What's Happening

US News

Trump Questions Kamala Harris' Racial Identity In Front of Black Journalists

What's going on: Former President Trump made several inflammatory statements during a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists convention yesterday. Throughout the 35-minute conversation, before a predominantly Black audience, Trump questioned VP Kamala Harris’ biracial identity. He baselessly claimed she “became a Black person” only recently, despite Harris’ lifelong recognition of her Black and South Asian heritage. Trump also attacked one of the panel’s moderators, Rachel Scott of ABC News, after she confronted him about derogatory statements he’s made about Black journalists and elected officials, calling her questions “horrible” and saying she was “rude.” Harris said Trump’s unfounded statements about her race were “the same old show” of divisiveness and disrespect.

What it means: Trump’s comments come as Harris has faced racist and sexist hate speech online. Since her campaign kicked off, Congressional Republicans have also accused Harris of being a “DEI hire.” Just last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) urged Republicans to steer away from attacking Harris’ identity. Meanwhile, the former president’s remarks are reminding many of when he falsely accused former President Obama of not being born in the US. If the GOP hopes to avoid alienating Black and female voters, Trump’s controversial — and at times hostile — performance yesterday is unlikely to help.

Related: VP Kamala Harris Hard Launched Her Campaign With an Unexpected Celebrity (USA Today)

US News

Accused 9/11 Plotters Reach Plea Deal

What's going on: Yesterday, the Pentagon announced that three men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors. As part of the deal, the men will plead guilty as soon as next week to conspiracy and murder charges in exchange for life in prison, according to The New York Times. Since at least 2006, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed — the alleged mastermind of the attacks — and his accomplices have been held at Guantánamo Bay as prosecutors pursued a trial and the death penalty. Their cases have been stuck in years of legal proceedings amid concerns that the CIA’s use of torture, which the government would have had to explain at trial, affected the evidence against the men.

What it means: The deal could close a chapter for families of the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11. Many feared these cases would never reach a trial or resolution. Now, prosecutors say this deal could bring some “finality and justice.” However, not everyone sees it that way. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called the deal “a revolting abdication of the government’s responsibility to defend America.” One of the victims’ family members told The Associated Press, it has “always been disgraceful that these guys, 23 years later, have not been convicted and punished for their attacks, or the crime.”

Related: A Look at the Efforts To Close Guantánamo Bay (NPR)

Sports

The Olympics? So Haute Right Now

What's going on: It’s officially day six of the Paris Olympics. We don’t know about you, but we’ve been eating up every minute of it (unlike the Olympians in their cafeteria). There’s the good: All of Team USA’s gold medal moments. Plus, the internet excitement over USA Rugby sensation Ilona Maher, the “Muffin Man,” the “Italian stallion” slash gold medalist, and South Korea’s sharp shooter. Then, there’s the show-stopping venues like the picturesque Olympic volleyball court. But not everything is winning gold — especially Google’s controversial AI ad that aired during the games. Between the drama over whether the Seine River is safe to swim in (quelle horror), whether the Olympic pools are too shallow and sinking swimmers’ scores, and the soccer "spygate" scandal, there's still plenty of controversy...and we’re not even halfway done with the competition.

What it means: Before the 2024 Games started, many questioned whether the Olympics lost its allure and relevance. Previous games struggled with a global pandemic and human rights abuse allegations, and one Gallup poll found that the Paris Olympics were on track to have record-low viewership in the US. But the competition is back on — and Friday’s opening ceremony drew nearly 29 million views, the highest since the 2012 London Olympics. What’s boosting the ratings? Call it the Simone Biles meets Emily in Paris effect — between the gymnast’s incredible comeback, celebs and spectators returning court-side, and Paris being, well, Paris, American viewers are très hooked. It’s not just TV. The Olympics have also taken on a different life on TikTok, with athletes like Suni Lee giving us a front seat to everything in the Olympic Village.

Related: Are You Team Sha’Carri Richardson? This Is How To Watch Her Olympic Debut (Hollywood Reporter)