The Virtual Green Thumb: Exploring the Phenomenon of Grow a Garden
Michele NorrisFormer NPR host and founder of The Race Card Project, focusing on race and identity in America.
Michele NorrisFormer NPR host and founder of The Race Card Project, focusing on race and identity in America.
A retired U.S. Air Force officer, Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington, discussed the unique capabilities of the B-2 bomber in a Fox News interview, focusing on its potential role in targeting Iran's deep underground Fordow nuclear facility. The B-2 is the only aircraft capable of carrying the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), designed to penetrate and destroy deeply buried targets. Positioned at Whiteman AFB in Missouri, the B-2 would undertake a complex 6,000-mile mission requiring multiple refuelings. Despite Russian and Chinese advancements, the U.S. maintains unmatched airpower. Former CENTCOM intel officer Todd Sawhill noted that while the MOP might not singly reach Fordow’s depth, strategic multiple hits could ensure success. The B-2's high value makes it unlikely to be stationed overseas due to vulnerability risks.
The House-passed budget reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aims to significantly reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion, decrease Medicaid enrollment by 10.3 million, and increase the uninsured population by 7.8 million. The bill particularly targets states that adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion, with provisions such as work requirements and increased eligibility redeterminations accounting for roughly half ($427 billion) of the total federal spending cuts. Expansion states are expected to face larger impacts, with federal spending cuts representing 13% of their Medicaid budgets over a decade, compared to 6% for non-expansion states. Additionally, Senate Finance Committee amendments could further amplify these effects by reducing provider taxes and supplemental hospital payments in expansion states, potentially increasing the total cuts affecting these states to levels similar to eliminating the enhanced federal match rate for ACA Medicaid expansion ($626 billion).
Missoula's annual Greekfest, described as a "feast for the senses," is a two-day celebration offering authentic Greek culture, cuisine, and traditions at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church. Father Nektarios Karantonis emphasizes the event's focus on Greek hospitality, inviting the community to enjoy beloved Greek foods and cultural displays. Volunteers prepare traditional pastries and decorate the venue, creating an immersive experience. The festival runs from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, showcasing Greek music and hospitality, encouraging everyone in the community to participate. This story, originally aired by a journalist, has been adapted with AI assistance and editorial oversight.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that fuel producers have the legal standing to challenge the EPA's approval of California’s vehicle emissions and electric vehicle regulations. The decision overturns a previous appellate court ruling, asserting that businesses cannot be barred from suing over regulations affecting them. The regulations require automakers to limit greenhouse gas emissions and produce a specific percentage of electric vehicles. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that 17 states and D.C. have adopted similar standards. Invalidating these rules could increase fuel sales, benefiting producers. The case will return to the lower court for further proceedings.
A former In-N-Out Burger employee, Elijah Obeng, is suing the company for discrimination and wrongful termination due to his natural hair. According to court documents, Obeng claims he faced discriminatory treatment, including reprimands for minor infractions and denial of career advancement opportunities. The lawsuit alleges that Obeng was ultimately fired because of his race, ancestry, and natural hairstyle, violating California’s CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination. Obeng is seeking $3 million in damages and $200,000 in lost earnings. In-N-Out has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, hosted by singer Tyla, will air on Nickelodeon at 8 pm ET on Saturday and can also be streamed on Paramount+. As part of the same parent company, Paramount, which also owns CBS and Nickelodeon, the event promises an engaging experience for young audiences. Paul Medford, Vice President of Unscripted at Nickelodeon, joined "The Daily Report" to provide insights into the upcoming show, highlighting its attractions and what viewers can expect from this year's edition.
Nick Cannon, while appearing on Bobbi Althoff’s The Really Good Podcast, struggled to name all 12 of his children, forgetting two of them. He successfully listed ten, including twins Moroccan and Monroe with Mariah Carey, children with ex-partners Brittany Bell, Abby De La Rosa, Bre Tiesi, LaNisha Cole, and the late Zen with Alyssa Scott. However, he omitted his youngest daughters, Beautiful and Halo. Cannon attributes his large family to his self-perception. Despite the slip-up, he acknowledges the importance of all his children in his life.
