Nation & World - Centralmaine.com

Richard Simmons, fitness guru who mixed laughs and sweat, dies at 76

by MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

Simmons, Emmy winning daytime talkshow host for the ‘Richard Simmons Show’ also brought us ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’.

Iran’s new president vows balance with all countries but warns U.S. his country won’t be pressured

by AMIR VAHDAT Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

Iran has long supported the militant group Hamas, and Pezeshkian on Wednesday expressed his all-out support of ‘the Plastesinan resistance’ in a message to the group’s chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Election 2024, Nation & World, News, Politics

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

by JILL COLVIN and BRIAN SLODYSKO Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

Melania Trump has spoken at the last two Republican conventions. Spouses of presumptive nominees generally give speeches that describe their partners’ backgrounds and personal qualities.

Nation & World, New England, News

Vermont floods raise concerns about future of state’s hundreds of aging dams

by MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

This week’s deluge from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl wasn’t as bad for the hundreds of dams compared to last year’s floods when five failed and nearly 60 overtopped.

Nation & World, News

After embrace at NATO summit, Zelensky takes his case for U.S. military aid to governors

by HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and MEAD GRUVER Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

While governors don’t vote on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky’s appearance showed his willingness to connect with other leaders in the U.S. to plead his country’s case.

Arts & Entertainment, Nation & World, News

These Picassos prompted a gender war at an Australian gallery. Now the curator says she painted them

by CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

The paintings prompted international headlines when the gallery re-hung them in a women’s restroom to sidestep a legal ruling that said men could not be barred from viewing them.

Nation & World, News

An Israeli attack targeting Hamas military commander kills at least 71 in southern Gaza

by MOHAMED JAHJOUH and JOSEF FEDERMAN Associated Press July 13, 2024July 13, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to hold a press conference Saturday evening, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the military to increase ‘operational readiness on all fronts.’