Microsoft issued a warning about Iranian government-linked hacking groups attempting to breach accounts of U.S. presidential campaign officials, county government employees, and websites through cyber attacks and influence operations.

These groups have created fake news sites, impersonated activists, circulated disinformation, and conducted influence operations targeting both left-leaning and conservative U.S. voters, sowing discord ahead of the 2024 election, similar to Russian interference in 2016.

The Trump campaign has accused Iran of hacking internal communications.

Microsoft has specifically named the Iranian hacking groups APT35 (Charming Kitten/Mint Sandstorm) as being behind these activities.

Sources: BBC, Newsweek, Independent, Washington Post, AP News, Axios, Politico, USA Today, NPR, Barron's, Yahoo News, TJV News, Indian Express, Breitbart, Times of India, Jerusalem Post, Devdiscourse, Nextgov.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted to putting a dead bear cub in Central Park, New York City, after it was struck by a vehicle, and staging it with a bicycle to resemble an accident victim. The presidential candidate made the admission in a video posted to social media by the independent presidential candidate.

He said the bear was hit by a car ahead of his vehicle outside the city.

The event took place 10 years ago and triggered a police investigation and media frenzy. According to a BBC report, Kennedy's post came ahead of an expected New Yorker Magazine story.

Kennedy's presidential campaign as an independent candidate faced controversies and declining support. Recent polls show his support is in the single digits, despite previously reaching up to 15%.

His past comments were scrutinized, including a comparison of COVID-vaccine protocols to fascism and having. Kennedy's anti-vaccine organization's accounts were shut down by Facebook and Instagram for spreading misinformation.

Kennedy's campaign received financial support from Republican backers, but his family largely disapproved, considering it dangerous and a misuse of their legacy. His polling numbers showed strength among young and Latino voters in battleground states.

Campaign events focused on redefining important issues and avoiding direct discussions on vaccines, making euphemisms instead. His campaign released a video with Woody Harrelson's voice-over to redefine his public image.

Kennedy experienced challenges related to addiction, drugs, and relationship issues, including divorce and remarriage. He has been outspoken on the dangers of mercury contamination in nature. His recent behavior has been described as erratic and unpredictable by former friends.

He texted an apology to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in the 1990s, expressing regret and asking for forgiveness.

The candidate denied other claims that he barbecued and ate a dog.

Kennedy's campaign is selling a "Kennedy Sanahan 2024" teddy bear for $32, described as a perfect gift for supporters of all ages.

Sources: CBS News, The Guardian, NPR, Newsweek, Time, NBC News, Forbes, CNN, MSNBC, The New Yorker, Independent, Axios, BBC News, Business Insider, The New York Times, ABC News

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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A campaign to prevent Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro from becoming Kamala Harris's running mate in her presidential bid is gaining traction, according to a report by the Times of Israel. The effort, which includes an article in The New Republic and a dedicated website called "No Genocide Josh," has sparked accusations of antisemitism due to its focus on Shapiro's stance on Israel.

The Times of Israel reports that Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick by Tuesday, with speculation mounting that Shapiro could be the choice. This has intensified efforts to block his selection, particularly from left-wing groups critical of his support for Israel.

Critics argue that Shapiro, who is Jewish, stands out among potential running mates for his vocal defense of Israel and concerns about antisemitism on college campuses. David Klion, writing in The New Republic, claimed Shapiro "stands out among the current field of potential running mates as being egregiously bad on Palestine."

However, supporters of Shapiro, including Jewish and non-Jewish commentators and Democratic members of Congress, contend that he is being unfairly singled out. They point out that other potential candidates – Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly – also have pro-Israel records but haven't faced similar criticism.

California Representative Adam Schiff tweeted, "Singling him out, or applying a double standard to him over the war in Gaza, is antisemitic and wrong." Schiff, who is Jewish, added, "Don't go there."

There are several incredible options for vice president. The superb Governor of Pennsylvania, @JoshShapiroPA, is one of them.

Singling him out, or applying a double standard to him over the war in Gaza, is antisemitic and wrong.

Don't go there.

— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) August 1, 2024

The controversy has highlighted broader tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy. The Democratic Socialists of America, which recently made anti-Zionism a litmus test for endorsements, is among the groups opposing Shapiro's potential selection.

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said, "They can criticize him on policy – that debate is healthy. But when it's only the Jewish candidate being targeted with name-calling and personal attacks related to Israel, we need to be clear about how dangerous that is and not give cover to it."

Shapiro has been outspoken in blaming Hamas for the war while advocating for a two-state solution. He has also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict, calling him one of the worst leaders in the world.

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