Pres. Biden, VP Harris meet separately with Israel PM Netanyahu at the White House

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. Biden hosted Netanyahu in the Oval Office for a bilateral meeting, with the two leaders meeting with families of American hostages held hostage in Gaza later in the White House Cabinet Room.  The meeting was the first time the two world leaders have met in person since Biden visited Israel shortly after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Netanyahu thanked Biden for his 50 years of public service and his support of the state of Israel during a press conference at the Oval Office before the meeting: “Mr. President, we’ve known each other for 40 years and you’ve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years from Golda Meir. So from a proud Jewish Zionist, to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel.”

Harris later spoke with Netanyahu in the vice president’s ceremonial office in a high-stakes meeting since news broke that Harris is hoping to secure the Democratic nomination for the 2024 election, following Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.

A senior administration official told reporters Wednesday that Biden planned to discuss his “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, the very serious threats from Iran and from Iranian proxy and terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis,” adding that the men are also expected to speak “in depth” about developments in Gaza, including efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement and the humanitarian crisis. The administration believes that a deal “is in the closing stages and it’s reaching a point that we believe a deal is closable, and it’s time to move to close that agreement.”

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

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VP Kamala Harris denounces burning of American flags at pro-Hamas protests in Washington, D.C.

Per Reuters, Vice President Kamala Harris joined Democratic and Republican leaders in condemning protesters who burned American flags and sprayed pro-Hamas graffiti outside Washington’s Union Station on Wednesday. The protests coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday,

The Vice President said in a statement issued from her office: “I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation. I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way .. I support the right to peacefully protest, but let’s be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation.” 

Protesters marched near the U.S. Capitol building, condemning U.S. military aid to Israel during its war with Hamas militants in Gaza. Following Netanyahu’s speech, some of the demonstrators gathered in front of Union Station hoisting Palestinian flags outside the train station as they burned American flags and spray painted the words “Hamas is coming” and “Free Gaza” on a large monument. One American flag was set ablaze under an effigy of Netanyahu. Police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of demonstrators present, with U.S. Park Police sharing in a statement that at least eight people were arrested outside the train station after failing to disperse Wednesday afternoon. The crowd, police said, “damaged and destroyed park property, including vandalizing statues and fountains, tearing down and burning flags, and starting several small fires.”

The actions of the protesters outside Union Station also drew strong criticism from Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries, the chamber’s Democratic leader. Harris is now the likely Democratic nominee for president after President Biden dropped his reelection bid.

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Philadelphia Flyers and Travis Konecny agree to 8-year, $70M contract extension

Philadelphia Flyers announced on Thursday that veteran forward Travis Konecny has signed an eight-year, $70 million contract extension, worth an average of $8.75 million per season. The new deal is set to begin in 2025-26, and will make Konecny the highest-paid player on the Flyers’ roster (per ESPN).

Flyers general manager Daniel Brière said in a statement: “Travis Konecny is an integral part of the fabric of our team and we are thrilled to have him under contract for the long term. Travis has grown into a significant leader on our team and he truly embodies what it means to be a Flyer. His work ethic, combined with his tenacity and talent makes him a central figure for what we are building towards, and his determination for our future success speaks volumes about his commitment to our team and city.”

Konecny, 27, recorded a career-high total in goals (33), points (68) and short-handed goals (6) in 76 games last season. His assist total (35) fell two shy of his previous best, set in 2019-20. He led the Flyers in both goals and assists last season (marking his second straight campaign exceeding both 30 goals and 30 assists), and was an All-Star for the second time.  Overall, Konecny has totaled 400 points (174 goals, 226 assists) in 564 career games since being selected by the Flyers with the 24th overall pick of the 2015 NHL draft.

Konecny said in a statement: “I couldn’t be happier to sign again with the Flyers. There’s such a bright and exciting future with this team and I can’t wait to be a part of it for the next nine years and see what we will accomplish. I can’t thank all my teammates and staff members enough because this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of them along the way. I can’t wait to get back to Philly in front of the best fans in the world and I look forward to another great season.”

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Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick feared to have suffered torn ACL

Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick is feared to have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on the first day of training camp, with a post on X reading: “Rams projected starting CB Derion Kendrick, the team’s 2022 sixth-round pick, is feared to have torn his ACL during practice. He will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis.”

The former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback, a sixth-round pick in 2022, is starting his third season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams; he will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. Kendrick has 92 total tackles, 14 pass deflections and one interception in the first two seasons of his NFL career. H started 12 games last season for Los Angeles, with an interception and 10 passes defended in 2023 (per ESPN).

On Wednesday, Rakms coach Sean McVay said he thought the secondary impressed by playing “a lot of sticky coverage,” and listed six players in the secondary in his answer but did not mention Kendrick. Said McVay: “We have some guys that can really stay sticky … can really move. Whether that’s from the safety position [or] from the corner position, it’s great to get Tre’Davious White out here. I thought that Cobie Durant [and] Darious Williams had great springs from the corner spot, and then to be able to see Tre’Davious White get out here … his résumé is well-documented, but he looked good. I thought we saw a lot from our safeties. Quentin Lake, [Kamren] Curl showed up, and then it was good to be able to have John Johnson back. He looked very comfortable today.”

