Vice President Kamala Harris met with families of hostages believed to be held by Hamas, updating them after CIA Director William Burns participated in hostage talks in Cairo. The administration continues to work for the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with a deal on the table awaiting a response from Hamas. Israeli officials believe around 240 people were taken hostage during the Hamas attack in October, and less than half have been returned. The U.S. and Qatar have been leading hostage diplomacy efforts since October, resulting in the release of some hostages, but five Americans remain unaccounted for.
A 30-year-old woman, Anasilvia Gomez-Zamora, was arrested in Phoenix after throwing red liquid at a motorcade carrying Vice President Kamala Harris, with the liquid landing on eight escorting Phoenix police officers. She was booked on charges of aggravated assault of police officers, endangerment, and resisting arrest. It's unclear if the incident was related to abortion protests or another reason, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Biden administration is intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, with Vice President Kamala Harris passionately advocating for Palestinians and the U.S. considering air drops of food aid. Without a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will worsen, potentially leading to mass casualties and further damage to the region. The U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and hostage exchange before the start of Ramadan, but the situation remains precarious, with the potential for significant consequences if a resolution is not reached soon.
Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza ahead of her meeting with Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz, urging for the release of hostages and increased aid to Gaza. Israel delayed sending a negotiating team to Cairo for talks due to Hamas' refusal to release the names of hostages still alive. The Israeli military completed a two-week raid in Gaza City and is focusing on providing humanitarian aid while maintaining its goals of freeing hostages and dismantling Hamas.
No. 1 South Carolina dominated Kentucky 98-36 with Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley scoring 14 points each, and Ashlyn Watkins making her second career dunk. Kamilla Cardoso contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks as the Gamecocks remained undefeated. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the teams earlier in the day. Kentucky struggled with their outside shooting, while South Carolina continued their strong performance this season.
Air Force Two carrying Vice President Kamala Harris was diverted to a Washington-area airport due to stormy weather after her trip to Georgia, where she discussed voting rights and participated in a roundtable discussion. The aircraft encountered wind shear as it approached a powerful storm, prompting the diversion. Harris called Georgia "ground zero" for voting rights issues and highlighted attacks on election workers during her visit.
NASA will participate in a meeting of the National Space Council chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris, focusing on international partnerships. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and astronaut Jeremy Hansen will represent the agency, and coverage of the meeting will be available on NASA+ streaming service, NASA Television, YouTube, and the agency's website. Deputy Administrator Melroy will discuss the societal benefits of NASA's space exploration and its Earth science missions, as well as collaboration with international partners for a sustainable human presence in space.
President Joe Biden praises Rev. Jesse Jackson as he steps down as the leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, highlighting his dedication to fighting for equality and redeeming the soul of the nation. Vice President Kamala Harris will keynote the annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention, where Jackson's successor, Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, will be formally named. Jackson, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, will remain connected to the organization and continue to teach ministers about social justice.
A driver wanted for assaulting a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy was taken into custody after a police chase from Lancaster to L.A.'s Westside. The driver was boxed in on an off-ramp but quickly got back on the freeway. The chase ended near Wilshire and Sepulveda boulevards. The reason for the assault is unclear. The police chase was briefly affected by a temporary flight restriction due to Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the area.
