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France’s Bastille Day parade meets the Olympic torch relay in an exceptional year

PARIS (AP) — Paris is internet hosting an extra-special visitor for France’s nationwide vacation Sunday — the Olympic flame lighting up town’s grandiose navy parade for Bastille Day.

Simply 12 days earlier than the French capital hosts exceptionally bold and high-security Summer time Video games, the torch relay is becoming a member of up with 1000’s of troopers, sailors, rescuers and medics marching in Paris beneath roaring fighter jets to mark Bastille Day.

Whereas folks round France mark the day with live shows, events and fireworks, right here’s a take a look at what the vacation’s about, and what’s completely different this 12 months:

What does Bastille Day rejoice?

On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille fortress and jail in Paris, heralding the beginning of the French Revolution and the top of the monarchy.

The vacation is central to the French calendar, with occasions throughout the nation. It goals to embody the nationwide motto of ‘’liberty, equality and fraternity,” although not everybody in France feels the nation lives as much as that promise.

The Paris parade is the vacation’s spotlight. This 12 months, it’s paying tribute to those that freed France from Nazi occupation 80 years in the past, with a re-enactment of the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, and a show of emblems of the 31 international locations whose troops contributed to the liberation. About half are African nations that had been beneath French colonial rule throughout World Struggle II.

Who takes half?

Some 4,000 folks and 162 horses will march within the tightly choreographed present, amongst them items that served in NATO missions in japanese Europe, towards Islamic extremists within the Sahel, defending French territories within the South Pacific and international delivery corridors. They’re joined this 12 months by three German officers from a cross-border brigade.

The decorative uniforms are wealthy in symbolism — most notably these of the French International Legion sappers, with lengthy beards, leather-based aprons and axes from their authentic position as route-clearers for advancing armies.

Overhead, 65 plane will fly in formations, together with a British Hurricane fighter alongside French Mirages and Rafales, rescue helicopters and plane utilized in missions from Afghanistan to Mali or worldwide drug busts.

President Emmanuel Macron kicked Sunday’s occasions off with a evaluate of the troops, adopted by a efficiency of the Marseillaise.

The numbers are scaled again in contrast with earlier years, due to Olympics safety measures. Round 130,000 police are deployed round France for the vacation weekend.

What’s the political context?

This 12 months’s Bastille Day provides Macron a second of distraction from the political turmoil he unleashed with snap elections that weakened his pro-business centrist get together and his presidency.

The outcome left a deadlocked parliament with nobody clearly in cost. The prime minister might go away workplace inside days, whereas the left-wing alliance that received probably the most seats is struggling to agree on a proposed alternative.

In the meantime, Russia’s struggle in Ukraine is threatening Europe’s safety. At a gathering with navy leaders Saturday, Macron mentioned France will sustain assist for Ukraine and referred to as for larger protection spending subsequent 12 months due to ‘’approaching threats.’’

What’s completely different this 12 months?

The Olympic torch relay reaches Paris simply in time.

The parade wraps up with the arrival of the flame, escorted by riders on horseback, 25 torchbearers, and cadets forming the shapes of the Olympic rings. The principle torchbearer is Col. Thibault Vallette, equestrian gold medalist within the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Often, the parade travels from the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe to the Concorde plaza, the place France’s final king and queen had been beheaded.

This 12 months, Concorde has been remodeled into an enormous Olympic venue for breakdancing, skateboarding and BMX. So the parade route headed to the Bois de Boulogne park on town’s edge as a substitute.

Olympic venue development across the Eiffel Tower means spectators can’t collect beneath the monument to observe its annual fireworks present, both.

After its Bastille Day look, the torch relay will swing by Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Sorbonne college and the Louvre Museum earlier than heading to different Paris landmarks Monday.

___

Comply with AP’s Olympics protection at

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Bronny James Addresses Possibility of Playing for Lakers’ G-League Team

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Bronny James, the eldest son of famous person ahead LeBron James, to a four-year, $7.9 million contract after choosing him within the again finish of the second spherical of the 2024 NBA draft.

Together with his rookie season looming, and having already gotten his ft moist with some summer time league motion, Bronny was requested a couple of potential task within the G League through the 2024–25 marketing campaign.

The 19-year-old did not balk on the concept of spending a while within the NBA’s improvement league, the place he’d be given rather more alternative to see the court docket versus the NBA, the place he figures to be a mainstay on the bench.

“I am simply wanting ahead to any basketball I play, it doesn’t matter what stage I am taking part in at,” stated James, through ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Growth early into his profession will probably be essential for Bronny, and the minutes he’d log towards high quality opponents within the G League may assist expedite the method. Most significantly, he made clear he’d be keen to simply accept such an task.

Bronny has struggled throughout his first three summer time league appearances, taking pictures 23.1% from the sector (6-for-26) and going 0-for-12 from past the arc. He scored eight factors in his final outing towards the Houston Rockets, however shot 3-for-14.

L.A.’s summer time league coach Dane Johnson, who can also be the coach of the group’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, was requested in regards to the prospect of Bronny transferring to his squad.

“I do not learn about that but, so I am unable to actually touch upon that,” Johnson stated. “However I feel all these guys are going to be within the G League sooner or later—the draftees.”

Los Angeles takes the court docket once more on Monday towards the Boston Celtics, at which level Bronny will probably be hoping to seek out his taking pictures contact and knock down his first three of the summer time.

Lakers’ Bronny James in ‘a little slump’ after shooting 6-of-26 in first three NBA Summer League games

Getty Photos

Bronny James isn’t off to the perfect begin for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has now performed in three Summer season League video games — two within the California Traditional and a 3rd in Las Vegas — and his offensive numbers are abysmal: 6-of-26 capturing from the sphere, 0-of-12 from 3-point vary. He has scored a mixed 15 whole factors throughout the three video games, and the Lakers have misplaced all three.

“I simply really feel like I am in somewhat droop proper now,” James advised reporters after Friday’s loss to the Houston Rockets. 

Taking pictures, nonetheless, has been a weak point for James since he performed on the newbie degree. In 25 video games at USC, James shot 36.6% from the ground and 26.1% on 3-pointers. James is a comparatively small guard. He does not even stand 6-foot-2, and with out his father’s legendary athleticism, he cannot get to the rim almost as simply. He wants to have the ability to make leap photographs to carve out a distinct segment within the NBA. To this point, he has failed to take action in summer season league.

That might change as quickly as Monday when the Lakers go well with up once more to face the Celtics, however growing his general offensive sport will likely be a course of measured in years, not single summer season league performances. James acknowledged that his progress may have to return on the G-League degree and mentioned that he would settle for any project given to him by the Lakers this season. “I am simply trying ahead to any basketball I play, it doesn’t matter what degree I am enjoying at,” he advised reporters.

James has already flashed the appreciable defensive upside that made him a viable NBA prospect. He’s deceptively sturdy for his dimension and navigates the courtroom effectively. His excessive IQ and courtroom consciousness give him the instruments he must generate turnovers, and his eventual profile as a long-term professional would in all probability must be as a defensive stopper towards opposing guards.

That is a viable profession archetype, however such gamers must be not less than considerably dependable offensively to see the courtroom. James is way from that proper now, and it’ll in all probability take a whole lot of work to get him the place he must be.

Spain vs. England tale of the tape: Who will win Euro 2024?

