Israel’s Military Announced a “Tactical Pause” in Gaza to Help Flow of Aid

Good morning.

Summer officially begins on Thursday and not only will we get some extra sunlight, but we’ll be graced with a full Strawberry Moon so don’t forget to look up. Also here’s how the summer solstice can affect your mood depending on your zodiac sign. Another thing on my to-do list this week? Cutting myself some slack, which might come easier, thanks to this surprising report that says it’s ok to let kids get bored and another about the downsides of perfectionism. Now let’s get to the news…

– Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, New York

What's Happening

International

Israel’s Military Announced a “Tactical Pause” in Gaza to Help Flow of Aid

What's going on: The Israeli military announced it is pausing fighting during daytime hours “until further notice” to allow aid to enter southern Gaza. The pause only applies along 7.4 miles of road that connects the Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza. Aid trucks have been sitting at the entry point for months, creating a bottleneck. Palestinians are desperate for humanitarian assistance, amid reports that children are dying of starvation. The UN aid agency OCHA said this news is welcome, but since the announcement, “this has yet to translate into more aid reaching people in need.”

What it means: The Israel-Hamas war has created a humanitarian crisis as the fighting enters its ninth month. Israel continues to face growing international pressure, including from its strongest ally the US, to address the issue. Efforts like airdrops and the US’ temporary pier have not been enough to compensate for the ongoing blockade on goods entering Gaza. It also does not appear that either Israel or Hamas are any closer to reaching a cease-fire agreement. Media outlets are reporting that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the 11-hour daily pauses and promised to continue with the war. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages once there is a permanent cease-fire and Israeli forces fully withdraw from Gaza.

Related: Palestinians Struggle to Celebrate Eid in Gaza (NYT Gift Link)

US News

Abortion Protections for Employees Are Staying in Place

What’s going on: Over the weekend, a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by 17 Republican-led states challenging federal rules that require employers to accommodate workers seeking an abortion. The 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which received bipartisan support, required employers make “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant or postpartum workers, including time off for doctor’s appointments and more bathroom breaks. When the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its rulebook in April to also include accommodations for those seeking abortions, the states said it went beyond the scope of the law.

What it means: The rules are scheduled to go into effect tomorrow despite the states’ efforts to get a nationwide preliminary injunction. Although the EEOC regulations still face legal challenges in other circuits, the ACLU and 20 labor and women's advocacy groups hailed this latest ruling a victory for working women. The EEOC said it’s just staying in line with decades of legal precedent of pregnancy anti-discrimination laws — including abortion.

Related: The Real Economic Cost of Abortion Bans in Some States (ABC)

Entertainment

Bravo Indefinitely Suspended “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Star Over Revenge Porn Allegations

What's going on: Bravo suspended Kenya Moore after she allegedly displayed posters at her hair spa's grand opening depicting RHOA newcomer Brittany Eady performing oral sex. Eady wasn’t there for the alleged display but said “It’s never a good feeling being targeted or hazed.” Moore has denied the allegations against her and an investigation is reportedly underway.

What it means: Moore’s suspension is the latest incident in a string of allegations and lawsuits against Bravo and its “Real Housewives” franchise. Some of the claims include discrimination, retaliation, racism, and sexual harassment. Andy Cohen, who’s been an executive producer since “Real Housewives” began, said he has “no regrets” about how he has handled things. As Bravo navigates what former Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel calls the “reality reckoning,” it appears the franchise has fallen off with viewers. None of the top five most viewed reality TV shows in 2023 included a “Real Housewives” installment, according to a marketing research company.

Related: Why Reality TV Might Not Be Hitting Like It Used To (The Hollywood Reporter)

Quick Hits

💸 Some A-listers put their money where their mouth is this weekend and let us know who they are voting for.

🧐 A TikTok love triangle has fans captivated, but is it real?

👑 Kate Middleton’s recent IG post is less about who took the pic and more about who wrote the caption.

❤️‍🩹 Thanks to electrical brain stimulation there could be a new way to zap away those not-so-great heartbreak feelings.

🥹 A newbie on “Inside Out 2” is one we can all relate to.

👀 Some girls leave behind earrings. Theo James’ date left something unforgettable (and gross).

Extra Credit

Watch

In case you missed it, a Westeros summer has officially arrived. Last night, the highly-anticipated second season of “House of the Dragon,” debuted on HBO and Max — and it’s apparently “bigger, badder, dragon-ier.” The “Game of Thrones” prequel picks back up as the Targaryen civil war (aka, the Dance of the Dragons) is getting underway, and it’s Team Black, led by Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), versus Team Green, led by Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). Filled with twisted romantic relationships, sibling rivalries, and lots of tension, the show’s sophomore season is worth the nearly two-year wait.

Settle This

Tankinis are the 2024 swimsuit trend dividing the internet. Are you adding it to your cart?

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.