The Search for America’s Next Top VP Candidate

What's Happening

Politics

The Search for America’s Next Top VP Candidate

What's going on: As Vice President Kamala Harris gets closer to snagging the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, her campaign team has started vetting at least five potential candidates to serve as her running mate. So, who’s on the shortlist? Former astronaut and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), who became the third Jewish governor to be elected in the key swing state. And Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC), who’s been a staunch supporter of abortion and voting rights. Also on the list: Billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), who allegedly already passed on the potential job.

What it means: With just 26 days until the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, the scramble to find Harris’ No. 2 is on. The Harris campaign could pick a VP candidate from a key battleground state that may help her win electoral votes in November. Note: At least four of the names on the shortlist come from critical swing states. Whoever Harris picks will also have to appeal to moderates and independents and will go head-to-head with Republican VP candidate JD Vance. One thing political analysts aren’t expecting is two women on the Democratic ticket. However, as the last few weeks have shown us, anything could happen.

Related: Biden Addresses the Nation Tonight on Why He Exited the Race (AP)

Politics

Netanyahu Looks To Shore Up Support in Washington Amid Political Flux

What's going on: Multiple protests are expected in Washington today ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress. The prime minister, who scheduled his visit way before American politics spiraled into chaos, will try to garner continued support for the Israel-Hamas war. But he’s likely to face an uphill battle, especially given the growing international pressure to end a war that has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry run by Hamas. Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with President Biden tomorrow and hold a one-on-one with VP Kamala Harris, who won’t attend Netanyahu’s address due to prior commitments.

What it means: The timing of Netanyahu’s first visit to the US in nearly four years couldn't be worse, given that America is busy with its own political affairs. Then, there’s the fact that the Israel-Hamas war has created deep divisions in the US (see: the campus protests). Now, Netanyahu’s short stay will highlight the divisions between Democrats and Republicans on US policy toward Israel, as well as the differences within the Democratic Party. Boycotts from Democratic lawmakers and pro-Palestinian activists against Netanyahu’s speech to Congress will stand in stark contrast to the Republican Party, which has been united in its support for Israel.

Related: Trump Says Netanyahu Is Also Paying Him a Visit…at Mar-a-Lago (Axios)

US News

Delta Just Bought Itself a First Class Ticket to a Federal Investigation

What's going on: Most airlines have managed to recover, for the most part, after the global IT outage last week (yes, even Spirit). However, Delta has struggled to get back on its wheels — canceling more than 6,600 flights since Thursday, according to flight-tracking company FlightAware. The problem: The system that tracks Delta’s flight crews hasn’t fully recovered. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on X that his department is investigating Delta over concerns the airline isn’t following consumer protection rules. Hundreds of complaints have been filed with the DOT. The airline is also facing criticism for pausing all travel for unaccompanied minors while it resolves its tech issues worldwide, as there are reports of kids being stranded in other countries.

What it means: The IT outage rocked the entire travel industry, but now the focus is mostly on Delta as it continues to experience turbulence. The Atlanta-based carrier is widely regarded as one of the best airlines in the country. However, public perception can always change. Meanwhile, Delta could have more than just angry customers knocking on its door. Southwest had to pay a record-setting $140 million penalty and $35 million fine after its 2022 holiday fiasco stranded 2 million passengers. Delta said it’s cooperating with the Transportation Department’s investigation.

Related: CrowdStrike Outage Ruin Your Summer Travel Plans? Here’s How You Might Get (Some) Money Back (NYT Gift Link)

Quick Hits

🧑‍⚕️ A new study suggests this drug could help extend women’s fertility.

🤖 Turns out, AI chatbots aren’t as smart as we thought.

🐝 Beyoncé is giving VP Kamala Harris something even better than concert tickets.

🏃🏽‍♀️ The running groups must be booked and busy in America’s top ten fittest cities.

🎭 While Varley won’t be releasing any bugs this time, Bridgerton’s next suitor is definitely going to give us butterflies. 

🐈‍⬛ Halle Berry is reminding us she will always be Catwoman with these photos.

Scorecard

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Winning: Rumor has it that legend Celine Dion will be singing at the Olympics opening ceremony…and she apparently got paid a lot of money to do it.

Chaotic: Love Island USA might’ve come to an end, but things are just heating up in Paris as Team USA dubs the Olympic Village “the Villa.” Looks like some of the athletes will get a chance to use those condoms after all.

Hang it in the Louvre: Simone Biles is warming up ahead of the Olympics. Here’s how to watch the GOAT take the floor, starting this weekend.

Extra Credit

Listen

Hilderbabes, leave your steamy novels at home because this weekend, we’re bringing Esther Perel to the beach. The renowned psychotherapist has released a new weekly mini-series called The Arc of Love, where she makes astute observations about couples’ relationships meant with beach listening in mind. In the eight episodes — which pull from long-lost classics as well as brand new episodes from her wildly popular Where Should We Begin? podcast — Perel’s “fly on the wall” curated collection of stories touches upon affairs, romantic revivals, polyamory, and everything in between, making it a perfect summer companion.

Settle This

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds welcomed their fourth child last year. They kept the name a secret, until now. Can you guess the baby's name?

Game Time

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.

Skimm Well

Honestly, same — but there’s something else that can help: the Skimm Well newsletter. When you sign up, you’ll get expert-backed advice and info in your inbox every week, so you can take control of your mental and physical health.