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Carly Pearce shares “truck on fire”

Carly Pearce revealed her next single at country radio titled “truck on fire,” her latest track from her recent LP, hummingbird. Carly’s “truck on fire” is the follow-up to the Chris Stapleton-assisted “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

Pearce, who co-wrote the tune with songwriter Justin Ebach and Lady A‘s Charles Kelley, says of the track: “No one wants to be cheated on, but everyone wants to seek revenge. I wrote this song for every girl who has gone through a similar situation and dreams of wreaking havoc on her ex. I got the opportunity to perform the song live while on tour with Tim McGraw and the way the fans have embraced it has blown me away every single time. I couldn’t think of a better song to make my next single.”

Carly Pearce recently serves as direct support for Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only tour, and performed at various summer festivals before she kicks off her Hummingbird 2025 UK/EU Tour, which includes stops in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and London. Tickets are available at carlypearce.com.

Check out the lyric video for ‘truck on fire’: HERE.

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Bailey Zimmerman shares “New To Country”

Bailey Zimmerman has shared his new anthem, “New to Country,” following his Platinum-selling, fourth consecutive career No. 1, “Where It Ends” that held the top spot for two weeks back to back.

Zimmerman is currently making waves with his current single, “Holy Smokes,” and is also featured on the star-studded Twisters: The Album official soundtrack with his latest release, “Hell Or High Water,” alongside artists like Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, Megan Moroney, Shania Twain, Tyler Childers, and more.

Zimmerman is currently on the road with his sold-out 30+ city international headline trek, RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR, as well as serving as support for Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan and Kane Brown.

Take a listen to “New To Country” – here.

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Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz returning for ‘Shrek V’

Variety reported that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning to their roles of Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona in a new animated adventure in the Shrek universe.

DreamWorks Animation posted on X: “Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.”

Shrek 5 will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who served as a writer and artist on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and as head of story on “Shrek Forever After,” in which he also voiced Rumpelstiltskin. “Shrek 5” will be produced by franchise returner Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri; Brad Ableson serves as co-director.

Shrek 5 is set for release July 1, 2026, in time for the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film, based on William Stieg’s beloved children’s book. The most recent Shrek film, Shrek Forever After, was released in 2010. The franchise also includes several Puss in Boots spinoffs featuring Antonio Banderas.

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Mariah Carey adds 2025 dates to ‘Celebration of Mimi’ Las Vegas residency

Mariah Carey is extending her Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM with eight additional shows taking place in early 2025.

The eight new performances of the exclusive engagement Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas will kick off on January 31, 2025, and go through February 15, 2025. The career-spanning show, billed as a 20th anniversary celebration of Carey’s 10th album The Emancipation of Mimi (2005), is a trip through the singer’s illustrious career, from her debut 1990 single “Vision of Love,” through “Dreamlover,” “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “Butterfly,” “Heartbreaker,” “Shake It Off,” “We Belong Together” and “Fly Like a Bird.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 26th at 10 am local time via Ticketmaster. A limited number of tickets are also available for the following eight previously announced performances on July 26, 27 & 31; August 2, 3, 7, 9 & 10.

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President Biden addresses nation for first time since withdrawing from 2024 president race

President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Wednesday for the first time since his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

Delivering remarks from the Oval Office, Biden said that his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race was a matter of saving democracy. Said Biden: “I revere this office. But I love my country more .. It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But the defense of democracy is more important than any title. I draw strength, and find joy, in working FOR the American people. This sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about ‘We the People.’ The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America – lies in your hands.”

Biden withdrew from the president race on Sunday, after a month of intense pressure from Democrats to change course after his poor debate performance, which raised conerns about his age and whether he could successfully defeat former President Donald Trump in November. Biden said on Wednesday: “Over the next six months I will be focused on doing my job as President. That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy. I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights – from the right to vote – to the right to choose.”

In the rare Oval Office address, Mr. Biden also reiterated his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to secure the Democratic nomination. Said Biden: “In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. I’ve made my views known. I would like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris. She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me, and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”

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Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks before joint meeting of Congress seeking bipartisan support

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, urging American leaders to provide more bipartisan support to Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu was invited to speak primarily by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been severely critical of President Joe Biden’s response to the war.

Netanyahu was defiant in his remarks before Congress as he seeked support, all while criticizing those who have protested the conflict.  Said Netanyahu: “We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.”

Netanyahu’s speech before Congress was his first address to U.S. lawmakers in nearly a decade, and his first since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.  The Israeli Prime Minister said: “My friends, I came to assure you today of one thing: We will win. Like Dec. 7, 1941, and Sept. 11, 2001 – Oct. 7 is a day that will forever live in infamy .. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.”

Netanyahu later in his speech said that Israel is “actively engaged in intensive efforts” to secure the release of the remaining hostages: “some of them are taking place right now … [we will] not rest until all their loved ones are home.”

The Biden administration said that Netanyahu will meet with the President on Thursday afternoon at the White House to discuss a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, as well as the United States’ “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.” The two leaders will also meet with the families of the Americans held hostage by Hamas. Vice President Harris will meet separately with Netanyahu on Thursday, the White House confirmed

During his speech before Congress, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his “tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages” and his “heartfelt support for Israel” after the terrorist attack:  “He came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten.”  

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