Biden calls on Americans to “preserve our democracy” after dropping out of the 2024 race. FBI Director Christopher Wray reveals new details about Trump’s assassination attempt. And NBC News hears what really happens in the Olympic villages.
Here’s what you should know today.
Biden says it’s time to ‘pass the torch’ to a new generation
President Joe Biden addressed his decision to end his reelection campaign in the Oval Office, framing it as a “defense of democracy” and passing “the torch to a new generation.”
“I revere this position, but I love my country more. Defending democracy is more important than any title,” said Biden. “I gain strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not my concern. And about you. Your families. Your future. It’s about ‘We the People’.” America will have to choose between moving forward or backwards,” said Biden. He added: “Our republic is now in your hands.”
“I have decided that the best path forward is to pass the torch to a new generation,” Biden said in a low tone. “This is the best way to unite our nation.”
He praised his vice president, Kamala Harris, who quickly consolidated support within her party after backing her for the Democratic presidential nomination. “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable,” Biden said. “She has been an incredible partner to me and leader of our country.”
In his remarks, which lasted about 11 minutes, Biden praised the achievements of his presidency, while also looking forward to the goals he hopes to achieve in the last six months of his term.
The speech marked the beginning of Biden’s effort to close this chapter — ending his presidency, marking 50 years of public service — and preserving his legacy.
Watch Biden’s full speech from the Oval Office here.
More coverage of the 2024 race:
Netanyahu criticizes protesters in fiery speech to Congress
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant nearly hour-long address to Congress in his first address to U.S. lawmakers in nearly a decade.
Netanyahu directly addressed protests against his handling of the war in Gaza, on college campuses in American cities – including the hundreds who marched in front of the Capitol during his speech. “Incredibly, many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to support evil. They are with Hamas. They stand alongside rapists and murderers,” he said. Objection to the war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, led about 40 Democrats in the House and Senate to boycott the speech, outraged by his policies and US military support for him. Democratic Rep. Rashia Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in Congress, held up a small sign at Netanyahu that read “war criminal” and “guilty of genocide.”
He later accused the protesters at the Capitol of being financed by Iran, referring to a recent statement by US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines that Iran is “seeking to encourage protests and provide financial support to protesters.” Netanyahu said he had a message for the protesters: “You have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.”
Netanyahu’s speech came at a critical time: the US is in the midst of a chaotic election year and the Biden administration continues to pressure negotiators for a ceasefire agreement that could end the war in Gaza. Netanyahu called for more support and noted that the conflict could end immediately if Hamas released the hostages, but promised to keep fighting.
FBI Director Christoper Wray reveals new details about how Trump shooter carried out the attack
The 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate Trump researched the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed in a deposition. Crooks researched “how far Oswald was from Kennedy,” referring to the 1963 assassination.
He also had a firearm with a folding stock, which made it easier for him to conceal the gun, Wray testified. This would explain why witnesses didn’t see him walking around with a gun sooner and why the firearm wasn’t spotted until Crooks was already on the roof.
The FBI still doesn’t know Crooks’ motive. Wray said it is frustrating that the investigation has not “yielded significant leads.”
Wray’s testimony offered the clearest timeline of Crooks’ activities on the day of filming and in the week leading up to it, highlighting his level of preparation.
US stocks have worst day since 2022
The stock market, including the country’s top technology companies, had its worst performance in years this week. The drop comes at a time when Wall Street traders are deciding to withdraw their investments in companies that invest heavily in artificial intelligence. Shares of Tesla fell 12.3% and Google parent Alphabet fell more than 5%, the biggest drop since January. With these losses, interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve could occur as early as September, some traders say.
“While it may already be too late to avoid a recession by cutting rates, wasting time now needlessly increases risk,” wrote former New York Federal Reserve Bank President Bill Dudley in a Bloomberg News column.
While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq still posted healthy gains, rising unemployment rates and rising consumer debt indicate a broader economic downturn in the coming months.
Yellowstone closes Biscuit Basin for the season after hydrothermal explosion
An area of Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park where a hydrothermal explosion sent steam and debris into the air will be closed for the rest of the season. because more explosions may occur, authorities said. No one was injured in the explosion in Biscuit Basin, 2 miles northwest of Old Faithful.
The geyser was hundreds of feet tall and rocks the size of a grapefruit were found hundreds of feet away, authorities said. A boardwalk was also destroyed. The hydrothermal explosion was caused by the “sudden transition of water to vapor in the shallow hydrothermal system beneath the Black Diamond Pool,” the U.S. Geological Survey said.
What happens inside the Olympic Villages? The athletes gave us a tour
There is one crucial part of the Olympic experience that remains largely unknown to spectators and out of reach for fans: the athletes’ village.
Over the past few weeks, NBC News has spoken with Olympic athletes about life inside the residential complexes where thousands of athletes sleep, eat, train and socialize. This year, the villages of Paris are spread across three cities, in Saint-Denis, Saint Ouen and L’Île-Saint-Denis. They are expected to house 14,250 athletes during the Olympic Games and around 8,000 athletes during the Paralympic Games.
They compared from villages to summer camps, college dorms, crowded hotels and – in the words of gold medalist swimmer Mark Spitz – a “giant cruise ship”.
More Olympic highlights:
Politics at a glance
Border wall fraud: Steve Bannon is expected will be judged from December 9th over allegations that he defrauded donors with an online fundraiser to build additional miles of wall along the southern border.
Local laws: Michigan banned criminal defense lawyers from using victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity as a defense argument.
Internet Security: The Senate plans to vote this week in two child safety online accounts, but it’s unclear how long it will take to pass the House.
Team pick: ‘Brat summer’ boosts Kamala Harris’ campaign
Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination has been bolstered by an unexpected group of supporters: Charli XCX fans. It’s a rarity for a candidate to embrace the world of memes. Confused by all the lime green on the internet and the mashup videos of Harris dancing? Don’t worry, Kat Tenbarge and Daysia Tolentino explain it all. Welcome to summer ‘brat’! – Anahita Pardiwallasocial narrative editor
In case you missed
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Ava Kris Tyson, collaborator and friend of YouTube personality MrBeast, announced that she is leaving the channel following accusations of online grooming.
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As Covid rates rise across the country, CDC guidance says five-day isolation after a positive test it is not necessary,but rather stay home if you feel unwell.
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Instagram removed 63 thousand accounts linked to a group of cybercriminals who tried to sext users.
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Records show the former sheriff who fatally shot Sonya Massey worked for six agencies since 2020.
NBC Select: online shopping, made simple
Are you excited for the Olympics? The opening ceremony is tomorrow, and NBC Select has rounded up everything you need to know about when and how to watch, including streaming. And if you’re not quite ready to watch, check out the recommendations for the best TV brands, according to experts, and a summary of editors’ favorite streaming devices.
Thanks for reading the morning summary. Today’s newsletter is curated for you by Elizabeth Both.
This article was originally published in NBCNews. with
