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Today’s Top Stories
President Biden delivered a significant Oval Office address last night, announcing his decision to withdraw from the race for reelection. He outlined his goals for the remaining six months of his presidency, emphasizing that the situation was too critical to continue his campaign. Here are the key takeaways from his address.
- 🎧 This moment marks a pivotal point in Biden’s lengthy career in public service. Biden aims to advocate for reproductive rights, manage inflation concerns, and speak out against political extremism and violence. As he approaches the end of his term, his legacy will be influenced by the outcomes of the upcoming November elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress for the first time since the October 7 Hamas attacks, defending his government’s military actions. He urged U.S. lawmakers to expedite military support and reiterated Israel’s commitment to eliminating Hamas. His visit sparked protests and a boycott from numerous Democratic lawmakers. Netanyahu’s discussions with Biden and Harris are viewed as critical as the political landscape shifts in light of the 2024 election.
- 🎧 Observers note that Vice President Harris has shown greater empathy toward Palestinian civilians than Biden in recent events. She is anticipated to connect with young voters and progressives without alienating significant support for Israel, fostering a delicate balance necessary for her presidential ambitions.
As the forthcoming election approaches, Vice President Harris faces the challenge of unifying the diverse coalition that supported Biden in 2020. Her previous prosecutorial decisions are under scrutiny as both Democrats and Republicans express differing views on her record.
- 🎧 In discussions with Pennsylvania voters, differing opinions emerged regarding Harris’ past record on public safety. While some suburban residents appreciate her focus, others in historically Black neighborhoods express concerns over her past incarceration rates.
Today’s Listen
This year, the Tiny Desk Contest showcased nearly 7,000 entries, highlighting impressive talent across genres. The contest’s popularity reflects the growing diversity and creativity within the music community, with submissions featuring various artistic expressions.
Life Advice
Research indicates that many tweens may not be getting enough sleep due to screen time before bedtime. A study examined the screen usage of nearly 9,400 11- and 12-year-olds, revealing its impact on sleep quality. Experts offer guidance for parents seeking to improve their children’s sleep habits:
- 💤 No screens one hour before bed.
- 💤 Turn phones off at night.
- 💤 Avoid checking devices if wakeful at night.
- 💤 Keep devices out of the bedroom at night.
3 Things to Know Before You Go
- The IOC has selected Salt Lake City for the 2034 Winter Olympics, though concerns linger regarding doping investigations.
- Chipotle’s CEO has urged staff to ensure that portions meet customer expectations as social media discussions about shrinking serving sizes gain traction.
- Scientists believe they’ve discovered a new form of “dark oxygen,” created outside traditional photosynthesis, challenging current theories on oxygen generation on Earth.
