Biden's big test tonight
President Joe Biden faces a big moment tonight. The nearly quarter-billion-dollar aid pier in Gaza is going away after only two months. And it's apparently the summer to go "boysober."
👋 Hey folks, Spencer here, pinch-hitting for Laura today! Let's get into Thursday's news.
But first: Milk. ✔️ Eggs. ✔️ Shotgun shells. ✔️ Some grocery stores are installing ammo vending machines.
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Biden's much-more-than-a-press-conference
President Joe Biden will hold a high-profile press conference this evening. But of course, it's not just a press conference. It's a key test for him as he tries to consolidate support for his reelection campaign. The press conference, part of the NATO summit taking place in Washington, is Biden's first since his debate against Donald Trump two weeks ago, which raised concerns about the president's fitness for a second term. Several Democratic lawmakers and big donors have called on him to step aside − in favor of who remains a huge, unresolved question − although others continue to support him and Biden has repeatedly said he is staying in the race. Here's the latest on the situation.
Can Biden be forced out? Here's what our Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief Susan Page thinks.
Election-xiety? The presidential race is seriously stressing Americans out.
Why Democrats are talking about Project 2025, a 900-page conservative agenda.
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Gaza aid pier is no more, even as famine spreads
The $230 million pier that U.S. officials said would bring massive amounts of humanitarian aid into war-raved Gaza is shutting down after just two months. The pier was plagued with problems from the start, as rough seas tore it from the shore multiple times. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan suggested the pier is no longer essential for getting humanitarian aid into Gaza because other Israel-controlled border crossings have reopened. But a group of experts earlier this week said the deaths of several children from malnutrition shows that famine has spread throughout the territory. Read more about the pier.
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Tired: Hot girl summer. Wired: Boysober.
The summer of love, this ain't. Some women are hopping on a new trend of abstaining from any romantic relationships with men, including dating and casual hookups. Experts say the so-called "boysober" movement speaks to how more young women are redefining what it means to be single and putting a new spin on voluntary celibacy. “The language is a lot about reclaiming that energy for yourself,” says lifestyle influencer and college student Niy Johnson. Here's why "boysober" has become a summer trend.
Speaking of relationships, age gaps are back in the discourse thanks to Tobey Maguire.
One to get you through tomorrow: Happy almost Fry-day
For my money, the best fries here in Nashville, Tennessee, are the beef-fat-fried potatoes from Bare Bones Butcher. (But, but, but, you're saying, smashed and fried baby Yukon golds aren't french fries! To which I reply, too bad, get your own newsletter. And pass the mayo, ketchup is gross.) Anyway, despite my curmudgeonliness when it comes to ersatz "holidays" like National French Fry Day, it is indeed National French Fry Day tomorrow. You know, Fri-day. So consider this my end-of-week gift to you: a bunch of places you can get free fries tomorrow. 🍟
Speaking of french fries, this woman threw them on her husband's grave. Why millions laughed – and grieved.
A break from the news
🌭 Costco is raising membership fees, but your $1.50 hotdogs are safe.
🛍️ Attention, deal hunters: The best things to buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.
🐍 Watch: Customs agents catch man trying to smuggle over 100 snakes in his pants.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden's press conference, Gaza pier, and 'boysober': Thursday's news
