The Evening: A Harris-Biden joint appearance

Also, Ukraine said it had captured a Russian town.

View in browser|nytimes.com August 15, 2024 By Matthew Cullen Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Thursday. A Harris-Biden joint appearance Ukraine's advance in Russia Plus, remembering Gena Rowlands 🇺🇸 2024 The presidential election is 82 days away. Here's the latest from the campaign trail. Eric Lee/The New York Times Biden and Harris showcased the passing of the torch President Biden and Kamala Harris appeared together in Maryland this afternoon for their first public event since Biden ended his bid for re-election. They were there to celebrate the results of a legislative accomplishment: landmark price negotiations that are expected to lower the cost of prescription drugs. More than anything, however, the event felt like the passing of the Democratic torch. Biden, who is seeking to cement his legacy, trumpeted his decades-long push to lower drug prices. But there was no doubt that Harris was the main attraction. The vice president coaxed the energetic crowd into chanting "thank you, Joe," after articulating the real-world impact of Biden's signature health care policies in a way that the president has struggled to. When Harris was done and Biden began to speak, the crowd began to filter out of the venue. For more: We took an inside look at the real reasons Biden decided to end his campaign. Here's what else to know: The candidates for vice president, Tim Walz and JD Vance, have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1. Donald Trump is seeking to delay his criminal sentencing in Manhattan until after the election. Democrats are leaning into the language of Republicans, and themes like liberty, to argue that Republicans threaten fundamental freedoms. Do you have questions about the election? Send them to us, and we'll find the answers. The body of a Russian soldier was found in the rubble of a Russian border post on Monday. David Guttenfelder for The New York Times Ukraine said it had captured a Russian town President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that Ukrainian troops had taken full control of the Russian town of Sudzha. If confirmed, it would be Ukraine's first capture of a Russian town since its incursion in Russian territory began 10 days ago. The broader assault could, according to U.S. officials, eventually impose real costs on the Kremlin, make it harder for Russia to mount a major renewed offensive and help rebuild sagging morale among Ukraine's troops and war-weary population. Self-collection can be done in a doctor's office using only a narrow swab Elizabeth Renstrom for The New York Times A pain-free alternative to the Pap smear will soon arrive Starting this fall, American women will be able to use a simple swab to screen for cervical cancer rather than a Pap smear. The method, an alternative to a procedure that many dread, has been found to be just as effective at preventing cancer. Self-collection has been used in Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden with great success. The F.D.A. is also reviewing an at-home test, which companies say could help reach the 30 percent of U.S. women who do not get screened regularly. A makeshift memorial for actor Matthew Perry following his death, in New York City last year. Mike Segar/Reuters Five people were charged in the death of Matthew Perry Matthew Perry's personal assistant, two doctors and two others have been charged with providing the ketamine that caused his death in October. Three people have already pleaded guilty in the case, officials said, including his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Court documents said that Iwamasa injected Perry with at least 27 shots of ketamine in the five days leading up to his death. In the weeks before, the indictment and officials said, one of the doctors sold roughly $55,000 worth of ketamine to Iwamasa. More top news Middle East: Mediators and Israeli negotiators met in Qatar for a high-stakes push to end the war in Gaza, but Hamas did not participate. Housing: The New York City Council unanimously approved a plan that would radically transform a section of the Bronx, adding thousands of apartments. Mpox: Sweden reported the first case outside Africa of a deadlier form of the virus once called monkeypox. Here's what to know. New Jersey: Gov. Philip Murphy selected George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to finish Senator Robert Menendez's term, passing over the Democratic nominee for Senate, Andy Kim. Regulations: Policies proposed by the Biden administration could make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions. Climate: In March and April in the U.S., wind beat coal for electricity generation. Wildfire: Six California counties have seen about 40 to 60 percent of their land burned in a decade. These maps show the toll. Taylor Swift: There was tight security in London for the pop star's return to the stage after her Vienna shows were canceled over a terrorist plot. TIME TO UNWIND Gena Rowlands in 2014.  Chris Pizzello/Invision, via Associated Press Remembering Gena Rowlands Gena Rowlands, the elegant and intense actress who often played intoxicated, deranged or otherwise on-the-verge characters, died at 94. Her family said that she had been living with Alzheimer's disease for five years. Rowlands was nominated twice for Oscars for best actress, for performances in movies in which she was directed by John Cassavetes, her husband, including "A Woman Under the Influence." Together, the couple made "some of the greatest, truest films about women," Manohla Dargis writes in an appreciation of one of her most memorable scenes. Here's a look at Rowlands's life in photos, and a list of 10 of her best performances available to stream. Desiree Rios for The New York Times You, too, can run a marathon Running 26.2 miles doesn't just sound like a lot — it really is an impressive feat of endurance and athleticism. But with the right preparation, it can be an attainable goal for most runners. So my colleagues pulled together a plan to structure your training. It will take months or even years, but for many people crossing the finish line makes it all worth it. For those with more limited mobility, you can still build strength while sitting in a chair. Ash Adams for The New York Times Dinner table topics Remote Alaska: In the northernmost city in the U.S., almost everything arrives from the skies. Nashville hustle: Lainey Wilson, the flourishing country star, struggled for years to break through. Beauty in Puglia: An Italian nobleman's villa was restored to its former glory by a design scion. Showing leg: At weddings, more grooms and guests are wearing shorts. WHAT TO DO TONIGHT Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Cook: The Filipino dessert halo-halo, which means mix-mix in Tagalog, is fun to make. Watch: These are the best movies and TV shows coming to Netflix this month. Read: Tom Wolfe's best work turned sociology into art. Tend: Our gardening columnist has some advice for beginners. Travel: Here's what to do if you have 36 hours in Provincetown, Mass. Hunt: Which Bay Area home under $1 million would you buy? Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all of our games here. ONE LAST THING Logan Moffitt/TikTok How many ways can you eat a cucumber? You can slice up a cucumber and mix it with salt and vinegar; you can chop it up and cover it in spice; it even goes well in a sandwich with cream cheese or alongside smoked salmon. Just ask Logan Moffitt, who has made so many social media videos about the fruit that his fans simply call him "cucumber guy." Before many of his videos, Moffitt reminds viewers, "sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber." In case you feel the same way, we have 26 cool and crunchy cucumber recipes. Have a delectable evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew Philip Pacheco was our photo editor today. We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com. Writer: Matthew Cullen Editorial Director: Adam Pasick Editors: Carole Landry, Whet Moser, Justin Porter, Jonathan Wolfe Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Evening from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Evening, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018