Trump at convention: Donald Trump made an appearance last night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Trump was greeted with sustained cheers and applause. He was on-stage with Sen. J. D. Vance, who will be his vice presidential running mate on the GOP ticket. Trump had a white bandage covering his ear, which was grazed by a bullet during an assassination attempt during a rally at Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Investigation: FBI investigators have managed to break into the cellphone that was owned by Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year old who attempted to kill Donald Trump. They did not immediately find data that would provide a clue to Crooks’ motive for shooting at Trump. The investigators also have been examining his laptop computer, trying to discover a motive and learn more about Crooks’ political background and beliefs. Crooks was a registered Republican who a few years ago gave a $15 donation to a liberal group.
Musk’s money: The Wall Street Journal reported today that Elon Musk, who is worth an estimated $250 billion, plans to donate $45 million a month to a political Super PAC that will spend the money in support of Donald Trump’s run for president. It’s called the America PAC. Musk had previously said he did would not be donating to either the Biden or Trump campaigns. A donation to a PAC isn’t a direct donation to a campaign committee. Musk has used his internet site X, formerly Twitter, to express his support for Trump and criticism of Biden.
World economy: The International Monetary Fund said this morning that its growth projection for world economic activity is unchanged at 3.2% this year and slightly higher at 3.3% for next year. The IMF said that economic activity in the U.S. shows increasing signs of cooling, especially in the labor market, after a strong 2023. Economic activity in Europe is poised to pick up after a nearly flat performance last year, according to the IMF. Asia’s emerging market economies remain the main engines for the global economy.
Moon caves: A study of radar information gathered by NASA reveals that caves exist on the moon. Scientists speculate that the caves someday could be used as shelter by astronauts who are spending extended lengths of time on the moon. It’s believed that thick rock that forms the ceilings of the caves could help protect astronauts from radiation and exposure to widely varying temperatures. The existence of caves on the moon had been suggested about 50 years ago but not confirmed until now.
Gaza fighting: Palestinian officials claim that at least 50 people were killed today in new attacks on Gaza by the Israeli military. Israel says that its military actions are necessary in order to root out militants. Israel says that it has staged recent airstrikes on at least 40 targets consisting of Hamas military structures. Even though both Israel and Hamas have said they are committed to trying to reach a deal on a cease-fire, peace talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar have stalled.
