Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva were among the U.S. residents who were freed in a major prisoner exchange with Russia. They arrived back in the U.S. to greetings from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, families, and friends. The deal involved 24 people from seven nations, including those held in Russia and the U.S. The exchange was a rare example of cooperation amid political tensions between the two countries. Gershkovich, a reporter, Whelan, a Marine veteran, and Kurmasheva, a journalist, had faced charges in Russia and were serving prison sentences.
Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Katie Ledecky added to their Olympic medal collections in gymnastics and swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Biles won gold in the women’s all-around gymnastics final, Lee won bronze, and Ledecky made history by winning silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay. The U.S. women’s basketball team and the men’s rowing team also had victories on Day 6 of the Games. The U.S. women’s dominance in swimming and gymnastics continued to showcase their talent and skill on the global stage.
The U.S. job market is showing signs of cooling, with analysts expecting a gain of 185,000 jobs for July, down from the previous month. The unemployment rate has been climbing for three months in a row and is at its highest level since 2021. The Federal Reserve is considering cutting the key interest rate to help boost hiring prospects. The job market presents challenges for those seeking employment, but those who are currently employed are less likely to lose their jobs.
Vice President Kamala Harris is facing increased scrutiny as she aims to define herself heading into the next presidential election. Harris’ role as a prosecutor against former President Donald Trump is being highlighted by her team while the Trump campaign is portraying her in a negative light. With less than 100 days until the general election, voters are learning more about Harris’ background and policies she has supported. Harris is also considering potential running mates as the election approaches.
The killing of Sonya Massey by Illinois Deputy Sheriff Sean Grayson has raised questions about inconsistent police hiring practices in the U.S. Grayson had worked for multiple law enforcement agencies despite a history of red flags in his personnel files. An investigation into hiring practices across the country revealed a patchwork of standards that vary between states and communities. Some states have extensive requirements for vetting job candidates, while others have more flexibility for police chiefs and sheriffs.
In political news, former Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the plea deal that allowed three defendants accused in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to avoid the death penalty. An investigation into the crash of an Air Force Osprey aircraft in Japan that killed eight airmen attributed the crash to gearbox failure and pilot error. In Virginia politics, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good lost his primary recount, solidifying his defeat to GOP state Sen. John McGuire. The 2024 election landscape continues to evolve as candidates position themselves leading up to the general election.
