Americans detained in Russia get emotional welcome home, Florida declares state of emergency, and Biles wins 2nd all-around gold
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
Good morning, everyone. Shopping for school supplies? Here are the 10 states offering tax breaks through the weekend. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Americans detained in Russia get emotional welcome home
Three Americans who had been detained in Russia are back in the U.S. today after they were released in the largest, most extensive East-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War.
Back home: Reporter Evan Gershkovich, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva received an emotional welcome from family members, along with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. [USA Today]
Behind the deal: The deal, negotiated mostly by spies, had dragged on for more than a year before the U.S., Russia and several other countries agreed in late June to a swap involving 24 prisoners, 16 of whom were detained in Russia. [New York Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
?? Medals for Biles, Lee
Simone Biles clinched the gold medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around, while defending all-around champion Suni Lee took home the bronze. Watch both of their impressive floor routines. [Yahoo Sports]
?? Fla. state of emergency
Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of a “tropical wave” that could develop into a tropical depression this weekend. Forecasters are warning of heavy rains and floods. [Miami Herald]
??? Child tax credit bill
Senate Republicans rejected a bill to expand the child tax credit and restore certain business tax breaks, arguing they’d be in a position to get a better deal next year, if Donald Trump were to be elected. [AP]
?? Family plane seats
The Transportation Department proposed a new rule that would make it illegal for airlines to charge families extra to sit next to one another on planes. It’s part of President Biden’s larger crackdown on junk fees. [Reuters]
?? Britney Spears biopic
Universal Pictures announced that it has secured the rights to develop a biopic based on Britney Spears’s memoir, The Woman in Me. The studio gave no release date or casting news. [Entertainment Weekly]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie, Trap, is in theaters. (More on his movie career below.) [IndieWire]
?? Lollapalooza begins streaming its musical acts, including Stray Kids, Zedd and Victoria Monét, at 5:05 p.m. ET on Hulu. [Billboard]
? In baseball, the Marlins and the Braves play again at 7:20 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [AP]
???? At the Olympics, 100m sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson makes her debut in primetime at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. [USA Today]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Speaking of M. Night Shyamalan, it’s the 25th anniversary of his hit movie The Sixth Sense, which premiered in 1999. Did you know the original screenplay was different from the eventual film? Here’s what it was initially about. [Yahoo Entertainment]
3 QUESTIONS
...about a new budgeting trend
Have you heard about “loud budgeting”? You might want to try it this weekend if you go out. I asked finance editor Casey Bond to break down the Yahoo Finance team’s recent reporting on the phenomenon.
Lily: What exactly is “loud budgeting”?
Casey: Great question. It’s more of a budgeting philosophy than a specific strategy. Loud budgeting is about being open and transparent about your financial goals so you can avoid social pressure to overspend.
Lily: What are some of the benefits of this transparency and openness?
Casey: Our reporter found that it helps with accountability and avoiding the regret that comes with spending more than you planned, especially if you have a hard time saying no.
Lily: Any tips for people who have trouble setting financial boundaries?
Casey: We recommend choosing a couple of “accountability partners” whom you feel comfortable sharing your financial priorities with. They can offer support and encouragement.
Go deeper: Here are other ways to incorporate loud budgeting into your life.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
After their 1991 Supermarket Sweep episode went viral, Tim Leach and Mark Dammann, who were called “business partners” on the show, clarified that they were actually a couple. They still are. “You tend to forget that being together for 41 years is kind of a big deal,” Leach said. [People]
Have a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, check out this helpful Yahoo Search feature.
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