A weeklong heat wave is threatening millions of people from the East Coast to the Midwest. The heat wave is expected to last for a week or more and is forecasted to bring extreme temperatures to cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, New York City, Pittsburgh, and Boston. The high pressure system causing the heat wave is expected to produce record-breaking temperatures in the 90s and beyond, with some areas experiencing temperatures as high as 105 degrees. The duration of this heat wave is notable and could be the longest experienced in decades for some locations.
Ukrainian soldiers battling Russia’s offensive are feeling emboldened by renewed support from the United States. The soldiers are receiving new military aid and support as Russia continues its military operations in the region. Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline are determined to hold back Moscow’s forces and are encouraged by the recent show of support from the United States, as well as allies at the G-7 summit and a peace conference. The soldiers attribute their ability to maintain the front lines to their continued fight and the support they are now receiving in terms of words and weapons.
A Renaissance painting by Titian, stolen from a nobleman’s home in England in 1995, has been found and is set to be auctioned for $32 million. The painting, titled “The Rest on the Flight Into Egypt,” depicts Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus resting as they flee to Egypt to avoid King Herod. The painting was discovered at a bus stop in London in 2002, but it is unclear where it was during the years it was missing. The auction house Christie’s expects the painting to fetch a high price due to its historical significance and the intrigue surrounding its theft and recovery.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling for tobacco-style warnings on social media platforms to alert users to the potential mental health risks associated with excessive use. Murthy believes that social media plays a significant role in the mental health crisis among young people and wants to require warnings that remind users of the potential harms of these platforms. He points to the success of warning labels on cigarette packs in increasing awareness and changing behavior and believes that a similar approach could help make social media safer for users.
The 77th Annual Tony Awards saw some big wins for first-time nominees and veteran actors alike. Productions such as “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic” took home top honors for best musical and best play. Notable wins included Daniel Radcliffe winning his first major acting award for “Merrily We Roll Along” and TV stars Jeremy Strong and Sarah Paulson winning for their roles in plays. The event was attended by a star-studded lineup of presenters, including Idina Menzel, Angelina Jolie, and Hillary Clinton, who is a producer on a nominated musical.
In politics, the Biden campaign announced a $50 million advertisement investment to contrast the president with former President Donald Trump leading up to their first debate. President Joe Biden warned about the possibility of Trump appointing two new Supreme Court justices if he wins the presidency. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee plans to spend over $10 million to support down-ballot candidates in key states. In a recent interview, Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds suggested that the Supreme Court should intervene in Trump’s potential conviction in New York.
