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Good Morning, it’s Wednesday, July 10
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U.S.
Las Vegas residents, accustomed to heat, are now closely watching the thermometer as the city is set to break a record for consecutive days over 115°F (46.1°C). On Tuesday, Las Vegas hit 119°F (48.3°C), breaking the previous daily record of 116°F (46.6°C) set in 2021. Forecasters predict the city will reach a record fifth straight day above 115°F on Wednesday. This heat wave is the most extreme since records began in 1937. Health officials warn of the dangers, emphasizing that even healthy individuals can suffer from heat illness. The heat wave has also led to record temperatures in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and is blamed for several deaths. Phoenix and Reno have also set new temperature records. The global temperature in June was the warmest on record for the 13th consecutive month, largely due to human-caused climate change. In response, Las Vegas has set up emergency cooling centers, and firefighters are using “polar pods” to treat heat stroke. The extreme heat and drought have also fueled wildfires in Oregon and California. The National Weather Service has extended excessive heat warnings across the Southwest U.S. through Saturday.
WORLD
Police in Peru have found the body of American mountaineer William Stampfl, who was buried by an avalanche 22 years ago while climbing Mount Huascaran in the Andes. The 58-year-old’s body was discovered near a camp 5,200 meters above sea level, preserved by ice and freezing temperatures. Stampfl, from Chino, California, was with friends Matthew Richardson and Steve Erskine during the 2002 ascent. Erskine’s body was found shortly after the avalanche, but Richardson’s remains missing. Stampfl’s body has been taken to a morgue in Yungay.
MONEY
Georgetown, Texas, is booming due to an influx of baby boomers moving into Sun City Texas, an age-restricted community for those 55 and older. This surge has made it the fastest-growing city in America, driving both population and economic growth. According to Census Bureau data, Georgetown has led in population growth for three consecutive years, with increases of 11% in 2021, 14% in 2022, and 11% last year.
HEALTH
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may reduce the risk of certain cancers, a new study suggests. Overweight or obese individuals have a higher risk of 13 types of cancer, with 40% of new cancer diagnoses linked to excess weight, according to the CDC. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that people with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 drugs had a significantly lower risk of 10 obesity-associated cancers compared to those on insulin. However, GLP-1 treatment did not reduce the risk of postmenopausal breast, stomach, or thyroid cancers. The study analyzed over a decade of medical records for nearly 1.7 million people with type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to understand the link between reduced cancer risk and weight loss.
Separately, a report by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) found that while shortages of chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and carboplatin have improved, other drug shortages persist. A recent survey revealed that 89% of 28 large cancer centers reported at least one drug shortage, with vinblastine, etoposide, and topotecan being the most affected. Dr. Crystal Denlinger, CEO of NCCN, emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address these shortages, as cancer patients cannot afford delays.
ENTERTAINMENT
One of Hollywood’s favorite duos is teaming up once again.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are working together on a new Netflix film, according to a social media post from the streamer.
“RIP” is reportedly a thriller that the longtime friends will both star in and produce, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Their company, Artists Equity, is behind the project, which is set to be directed by Joe Carnahan.
Affleck and Damon won the best screenplay Oscar for “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. They also costarred in that film.
The childhood friends are longtime collaborators, having also appeared together in the films “Dogma” and “The Last Duel,” as well as “Air,” which Affleck directed.
They most recently starred together in a Dunkin’ Donuts ad that aired during this year’s Super Bowl.
No plot details for “RIP” have been publicly shared.
TRAVEL
Each holiday season, Disney World dazzles with lights, decorations, and festive celebrations. This year, visitors can enjoy holiday decor, character costumes, seasonal treats, and meet Santa at all four theme parks. Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Hollywood Studios, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers after-hours fun at Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event, runs from Nov. 8 to Dec. 20 on select nights, with prices ranging from $169 to $219. Guests can enjoy holiday shows, parades, dance parties, character meet-and-greets, and shorter wait times for attractions, including the new Tron Lightcycle / Run coaster.
Disney Jollywood Nights, another ticketed event, takes place on 13 select nights in November and December at Hollywood Studios, featuring glitzy decor and nostalgic holiday tunes. Both events promise a magical holiday experience at Disney World.
FOOD
America’s pickle obsession is evident with products like pickle ketchup, spicy pickle Goldfish crackers, and pickle soda. The latest addition is a pickle cupcake from Claussen and Baked By Melissa, available for a limited time. Released on July 10 for National Pickle Month, the cupcake features pickle-infused cake and buttercream icing, sold in packs of six for $10.25 at Baked by Melissa locations in NYC and Boston, or 25-packs online for $37. Claussen, a 150-year-old pickle brand, has led the trend with unique collaborations, including a pickle-flavored sparkling wine cocktail and pickle-shaped gummies. Pickles have even entered the dessert realm, like the Pickle Milkshake at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival. Curiosity is expected to drive sales of the new pickle cupcakes, making them a likely salty-sweet success.
NOSTALGIA
FUN STUFF
We are on a mission to Celebrate Every Day with you! There’s more than one day for everyone to celebrate.