Team USA’s women had a successful weekend at the Paris Olympics, bringing home nine of the 12 medals won by Americans. This includes two gold medals, one in women’s individual foil fencing and one in the 100-meter butterfly. The U.S. currently leads in total medals, with athletes from Japan and Australia trailing closely behind. This Olympics marks the first time in history that the Games have a 50-50 ratio of male and female athletes, highlighting the increasing inclusion of women in sports. Paris is hosting the Olympics for the third time, with women now making up half of the Olympic field.
President Joe Biden is set to advocate for constitutional amendments that would limit presidential immunity and impose term limits on Supreme Court justices. Biden believes that former presidents should not be immune from federal criminal indictments, trials, convictions, or sentencing, and wants to create a system of checks and balances that prevent any single president from influencing the judiciary for generations. These proposed amendments come in the wake of a Supreme Court decision that benefited former President Donald Trump in criminal cases against him. Biden also wants the Supreme Court to adhere to the same ethical requirements as other federal judges.
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating following a deadly rocket strike in Majdal Shams, an Israeli-controlled town in the Golan Heights. The attack, which killed mostly children and teenagers, is blamed on Hezbollah by Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces retaliated with strikes in Lebanese territory, sparking fears of an all-out war. While the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has typically been less severe than other conflicts in the region, recent events have raised concerns about further escalation.
In entertainment news, Marvel fans are expressing mixed reactions to the news that Robert Downey Jr. will be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. Some fans are confused about the casting choice and how Downey’s return will fit into the existing storyline. Speculations range from Downey playing an evil multiverse version of Tony Stark to a completely new character unrelated to Iron Man. This unexpected announcement has left fans wondering about the direction of the Marvel franchise.
In other political news, Elon Musk shared a parody campaign ad for Kamala Harris without labeling it as misleading, in apparent violation of Twitter rules. Donald Trump’s proposal to end birthright citizenship on his first day as president could lead to a legal battle and a Supreme Court ruling. Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the funeral services for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. These political developments highlight the ongoing dynamics of the 2024 election season.
Amidst the summer heatwave, airlines are facing challenges due to extreme temperatures impacting air travel. Higher temperatures can necessitate longer runways for takeoff, causing delays and requiring adjustments such as shedding baggage, passengers, or fuel. While the current heat isn’t causing significant disruptions to travel, it sheds light on the complexities of maintaining air travel infrastructure in a warming world. This issue underscores the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change.
