Gisele Bündchen Is Pregnant with Baby No. 3, Her First with Boyfriend Joaquim Valent.

Gisele Bündchen is preparing to welcome a new addition to her family with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente, as the couple recently announced they are expecting their first child together. Bündchen, 44, and Valente, 37, have been dating since June 2023, and sources close to the model confirm they are thrilled for this new chapter in their lives. They are eagerly anticipating the chance to build a nurturing, peaceful environment for the whole family, which will soon include Bündchen's two children from her previous marriage to Tom Brady—14-year-old Benjamin and 11-year-old Vivian.

Known for her iconic modeling career and passion for health and wellness, Bündchen has shifted her focus toward family in recent years. Friends of the couple share that both Bündchen and Valente are dedicated to creating a loving, supportive home together, inspired by their

Decades Later: Menendez Brothers Face Potential

 Decades Later: Menendez Brothers Face Potential  Resentence

Thursday's developments in the case of the Menendez brothers have been decades in the making, coming 35 years after the two killed their parents. Here. LA District Attorney George Gascon announced he will recommend that Erik and Lyle Menendez are resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez The final decision will then be left up to a judge on whether to resentence the brothers to life with the possibility of parole, down from a life sentence without the possibility of parole Gascon said his decision was based on his belief the two were "subjected to a tremendous amount of dysfunction in their home, and molestation" an have since "paid their debt to society" If the courts agree to the resentencing, Erik and Lyle Menendez could be immediately eligible for a hearing before a parole board - and then eventually released from prison Members of the Mendendez' family have argued for the brothers' release - though others say they are against it The decision comes just 12 days before Gascon is up for a tough re-election fight, in which polls suggest he may be far behind in voter support We are ending our live coverage of this case here, but you can read more about Thursday's announcement and what happens next, and more about the controversy surrounding the Netflix series about the family. Lawyer for Kitty Menendez's brother hits out at resentencing decision As we have reported, not everyone in the Menendez extended family supports the call to release Erik and Lyle Menendez. An attorney for the 90-year-old brother of Kitty Menendez - Erik and Lyle's mother, who they killed in 1989 - has said Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has "ignored the rights" of Milton Andersen in his decision. By not notifying him of his decision to recommend the brothers be resentenced, Gascon has "disregarded the rights" of Andersen. Andersen, who "has already endured the unimaginable loss of his sister, Kitty Menendez, in a brutal double homicide", has been "left in the dark, forced to learn crucial updates about his sister's case through the media, rather than being treated with the dignity and respect he deserves", Andersen's lawyer Kathleen Cady said in a statement on Thursday, following the announcement. Cady blames Gascon's decision on "desperation" over his re-election campaign, rather than being a factual review of new evidence.

Millie Bobby Brown Reveals Stunning Photos from Her Dream Wedding to Jake Bongiovi

 After cherishing her special day in private, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown shared glimpses of her elegant wedding in Italy on Instagram, Wednesday, September 2. The celebration marked her second time exchanging vows with Jake Bongiovi.

In a heartfelt caption alongside the photos, the 20-year-old actress wrote, "Forever and always, your wife."

As reported by Page Six, Brown looked radiant in a custom white lace gown by Galia Lahav, featuring floral straps and a Basque waist, perfect for the grand occasion.

 John Amos, Iconic Actor Known for “Good Times” and “Roots,” Dies at 84, Family Confirms