The Euro 2024 remaining is about, with three-time European champions Spain making an attempt to forestall England’s males from profitable the event for the primary time and, within the course of, ending their 58-year anticipate worldwide glory since lifting the World Cup in 1966.

It guarantees to be a conflict of kinds in Berlin — Spain’s peerless possession sport in opposition to England’s mix of tempo and energy, with either side counting on the brand new era of soccer superstars in Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham.

Spain have been essentially the most eye-catching and efficient workforce of Euro 2024 — the one aspect to win all of their video games — whereas England struggled to play to their potential till the 2-1 semifinal win in opposition to Netherlands. However each groups have the gamers and the expertise to win, and coaches Luis de la Fuente and Gareth Southgate have strengths and weaknesses to handle.

Spain are aiming to develop into essentially the most profitable nation ever on the European Championship by profitable a fourth title on Sunday. Their three earlier successes (1964, 2008, 2012) have them tied with Germany’s three continental titles.

England’s males have by no means gained the Euros. The Three Lions reached the ultimate for the primary time at Euro 2020, however misplaced in a penalty shootout in opposition to Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.

Will or not it’s Spain captain Álvaro Morata or England skipper Harry Kane who will get to elevate the Henri Delaunay Trophy on the Olympiastadion on Sunday? This is how the 2 groups stack up forward of the ultimate.


Goalkeeper

Spain’s Unai Simón and England’s Jordan Pickford arrive on the remaining having been two of essentially the most constant and dependable goalkeepers at Euro 2024 and they’re each remarkably related of their data on the event.

Simón, 27, is ready to play as an auxiliary defender and is snug with the ball at his ft. The Athletic Membership No. 1 has conceded simply three objectives in 5 video games, making 12 saves in these fixtures.

Pickford, 30, has been England’s first alternative because the 2018 World Cup and has been a hero in penalty shootouts in opposition to Colombia in that event and Switzerland within the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. The Everton participant’s distribution along with his ft is extra long-distance than Simón’s, however his means to pick forwards and wingers is a key a part of England’s method. In six video games, Pickford has conceded 4 objectives and made 14 saves and, identical to Simón, is a dependable determine in terms of accumulating crosses.

Weaknesses? Each can take dangers with the ball at their ft within the penalty space, so quick-thinking forwards might catch them out.

Defence

Spain have operated with a again 4 all through Euro 2024 and, with right-back Dani Carvajal and centre-back Robin Le Normand accessible once more after lacking the semifinal win over France by suspension, coach De la Fuente is prone to restore them alongside Aymeric Laporte and left-back Marc Cucurella.

It’s a basic again 4 when it comes to the qualities of the person gamers. Actual Madrid’s Carvajal is arguably the world’s finest right-back, equally efficient going ahead as he’s defensively, whereas Chelsea’s Cucurella provides stability on the left. Cucurella’s performances in Germany have been a stark distinction to the struggles he has endured at Stamford Bridge throughout the previous two seasons. Within the centre, Actual Sociedad’s Le Normand and Al Nassr defender Laporte, the previous Manchester Metropolis participant, provide bodily presence, excellent means on the ball and a right-footed/left-footed mixture. Each are additionally sturdy within the air.

Spain lack tempo on the coronary heart of their defence, however with striker Kane prone to play by the centre for England, his related lack of tempo means Laporte and Le Normand is not going to have their weak spot examined.

England have operated with each four-man and three-man defences in Germany, however Southgate is anticipated to revert to a again 4 on Sunday. With Kieran Trippier struggling to beat a groin pressure, left-back Luke Shaw is prone to begin for the primary time, with Marc Guéhi, John Stones and right-back Kyle Walker finishing the defensive lineup.

Stones has been one of many excellent defenders on the event, whereas Guéhi has been a revelation, lacking solely the Switzerland quarterfinal by suspension. Stones and Guéhi type an ideal mix of tempo, energy and studying of the sport. At right-back, Walker has as soon as once more proven himself to be a world-class full-back. However how Stones and Guéhi mix with defensive midfielder Declan Rice to nullify the specter of Spain’s Dani Olmo could possibly be decisive on Sunday.

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1:06

Leboeuf compliments England’s ‘deserving’ win

Frank Leboeuf says England bought the job executed in what he calls the Three Lions’ finest sport to date.

Midfield

The harm to Pedri, suffered within the quarterfinal win in opposition to Germany, has pressured De la Fuente to change from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1, with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz now enjoying behind a extra superior three, with Olmo working in between the midfield and attacking strains. That change has given Spain higher attacking risk, however it hasn’t weakened their midfield, regardless of the lack of a participant as gifted as Pedri.

The rationale for that’s Rodri’s absolute command of the defensive sector of midfield and his means to dictate and destroy in equal measure. Ruiz completely enhances the Manchester Metropolis participant’s attributes along with his extra adventurous qualities.

For England, Rice and Kobbie Mainoo carry out the identical two-man midfield axis as Rodri and Ruiz, however with completely different components than the Spanish pair. Arsenal’s record-signing Rice brings the vitality and tenacity, whereas Manchester United teenager Mainoo provides the aptitude and quietness. Mainoo has been a breakout star of the event, however the defensive aspect of the 19-year-old’s sport can let him down at occasions. Conversely, Rice may be restricted along with his passing means in open play, though his set-piece deliveries have been extremely efficient at membership stage.

Additional ahead, Bellingham hyperlinks the midfield and assault for England. Regardless of scoring twice at Euro 2024, the Actual Madrid participant has had an detached event and appears drained, however he stays a world-class expertise, and Spain will regard him because the participant to cease with lots of the squad having seen him up shut in LaLiga this season.

When it comes to personnel and expertise, Spain clearly win the midfield battle on paper and England must discover a option to overcome that.

Assault

For either side, the energy is out large reasonably than by the centre the place each Morata and Kane have struggled to make an affect. The 2 centre-forwards have had irritating tournaments, though Kane has scored three objectives — Morata has one in six video games — and will but win the Golden Boot. However it’s the means of Yamal and Nico Williams for Spain and the confirmed high quality of Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka that might resolve this sport.

Yamal and Williams have been excellent for Spain. Each have displayed tempo, consciousness and aim risk and Yamal, who celebrates his seventeenth birthday on Saturday, has introduced himself to the world as a generational expertise.

Saka and Foden have but to hit the identical heights for England, though Saka did rating a vital equaliser within the quarterfinal in opposition to Switzerland. However whereas Saka and Foden are nonetheless trying to find their finest, Spain could have little doubt that both of them might win the sport for England with a flash of particular person brilliance. Each can rating with pictures from distance and they’re equally snug on both flank.

Whereas Yamal and Williams are the shape gamers, do not underestimate the risk posed by Foden and Saka.

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1:20

Spain boss De la Fuente expects England remaining to be a ‘improbable present’

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente appears to be like ahead to dealing with England within the remaining of Euro 2024.

Influence substitutes

Spain and England have unimaginable depth and each De la Fuente and Southgate have gained video games at Euro 2024 with well timed substitutions. Lower than 10 minutes after getting into the motion within the semifinal in opposition to Netherlands, substitutes Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins mixed for Watkins to attain a Ninetieth-minute winner for England. However within the quarterfinals, Mikel Merino carried out an analogous job for Spain by scoring a headed winner within the 119th minute in opposition to Germany after being thrown on late within the sport. Mikel Oyarzabal, Joselu, Ferran Torres and Ayoze Pérez even have the power to be matchwinners for La Roja, whereas on the again, De la Fuente also can depend on serial Champions League winner Nacho Fernández in case of emergency.

