being scrutinized, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Cheatle's future as the director of the Secret Service is uncertain, and gun safety legislation is unlikely to advance despite lawmakers' concerns. The attack resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others. Revealing the extent of the agency's failures, Cheatle takes responsibility and faces intense questioning during the hearing.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Iran is just 'one or two weeks' away from having enough fissile material to build a nuclear weapon. Blinken stated that the withdrawal from the nuclear agreement has significantly shortened the timeline for Iran to acquire the capability to produce this material. He emphasized that while Iran has not yet developed nuclear weapons, the current situation is concerning and closely monitored by the US government. The US continues to prefer a diplomatic approach to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. The 2015 nuclear agreement between the US, France, Germany, the UK, Russia, and China aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, in 2018, the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, leading Iran to gradually disregard its commitments. Efforts to revive the agreement have been unsuccessful so far. The newly elected Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, has expressed his intention to revive the nuclear agreement in order to end his country's isolation.

Donald Trump holds his first campaign appearance since the assassination attempt, while pressure on Joe Biden to drop out of the race increases. During the rally in Michigan, Trump promises to end the war in Ukraine if he returns to the White House. Over 30 members of the House and four Democratic Senators publicly call for Biden to withdraw. Silicon Valley investor Michael Moritz joins the calls and suspends his donations to the Democrats. Despite being diagnosed with Covid, Biden plans to resume his campaign next week. Trump's lead in the polls is narrowing as he benefits from Biden's weak position, with concerns over his age and mental fitness. Meanwhile, a ceremony in Berlin commemorates the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler 80 years ago. The event sheds light on the often overlooked civilian involvement in the resistance movement. As for vacation plans, Germans are opting for classic Mediterranean destinations or seeking out alternative and adventurous options, such as space travel and polar cruises. CrowdStrike, an IT security provider, inadvertently caused worldwide chaos when a faulty software update crashed its clients' Windows computers. The incident may result in lawsuits and the search for alternative security options.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Iran is only 'one or two weeks' away from obtaining enough fissile material to produce a nuclear weapon. The withdrawal of the US from the 2015 nuclear deal has accelerated Iran's progress in its nuclear program. Blinken emphasized that although Iran has not yet developed nuclear weapons, the current situation is concerning. The US government is closely monitoring the developments and remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Efforts to revive the nuclear agreement have been unsuccessful, with negotiations stalling since the US withdrawal in 2018. The international community, including the US, France, Germany, the UK, Russia, and China, had signed the agreement with Iran to prevent its development of nuclear weapons. The new Iranian president has expressed a desire to revive the agreement. However, Iran's recent actions, including enriching uranium to 60%, suggest a growing capability to produce fissile material. The US continues to prioritize diplomatic solutions to address the Iranian nuclear threat.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has ruled that Israel's occupation and settlement policies in the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, are illegal. The court found that Israel's actions violated international law, including the establishment of illegal settlements and the construction of a separation wall. The ICJ called on Israel to end the occupation and cease all new settlement activities. The ruling has been hailed as a historic decision by the Palestinian Authority, which is calling for its implementation. However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the ruling as a 'lie' and defended Israel's right to control its 'eternal capital' Jerusalem and other parts of its homeland. The ICJ's ruling is not binding, but it could increase pressure on Israel to comply. This is not the first time the ICJ has issued a ruling against Israel's actions in the occupied territories. However, previous rulings have had little impact on the ground. The situation remains complex, with ongoing tensions and disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.

The latest data from the European car market shows a rise in hybrid vehicle sales and a decline in pure electric cars, except in Belgium and Italy. Germany, the Netherlands, and France have seen declines in electric car sales. Gasoline and diesel engines remain stable in Germany but are declining in other countries. The market shares for fossil fuel drives are at 47.1%, electric cars at 14.4%, and hybrids at 29.5%. Price differences between combustion engine and electric models still exist, but transaction prices are converging. The decline in electric car sales can be attributed to factors such as reduced or discontinued subsidies and limited customer interest. The high prices of electric cars, concerns about range, charging infrastructure, and the possibility of changes to the ban on combustion engines by 2035 have also contributed to the decline. Despite these challenges, the overall car market in Europe has seen a 4.3% increase in new car registrations, driven by strong sales in Italy, Germany, and Spain.