John Amos, the actor known for his role as the family patriarch on the hit sitcom “Good Times” and the adult Kunta Kinte in the famed original miniseries “Roots,” has died, according to a his longtime publicist Belinda Foster. He was 84. Foster told CNN on the phone on Tuesday that Amos died in Los Angeles of natural causes on August 21. She also shared a statement from Amos’ son, Kelly Christopher Amos, via email. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” the statement read. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.” Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Amos found his first passion in sports after he fell in love with football and played at Colorado State University. While he graduated with a degree in social work, he scored tryouts with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos and the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions. In a video shared by the Chiefs, Amos once said he was a “slightly better than average high school football player.” “All I ever wanted to do all my life was to play pro football,” Amos said in the clip. “I figured that was going to be the best way for me to escape the economic strata we seemed to be locked into.” Amos would later recall that Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram told him while cutting the future actor from his brief time with the team, “You are not a football player, you are a young man who happens to be playing football.” Gavin MacLeod (left) and John Amos on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," 1972. Gavin MacLeod (left) and John Amos on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," 1972. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Following stints as a social worker and copywriter in New York, Amos turned to acting, scoring the role of weatherman Gordon “Gordy” Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which would begin his ascent in Hollywood. Bit parts on other hit 1970s television shows including “Love American Style,” “Sanford and Son” and “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” would follow. But it was his role as James Evan Sr., the stern father on “Good Times,” which would make Amos a star. In a 2020 interview, Amos discussed leaving the hit series after two years following “contention” with the white writers over how the Black family at the center of the show was being portrayed. “I felt like I knew more about what a Black family should be and how a Black father would act than our writers, none of whom were Black,” Amos said at the time. “Their idea of what a Black family should be and what a Black father would be was totally different from mine, and mine was steeped in reality.” Amos said the show’s creator, Norman Lear, eventually came around to his way of thinking years later. The pair reportedly reconciled and publicly hugged during the 2019 “Good Times” live TV reunion special. Race was once again at the forefront when Amos portrayed Toby, the adult version of the slave Kunte Kinte in the critically acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots,” which earned Amos an Emmy nomination. “I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint,” he told Time magazine in 2021. “It was the culmination of all of the misconceptions and stereotypical roles that I had lived and seen being offered to me. It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.” The “Roots” role reunited him with actress Leslie Uggams, for whom he had written on her short-lived CBS variety series in the late 1960s.

ran launched ballistic missiles at Israel

 

Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel

Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israel, a sudden attack that left Israel battling on three fronts simultaneously. This marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations and increased the chances of a full-scale war between two of the most powerful militaries in the Middle East. Here’s the latest update.

According to the Israeli military, Iran fired around 180 missiles in the assault, making it one of the largest barrages to date. While Israel’s air defense system intercepted many missiles, some hit central and southern Israel. One Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank was killed by falling shrapnel, though there were no immediate reports of casualties within Israel.

Background: The attack followed a rapid series of events over 24 hours, starting with Israel’s invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia. Israel bombarded Lebanon from the air while ground forces advanced, and Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets deep into Israeli territory.

What’s next: The situation remains tense. The Israeli military stated it would retaliate at a time of its choosing, while Iran warned of further missile strikes if Israel responded. A senior White House official emphasized that the U.S. would defend Israel and warned Iran that any direct attack on Israel would have “severe consequences"

 

Embattled MLB legend Pete Rose, all-time hits leader, dies at 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader and former icon whose career was overshadowed by his gambling on the sport, has passed away at the age of 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County, Nevada, confirmed that Rose died on Monday. According to ABC News, a family member discovered him, and while the coroner is set to investigate the cause of death, there are no indications of foul play. Rose had recently appeared at an autograph event in Nashville with former teammates Tony Perez, George Foster, and Dave Concepcion.

For fans from the 1960s and 1970s, Rose, famously known as "Charlie Hustle," was one of the most electrifying players of his time. With his shaggy hair, determined expression, and relentless playing style, Rose became a symbol of old-school baseball, a throwback to the sport’s early days. His energetic approach—sprinting to first base even after a walk and diving headfirst into bags—cemented him as an unforgettable figure in the game’s history.

Major League Baseball, which permanently banned Rose in 1989, issued a brief statement acknowledging his "greatness, grit, and determination on the field." Bob Castellini, the Cincinnati Reds' principal owner, also praised Rose, calling him "one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen," and urged that his achievements not be forgotten.

A 17-time All-Star and switch hitter, Rose played on three World Series-winning teams and holds several major league records, including games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890). He was named National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP in 1975. Rose was a crucial figure in the Reds' 1975 and 1976 championship teams, which featured Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan.

Johnny Bench expressed his grief in a statement, saying, "My heart is sad. I loved you, Peter Edward. You made all of us better, no matter the life we led. No one can replace you." The Cincinnati Reds also expressed their sorrow on social media, stating they were "heartbroken" to learn of Rose's passing

Pagers explosions 

Simultaneous explosions of pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday resulted in at least nine fatalities and thousands of injuries, including the death of a 10-year-old girl. Around 2,750 people were reported wounded, including Iran's ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani. Hezbollah fighters in Syria also suffered casualties, with several hospitalized in Damascus.