England’s choices are simply as spectacular. Palmer has made a telling contribution every time he has been used as a sub, whereas forwards Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze have additionally impressed. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s set-piece means and supply from large is a possible sport changer from the bench, whereas Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen each possess the tempo and attacking intuition to make an affect late within the sport.

The managers

Sunday’s remaining is all in regards to the two groups, however it’s also a pointer to the significance of youth workforce coaches with each De la Fuente and Southgate elevated to the highest job after prolonged durations working with the youth sides.

Southgate, whose solely membership job ended with relegation from the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2009, spent three years in control of England under-21s. He solely took the senior job in 2016 after Sam Allardyce was fired for off-field controversies after only one sport in cost. Previous to his U21 function, Southgate, 53, headed the English FA’s elite improvement unit, with duty for overseeing the event of younger gamers, for 18 months.

De la Fuente has had an analogous profession path, though his solely senior job previous to taking cost of Spain in 2022 was a four-month stint with Alaves in 2011. The 63-year-old’s profession has been rooted in improvement squads and youth groups, with time in control of Spain’s under-19, U21, under-23 and Olympic sides (profitable a silver medal in Tokyo.) He succeeded Luis Enrique with the senior aspect following the 2022 World Cup, and the next yr led them to a trophy by profitable the UEFA Nations League.

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0:45

Wembley goes wild for England’s late semifinal winner vs. Netherlands

Followers in Wembley have a good time Ollie Watkins’ aim to place England within the Euro 2024 remaining in opposition to Spain.

The referee

French official François Letexier has been handed the duty of taking cost of the ultimate by UEFA. The 35-year-old has refereed three video games already on the event, together with Spain’s round-of-16 win in opposition to Georgia, however this would be the largest sport of his profession by far.

His spotlight till now was taking cost of the UEFA Tremendous Cup between Manchester Metropolis and Sevilla final season, earlier than being appointed as fourth official for the Champions League remaining between Actual Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley final month.

However in a event during which VAR has performed an outsized function in video games, maybe the important thing appointments are those that will sit in entrance of the TV screens on the VAR hub. France’s Jérôme Brisard will take the lead VAR function, assisted by fellow Frenchman Willy Delajod and Italy’s Massimiliano Irrati.

A well-recognized fixture

That is the primary time that Spain and England have met in a senior males’s remaining, however the two nations have develop into common rivals throughout the sport and Sunday’s showpiece factors to the success of the 2 nationwide associations in growing their groups.

England beat Spain within the 2023 Euro U21 remaining in Batumi, Georgia, with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon each beginning that sport, whereas Spain beat England within the Ladies’s World Cup remaining in Sydney, Australia, final August.

If England win on Sunday, it can give the nation the excellence of being European champions in each the lads’s and ladies’s sport, with the Lionesses profitable the Euros in 2022, having defeated Spain on the quarterfinal stage.

The trophy

The profitable captain will elevate the Henri Delaunay Trophy, named after the previous president of the French Soccer Federation who launched the European Championship as UEFA’s first basic secretary.

The trophy, which weighs 8 kg (17½ lbs) and is 60 cm (23½ in) tall, is fabricated from sterling silver and was produced by Asprey London, a famend jeweller and goldsmith. It’s the second model of the trophy, with UEFA changing the unique, smaller cup in 2008.

Spain vs. England 2024 livestream: Watch Euro 2024 final for free

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. England in Euro 2024 totally free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Entry this free streaming platform from wherever on the planet with ExpressVPN.


After an unimaginable group stage filled with entertaining fixtures and a few critically intense knockout rounds, we have now reached the Euro 2024 closing. All of it comes right down to this, and you may watch each minute of the motion from wherever on the planet. And higher but, you needn’t spend something to see how issues unfold.

Spain have seemed the perfect staff by far within the event. They beat defeated the defending champions Italy, knocked out hosts Germany, and toppled the mighty France. On paper, that is Spain’s event for the taking.

However England have sparked to life in the previous couple of video games. They began the event poorly, however discovered their groove over the past two video games and performed some stunning soccer within the semi-final towards the Netherlands. Can England break the curse of just about 60 years and win a significant trophy?

If you wish to watch Spain vs. England in Euro 2024 totally free from wherever on the planet, we have now all the knowledge you want.

When is Spain vs. England?

Spain vs. England within the Euro 2024 closing kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on July 14. This fixture takes place on the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

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Fitness guru Richard Simmons has died at 76

NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Simmons, tv’s hyperactive court docket jester of bodily health who constructed a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and brief shorts by urging the obese to train and eat higher, died Saturday. He turned 76 on Friday.

Simmons died at his dwelling in Los Angeles, his publicist Tom Estey stated in an e mail to The Related Press. He gave no additional particulars.

Los Angeles police and hearth departments say they responded to a home — whose tackle the AP has matched with Simmons by way of public information — the place a person was declared lifeless from pure causes.

Simmons, who had revealed a pores and skin analysis in March 2024, had currently dropped out of sight, sparking speculating about his well being and well-being. His loss of life was first reported by TMZ.

Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who turned a grasp of many media types, sharing his hard-won weight-loss suggestions as host of the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Present” and creator of best-selling books and the weight loss program plan Deal-A-Meal. He additionally opened train studios and starred train movies, together with the wildly profitable “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” line, which turned a cultural phenomenon.

“My meals plan and weight loss program are simply two phrases — widespread sense. With a touch of fine humor,” he advised The Related Press in 1982. “I wish to assist individuals and make the world a more healthy, completely happy place.”

Simmons embraced mass communication to get his message out, at the same time as he finally turned the butt of jokes for his outfits and flamboyant aptitude. He was a sought-after visitor on TV exhibits led by Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and Phil Donahue. However David Letterman would prank him and Howard Stern would tease him till he cried. He was mocked in Neil Simon’s “The Goodbye Woman” on Broadway in 1993, and Eddie Murphy placed on white make-up and dressed like him in “The Nutty Professor,” screaming “I’m a pony!”

Requested if he thought he might inspire individuals by playing around, Simmons answered, “I feel there’s a time to be severe and a time to be foolish. It’s realizing when to do it. I attempt to have a pleasant mixture. Playing around cures melancholy. It catches individuals off guard and makes them assume. However in between that silliness is plenty of seriousness that is smart. It’s a unique sort of coaching.”

Simmons’ daytime present was seen on 200 stations in America, in addition to in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan and South America. His first ebook, “By no means Say Weight loss program,” was a smash best-seller.

He was recognized to counsel the severely overweight, together with Rosalie Bradford, who held information for being the world’s heaviest girl, and Michael Hebranko, who credited Simmons for serving to him lose 700 kilos. Simmons put actual individuals — chubby, balding or non-telegenic — in his train movies to make the health objectives appear reachable.

All through his profession, Simmons was a dependable critic of fad diets, at all times emphasizing wholesome consuming and train plans. “There’ll at all times be some bizarre factor about consuming 4 grapes earlier than you go to mattress, or consuming a particular tea, or shopping for this little bean from El Salvador,” he advised the AP in 2005 because the Atkins weight loss program craze swept the nation. “Should you watch your parts and you’ve got an excellent angle and you’re employed out day by day you’ll reside longer, really feel higher and look terrific.”

