5 Things to Know About July 19: GOP Convention, Internet Outages, Ukraine Aid, Olympics Security, Climate Protests

Final preparations are underway for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which are set to start in a week. French officials are ramping up security in the capital as the Olympic Village begins welcoming the first athletes to their residential facilities. However, a police officer was attacked and injured in central Paris on Thursday, sparking panic ahead of the arrival of millions of tourists. The attack took place in the 8th arrondissement, known for its famous sites including the Champs-Elysees. It was the second violent incident against French security officers this week after a soldier was stabbed at a Paris train station on Monday. French officials said they would continue to beef up security ahead of the games, which are expected to attract around 15 million visitors, according to the European Union.

Five Just Stop Oil environmental campaigners have been jailed for years for blocking a major London motorway in 2022. The Climate Justice group, which is calling on the UK government to draft a legally binding international treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil and coal by 2030, has staged high-profile protests in recent years – including spray-painting cultural heritage sites, targeting art and disrupting major sporting events. The latest rulings have drawn criticism from environmental agencies and scientists, with Just Stop Oil calling the decision an “outrageous perversion of justice”.

Dangerous Hobby.. Couple Enjoys Climbing the World’s Tallest Buildings Illegally
A Netflix documentary features a pair of people who climb impossible heights while navigating their romantic ups and downs.

Dinosaur skeleton breaks auction record, sells for more than $44 million
A Stegosaurus skeleton has become the most expensive fossil ever sold at auction. See photos here.

Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep cracking jokes.
The jokes parents sometimes make are considered corny, but they may be helpful in raising happy, connected children, according to a new study.

Instant Ramen and Influencers: Inside the World of South Korean Retail
South Korea has become the retail king of the world, with one store for every 950 people. Here’s why influencers and shoppers flock to the popular stores.

Greece closes Acropolis

The country has temporarily closed its biggest cultural attractions as tourists and residents of southern Europe struggle to stay cool in the scorching heat.

Which virus did President Joe Biden test positive for this week?
A. Covid-19
b. influenza
C. Pneumonia
D. Standard cell version

Take me to the test!

Last week, 58% of readers who took the quiz answered eight or more questions correctly. How would you fare?

Bob NewheitLegendary comedian Bob Newhart, known for his stuttering and quiet manner, has died at the age of 94. Despite his success in various ventures, he is best known for his television shows, “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978) and “Newhart” (1982-1990).

Lou DobbsVeteran anchor and conservative political commentator John Dobbs died Thursday at the age of 78. Dobbs spent more than two decades at CNN, which he joined at its inception in 1980 and hosted “Moneyline.” As one of the most vocal supporters of Donald Trump in the media, Dobbs spent the latter part of his career parroting misinformation on behalf of the former president.

3.2 million
That’s how many Bissell steam cleaners have been recalled due to burn risks. The popular handheld cleaning tool can shoot hot water or steam at someone and cause injury, according to a recall notice released Thursday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bissell said it has received more than 150 reports of burn injuries from customers who used the device.

“The complete history of America must include the story of every person.”

— Chuck SamsDirector of the National Park Service, after designating the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, as the newest site in the U.S. National Park System. The small building was the only public educational institution for Mexican and Mexican-American students in Marfa from 1909 to 1965.

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Finally…

‘Twisters’ hits the big screen

‘Twisters’ hits the big screen
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones star in “Twisters,” the sequel to Jan de Bont’s 1996 action epic. Learn more about the new film, which hits theaters this week.