Hezbollah labeled this incident one of the most significant security breaches in their ongoing conflict with Israel, suggesting that the attack targeted their use of low-tech pagers to avoid assassinations. The group has blamed Israel, with Hezbollah officials promising retaliation and a "just punishment." Two of their fighters were confirmed among the dead. Israel has not commented on the attack, but the explosions came shortly after Israel announced it would expand its war efforts, including actions against Hezbollah.

The U.S. government denied any foreknowledge or involvement in the attack. Washington's response noted that it was "too early to say" how the incident might affect ongoing Gaza ceasefire discuss

 Donald Trump's Sentencing Postponed Until After November Election

The sentencing of former President Donald Trump in his Manhattan hush money case has been delayed until after the November election. Originally set for September 18, Judge Juan Merchan rescheduled it to November 26, citing the sensitive timing surrounding the election. The decision aims to avoid any appearance that the proceedings might influence the upcoming presidential election in which Trump is a candidate.

Trump faces sentencing after being convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to silence Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.

 Global Soda Giants Face Boycotts in Muslim-Majority Countries Amid Israeli Aggression in Gaza

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have spent decades building a strong presence in Muslim-majority nations like Egypt and Pakistan. However, recent boycotts, fueled by their association with the U.S. and Israel amid the Gaza conflict, have caused a significant drop in sales for these brands.

In Egypt, Coca-Cola sales have plunged, while local soda brands like V7 have seen a surge in demand. In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola canceled an ad campaign following public outcry. Similarly, Pepsi's rapid growth in the Middle East slowed after the Gaza war began in October.

In Pakistan, local brands like Cola Next and Pakola have grown in popularity. Pakistani executive Sunbal Hassan, for example, excluded Coke and Pepsi from her wedding, citing concerns about indirectly supporting U.S. and Israeli interests.

While PepsiCo and Coca-Cola still hold strong positions in several Middle Eastern markets, boycotts have led to a 7% decline in sales in the first half of the year. Despite this, PepsiCo's CEO noted that the impact on their bottom line is currently limited, but the situation continues to evolve.

Boycotts are not new to these companies, as Coke and Pepsi have historically faced challenges in the region due to their perceived ties to Western policies. Now, local brands are filling the gap, and the trend of supporting homegrown alternatives is gaining momentum.

 Tragic Mass Shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia: Four Dead, Several Injured

A mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, left four people dead and nine others injured on Wednesday. The suspected shooter, a 14-year-old student named Colt Gray, is in custody and will be charged with murder, to be tried as an adult.

Among the victims, two were identified as 14-year-old students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, while the two adults were math teachers, Richard Aspinwall, who also served as an assistant football coach, and Christina Irimie. The injured include eight students and one teacher, all of whom are expected to recover.

Colt Gray had previously been questioned by law enforcement last year regarding anonymous tips about potential threats but was not arrested due to a lack of probable cause at that time.

This tragic incident has left the school and community reeling, as investigations continue into the events leading up to the attack.

 

Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard endorses Trump in the 2024 presidential race

Democrat-turned Independent Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman from Hawaii, has endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race against Vice President Kamala Harris.

"We as Americans must stand together to reject this anti-freedom culture of political retaliation and abuse of power. We can't allow our country to be destroyed by politicians who will put their own power ahead of the interests of the American people, our freedom, and our future," Gabbard said at the National Guard conference in Detroit on Monday.

Gabbard's endorsement came on the third anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members following the chaotic Afghanistan War withdrawal. "I am proud to stand here before you today, whether you're a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent," Gabbard said. "If you love our country, as I do, if you cherish peace and freedom as we do, I invite you to join me in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people."

 Mariah Carey Mourns the Loss of Both Mother and Sister on the Same Day

Mariah Carey is grieving the loss of both her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, who tragically passed away on the same day over the weekend, PEOPLE confirms.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, the 55-year-old Grammy-winning singer expressed her heartbreak: "My heart is shattered as I mourn the loss of my mother this past weekend. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, my sister also passed away on the same day."

