Extra, Extra
You Talking to Me? Both sides are completing closing arguments in the NYC Trump trial. And outside the courtroom, Robert De Niro clashed with Trump supporters. Strange days indeed. Here’s the latest from CNN and NBC. Meanwhile, the more important cases continue to be delayed and otherwise saddled. Judge Cannon denies special counsel request to bar Trump from making statements about law enforcement.
+ Rafah Strikes: A day after an airstrike hit a camp for displaced persons, Israeli tanks have been seen in central Rafah. Here’s the latest from CNN and BBC.
+ TSA for Effort: Traveling this summer? Prepare for crowds. “Five of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history have occurred in 2024.” TSA sets new record Friday for most travelers screened in a single day. Or avoid the crowds and go to … Hawaii? Hawaii visitors uncertain about going as traveler numbers decline.
+ Where The Sun Shouldn’t Shine: “Most researchers have understood conspiracy theories and alternative beliefs as being a product of poor education or misinformation spread on social media. But recent research has found that support for them exists regardless of educational level or income. Some of the most privileged people in U.S. society hold deeply conspiratorial beliefs, as do sports fans, yogis and video game enthusiasts.” What QAnon supporters, butthole sunners and New Age spiritualists have in common.
+ X Post Facto: Worried about Elon Musk’s outsized wealth and influence? Worry more. Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fund its race against ChatGPT and all the rest.
+ Down Goes the Champ: Thanks in part to an unfortunate draw, Rafael Nadal lost in the first round of the French Open. Consider this: Nadal has won 14 French Open championships and this was just his 4th loss in his last 116 matches at Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal loses to Alexander Zverev in what may be his French Open farewell.
+ Colorful Commentator: Everyone has a funny and/or touching story about Bill Walton. And every one of those stories is different. In addition to being a college and pro basketball great and the most notable Deadhead, Walton was a color commentator for humanity. ESPN: Hall of Famer Bill Walton, 2-time champ at UCLA and in NBA, dies. The Ringer: Bill Walton’s Long, Strange Trip to Basketball Immortality. LA Times: Appreciation: Bill Walton’s kindness and wonderful wackiness made us the grateful ones. If you haven’t seen it, check out the documentary, The Luckiest Guy in the World.
+ Heeee’s Out: Major League Baseball’s strike zone just got a little more accurate. MLB umpire Ángel Hernández retiring after 3 decades. Here are just a couple looks at his bad calls.
