New Fears of Conflict Spreading in the Middle East

Good Morning.

Or should I say bonjour? I’ve always been drawn to the Olympics because of my Greek heritage, and the 2024 games are no exception. Some of my favorite moments so far? Childhood friends and synchronized divers Cook N' Bacon brought home the first medal for Team USA. Snoop Dogg, along with Caeleb Dressel’s wife and snoozing baby, stole the show as the swimmers won gold. And even with a calf injury, Simone Biles topped the all-around standings. Meanwhile, these Olympic skateboarders got creative after getting stranded. It’s not all fun and games…the Seine is still too dirty to swim in, which means that Italian high-jumper shouldn’t go looking for his lost wedding ring anytime soon. And would it be the Olympics without a little bit of controversy? Now let’s get to the news...

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

International

New Fears of Conflict Spreading in the Middle East

What's going on: Diplomats are working to avert a wider regional conflict in the Middle East after a rocket strike killed at least 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights over the weekend. It’s the deadliest attack on Israeli territory since October 7. Israel and the US have accused the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah of launching the attack from within Lebanon. Hezbollah denied responsibility for the attack. After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah would “pay a heavy price," the Israeli military struck a number of targets in Lebanon but stopped short of a major escalation. The Wall Street Journal reported that while neither side is interested in creating a larger conflict, there is still a chance it could happen.

What it means: Backchannel diplomacy is intensifying as leaders scramble to ensure this strike doesn’t become a full-blown conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Tensions have remained high following nearly 10 months of tit-for-tat attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. An escalation from either side could pull Iran into the conflict. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has already warned Israel of “unforeseen consequences” if the Israeli military responds strongly to this latest strike. As Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to respond to the attack, it’s unclear whether Israel has the military resources to engage in a major battle with Lebanon. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US continues to push for a cease-fire in Gaza, which could help decrease tensions on the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Related: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Defended the Israel-Hamas War to Congress (NYT Gift Link)

Politics

The Kamala Harris Campaign Has Brought In $200 Million

What's going on: Yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign announced it raised $200 million in the week since President Biden announced he is not seeking reelection. Her haul is larger than what the Biden campaign brought in during the first three months of the year. Harris’ team is riding a wave of excitement, noting that 66% of the cash came from first-time donors, and more than 170,000 people signed up to volunteer. Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal poll shows that Harris is leading former President Trump 49% to 47%. That’s within the margin of error, but previous polls showed Trump holding a six-point lead over Biden.

What it means: There are officially less than 100 days before Americans vote in November, and every dollar counts. It’s already been an intense election cycle with the assassination attempt and last-minute nominee replacement. Still, Harris has already secured more than enough delegates to lock up the Democratic nomination, and it doesn’t look like anyone will be challenging her. Many are now waiting for Harris to announce her VP pick, and there are reports she plans to share that name by next Wednesday.

Related: Trump Told Christian Voters They “Won’t Have to Vote Anymore” If He’s Elected (CBS)

Health

Researchers: Double Mastectomy Doesn't Increase Rate of Breast Cancer Survival

What's going on: For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, the decision of whether or not to get a double mastectomy — a surgery that removes both breasts — is a complex and personal choice. Now, a new study published last week in JAMA Oncology may give patients more information to consider when making that decision. Researchers found that while getting a double mastectomy reduced a patient’s breast cancer risk, it did not boost their chances of survival from the disease. As one doctor put it, the study suggests “there is absolutely no difference in survival if you have a lumpectomy, a mastectomy or a double mastectomy.” The study analyzed the US data from over 661,000 women with cancer in one breast, ranging from stage zero to invasive stage 3 breast cancer. It found that women who developed breast cancer in their second breast had the same fourfold increased risk of death as patients who developed cancer in the remaining breast tissue after a double mastectomy.

What it means: Previous research has pointed to similar findings. While one doctor told The New York Times that the new study “provides a rigorous analysis,” it still has several limitations. One of them: Researchers did not take into account family or genetic history, like the BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants. The American Cancer Society says patients with those variants should consider double mastectomies. Meanwhile, the new findings underscore the importance of breast cancer screenings and exploring family history and/or genetic testing. For the more than 310,000 women in the US who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, the study may spark deeper conversations with their doctors about their options.

Related: Mammograms Recommended Starting at 40. Should You Get One? (CNN)

Quick Hits

⚕️ New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier. 

👀 Condoms: They can be great for preventing STDs but not so much for avoiding “forever chemicals.”

🏅 Sunisa Lee is already in the history books, but this uneven bars move could make her a legend.

🇫🇷 Olympians are swiping right in Paris, so excuse us while we update our location to the “Olympic Village.”

💍 Only Lady Gaga could oh-so-casually share that she’s engaged.

Extra Credit

Read

If you’re looking for a summer read that has substance but doesn’t skimp on entertainment value, this book is for you. Just when 57-year-old Julia has settled into middle life, a series of events threaten to upend her newfound peace — especially reconnecting with her former friend Helen, who Julia shockingly betrayed almost two decades earlier. Masterfully constructed and thoughtfully observed, Same As It Ever Was clinches Claire Lombardo’s status as a master of the family drama.

Settle This

Which actor is coming back to the Marvel universe and just made the announcement at Comic-Con?

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.