Simmons was a local of New Orleans, a chubby boy named Milton by his mother and father. (He renamed himself “Richard” across the age of 10 to enhance his self-image). He would inform individuals he ate to extra as a result of he believed his mother and father preferred his older brother extra. He was teased by schoolmates and ballooned to nearly 200 kilos.

Simmons advised the AP his mom watched train guru Jack LaLanne’s TV present religiously when he was rising up, however he wasn’t loopy concerning the health fanatic. “I hated him,” Simmons stated. “I wasn’t prepared for his message as a result of he was match and he was wholesome and he had such a constructive angle, and I used to be none of these issues.”

Simmons went to Italy as a overseas trade pupil and ended up doing peanut butter commercials and bacchanalian consuming scenes for director Federico Fellini in his movie “Fellini Satyricon.” He advised the AP: “I used to be fats, had curly hair. The Italians thought I used to be hysterical. I used to be the lifetime of the occasion.”

His life modified after getting an nameless letter. “One darkish, wet day I went to my automotive and located a be aware. It stated, ‘Pricey Richard, you’re very humorous, however fats individuals die younger. Please don’t die.” He was so shocked that he went on the hunger weight loss program that left him skinny however very in poor health.

After the crash weight loss program he gained again 65 kilos. Ultimately, he was capable of devise a wise plan to take off the kilos and hold them off. “I went into the enterprise as a result of I couldn’t discover something I preferred,” he stated.

When Simmons hadn’t been seen in public for a number of years, some information retailers speculated that he was being held hostage in his personal home. In phone interviews with “Leisure Tonight” and the “In the present day” present, Simmons refuted the claims and advised his followers he was having fun with the time by himself. Filmmaker-writer Dan Taberski, one among his common college students, launched a podcast in 2017 referred to as “Lacking Richard Simmons.”

In 2022, Simmons broke his six-year silence, along with his spokesperson telling the New York Publish that the beloved health icon was “residing the life he has chosen.”

One of many on-line tributes after Simmons’ passing was from actor-comedian Pauly Shore, who beforehand developed an unauthorized biopic of Simmons, which Simmons objected to on the time.

“I simply bought phrase like everybody else that the attractive Richard Simmons has handed,” he started in an Instagram publish. “I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up within the heavens,” including “You’re one among a sort, Richard. An incredible life. An incredible story.”

___ Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

___

Related Press writers Stefanie Dazio and Andrew Dalton contributed from Los Angeles.

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Winners And Losers From Namajunas Vs. Cortez Card

Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas cruised to a call win over Tracy Cortez in entrance of a sold-out crowd at Ball Area in Namajunas’ adopted hometown of Denver, Colorado.

The UFC had initially booked Namajunas to face Maycee Barber in the principle occasion of the UFC Denver struggle card, however Barber was unable to compete attributable to well being points. That led to Tracy Cortez, who was coaching for a July 20 struggle on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, stepping up on quick discover to face Namajunas.

Cortez, who had by no means fought in a UFC headliner earlier than, put forth a powerful effort however fell quick. Cortez lacked the expertise to beat Namajunas’ method to the struggle. She and her staff couldn’t provide you with the changes wanted to get by her extra savvy foe.

Namajunas was poised and affected person all through the 25-minute contest. She used velocity, motion, and selective stress to attain all through the matchup. The ex-champ was particularly efficient in scoring with straight punches and in addition confirmed a willingness to struggle Cortez at her personal sport, choosing up takedowns with relative ease. Namajunas applied her sport plan properly, and Cortez’s lack of ability to regulate allowed her to stay to that plan for 25 minutes.

After the win, her second in three fights at 125 kilos, Namajunas known as for a title struggle. I am uncertain if she’ll get that, contemplating she was ranked No. 6 within the official UFC ladies’s flyweight rankings heading into final evening’s matchup and that Cortez was No. 11. Namajunas wants a win over a fighter who’s ranked greater than her, somebody who can stress her and power her into uncomfortable spots. Cortez was not that opponent.

Under, we have a look at the UFC Denver outcomes, winners and losers, in addition to remaining official scorecards.

UFC Denver Winners

Rose Namajunas: Rose Namajunas seemed excellent in choosing up a transparent unanimous determination win over Tracy Cortez in the principle occasion of final evening’s UFC Denver struggle card.

Namajunas was affected person and poised all through the 25-minute contest, scoring with straight punches whereas going five-for-five on takedowns and racking up greater than six minutes in management time.

Namajunas’ protection performed a big function in her victory. She used footwork and motion to forestall Cortez from touchdown many vital strikes, limiting her opponent to a 29 p.c touchdown price all through the struggle whereas connecting on 53 p.c of her tried vital strikes.

Namajunas maintained management of each facet of the struggle over the primary 4 rounds. Cortez solely managed to realize some floor within the remaining spherical when the previous 115-pound champion adopted a extra defensive technique.

Namajunas had displaying on Saturday evening.

Muslim Salikhov: Muslim Salikhov’s determination to get to Denver to acclimate to the altitude paid off on Saturday when he picked up a split-decision win over Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Salikhov was extra energetic and correct in his placing. Outdoors of the primary spherical, he didn’t enable Ponzinibbio to regulate the vary and tempo of the struggle, which went a good distance towards getting the judges to see issues his means.

Jean Silva: Jean Silva took an opportunity. After knocking out Charles Jourdain in late June, the 27-year-old moved as much as light-weight to face hard-hitting Drew Dober on the principle card of UFC Denver. That likelihood paid off when Silva picked up a third-round TKO win over Dober.

Silva won’t have had the facility of his opponent, however he had a velocity benefit and the power to counter Dober properly.Silva’s spinning strategies and elbows did plenty of harm, leaving Dober with an enormous gash over his proper eyebrow, which led to the struggle being stopped late within the third stanza.

Silva is 3-0 since he joined the UFC with all his wins coming by knockout. Every of these victories has are available 2024.

Gabriel Bonfim: Coming off his first profession loss, Gabriel Bonfim had a bounce-back efficiency in Denver, utilizing his placing expertise and skill to get off the mat to select up a call win over Ange Loosa.

Loosa’s technique was to maintain Bonfim in shut, nullify his placing, and take the struggle to the mat. Nonetheless, Bonfim landed heavy knees within the clinch, stayed off the mat, and used his jab within the third spherical to maintain Loosa at bay. All of which helped him choose up the choice win.

Saturday’s win was the primary time Bonfim went the space as a professional.

Julian Erosa: There was not plenty of protection within the early going of the featherweight battle between Julian Erosa and Christian Rodriguez as each males scored early within the first spherical, but it surely was Rodriguez main the dance with Erosa countering.

Nonetheless, the momentum of the struggle went on to Erosa’s benefit the minute the rivals hit the bottom late within the stanza, with Erosa easily taking management and choosing up a late guillotine choke submission.

Charles Johnson: Charles Johnson struggled with the aggression and tempo of Joshua Van within the first 10 minutes of their flyweight scrap. Maybe needing a end to win the struggle, Johnson got here out quick within the third stanza and picked up a nasty knockout win within the opening moments of the ultimate stanza.

Johnson went 1-3 in 2023 beneath the UFC banner. He’s 3-0 with the promotion in 2024.

