Clinton speaks tonight ... Jobless claims ... Pope trips before Mass

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Barack Obama has implored voters to elect Hillary Clinton in November. Speaking to the Democratic National Convention, Obama cast Clinton as a candidate who believes in the optimism that drives the nation's democracy. And he warned against what he called the "deeply pessimistic vision" of Donald Trump. Clinton, who delivers her acceptance speech tonight, appeared onstage to greet Obama with a long embrace.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch visit Baton Rouge, Louisiana today. They will address a vigil honoring the three law enforcement officers who were killed by a lone gunman outside a convenience store. The shooter also wounded three other officers before being gunned down by a SWAT officer.

WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans sought unemployment aid last week, but the number of applications was still at a low level that suggested hiring is healthy. The Labor Department says applications for unemployment benefits rose 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 266,000. Hiring has slowed in recent months but remains large enough to lower the unemployment rate over time. Job gains jumped to 287,000 in June, the most in eight months.

CZESTOCHOWA, Poland (AP) — Pope Francis missed a step and fell as he approached an open-air altar to celebrate Mass at Poland's holiest shrine. The 79-year-old Francis, deep in thought, did not notice a step down and tripped before the altar. Priests rushed to help him up. The Mass proceeded as planned. The pope is said to be fine.

BERLIN (AP) — In the wake of attacks claimed by Islamic State, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pledging to do everything to clear up the "barbaric acts," find out who was behind them and bring them to justice. At the same time, Merkel says Germany will stick to its principles and give shelter to those who deserve it.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.