Mariah shared her gratitude for the time she spent with her mother before her passing, saying, "I feel blessed to have spent the last week with my mom before she left us. I appreciate the love, support, and respect for my privacy during this incredibly difficult time."

At this time, no further details, including the causes of death for Patricia and Alison, have been released.

Patricia Carey, formerly married to Alfred Roy Carey, was a Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach before the couple welcomed their children—Alison, Mariah, and their son, Morgan. The couple divorced when Mariah was just three years old.

Mariah's relationship with her mother, from whom she inherited her vocal talents, was often complex and challenging.

In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she reflected on their bond, writing, "Like many parts of my life, my relationship with my mother has been filled with contradictions and complex emotions. It’s never been just black-and-white—it's a full spectrum of feelings."

"Our connection is a tangled web of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment," Mariah continued. "A complicated love ties my heart to my mother's

Arshad Nadeem sets new Olympic record in javelin throw

Arshad Nadeem broke a long-running drought for Pakistan in the Olympics in style on Thursday.

Nadeem won the men's javelin final in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a throw of 92.97 meters, the Olympic record. It was Pakistan's first medal since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the first gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics for the country. Nadeem is also Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medal winner and the first individual medalist since Hussain Shah in 1988. He was the first Pakistani finalist in a track and field event.

On his second throw of the day, Nadeem set the Olympic Record and put the pressure on the rest of the field. His main competition was India's Neeraj Chopra, who threw a season-best 89.45 meters to earn the silver. Nadeem had his second-best and second-best overall of the competition on his sixth and final throw, hitting 91.79 meters. Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen set the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso who was allegedly booted from Paris Olympic Village over ‘inappropriate’ behavior wanted to represent US: report

Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso reportedly expressed a desire to compete for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics instead of representing her home country.

According to Paraguayan outlet HOY, Alonso allegedly stated during a live video on social media that she preferred to represent the United States. The report suggested that Alonso's wish to swim for Team USA stemmed from the fact that she attended college there and found the Olympic qualification process in the U.S. to be significantly different from that of Paraguay.

 

Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna cancelled over alleged planned terrorist attack

Three Taylor Swift concerts in Austria have been canceled following the arrest of two suspects linked to a planned attack in the Vienna region, Austrian authorities announced on Wednesday.

Swift was scheduled to perform three shows in Vienna from Thursday, August 8 to Saturday, August 10. However, these dates were canceled on Wednesday, according to Barracuda Music, the promoter of Swift’s concerts in Austria.

“With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” Barracuda Music stated in a social media post.

Swift’s official website also listed the concerts as canceled.

CNN has reached out to Taylor Swift’s representatives for comment.

At a press conference in Vienna, police reported that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, identified as a sympathizer of the Islamic State, was arrested Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria, with another arrest made later that morning in Vienna.

“The two suspects became radicalized online. A 19-year-old citizen of Lower Austria pledged allegiance to the current leader of IS at the beginning of July,” police stated.

Authorities further explained that the suspects had taken "concrete preparatory measures" for a terrorist attack, with police suspecting that explosives were stored at the suspect’s home in Ternitz.

Police also reported securing chemical substances from the 19-year-old’s home, which are currently being evaluated, according to the Associated Press.

“Based on the current investigation, we believe that events in the Vienna region were the intended targets of the attack,” police added.

All tickets for the canceled shows will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days, the concert promoter said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

 

Too Hot To Handle? Paraguayan Olympics Swimmer Accused Of 'Inappropriate Effect On Her Team'

The Olympics is still ongoing, but Luana Alonso, a Paraguayan swimmer, won't get to enjoy the benefits of the athletes' village. The 20-year-old is one of the glamorous faces that has stolen hearts at the 2024 Paris games. However, her beauty may be too much for her teammates to handle. The Olympics swimmer Luana Alonso was told to go home for allegedly distracting her team, an update that comes days after she shocked fans with her retirement from swimming. Alonso came to Paris as a member of the Paraguayan swimming team but failed to qualify for the semi-finals in the 100m butterfly. She finished sixth place in the event, earning her official boot from the games. Despite her loss, Alonso remained in the athletes' village where competitors could socialize, eat, and train together — a benefit she should have enjoyed until the end of the Olympic games on Sunday, August 11. But she lost that opportunity when the Paraguay team's general manager, Larissa Schaerer, refused to allow her to stay in the athletes' village. In a statement issued on Sunday, she claimed Alonso's presence had an inappropriate effect on her team. TMZ reported that Alonso responded by officially asking to leave the athletes' village, and Schaerer agreed. Surprisingly, she returned the following day looking as if she was on vacation, but the general manager told her to get out