Jasmine Jasudavicius: Jasmine Jasudavicius had lots to lose on Saturday, dealing with a much-hyped Fatima Kline on quick discover. Jasudavicius picked up a unanimous determination win within the flyweight contest.

Jasudavicius solely had a one-inch peak and attain benefit over her opponent. She made these benefits look extra pronounced because of her velocity, footwork, capacity to regulate vary, and getting off first along with her strikes. Jasudavicius additionally discovered Kline struggled to get off the mat after Jasudavicius bought the struggle to the bottom.

Montel Jackson: Moments after UFC commentator instructed viewers to observe the punches of Montel Jackson, Jackson uncorked a left that caught Da’Mon Blackshear stepping in, presumably to throw a kick or knee. There was no want for a follow-up strike as Jackson ended the struggle 18 seconds into the opening spherical.

With the win, Jackson is on a five-fight successful streak beneath the UFC banner. He has not misplaced since Brett Johns defeated him in 2020. Jackson has solely fought as soon as per 12 months since 2022.

Luana Santos: Luana Santos made issues look simple on Saturday in choosing up a submission win over Mariya Agapova in Denver. She used her placing, judo and floor expertise to dominate Agapova.

Santos is 3-0 within the UFC with two stoppage victories, and on a five-fight total successful streak.

Andre Petroski: Andre Petroski ended a two-fight dropping skid on Saturday through his wrestling expertise and heavy high sport on the mat. Petroski had no downside scoring early takedowns in every spherical on his approach to a call win over Josh Fremd. As soon as the struggle hit the mat, Petroski patiently seemed for openings for submissions whereas stopping Fremd from discovering a means off the bottom.

The struggle won’t have been thrilling, however coming into it with two losses, any win is an effective win for Petroski, who mentioned after the struggle that he did not need to take dangers towards Fremd.

Evan Elder: After a tricky begin to his UFC profession with two losses, Evan Elder is on a two-fight successful streak after submitting Darrius Flowers within the opening struggle on the UFC Denver card.

This was a short-notice struggle, signed earlier this week, however Elder seemed excellent in defeating Flowers, who ran out of fuel earlier than the top of the primary spherical. Elder confirmed good struggle IQ in profiting from a compromised opponent. His placing was energetic, and he blended up strategies and targets properly.

UFC Denver Losers

Tracy Cortez: Tracy Cortez was a sport opponent towards Rose Namajunas however lacked the abilities and expertise to beat the previous UFC strawweight champion.

Cortez and her staff couldn’t determine tips on how to cope with Namajunas’ method over the 25-minute bout. The loss will likely be a studying expertise for Cortez, who had by no means fought in a UFC predominant occasion earlier than Saturday evening.

Santiago Ponzinibbio: Within the first spherical of their UFC Denver co-main occasion, Santiago Ponzinibbio did job of lowering Muslim Salikhov’s time and area, however he didn’t keep on with that method within the subsequent two rounds, and that damage him.

The concern about Ponzinibbio forward of this struggle was that he could be too aggressive and create openings for his opponent’s placing. That did not occur, however Ponzinnibio might have been extra energetic in his placing. Had he thrown extra, he might need been in a position to sway the judges.

Ponzinibbio is 1-4 in his previous 5 outings and 2-5 courting again to January 2021.

Drew Dober: Drew Dober might need been on the fallacious finish of a TKO on Saturday, however his all motion type will maintain him on the UFC roster for some time. Jean Silva used his velocity to place plenty of harm on Dober in Denver, however Dober by no means stopped transferring ahead whereas trying to rating together with his energy.

Ange Loosa: Ange Loosa seemed like his sport plan towards Gabriel Bonfim was to make use of his jab to arrange takedowns and dominate the struggle on the mat. That wasn’t a flawed principle, however Loosa couldn’t management the struggle on the bottom, and his placing didn’t do sufficient harm to attain on the toes. The choice loss ended a three-fight unbeaten streak for Loosa.

Dominick Cruz: UFC commentator Dominick Cruz didn’t say that he thought Cody Brundage was faking his lack of ability to proceed after Abdul Razak Alhassan landed unlawful blows to the again of his head, however he closely implied that. Cruz’s opinion on what a fighter is bodily feeling is unimportant in a state of affairs like that. Cruz must be taught when it’s proper or fallacious to supply his opinion, particularly with regards to a possible head/mind damage.

Joshua Van: Joshua Van had 10 minutes towards Charles Johnson, utilizing his aggression and energy to rack up factors on the scorecards. Nonetheless, Van didn’t appear ready to cope with Johnson beginning the third stanza on the lookout for a knockout, which he bought.

Fatima Kline: A two-division Cage Fury champion, 24-year-old Fatima Kline made her UFC debut on Saturday towards the extra skilled Jasmine Jasudavicius. The struggle was a short-notice one for Kline.

Kline didn’t present any Octagon jitters within the matchup, however she struggled to steer the dance on the toes and had plenty of bother getting off the mat after Jasudavicius scored takedowns.

Kline confirmed coronary heart in on the lookout for a stoppage win within the third spherical when she was down 2-0 on the scorecards, however she couldn’t discover the mark.

Kline has solely had seven professional fights, and with this one approaching quick discover at elevation, it’s exhausting to get a full grasp on her upside. Nonetheless, many revered MMA pundits really feel she will be able to discover success within the UFC. Will probably be fascinating to see what she will be able to do with a full camp towards an unranked opponent at 115 kilos as a substitute of 125.

Mariya Agapova: Getting back from practically two years of inactivity, Agapova didn’t have a lot to supply Luana Santos, who simply submitted Agapova within the first spherical.

With the loss, Agapova fell to 1-4 courting again to August 2020. Her one win throughout that stretch was an October 2021 submission over Sabina Mazo, who’s now not with the UFC.

Josh Fremd: Josh Fremd seemed unprepared for the wrestling expertise of Andre Petroski, who averaged 4.32 takedowns per minute heading into this matchup. That lack of takedown protection value him dearly, as he spent virtually the complete struggle on his again on the mat.

Darrius Flowers: Darrius Flowers ran out of fuel after 5 minutes in Denver. In response to the UFC commentary staff, Flowers instructed his staff that he couldn’t breathe after the primary spherical. Not lengthy after that, Evan Elder submitted Flowers.

Flowers did the UFC a favor by accepting this bout throughout struggle week, however with an 0-3 document within the UFC, he might need seen his final UFC motion.

Neither

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage: This quick struggle ended with a no contest after Cody Brundage was unable to proceed after Abdul Razak Alhassan elbowed him to the again of the pinnacle.

