Summary‍

The US recognized Edmundo Gonzalez as Venezuela’s election winner, despite Maduro’s official victory. Three American prisoners returned from Russia after lengthy negotiations. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro canceled his Hamptons trip before Kamala Harris’s running mate announcement. GOP senators blocked a child tax credit bill over funding issues. Bookmaker Mathew Bowyer will plead guilty to illegal gambling and money laundering.

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Today's Script

Happy Friday everyone and welcome back to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels! My name is Gabe, today is August the 2nd, and without any further ado, let’s get into today’s stories!

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In Must Know News:

• The US recognized opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the Venezuelan presidential election. This is contrary to Venezuela’s National Electoral Council’s claim, which announced Sunday that the current president Maduro won, and will be continuing his 11 year reign. Efforts are currently underway to obtain the vote tallies and, hopefully, restore fair democracy in Venezuela. 
• After a months long negotiation, involving 6 countries and 24 prisoners, 3 American citizens returned to home soil last night after being imprisoned in Russia. These include Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. Additionally, 12 other prisoners will be returned to Germany, and Russia will receive 8 of its citizens. 
• We’re not tryna insinuate anything, but Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro did cancel his trip to the Hamptons just days before Kamala Harris’s running mate will be announced. The trip was planned several weeks ago, and he had two official meetings to attend while there, so it’s gotta be serious. Prior to this, he was still a favorite for the position, as he is well-liked in his home swing state. Like I said, I’m not saying nothing, but you can decide for yourself. 
• GOP Republicans blocked a Senate bipartisan bill aimed to increase the child tax credit for businesses and employees on Thursday. Mike Crapo of Idaho, a senator aligned with the party’s leadership, stated their reason for the block was due to inadequate funding or appropriate conditions for the credit, calling it a ‘subsidy’ rather than a tax relief. 
• In a twist worthy of a movie adaptation, Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer is set to plead guilty for taking bets from baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter. Bowyer ran gambling operations with over 700 betters, and is now folding his hand on charges of illegal gambling, money laundering, and filing false tax returns. I guess Bowyer just learned that the house doesn’t always win! 

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Thanks for tuning in today, folks! Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode, and if you enjoyed it, be sure to share it with your friends! Have a great weekend everyone, and thank you once again for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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Sources:

US recognizes González (AP)

US-Russia prisoner swap (CBS)

Gov. Shapiro cancels Hamptons trip (CNBC)

Sen. Repubs. block child tax credit bill (NBC)

Bookmakers pleads guilty in Shohei Ohtani gambling case (AP)