Scottie Scheffler takes gold, Tommy Fleetwood silver, Hideki Matsuyama bronze at thrilling Paris Olympics

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France —Scottie Scheffler delivered the best performance of his greatest year by rallying from four shots behind on Sunday with a 9-under 62 to win the Olympic gold medal in men's golf in a thriller at Le Golf National.

Already a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR this year, including his second Masters title, Scheffler added Olympic gold to an astonishing season with a round that kept some 30,000 fans on edge for a wild final two hours.

The world's No. 1 player had plenty of help. Jon Rahm of Spain had a four-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood when he stepped on the 11th tee. Fleetwood caught him in two holes as the Spaniard had a stunning collapse.

That opened the door for six players — including Victor Perez of France, who came within one shot of the podium.

But it was Scheffler who charged to the front with four straight birdies down the stretch, none bigger than gouging a shot out of deep rough on the 17th hole and making the 18-foot birdie putt to take the lead for the first time all day.

Barcelona and Real Madrid meet for a preseason El Clasico, it's a debut for Hansi Flick in the storied rivalry.

Barcelona and Real Madrid meet for a preseason El Clasico, it's a debut for Hansi Flick in the storied rivalry. Joining Barcelona after they parted ways with Xavi Hernandez during the summer, Flick will now enter the biggest managerial job of his career with high expectations. Coming off of winning La Liga last season, Real Madrid bolstered their squad by adding Kylian Mbappe which could put even more of a gap between them and their rivals. While Mbappe won't feature in this match, his presence in the squad now does raise the stakes of this meeting despite it only being a friendly. Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more: How to watch and odds Date: Saturday, Aug. 3 | Time: 7 p.m. ET Location: MetLife Stadium -- East Rutherford, New Jersey TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+ Odds: Barcelona +145; Draw +270; Real Madrid +145 Storylines Barcelona: With the majority of their first team squad available for this match, it's a great chance for Flick to test the squad against top opposition. It doesn't get much bigger than facing Real Madrid even if it's a friendly which offers great learning opportunities for younger players who may not get into the regular season version of this rivalry match. Real Madrid: Unlike Barcelona, Real Madrid has large portions of their squad yet to start preseason training but it still allows the squad an opportunity to show what they can do against stars like Robert Lewandowski. It's especially big for Endrick who despite his age has big expectations for Los Blancos. This may be the deepest side in the world and El Clasico is a chance to showcase it. Prediction

The result may not matter but when bitter rivals meet, they won't want to drop a match even in the preseason. Pick: Barcelona 1, Real Madrid 2 

Stock Market; Dow Drops 600 Points, Nasdaq Slips Into Correction Amid Disappointing Jobs Report"

Stock Market;

Dow Drops 600 Points, Nasdaq Slips Into Correction Amid Disappointing Jobs Report"

Stocks took a sharp downturn on Friday as a significantly weaker-than-expected July jobs report heightened concerns about a potential economic recession.

The S&P 500 fell 1.84%, closing at 5,346.56, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.43%, ending at 16,776.16, marking a decline of over 10% from its recent peak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell, losing 610.71 points, or 1.51%, to settle at 39,737.26. During the day's low, the Dow had plummeted 989 points.

The market's decline was triggered by a slowdown in July's job growth in the U.S., coupled with a rise in the unemployment rate to its highest since October 2021. The Labor Department reported a mere addition of 114,000 nonfarm payrolls in July, down from June's 179,000 and below the 185,000 expected by economists. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%.

Investor flight to safety pushed the 10-year Treasury yield to its lowest level since December, driven by fears that the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates might have been a misstep.