As schools close for summer, maintaining children's physical activity becomes challenging. Dr. Rishika Sharma, a Visalia pediatrician, highlights that physical activity among children aged 6-9 drops by 53% during summer, with screen time increasing by up to an hour daily. This decline can lead to obesity and mental health issues. The CDC recommends at least one hour of daily physical activity for kids. Dr. Sharma suggests creating routines, incorporating indoor activities like dance routines or exercise-based games, and considering summer camps. She also advises parents to monitor their own screen time, as children mimic adult behavior. Promoting active lifestyles helps keep children healthy and engaged throughout the break.
Circle (CRCL) continues its impressive post-IPO rally, surging 15% in early Friday trading. Analyst Jeff Cantwell from Seaport Research Partners initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $235 price target, highlighting Circle as a leading crypto disruptor with significant future potential. He anticipates increased global adoption of stablecoins like USDC due to an improving regulatory environment. The stock traded around $228 mid-morning. This momentum follows a 30% jump on Wednesday after the Senate passed the GENIUS Act, which establishes a federal framework for stablecoins, boosting investor confidence in the sector.
A new survey by DECKED, a U.S.-based company offering storage solutions, highlights fathers' desire for more time with their children, often hindered by work commitments. In response, DECKED launched the “Dad Time Off” initiative, aimed at helping fathers achieve better work-family balance by spending quality time with their kids. Gregory Randolph, DECKED's Vice President, detailed the program, encouraging fathers to participate. This effort underscores the importance of prioritizing family time. For more updates, follow DECKED on social media platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok @WeAreAustin, and Facebook at We Are Austin Lifestyle Show.
Parents dining out with children often face criticism from restaurant staff for certain behaviors that disrupt the dining experience. Servers, like Alana Fineman, note that while kids naturally make messes, it becomes problematic when parents neglect to clean up after them or allow their children to run around unsafely. Additionally, making servers part of "teachable moments" by insisting children order their own food can create awkward situations, especially during busy times. Parents also sometimes demand menu changes for picky eaters and forget to include their children in reservations, causing delays. While servers understand that parents are doing their best, they emphasize the importance of mindful behavior to ensure a smoother dining experience for everyone involved.
This summer, the Bay Area offers numerous outdoor movie screenings for families. In San Francisco, Thrive City at Chase Center will host a screening of 'Wicked' on July 19. Berkeley presents a free children's movie series until September across various parks and a special 'Finding Dory' screening at West Campus Pool requiring registration. Oakland’s Waterfront Flicks series in Jack London Square showcases classic films like 'Space Jam' from July 12 to August 16. For accessibility, contact local departments ahead of time for captions or assistive listening devices. Attendees should prepare for comfort with blankets, appropriate attire, and snacks, while respecting venue rules regarding pets, alcohol, and ensuring their setup doesn’t obstruct others’ views.
As the school year ends, a growing trend called "kid rotting" advocates for unstructured summer time, allowing children to engage in activities like lounging and daydreaming. Experts argue that this downtime is crucial for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional growth. Psychotherapist Nicole Runyon emphasizes that boredom creates space for imagination and self-discovery, while therapist Tanyell Cole highlights the importance of sitting with one's thoughts for personal development. Unstructured time benefits children across various developmental stages, particularly ages 3-6 and 9-12. To support this approach, parents can set intentional screen time boundaries and encourage low-cost, creative activities at home. Ultimately, embracing slower, less scheduled summers can help children build resilience, independence, and a stronger sense of identity.
Italy is set to invest up to €250 million in the Africa Finance Corporation to strengthen its involvement in critical minerals and renewable energy supply chains. This initiative is supported by a 10-year loan facility from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA, with SACE, Italy's export-credit agency, guaranteeing up to 80% of the loan. The move aims to enhance Italy's strategic presence in global supply chains through financial collaboration and support for sustainable development projects in Africa. This partnership underscores Italy's commitment to energy transition and economic diversification.
The Nintendo Switch 2's *Survival Kids* revival marks a significant shift from its original Game Boy Color roots as a solo, survival-focused experience to a cooperative exploration game aimed at younger audiences. Players control a group of adventurers stranded at sea, tasked with restoring a lighthouse while navigating linear levels filled with light puzzles and timed challenges. The game emphasizes co-op play but remains accessible in solo mode. However, it lacks the depth of traditional survival mechanics, featuring constant narration and a rigid structure that may frustrate older players despite its charm and growing complexity. While enjoyable for its target demographic, *Survival Kids* feels repetitive and overly guided for seasoned gamers.