Missouri and Arizona will vote on abortion rights, Tropical Storm Ernesto to become hurricane, Trump and Musk’s labor charges
The Yodel newsletter: Get caught up on this morning’s news
Good morning, everyone. It’s National Creamsicle Day. If you can’t get one, consider making this 3-ingredient Creamsicle-inspired milkshake instead. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Missouri and Arizona approve abortion ballot initiatives
Missouri and Arizona are the latest in a growing number of states to greenlight ballot initiatives that would potentially restore abortion rights in November.
Their goals: Both Arizona and Missouri’s measures would protect the right to receive abortion care up until fetal viability (usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy), and would prohibit the government from limiting access to it. [NBC News]
Bigger picture: Voters in six other states — Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York and South Dakota — will decide this November whether to expand abortion rights. Montana and Arkansas are also considering ballot measures. [CNN]
What women say: A new Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that most reproductive-age women in the U.S. oppose letting states decide whether abortion is legal, regardless of their party affiliation. [The Hill]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
? Rare cosmic event
The Perseid meteor shower hit its peak across the northern hemisphere at the same time as the northern lights in some areas yesterday. Here’s a look at the two cosmic phenomena around the world. [Yahoo News]
?? Tropical Storm Ernesto
Nearing hurricane strength, Tropical Storm Ernesto is projected to bring heavy rain and cause power outages as it skirts Puerto Rico today. It could also bring dangerous rip currents along the East Coast next week. [CNN]
?? Biden's ‘Cancer Moonshot’
President Biden announced $150 million in grants as part of his “Moonshot” initiative to reduce U.S. cancer deaths by 50% over the next 25 years. “It’s not just personal," he said. "It’s about what’s possible.” [AP]
?? Trump, Musk charged
The United Auto Workers filed federal labor charges against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, alleging that they tried to “threaten and intimidate” workers during their recent conversation on X, which Musk owns. [Reuters]
?? ‘AGT’ golden buzzer
America’s Got Talent judge Sofia Vergara pressed the golden buzzer during the quarterfinals to give what she called one of the show’s “most ambitious acts” a direct pass to the final. Watch the performance. [Entertainment Weekly]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? Bad Monkey, a crime dramedy series starring Vince Vaughn, is on Apple TV+. Watch the trailer. [TVLine]
?? The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras premieres at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. Here’s who’s competing. [TheWrap]
? In baseball, the Yankees and the White Sox play again at 8:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [USA Today]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the U.S., ending World War II. Celebrations erupted internationally, but one famous but controversial photo of a sailor kissing a woman at Times Square in New York City became the enduring symbol of post-war jubilation. [Time]
3 QUESTIONS
...about the WNBA season
The WNBA season ramps back up tomorrow. I asked sports reporter Cassandra Negley to break down what we could see in the coming games.
Lily: So, who are the teams to beat at this point?
Cassandra: New York Liberty’s chemistry leads the charge, but the Connecticut Sun just added a sharp shooter in Marina Mabrey. I also believe the fifth-place Las Vegas Aces are still dangerous as the two-time reigning champs.
Lily: Caitlin Clark now has half of a WNBA season under her belt. How’s she faring?
Cassandra: I think Clark is living up to expectations as the league’s assists leader and Rookie of the Year favorite. Hopefully with recent rest she’ll hit more of her logo 3s.
Lily: What’s the one game to watch this week?
Cassandra: I’d say the Liberty-Aces Finals super-team rematch on Saturday [4 p.m. ET on CBS]. It’s the first time they’re meeting this year with point guards Courtney Vandersloot and Chelsea Gray available.
Who else could win Rookie of the Year? Here’s what Cassandra thinks.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
More than 4,000 people recently attended an Ohio festival called Twins Days, which is the world’s largest gathering for multiples. “You automatically have this very innate connection with other twins,” one person said. “You’re all part of a special club." [Today]
Have an excellent day. See you tomorrow!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: How much money should you actually save each month? Experts recommend 20% of your income. [Yahoo Finance]
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