Harris unveils economic plan in first policy speech, proposes measures to tackle high prices and medical debt – August 16, 2024

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• A U.S. official says mediators are preparing for a possible cease-fire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, in a sign that mediators believe an agreement to end the 10-month Israel-Hamas war might be imminent.
• In her first policy speech today, Vice President Kamala Harris focused on the economy, calling for proposals to combat high prices for food, housing, and prescription drugs, while also proposing child tax credits and pledging to work with states to cancel medical debt.
• This week, the United Nations highlighted several international health concerns, including a panel discussion on the newly declared global emergency of mpox and a warning from the organization’s chief administrative officer about a potential polio epidemic in Gaza.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that his country’s troops had taken full control of Sudzha, the largest Russian town to fall to Ukraine’s forces since their cross-border incursion more than a week ago.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation into law today, which he says will help to stop retail crime in the state.

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