UFC Denver Full Battle Card

Essential Card

Rose Namajunas defeats Tracy Cortez through unanimous determination (49-26, 49-46, 47-48)

Muslim Salikhov defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio through break up determination (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jean Silva defeats Drew Dober through TKO at 1:28 of Spherical 3 (Physician stoppage attributable to minimize above Dober’s eye)

Gabriel Bonfim defeats Ange Loosa through unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Julian Erosa defeats Christian Rodriguez through submission at 4:49 of Spherical 1 (Guillotine choke From guard)

Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage ends in a no contest at 0:37 of Spherical 1 (Unintended elbow to the again of the pinnacle)

Preliminary card

Charles Johnson defeats Joshua Van through knockout at 0:20 of Spherical 3 (Punch to move at distance)

Jasmine Jasudavicius defeats Fatima Kline through unanimous determination (30-27 x 3)

Montel Jackson defeats Da’Mon Blackshear through knockout at 0:18 of Spherical 1 (Punch to move at distance)

Mariya Agapova defeats Luana Santos through submission at 3:27 of Spherical 1 (Rear-naked choke)

Andre Petroski defeats Josh Fremd through unanimous determination (30-27 x 3)

Evan Elder defeats Darrius Flowers through submission at 1:46 of Spherical 2 (Arm triangle from facet management)

UFC Denver Battle Evening Bonuses

Battle of the Evening: Jean Silva vs. Drew Dober

Efficiency of the Evening: Charles Johnson

Efficiency of the Evening: Montel Jackson

UFC Denver Scorecards

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Republican National Convention launches Monday amid some grumbling over abortion stance • Kansas Reflector

WASHINGTON — 1000’s of Republicans will collect in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting Monday for the celebration’s presidential nominating conference — a chance for the GOP to showcase its candidates up and down the poll and unify behind Donald Trump.

The RNC launched its trimmed-down celebration platform the week previous to the conference, after forgoing one fully in 2020. And whereas many Republicans in Congress mentioned throughout interviews they both help it, or hadn’t learn it, some have been vital it adopts Trump’s place that abortion entry be left as much as states — one of many high points within the presidential race.

The platform wraps in conventional celebration objectives in addition to others tied to Trump. Nevertheless it additionally competes with consideration drawn to the Heritage Basis’s large far-right Undertaking 2025 coverage agenda, which Trump has repeatedly disavowed.

Democrats and President Joe Biden’s reelection marketing campaign have focused the Undertaking 2025 doc spearheaded by former Trump administration officers — which says the president ought to work with Congress on abortion coverage — for instance of an excessive GOP agenda.

The Heritage Basis is scheduled to host an all-day “coverage fest” on Monday on the RNC Conference, headlined by conservative media character Tucker Carlson and former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, amongst others.

The RNC conference is also the showcase for Trump asserting his operating mate, after months of hypothesis about who would get the nod. As of Friday, Trump had not revealed his choose, although hypothesis centered round Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

There was additionally little info obtainable forward of the conference as to the lineup and schedule of audio system in official periods all through the week, which culminates with the nomination of Trump on Thursday and his speech.

 

Unhappiness over abortion stance

GOP members of Congress mentioned in interviews they’d have favored to have seen a nationwide abortion ban within the platform.

Louisiana Sen. Invoice Cassidy, the highest Republican on the Well being, Training, Labor and Pensions Committee, mentioned he most popular the GOP’s final official platform, which referred to as for a nationwide abortion ban after 20 weeks.

“I’m pro-life and I like the best way it was beforehand,” Cassidy mentioned.

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst mentioned whereas she hadn’t learn the total platform, she had learn the part about abortion, in addition to just a few others.

“I’m pro-life and I’m all the time going to be adamantly pro-life,” Ernst mentioned. “And I feel what we’re going to must do is figure very exhausting to coach the American individuals on the worth of life. So would I wish to see extra strong (language) within the platform? Actually. However that’s not the best way it’s going to be. So we’re simply going to must proceed preventing for all times.”

Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford mentioned the platform locations a “new emphasis on the states” to manage abortion entry, largely on account of Trump urgent for that construction in an try to enchantment to unbiased voters, although Lankford mentioned it received’t bind Republicans in Congress.

“Clearly, it is a platform that’s wrapped round him, it’s a brand new mannequin for presidential platforms to be wrapped across the candidate,” Lankford mentioned.

Trump has shifted the GOP platform away from urgent for a nationwide regulation, partially, as a result of he doesn’t consider the votes are there for the time being, Lankford mentioned. However that doesn’t imply Republican lawmakers will cease speaking about their beliefs or working to construct help for a nationwide regulation.

“It’s a standard floor assertion,” Lankford mentioned of the platform. “However for these of us that consider within the worth of each single little one — and we must always do no matter we are able to to have the ability to shield the lives of kids — we are going to proceed to have the ability to communicate out on these issues.”

Mike Pence, former Indiana governor and vice chairman throughout Trump’s first time period in workplace, launched an announcement saying the “RNC platform is a profound disappointment to the thousands and thousands of pro-life Republicans which have all the time regarded to the Republican Celebration to face for all times.”

“Sadly, this platform is a part of a broader retreat in our celebration, attempting to stay obscure for political expedience,” he wrote.

Pence referred to as on delegates attending the RNC conference to “restore language to our celebration’s platform recognizing the sanctity of human life and affirming that the unborn little one has a basic proper to life which can’t be infringed.”

 

Shorter, vaguer

The 16-page platform is way shorter than years previous and is at occasions obscure concerning the objectives the Republican Celebration hopes to perform if voters give them unified management of the federal authorities throughout the subsequent two years.

The official doc was put collectively behind closed doorways.

It says that after practically 50 years, “due to us,” the flexibility to manage abortion has “been given to the States and to a vote of the Folks.”

“We are going to oppose Late Time period Abortion, whereas supporting moms and insurance policies that advance Prenatal Care, entry to Beginning Management, and IVF (fertility remedies),” the brand new RNC platform states.

The 2016 Republican Celebration platform, in contrast, was 66 pages lengthy and talked about abortion greater than 30 occasions, calling for Congress to cross laws that banned abortion after 20-weeks gestation.

That earlier platform additionally mentioned that the RNC revered “the states’ authority and suppleness to exclude abortion suppliers from federal applications reminiscent of Medicaid and different healthcare and household planning applications as long as they proceed to carry out or refer for elective abortions or promote the physique components of aborted youngsters.”

 

‘Nothing going to occur up right here within the Senate’

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas mentioned that it’s extraordinarily unlikely both political celebration will get the 60 votes wanted to advance abortion laws by means of the legislative filibuster within the Senate, making the states the extra sensible place to enact legal guidelines.

“There’s not 48 votes on this difficulty by some means up right here, not to mention 60,” Marshall mentioned. “There’s nothing going to occur up right here within the Senate within the close to future, if perpetually.”

Marshall mentioned that Republicans “received” in getting the Supreme Court docket to overturn Roe v. Wade and that the problem is now left as much as voters.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley mentioned a full GOP platform shorter than in earlier years is an efficient growth, since individuals may truly learn it.

“No person’s gonna learn the Sears catalog, like earlier ones,” Grassley mentioned. “And I feel if we are able to get individuals to learn the Republican platform, it’ll be an important factor for the marketing campaign. I feel it’d be an important factor for presidency typically.”

Grassley mentioned he couldn’t make a judgment concerning the new abortion language, since he didn’t bear in mind the language from the 2016 platform.

 

Voters count on all of GOP on identical web page

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt mentioned she hadn’t learn by means of the platform, however that she was inspired some anti-abortion teams expressed help for the brand new language.

“I’m proud to be pro-life and proud to help the celebration and President Trump,” Britt mentioned.

Voters, she mentioned, count on to listen to from a unified Republican Celebration throughout conference week in addition to from one which focuses on coverage.

“I feel individuals desire a safe border, they need secure costs, they need a safer world,” Britt mentioned. “And I feel we have to speak about these issues — speak about not solely the place we’re, however our imaginative and prescient for transferring ahead.”

