It’s solar eclipse day.

Total Solar Eclipse of the Heart

The Story

It’s solar eclipse day. 

I want to see.

So do we. Millions of Americans will be gazing up at the sky in hopes of seeing the moon pass between the Earth and the sun. The lucky 32 million Americans who live along the path of totality will get to see the moon completely block the sun. The phenomenon is expected to last up to four minutes. As for when it starts, that depends on your ZIP code. Fingers crossed storm clouds don’t get in the way. 

Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Almost. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the US until 2044. Eclipses aren’t just cool to see — they’re also essential to scientific discovery. Just don't forget to wear protective eclipse glasses. Experts say it can be safe to look up during the few minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun. However, staring directly at the sun before or after the total eclipse or during the partial eclipse can result in permanent damage to your eyes. 

theSkimm

Today’s solar eclipse will bring millions of people across the country together to experience the phenomenon. For those who miss it, they can probably catch it all over social media.

Who gets all the bragging rights…

The University of South Carolina. Yesterday, the Gamecocks and coach Dawn Staley wrapped up an undefeated season, winning the women's national championship after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes. South Carolina solidified itself as a basketball dynasty, with its third title win in the last eight years. The team’s victory marks an end to a record-breaking year for women’s collegiate basketball, thanks in part to the Caitlin Clark effect. After the game, Staley thanked Clark for “lifting up our sport.” However, the road doesn’t end here: The WNBA draft is set for next Monday, with Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese gearing up to go pro.

Where there's outrage...

Mexico. Over the weekend, Mexico cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Ecuadorian forces stormed the embassy to arrest Ecuador’s former VP Jorge Glas, who faces corruption charges and has been at the embassy since December. The raid sparked outcry across Latin America, as an embassy is considered sovereign territory. Mexico plans to raise the issue before the World Court in The Hague.

What’s becoming an elusive American dream…

Housing. A new survey from Redfin found that one in five Americans are skipping meals in order to afford their mortgage or rent. Another one in six Americans are skipping or delaying medical treatments. Meanwhile, about half of the US is struggling to make their payments on time. The report comes as home prices have gone up about 60% over the past decade and amid a housing shortage that states and the federal government are struggling to address.

What’s feeding travelers’ fears...

Another plane part falling off. Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration said it’s investigating after an engine cover fell off a Southwest Airlines Boeing plane during takeoff, hitting a wing flap. The flight from Denver to Houston returned to the airport, and the passengers boarded another plane. The incident comes as authorities already have their hands full on separate probes involving Boeing and Southwest.

What’s quickly heating up…

The J Cole-Kendrick Lamar beef.

While laundry pods are getting recalled…

Some Walmart customers could cash in on a lawsuit.

Who wants a PG “Bridgerton” cut for her parents...

Nicola Coughlan.

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.

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