The Republican National Convention showcased a series of notable speeches, with former President Donald Trump delivering a lengthy acceptance address that critics labeled as divisive. Trump’s son, Eric, also made headlines by defending his father and criticizing the renaming of Confederate bases, asserting that the ultimate retribution would be their success. Former news anchor Tucker Carlson praised the convention's atmosphere, calling it the most enjoyable he had attended.
Melania Trump made a surprise appearance, receiving a warm welcome from attendees, while the convention concluded with a display of unity from the Trump family, including vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who is set to join Trump for their first campaign rally in Grand Rapids.
In contrast, the Democratic Party is facing internal strife as over ten congressional Democrats have urged President Biden to step aside for the upcoming election. Despite this, Biden's campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, reaffirmed the president's commitment to remain in the race, citing a recent boost in morale following Trump's speech. Biden, currently recovering at Rehoboth, expressed his eagerness to return to campaigning and counter Trump's agenda.
The calls for Biden to withdraw have intensified, particularly after a pause in criticism following an assassination attempt on Trump. Some Democrats are concerned about the potential chaos that could ensue if Biden steps down, with Vice President Kamala Harris being the most frequently mentioned successor. However, there is no consensus on a replacement, with other names like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also being discussed.
In international news, the International Court of Justice condemned Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories as unlawful, urging the withdrawal of Israeli settlements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ruling, asserting the Jewish people's historical claim to the land. Meanwhile, an Iranian-made drone attack in Tel Aviv resulted in one death and multiple injuries, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. In Gaza, airstrikes have continued, leading to civilian casualties amidst ongoing conflict.
In Bangladesh, a nationwide curfew has been imposed following deadly protests by students demanding merit-based government job allocations, highlighting the volatile political climate in the region.