Good morning. It’s Friday, June 19, and the Knicks parade in New York looked pretty wild. See all the best photos from the celebrations here. Let’s catch up.
Quick note: The 7 podcast is taking a break for Juneteenth. It’ll be back Monday.
Vice President JD Vance slammed Israel’s reaction to the Iran ceasefire deal.
Why? Israeli officials have criticized the agreement, as have some key Republicans. At a press briefing yesterday, Vance lashed out at Israeli leaders using unusually sharp language.
Obama celebrated the opening of his $850 million presidential library in Chicago.
Former president Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Malia Obama attend a dedication ceremony for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A star-studded event: Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen and Bono were in attendance. In his speech, Obama criticized the division and vitriol that dominates modern-day politics.
Three other former presidents showed up: Trump, who has mocked the appearance of his political rival’s presidential center, was the only living president not to be invited.
What might Trump’s library look like? Expect at least two golden statues.
Republicans say Trump is causing “embarrassing setbacks” for their agenda.
In the latest clash this week: Trump blew up plans to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence. Republican senators find themselves increasingly at odds with Trump.
Another problem for Republicans: Farmers, one of the GOP’s most loyal voting blocs, are losing patience with the party. Approval for Trump among rural Americans has hit a new low.
Ukraine hammered Moscow with a swarm of drone strikes.
Smoke rises from an oil refinery following what the authorities say was a Ukrainian drone strike in Moscow. (Social media/Reuters)
After weeks of Russian bombing in Kyiv: Ukraine hit back yesterday with what may have been its largest drone strike on the Russian capital. A major oil refinery was set ablaze.
Why now? Ukraine is trying to increase public pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war. Putin has not shown signs he will back down.
A major flu outbreak has hit at an Air Force base in Texas.
In the past three weeks: More than 150 troops have fallen sick. It comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. troops would no longer be required to get an annual flu shot.
A separate outbreak: Twelve cases of flesh-eating screwworms have been discovered in animals in Texas and New Mexico. The Trump administration’s response is under scrutiny.
The U.S. faces Australia in its second World Cup group-stage match today.
The stakes: Victory would secure qualification to the knockout stage. The USMNT is on a high after a 4-1 win against Paraguay last week — the team has finally found its missing piece.
People often have extraordinary dreams and visions on their deathbeds.
(Illustration by Katty Huertas/The Post)
When people approach the end of their lives: As many as 88% experience the mysterious phenomenon of interacting with people and places only they can see, a study found.
For example: As one woman was dying, she kept seeing the grandmother she’d lost long ago. The visions are often comforting — read about these experiences here.
Before you go... researchers tested chatbots against elite fundraisers and debaters: Guess who won. Plus: Thinking of using AI for medical advice? Read this first.
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