Harris defends policy stances and Russia struggles to stop Ukraine’s incurision: Morning Rundown

Takeaways from Harris-Walz first major joint interview Will Lanzoni / Courtesy CNN Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz gave their first joint sit-down interview since Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris discussed her agenda for her first months in office, if elected, and spoke to a series of topics that she has so far avoided on the campaign trail. Harris defended changing her stances on some major policy issues since she ran for president in 2019, when she sought to win over progressive Democratic primary voters by supporting a Green New Deal and opposing hydraulic fracturing. Harris told CNN’s Dana Bash that she no longer supports a ban on “fracking” and that during her time as vice president she came to believe that the U.S. can still accomplish its clean energy goals without a ban. On those who cross the border unlawfully, she said: “I believe there should be consequence. We have laws that have to be followed and enforced that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally.” “The most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is that my values have not changed,” she said, adding that she continues to believe that “the climate crisis is real” and that the White House made strides to address it with the Inflation Reduction Act. More coverage: Why Putin still hasn’t driven Ukraine’s invaders out of Russia Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP More than three weeks since Ukraine sent troops into Russia, there’s been little sign that Ukrainian forces are about to be driven back across the border. There were assumptions that Russian President Vladimir Putin would scramble the Kremlin to drive out the Ukrainians even if it meant sacrificing progress elsewhere, as he was faced with losing his own territory to the neighbor he had invaded. Ukraine’s top commander, Col. Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russians have instead been reinforcing on the eastern front, and U.S. officials also say that troops haven’t moved to counter the Ukrainian forces inside Russia. There has been no public outcry at how Putin has handled the incursion, even as more than 130,000 Russians have been forced to flee from the fighting. “This seems to be a game of who blinks first,” a Western intelligence official, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation, told NBC News. Families of people who died after pig organ transplants have no regrets Jesse Barber and Rosem Morton for NBC News David Bennett Sr. had severe congestive heart failure and wasn’t a candidate for a human transplant. Two months later, Bennet Sr.’s body rejected the heart and he died at age 57. His son, David Bennett Jr., told NBC News “I would love to still have my dad here, obviously, but I know that his sacrifice wasn’t for nothing.” Three other patients ended up following in Bennet Sr.’s footsteps and received pig organs. But to the families, it bought their loved ones more time and helped advance research that could one day save lives. Some of their surviving relatives spoke with health reporter Aria Bendix, sharing their stories of grief, blind hope uncertainty — and ultimately admiration for their loved one’s decision. Politics in Brief Justice Department: A new report released by the Justice Department found multiple failures in the FBI’s handling of child sex abuse cases. Trump’s book: In Donald Trump’s new book set to be released Tuesday, he threatens to imprison Mark Zuckerberg and says he “got along well” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Immigration: The Department of Homeland Security said it will resume issuing travel authorization to migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who apply to come to the United States with the help of a sponsor. Trump on trial: Lawyers for Donald Trump argued for a second time that his criminal hush money case should be heard in federal rather than state court, in an effort to delay sentencing next month. Staff Pick: Quinceañeras are evolving Leila Register / Isabel Yip for NBC News; Getty Images It’s been a tradition for generations: Latina quinceañeras, or sweet 15 celebrations, which symbolize a girl’s transition to womanhood. Far from going out of style, our reporter Isabel Yip finds they’re more popular than ever, and they’re evolving. These young women are swapping the more traditional parties and adapting them to the social media age — think blowout bashes with “la hora loca,” or “the crazy hour,” reggaeton instead of the court waltz, and epic destination photo shoots. — Sandra Lilley, NBC Latino editorial director NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Labor Day sales have already started. And if you want to prep to get the best discounts on Monday, here’s what the experts say to buy — and what to skip. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. – This Summarize was created by Neural News AI (V1). Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/harris-walz-interview-pig-organ-transplants-morning-rundown-rcna168927