The stock market experienced mixed action as the Dow Jones index rose to a record high while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 fell. Chip manufacturers such as ASML, Nvidia, Micron, Marvell, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index faced pressure due to potential trade restrictions for China. Investors are anticipating an interest rate hike in the US and are investing in smaller companies. President Donald Trump's comments about the strength of the dollar unsettled investors, leading to a fall in the dollar index. Oil prices saw an increase. Airline Spirit expects a decline in sales, and pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly lost ground. However, competitor Roche made progress with a weight loss pill. The tech stock slump, including Nvidia, ASML, and TSMC, was driven by concerns over tighter US curbs on sales to China and Trump's comments about Taiwan. The chip stock sell-off is also attributed to the Biden administration's push to onshore chip production.

The US has announced the closure of a temporary aid pier in the Gaza Strip after facing multiple challenges. The pier, which was constructed to deliver much-needed aid to the Palestinian territory, faced damage due to bad weather and was temporarily removed for repairs. Despite the difficulties in distributing the aid and the high cost of the project, the US military considers it a success. The pier delivered nearly 20 million pounds of aid during a period of near-famine in Gaza. However, it also faced criticism for diverting attention from the need to open more border crossings with Israel. In addition, the distribution of aid within Gaza was hindered by insecurity and lawlessness. In light of these challenges, Israel plans to use the Ashdod port and Pier 28 as alternative routes for aid delivery. The closure of the temporary pier comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was triggered by a major attack by Hamas fighters and other militant Palestinian groups. As a result of the conflict, thousands of people have been killed, and the situation in Gaza remains dire.

Chip stocks, including ASML, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, Arm, and TSMC, experienced a significant decline due to reports of impending US export restrictions to China. This decline in sales to China impacted US chipmakers, while generative AI and hardware drove rallies. Despite the sell-off, ASML managed to beat Q2 estimates. TSMC continued to dominate the market for advanced chips used in AI, smartphones, and fighter jets. Concerns over potential conflict were amplified by President Trump's comments regarding Taiwan. ASML's outlook was clouded by the risk of more severe US curbs, and the company confirmed flat 2023 sales before anticipating strong growth in 2025. The market also saw the slumping of Dow Jones futures and the decline of tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The global chip industry is facing shockwaves due to geopolitical tensions, with TSMC dealing with market volatility and investor anxiety. To mitigate risks, companies like TSMC must diversify supply chains and engage with policymakers. The stability and growth of the semiconductor sector depend on unity and strategic foresight from industry leaders and global stakeholders.

On the tenth anniversary of the MH17 tragedy, Australia continues to demand justice and accountability from Russia for the downing of the flight. Two Russians and one Ukrainian have been convicted for their involvement, but Russia denies responsibility. The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, reiterated this demand at a memorial service in Canberra. The Dutch court had previously sentenced the convicted individuals to life imprisonment in absentia. However, many of the victims' families feel that justice has not been fully served, as none of the perpetrators have been imprisoned. The memorial service in Eindhoven, where the coffins of the Dutch victims arrived, was a time of great sorrow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized Russia for their lies and their refusal to acknowledge the truth and apologize to the victims and their families. He said that Russia had 'murdered' the victims twice - first with the missile and then with their lies. The wreckage of the MH17 has been reconstructed and is on display at the military air base of Gilze-Rijen in the Netherlands. The anniversary of the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing quest for justice.

President Biden plans to introduce significant reforms to the Supreme Court, including term limits for justices and the establishment of a binding code of ethics. He is also considering seeking a constitutional amendment to restrict presidential immunity. These reforms come in response to the conservative tilt of the Court under the Trump administration and recent controversial rulings. However, the approval of Congress is necessary for these reforms, which is considered unlikely due to the Republican majority. Biden's proposal aims to address concerns about the lifetime tenure of justices and the lack of enforceable ethics guidelines. The Supreme Court's decisions, particularly in cases related to abortion rights, gun rights, and presidential immunity, have sparked public outrage and led to a decline in approval ratings. Biden's plan reflects the desire for progressive change and a more balanced Court. However, the path to implementing these reforms is challenging, requiring bipartisan support and constitutional amendments. Critics argue that expanding the Court or implementing term limits would undermine its independence and politicize the judicial process. Despite the uphill battle, Biden remains committed to addressing the concerns surrounding the Supreme Court and hopes to rally support from the Progressive Caucus.

