Today’s Top Stories
Barack and Michelle Obama Endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President: In a significant move for the Democratic primaries, the Obamas have declared their support for Harris, following a busy week of campaigning. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris expressed her unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She emphasized that the ongoing conflict needs a resolution, insisting, “I will not be silent.”
- 🎧 Harris Speaks Out on Foreign Policy: Notably, it was Harris who delivered on-camera remarks after Netanyahu’s visit, marking a pivotal moment in her campaign. Analysts note that she showed strong empathy for Palestinian civilians, diverging from the administration’s typical rhetoric.
- ➡️ Democratic Nomination Timeline: Candidates have until tomorrow to announce their candidacies as they prepare for the upcoming Democratic primary.
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, Notorious Drug Lord, Arrested in the U.S.: In a landmark operation, U.S. authorities have apprehended Zambada, co-founder of the infamous Sinaloa cartel, in El Paso, Texas. He will soon face a U.S. judge. His son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was also arrested. Zambada has been deemed one of the most influential figures in the Mexican drug trade.
- 🎧 Impact of Zambada’s Arrest: U.S. officials indicate that Zambada’s capture represents a significant blow to the Sinaloa cartel, known for trafficking lethal synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
French Railway Hit by “Massive Attack” Before Olympics: Hours ahead of the Olympic opening ceremony, SNCF has reported severe disruptions due to acts of vandalism aiming to abort high-speed train services connecting Paris. An investigation into the attacks is underway, though the opening ceremony is projected to proceed as planned, featuring iconic athletes like Coco Gauff and LeBron James.
- 🎧 Olympics Underway in Paris: Excitement grows as Team USA women’s soccer kicked off with a win, and fans look forward to standout competitions, including time for swimming and gymnastics.
- ➡️ What to Watch for at the Games: A roundup of key events to follow as the Olympics unfold.
Weekend Picks
🍿Movies: Marvel fans can rejoice as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman join forces in the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine film.
📺 TV: Legendary tennis icons relive their impactful journeys in the PBS series Gods of Tennis.
📚 Books: Jon M. Chu shares his inspiring life experiences in the memoir Viewfinder.
🎵 Music: Rising pop star Chappell Roan captivates audiences with her politically charged songs.
🎭 Theater: The reimagined Cats musical receives rave reviews, replacing traditional costumes with a modern ballroom aesthetic.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines Overhauls Seating Policy: The airline announces a shift from its long-standing open-seating model to assigned and premium seating.
- Supreme Court Ruling on Chicken Wings: The Ohio Supreme Court rules that “boneless” chicken wings can still contain bones.
- Bipartisan Response to Octopus Farming: A new bill seeks to ban commercial octopus farming and any related imports.