Major tech stocks saw significant losses, with Amazon falling 8.8% following disappointing Q2 results and forecasts, Intel plummeting 26% due to weak guidance and layoffs, and Nvidia dropping 1.8% after a 6% loss the previous day.

The Nasdaq is now in correction territory, down more than 10% from its record high, while the S&P 500 and Dow are 5.7% and 3.9% below their all-time highs, respectively.

Paris 2024 Surfing: Day Four Updates from Teahupo’o

 

Paris 2024 Surfing: Day Four Updates from Teahupo’o

Wednesday, July 31 marks the fourth day of the 10-day Olympic surfing window at the Tahitian venue of Teahupo’o in French Polynesia. The competition has been on hold since unfavorable conditions arrived on the afternoon of Monday, July 29, delaying the women's surfing round 3.

The event has experienced varied weather, including massive waves on Monday morning during men's round 3, a momentous event in surfing history.

Olympics.coms   poke with International Surfing Association (ISA) president Fernando Aguerre at Teahupo’o, located 9,000 miles from Paris, the host city for the 2024 Olympics. Aguerre discussed the current conditions and scheduling plans.

After announcing a further hold on Wednesday morning, Aguerre explained, "This is the ABC of any surfing competition — you're on standby.” Despite the delays, he noted the palpable excitement among participants. “Everyone can relax and recover, particularly after that intense Monday. There were many wipeouts; it’s not the same to wipe out anywhere in the world as to wipe out here. We’re happy we haven’t had any major accidents. Our priority is to protect the athletes and then focus on the competition."

A decision on whether to start women's round 3 will be made at 5:45 p.m. Tahiti time on Wednesday, July 31 (5:45 a.m. Paris time on Thursday, August 1). Once the competition resumes, it will proceed with women's round 3, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the bronze and gold medal matches.

The 10-day surfing window runs through August 5— see the full schedule here,

 

One Ceremony, Several Firsts: The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The 2024 Olympics in Paris featured a bold and unique Opening Ceremony on July 26, 2024, which promises to be one of the most memorable in Olympic history.

A Ceremony Outside a stadium

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games, the Opening Ceremony was not held in a stadium. Paris 2024 broke new ground by bringing the event into the city. The ceremony took place in the heart of Paris, along its iconic Seine River.

A Ceremony on the River

In an unprecedented move, the parade of athletes occurred on the Seine. Each national delegation sailed on boats equipped with cameras, offering viewers an intimate experience. The 10,500 athletes journeyed through the center of Paris, passing renowned landmarks, before culminating at the Trocadéro.

A Ceremony for the People

The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony marked another first by being widely accessible to the public. Eighty giant screens and strategically placed speakers allowed thousands of spectators across Paris to share in the excitement. This inclusive approach transformed the event into a truly people-centered celebration.

Athletes in the Spotlight

Breaking with tradition, the parade of athletes kicked off the ceremony. Athletes were prominently featured throughout the event, underscoring Paris 2024's commitment to athlete-centric Games.

A Sustainable Spectacle

In a pioneering effort, the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony prioritized sustainability. The boats used for the parade were electric-powered, reflecting the Games' dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental consciousness.

A Technological Marvel

The ceremony showcased groundbreaking technology, including augmented reality and interactive light shows. Spectators, both on-site and online, were captivated by the visually stunning event enhanced by these technological advancements.

An Inclusive Celebration

Paris 2024 ensured the ceremony was inclusive and accessible to all. Special accommodations were made for individuals with disabilities, and the event featured multilingual commentary and sign language interpretation, creating a truly global and welcoming experience.

These groundbreaking elements combined to make the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony a historic and unforgettable event, setting a new standard for future Olympic Games.

Unexpected Hydrothermal Explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin: What You Need to Know 

 On Tuesday morning, a surprising hydrothermal explosion rocked Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin, sending debris flying several stories high and damaging a nearby boardwalk. The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., has been confirmed by Michael Poland, the Scientist-in-Charge at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

What Happened?

The explosion, considered “small” by Poland, is believed to have originated in the Black Diamond Pool, approximately 2.1 miles northwest of the iconic Old Faithful geyser. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Witnesses captured videos of the explosion, showing several people in close proximity on the boardwalk and the aftermath, with debris scattered across the area and visible damage to the boardwalk.