In the aftermath of the recent shooting incident involving an AR-15 rifle targeting Donald Trump, Joe Biden has reentered campaign mode with a renewed advocacy for stricter gun control measures. Biden has specifically called for a ban on assault weapons like the AR-15 and criticized the resistance to gun reforms from conservative Republicans and the gun lobby. Despite the shooting, Trump's supporters remain staunchly against any changes to gun laws, attributing the issue to mental health rather than the availability of assault weapons. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, is under investigation for domestic terrorism, further fueling the debate on gun control. Biden, in his recent interviews and speeches, not only denounced violence but also resumed his attacks on Trump, emphasizing the importance of Black voters and highlighting his administration's support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Black employment. The push to accelerate Biden's nomination before the convention by Democrats, including the Democratic National Committee, underscores the urgency in solidifying his candidacy. Amidst controversies surrounding the filing date in Ohio and doubts raised during debates, NAACP members like Donna Jackson-Houston and Tony Fields continue to express their support for Biden. As the 2020 campaign progresses, Biden's stance on gun control and his strategy against Trump in light of the recent events will likely remain central themes in the political discourse.

Democratic US Senator Bob Menendez has been convicted of corruption charges, involving his use of political influence in favor of Egypt and Qatar in exchange for bribes and luxury items. The investigation led to the discovery of $500,000 in cash, gold bars, and a luxury car in his possession. Despite pleading not guilty, Menendez was found guilty on all 16 charges, becoming the seventh sitting senator in US history to be convicted of a crime. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Menendez's resignation. Menendez, who has been serving as a senator for New Jersey since 2006, had previously faced scrutiny over questionable business dealings and luxury trips. Alongside his conviction, two businessmen who had bribed him were also found guilty. The scandal has caused significant political ramifications, with Menendez's future in jeopardy as sentencing approaches, potentially marking the end of his political career.

The US Secret Service is facing intense criticism and scrutiny after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Experts are questioning how the shooter was able to go unnoticed on the factory roof from where he fired shots at Trump. It is being investigated whether there was a failure in communication between the Secret Service and the local police responsible for controlling the area adjacent to the security zone. President Joe Biden has ordered an independent investigation into the incident, and several Republicans in the House of Representatives are planning hearings. The attack marks a security failure, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Secret Service has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. Changes will be made to reinforce security measures for Trump's appearances at future events, including the Republican Party convention in Wisconsin. Questions are raised about the Secret Service's response time and their ability to eliminate lines of sight. There are concerns about the evacuation process and the exposure of Trump during the incident. The investigation will seek to understand what went wrong and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Secret Service relies on collaboration with local law enforcement, and the variation in training and professionalism among different agencies may have contributed to the security breach. The agency is facing pressure to explain why the building used by the gunman was outside its security perimeter. The Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheatle, has taken responsibility for the incident but refused to resign, emphasizing that the focus is on people's safety. The Secret Service's cooperation in the investigation is crucial, and President Biden's review of security measures will further shed light on the incident.

The US Republican Party Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has commenced to nominate Donald Trump as their presidential candidate, just days after an assassination attempt on him. Despite controversies surrounding Trump, including criminal convictions and ongoing legal challenges, polls indicate his strong chances for victory on November 5th. The lineup of speakers includes prominent right-wing figures like Nigel Farage and Liz Truss, with a focus on building alliances and promoting conservative agendas. The convention's proceedings will culminate in Trump's acceptance speech, highlighting the party's united front amidst intense political polarization.

The Republican National Convention in the US to nominate Trump as the presidential candidate begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This comes just two days after an attempted assassination on Trump, in which he narrowly survived with minor injuries. Despite the assassination attempt, Trump is determined to attend the convention and formally accept the nomination in a speech. The convention will reflect the volatile political landscape following the shooting. Around 2,400 delegates will vote on the nomination, and the convention's programming, speeches, and tone will likely be influenced by the events. The convention is also a golden opportunity for Trump to attract attention and get free publicity ahead of the election. Security measures are being heightened in light of the attack, as officials and the Secret Service prepare for the influx of 50,000 people and potential protesters at the convention site in Milwaukee.