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, chairman of the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee, didn’t immediately reply a query about whether or not he helps eradicating a nationwide abortion ban from the celebration’s platform.

“Look, I feel they did good work on the platform,” Daines mentioned. “We’re a celebration that believes in life, we’re a pro-life celebration. I feel they did an excellent job.”

West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito mentioned that voters need to hear Republicans unified on the conference.

“I feel they need to hear a unifying message for the long run,” Capito mentioned. “I feel they need to hear how issues can be totally different and higher, particularly on the financial system and border and worldwide. And I simply suppose, you already know, a united entrance might be a very powerful.”

Arkansas Sen. John Boozman mentioned the GOP ought to emphasize the way it differs from Democrats throughout the RNC Conference.

“I feel that they should hear a message of unity and the distinction between what Republicans can accomplish on inflation and border,” Boozman mentioned.

 

Nationwide treasures, girls’s sports activities

The RNC’s new platform consists of acquainted GOP coverage objectives in addition to some that got here alongside after Trump grew to become the celebration’s nominee eight years in the past.

For instance, it requires Republicans to “promote magnificence in Public Structure and protect our Pure Treasures. We are going to construct cherished symbols of our Nation, and restore real Conservation efforts.”

It additionally calls on GOP lawmakers to “help the restoration of Traditional Liberal Arts Training,” although it doesn’t element that exact difficulty.

The remainder of the platform is fairly commonplace for the varieties of initiatives and coverage objectives that Republicans have historically pursued.

For instance, it calls on Republicans to slash “wasteful Authorities spending,” “restore each Border Coverage of the Trump administration,” make provisions from the 2017 tax regulation everlasting and “will maintain males out of girls’s sports activities.”

 

Trump operating mate

The RNC conference might additionally embrace Trump asserting who will marketing campaign with him on the high of the ticket.

His final operating mate, Pence, started distancing himself from Trump after the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, which included calls from the mob to kill Pence, and the development of a scaffold for public hangings on the Nationwide Mall.

Pence was within the Capitol constructing that day and was faraway from hazard by his safety element because the pro-Trump mob beat cops, broke into the constructing and disrupted Congress’ certification of Biden because the nation’s subsequent president.

Trump, with out revealing his vice presidential choice, wrote Thursday on social media that he’s “wanting very a lot ahead to being in Milwaukee subsequent week.”

“The nice individuals of Wisconsin will reward us for selecting their State for the Republican Nationwide Conference. From there we go on to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! See you subsequent week,” he posted on Fact Social, his on-line platform the place he usually publishes feedback and statements.

The vice presidential candidate usually provides a speech on Wednesday night time, so Trump is anticipated to make his announcement earlier than then.

 

Undertaking 2025

Conservative operatives striving to elect Trump to the White Home have been circulating the 922-page Undertaking 2025 plan for practically 15 months.

Spearheaded by the Heritage Basis, together with greater than 100 organizations, the coverage agenda titled “Mandate for Management: The Conservative Promise” presents a roadmap ought to Trump win in November.

The “purpose is to assemble a military of aligned, vetted, skilled, and ready conservatives to go to work on Day One to deconstruct the Administrative State,” in line with the group’s description of the mandate.

The prolonged mandate units forth core guarantees to “restore the household” and overhaul authorities businesses.

The doc states that “(i)n explicit, the subsequent conservative President ought to work with Congress to enact essentially the most strong protections for the unborn that Congress will help whereas deploying current federal powers to guard harmless life and vigorously complying with statutory bans on the federal funding of abortion.”

The mandate is only one pillar below the multi-pronged “Undertaking 2025: Presidential Transition Undertaking” that additionally features a presidential administration coaching academy and a 180-day “playbook” aimed “to deliver fast reduction to Individuals affected by the Left’s devastating insurance policies.” The mission is led by two former Trump administration officers.

The Biden-Harris marketing campaign and Democrats have repeatedly criticized Undertaking 2025 in feedback and marketing campaign emails.

“If applied, Undertaking 2025 can be the newest try in Donald Trump’s full on assault on reproductive freedom,” Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned at a rally in North Carolina on Thursday.

Democratic Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries mentioned throughout a press convention Thursday that the plan is “harmful, it’s dastardly and it’s diabolical.”

“Undertaking 2025, the Trump and excessive MAGA Republican agenda, will criminalize abortion care and impose a nationwide ban on reproductive freedom,” Jeffries mentioned.

Trump and his marketing campaign deny any connection to the mission.

“I do know nothing about Undertaking 2025. I’ve not seen it, don’t know who’s accountable for it, and, not like our very nicely obtained Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it,” Trump wrote Thursday on his social media platform Fact Social.

“The Radical Left Democrats are having a area day, nevertheless, attempting to hook me into no matter insurance policies are said or mentioned. It’s pure disinformation on their half,” he continued. “By now, in spite of everything of those years, everybody is aware of the place I stand on EVERYTHING!”

Trump has delivered keynote speeches at Heritage Basis occasions a number of occasions. An evaluation by CNN confirmed 140 former Trump administration staffers have been concerned within the mission. Kevin Roberts, Heritage Basis president, instructed the New York Occasions in April 2023 that Trump had been briefed on the mission.

Milwaukee’s Democrats conflicted over hosting Trump and Republican National Convention

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee loves its Miller Beer, Brewers baseball and ” Bronze Fonz ” statue.

The deepest blue metropolis in swing state Wisconsin, Milwaukee additionally loves Democrats.

READ MORE: Find out how to watch the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference

So it may be arduous for some to swallow that Milwaukee is taking part in host to former President Donald Trump and the Republican Nationwide Conference this coming week whereas rival Chicago, the bigger metropolis simply 90 miles to the south, welcomes President Joe Biden and Democrats in August.

It didn’t assist clean issues over with cautious Democrats after Trump used the phrase “horrible” when speaking about Milwaukee only a month earlier than the conference that begins Monday.

Including to the angst, Milwaukee was alleged to host the Democratic Nationwide Conference in 2020, however it didn’t occur attributable to COVID. House owners of native eating places, bars and venues say the variety of reservations that have been promised in the course of the RNC aren’t materializing. And protesters complained town was making an attempt to maintain them too distant from the conference website to have an effect.

“I want I used to be out of city for it,” Jake Schneider, 29, mentioned as he handed by town’s statue of Fonzie, the character performed by Henry Winkler within the Nineteen Seventies sitcom “Comfortable Days” that was set in Milwaukee. “I’m not tremendous glad that it’s the Republican Occasion coming to city.”

Schneider, who lives in a condo downtown, mentioned Trump “sabotaged himself” together with his feedback about Milwaukee.

“I hope he’s confirmed fallacious and sees how great of a metropolis it’s,” Schneider mentioned.

Ryan Clancy, a self-described democratic socialist who’s a state consultant and serves on the Milwaukee County Board, places it extra bluntly: “It’s shameful that we rolled out the crimson carpet for the RNC.”

Nonetheless, Democratic and Republican conference boosters level to the potential financial boon and probability to indicate off Milwaukee and Wisconsin in the course of the conference that runs by Thursday.

“People are able to have the conference and have or not it’s profitable and elevate Milwaukee to the following stage,” mentioned Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Democrat. “Donald Trump, no matter the place it occurs, goes to be the Republican nominee. So it didn’t matter if it occurred in Milwaukee. It didn’t matter if it occurred in Mar-a-Lago.”

