Paris Olympics Celebrates French Culture, Diversity; Over 300,000 People Atttend the Ceremony

Pars Olympics opening ceremony showcased a grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity , the Euro News website reports today (July 26, 2024). 

Dozens of boats rolled down the Seine River with 205 delegations cheered on by over 300,000 people. The ceremony featured Lady Gaga and an emotional comeback by Celine Dion. 

Following suspected acts of sabotage targeting France's flagship high--speed rail network , a soggy but celebratory parade down the Seine River officially kicked off the 2024 Summer Games. 

The games will resume on July 27 with the first medals awarded in cycling road, diving, fencing judo, rugby. sevens, shooting, skateboarding, and swimming. 

AntiI--Israel Mob Protests in D.C.; Sparked by Visit of Israeli PM Netanyahu

 Anti--Israeli protestors have floodsed the streets of Washington, D.C.with the arrival of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Daily Caller website reports today (July 24, 2024).

Vandalism, clashes with police, and burning American flags all occurred today.

Not Just Smoking Causes Lung Cancer; Several Other Factors Also Cause It

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men (behind prostate cancer) and women (behind breast cancer) in the U.S. ,according to the American Cancer Society, the USA Today website reports today (July 23, 2024).

Nearly a quarter of a  million people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024and 125,000 will die from lung cancer, the organization estimates. Most people who are diagnosed are over the age of 65 -- very few are diagnosed below the age of 45, per the ACS. 

Health experts are encouraged by the fact that statistics are on the decline== likely thanks to a combination of smoking declining  and advances in medical technology that allow for earlier detection and treatment. 

About 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking, according to the ACS. 

You don't have to smoke tobacco to develop lung cancer, experts note. Exposure to secondhand  smoke, air pollution, asbestos, diesel exhaust, and radon, a radioactive gas with no smell or color that is typically found in rocks, soil and burning coal and  fossil fuels , can also cause lung cancer, according to the ACS.

Biden Quits Presidential Race; Endorses Kamala Harris for President

 U.S. Prwesident  Joe Biden today (July 21, 2024 ) said he is withdrawing his candidacy in the November 2024 election, and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's candidate after weeks of pressure to step aside over concerns about his fitness to run because of his age, the Radio Free Eurpe/Radio Liberty website reports. 

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seeek reelection , I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling by duties as President for the remainder of my term ," the 81--year--old leader said in a post on X on July 21.

Biden, who is recovering from COVID--19 at home in Delaware, said he would address the nation later this week."I have dedided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my  duties as President for the remainder of my term," he said. 

"My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it's been the best decision I've made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year," he added. 

Biden's fellow Democrats have been calling for him to step down following his poor debate performance against Republican challenger Donald Trump on June 27. Biden appeared frail and confused at times, raising questions about his physical and mental state. 

Pope Grants Indulgences ; for World Day of Elderly, Grandparents

 On July 18, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has authorized the granting of indulgences to those who participate in the upcoming World Day for Elderly and Grandparents later this month , the CRUX website reports today (July 20, 2024). 

The World Day for Elderly and Grandparents was instituted  by Pope Francis in 2020, amid the  COVID--19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted the elderly and left many isolated from family and lonely as a result  of social distancing and lockdown requirements. 

In charge of organizing the event , scheduled for July 28 is the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, led by American Cardinal Kevin Farrell. 

This year, on the fourth edition of the event, the Vatican's Aposstolic Penitentiary has offered plenary indulgences to those who participate "in order to increase the devotion of the faithful and for the salvation of  souls,"according to a statement from the Penitentiary published July 18.                                  

Joe Biden Has COVID Again;Experiences Mild Symptoms

 The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID --19 following an event  yesterday in LasVegas, the USA Today website reports today (July 18, 2024).

This is the third time the president has tested positive for the virus. 

The positivity rates for COVID--19 have been increasing recently, as have visits to the emerfgency department and deaths. 

Biden, 81, is vaccinated and boosted and is "experiencing mild symptoms," the White House said. 

Food Companies Feeling the Pain; Consumers Reject Higher Prices

 Groceryi inflation is slowing and the companies that make the food are startiing to sweat , the Washington Post website reports today (July 13, 2024).

"We're seeing consumers being very price sensitive," said Bobby Gibbs, a partner  in "the retail and consumer goods division of the marketing consulting firm Oliver Wyman. "Consumers are cherry picking promotonal prices more and retailers are putting out more promotional pricing than they have in the last few years."

Grocery prices are up 18 percent since 2020, but the latest inflation report released July 11 shows them leveling off.