FTC trial over Kroger-Albertsons merger kicks off, a heat wave comes to the Midwest and the U.S. Open begins
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
Good morning, everyone. It’s National Dog Day. Here’s a helpful guide to making the most of your relationship with your pup. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
The Kroger-Albertsons merger trial begins
A three-week hearing on the potential mega-merger between grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons begins today after the Federal Trade Commission sued to block the deal.
The case: The FTC says the merger would eliminate competition, hurt unionized workers and raise grocery prices. Kroger and Albertsons believe the deal could reduce costs and allow them to compete with rivals like Walmart and Costco. [AP]
Possible outcomes: The grocers have said if the deal was allowed to go forward, they’d commit to $1 billion in price cuts and respect unionizing efforts. However, at least two legal challenges outside of the FTC’s case could further delay a merger. [Politico]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
?? Moore’s jersey retired
The Minnesota Lynx retired former star Maya Moore’s jersey. “You brought the best out of all of us,” teammate Rebekkah Brunson said during an emotional ceremony for the four-time WNBA champion. [Yahoo Sports]
??? Extreme U.S. weather
The Upper Midwest is under excessive heat warnings this week. Meanwhile, Hawaii saw 18 inches of rain by Sunday afternoon after a brush with Hurricane Hone and is now eyeing Hurricane Gilma. [USA Today]
??? Vance talks abortion
GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance said in an interview that, if elected, Donald Trump would veto a national abortion ban if Congress passed one. Trump has repeatedly changed his stance on abortion. [NBC News]
?? Middle East strikes
Israel launched what it called “preemptive” strikes against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon after Hezbollah carried out its own attack on Israel in retaliation for the killing of a top commander. [BBC News]
?? Boeing astronaut update
NASA announced that Boeing Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who’ve been stranded on the ISS since June, won’t return home until early 2025. Here’s what they’ll do in the meantime. [CNN]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? The first round of the U.S. Open begins, with primetime coverage airing at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. [Yahoo Sports]
? In baseball, the Blue Jays and the Red Sox play at 7:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [NBC Sports]
?? In women’s basketball, the Fever and the Dream take the court at 7:30 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass. [AP]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1978, the Grease movie soundtrack earned its second chart-topping hit when its third single — the movie’s theme song, “Grease,” by Frankie Valli — reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. [People]
3 QUESTIONS
...about Sabrina Carpenter’s new album
Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter’s much-anticipated sixth studio album, came out on Friday. I asked entertainment reporter Kelsey Weekman to break it down.
Lily: Carpenter has been called a breakout artist, but this is her sixth album. Why is she having such a moment now?
Kelsey: I think that post-Disney, she got more control over her music (and her raunchy, witty lyrics), so this feels like more of a sophomore album. She’s also broken out this year as far as hitting festivals and topping charts.
Lily: What are your favorite songs on the record?
Kelsey: “Taste” is a bop with a fantastic music video featuring Jenna Ortega, but I’m also obsessed with the twangy “Slim Pickins” and cheeky “Juno.”
Lily: You wrote about the tracks that could be the song of the summer. Why is Carpenter’s “Espresso” at the top of that list?
Kelsey: The earworm is compulsively listenable — short, sweet and catchy. To me, it’s nonsensical but fun, which is what summer is all about.
Once you’ve listened to Short n’ Sweet: Check out these other Sabrina Carpenter songs next.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Bethany Johnston-Sweeney went viral after asking her 83-year-old grandma to be one of her bridesmaids. She even gave her the special title of “grandmaid.” “I always knew she was special and I’m happy other people can see that now too,” Johnston-Sweeney said. [People]
Have a wonderful day. See you tomorrow!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Want to get more value out of your Netflix account? Use genre codes to find great movies and TV shows. [How-To Geek]
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