READ MORE: Ron DeSantis anticipated to talk on the Republican Nationwide Conference, supply tells AP

Milwaukee has been within the nationwide highlight extra in recent times, following the Bucks successful the nationwide NBA championship in 2021 and the airing this spring of the most recent season of “High Chef,” a actuality TV present that was filmed within the metropolis and featured a Milwaukee chef who made the finals.

And as Trump’s “horrible” remark confirmed, Milwaukee has additionally lengthy been a goal for conservative Republicans who’ve pointed to its crime, low-ranking faculties and monetary struggles for instance of poor Democratic management.

“I hope this conference exhibits off all one of the best issues about Milwaukee,” mentioned Wisconsin Republican Occasion Chairman Brian Schimming. “However it’s a metropolis, like many different Democrat-run cities, that has terribly vital points.”

Democrats picked Milwaukee for the social gathering’s final conference, however the 2020 DNC turned a web based occasion due to the pandemic.

Town’s back-to-back choice by Democrats and Republicans speaks to the swing state’s significance.

Wisconsin is one among a handful of battleground states prone to decide this 12 months’s presidential race. It was one of many so-called “blue wall” states that Democrats as soon as relied on, however Trump narrowly received in 2016, paving the way in which for his shock victory. Biden flipped the state again in 2020, and each campaigns are focusing on it closely this 12 months.

However there’s nothing swing about Milwaukee. It voted 79 p.c for Biden in 2020. After his loss that 12 months, Trump fought unsuccessfully to disqualify hundreds of voters in Milwaukee, falsely portraying late-arriving returns pushed by heavy absentee turnout as fraud.

Republicans say staging the conference in Milwaukee will energize their base. Whereas town itself is Democratic, the outlying suburbs are a battleground inside a battleground state. As soon as deeply crimson, Democrats have made inroads since 2016 as suburban ladies, specifically, drift away from Trump and the conservative agenda.

Earlier than town was even chosen to host the conference, Clancy and different Democrats urged Milwaukee to drop out of the operating, as Nashville did after Democrats there objected to internet hosting Republicans.

READ MORE: Melania Trump to attend the Republican conference in a uncommon political look, sources say

However by far the largest kerfuffle got here in June when Trump used the phrase “horrible” in speaking about Milwaukee throughout a closed-door assembly with Republicans in Congress. Whereas these in attendance disagreed over whether or not Trump was speaking about crime, election considerations or one thing else, and he later mentioned in a Wisconsin rally that he “beloved” Milwaukee, for some Democrats it solely reaffirmed earlier considerations about taking part in host to Republicans.

Mobcraft, a Milwaukee-based brewery, confirmed off town’s Midwestern humorousness and love of beer by releasing a “(not so) Horrible Metropolis IPA.”

Because the conference nears, some native enterprise homeowners are questioning estimates that the conference will usher in $200 million in income.

Solely one of many six venues run by the Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee is booked for the week of the conference, mentioned Gary Witt, the group’s president and CEO. Witt mentioned he’ll lose greater than $100,000 by not having venues used, and he’s involved concerning the affect the conference could have on different Milwaukee companies.

“As soon as these individuals are all gone, we’re meaningless to them anyway,” Witt mentioned of conference attendees.

Demonstrators are attempting to unfold counterprogramming all through the week, however have argued they’re being stored too removed from the conference websites.

Omar Flores, chairman of the March on the RNC Coalition, mentioned he’s assured the protests will likely be peaceable and benefit from the nationwide platform they are going to have. He mentioned the coalition needed to battle to get a march route that will likely be in sight and sound of the conference, after Milwaukee’s Democratic leaders “utterly bought us out, utterly bought out town and refused to take heed to what any of the residents needed to say.”

Clancy, the Democratic state consultant, mentioned he hoped having the conference within the metropolis the place he was born and raised would encourage liberals.

“I hope that having a essential mass of individuals in our metropolis who hate us will likely be sufficient to mobilize people for the first in August and in November,” he mentioned.

This year’s RNC speakers include VP hopefuls, GOP lawmakers and UFC’s CEO — but not Melania Trump

NEW YORK (AP) — Former first girl Melania Trump will attend the Republican Nationwide Conference in Milwaukee subsequent week, making a uncommon political look. However in contrast to in years previous, she will not be anticipated to handle the gathering the place her husband, former President Donald Trump, will formally settle for the Republican nomination.

Whereas within the White Home, Melania Trump sought to keep up her privateness and was typically a reluctant presence on the marketing campaign path. This election season, she’s largely averted showing on the marketing campaign altogether.

Conference organizers launched a full record of audio system Saturday that didn’t embody the previous first girl. An individual accustomed to the schedule confirmed that she would attend however not converse on the occasion. The individual spoke on situation of anonymity to debate inner planning.

The record has the three prime contenders for the vice presidential nomination — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. JD Vance and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — in addition to a mixture of Trump allies from inside and outdoors authorities.

Melania Trump has spoken on the final two Republican conventions. Spouses of presumptive nominees usually give speeches that describe their companions’ backgrounds and private qualities.

Throughout a 2020 conference upended by the coronavirus, Melania Trump mentioned that her husband “wouldn’t relaxation” till he “has performed all he can to deal with everybody impacted by this horrible pandemic.” 4 years earlier than that, she instructed the viewers in Cleveland about her upbringing in Slovenia and attested to her husband’s toughness and loyalty.

What to know concerning the 2024 Election

Her speechwriter in 2016 supplied to resign after it was found some traces in her tackle have been almost similar to passages from a 2008 speech by Michelle Obama.

Those that are slated to talk this 12 months embody Trump’s two oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, in addition to former Fox Information host Tucker Carlson. Lee Greenwood, the singer of Trump’s walk-on tune, “God Bless the USA,” can be on this system, as is the mannequin and rapper Amber Rose and Final Combating Championship CEO Dana White.

Different notable names embody evangelist Franklin Graham, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien and the mayor of East Palestine, Ohio, who was extremely essential of President Joe Biden’s response to a 2023 practice derailment that spewed a cloud of hazardous chemical compounds into the air.

Some senior Trump marketing campaign officers credit score the previous president’s journey to the city within the aftermath of the derailment as one of the important moments of his marketing campaign and key to his transformation from exiled former chief to GOP front-runner.

Additionally showing on stage might be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one in every of Trump’s fiercest main rivals. However whereas DeSantis will seem, Nikki Haley was not invited. Trump stays offended with Haley over her refusal to drop out of the race till March.

The schedule contains former White Home commerce adviser Peter Navarro, who’s at present in jail on contempt of Congress prices, the AP first reported Friday. Navarro is ready to be launched from a Miami jail on Wednesday, July 17, in response to the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ on-line database of present inmates. That may give him simply sufficient time to board a airplane and make it to Milwaukee earlier than the conference wraps Thursday.

Navarro was discovered responsible in September of contempt of Congress prices for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.

This system can even characteristic former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who at one level thought of operating towards Trump however in the end determined towards it.

The marketing campaign beforehand introduced an inventory of “common folks” who might be featured, together with a gaggle of scholars and fraternity brothers from the College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, mother and father having hassle making ends meet, and his former golf caddie.

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Slodysko reported from Washington.