Current Safety Measures and Investigations

In response to the explosion, Biscuit Basin’s parking lot and boardwalks have been temporarily closed for safety. Yellowstone National Park geologists are actively investigating the incident. Early assessments indicate no unusual volcanic activity. Poland reassured the public, stating, “Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity.”

Poland explained that hydrothermal explosions, like the one witnessed, occur when water rapidly transforms into steam underground. These events are relatively common in Yellowstone and are not indicative of impending volcanic eruptions or magma movement towards the surface.

Historical Context of Hydrothermal Explosions in Yellowstone

This type of explosion is not unprecedented in Yellowstone. In May 2009, a similar event occurred in Biscuit Basin, and in April 2018, a smaller explosion was recorded in Norris Geyser Basin. Notably, Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin experienced an explosive event in 1989.

Hydrothermal explosions can launch boiling water, steam, mud, and rock into the air, sometimes reaching heights of up to 1.2 miles. According to a 2018 report by the U.S. Geological Survey, large hydrothermal explosions occur approximately every 700 years. Yellowstone has at least 25 identified craters, each at least 328 feet wide, attributed to these explosive events.

Future Implications

While large hydrothermal explosions are rare, the potential for future events remains significant. Historical data suggests that an explosion large enough to create a 328-foot-wide crater might be expected every few hundred years.

Black Diamond Pool’s Volatile History

Black Diamond Pool has a history of volatile behavior. Following an earthquake in July 2006, the pool erupted with black, murky water and experienced several explosive eruptions in the following days. 

 House Committee Grills Secret Service Director on Attempted Assassination of President Trump

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability convened today to address the “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump.” During the hearing, both Republican and Democratic members questioned U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle regarding significant security lapses that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump, the death of an innocent victim, and injuries to others at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Director Cheatle’s inability or refusal to provide satisfactory answers prompted bipartisan calls for her immediate resignation. The American public demands transparency, and the House Oversight Committee, in collaboration with Speaker Mike Johnson’s Task Force, is committed to investigating this security breach and developing strategies to prevent future occurrences.

Key Takeaways:

Failure to Address Critical Security Questions: Director Cheatle repeatedly failed to provide clear answers to fundamental questions regarding operational failures that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Unanswered Key Questions:

1. Did the Secret Service deny additional security requests from President Trump’s campaign? If so, how many times?
2. Why was a nearby rooftop, with a clear view of President Trump’s podium, left unsecured?
3. Were the agents at the rally affiliated with the Secret Service or another department?
4. Was there any intelligence gathered on the gunman prior to the incident?
5. How were Secret Service resources allocated at the rally?
6. Was there advanced planning by the Secret Service for the campaign rally?

Call for Resignation:

Chairman James Comer and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin issued a joint letter urging Director Cheatle to resign, citing her inability to address these critical security failures.

Member Highlights:

Chairman James Comer’s Remarks: Chairman Comer emphasized the Secret Service’s zero-fail mission and highlighted its failure on July 13. He criticized the agency’s incompetence and lack of accountability, urging Director Cheatle to resign.

Chairman Comer’s Questions:

• Agent Assignment Inquiry: Chairman Comer inquired about the number of agents assigned to President Trump on the day of the rally. Director Cheatle avoided providing specifics, stating only that there were a sufficient number of agents.
• Temporary Agents: Chairman Comer questioned the presence of temporary agents at the rally. Director Cheatle confirmed that the agents assigned were Secret Service agents providing close protection.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan’s Pressing Questions:

• Denial of Requests: Rep. Jordan pressed Director Cheatle on reports that the Secret Service denied multiple security requests from the Trump campaign. Cheatle’s inability to provide clear answers further frustrated committee members.

Rep. Foxx’s Concerns: Rep. Foxx highlighted that despite significant taxpayer funding, the Secret Service has seen declining performance and agent departures under Director Cheatle’s leadership.

Conclusion: The hearing underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the Secret Service’s operational failures and the importance of holding those responsible accountable. The House Oversight Committee, along with Speaker Mike Johnson’s Task Force, is dedicated to ensuring such security lapses do not occur again.