Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed new aid and NATO membership support but urged faster delivery and fewer restrictions on using U.S. weapons against Russia. At a NATO summit, Zelenskyy stressed the need to lift limitations to defend Ukraine effectively. President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package, reaffirming U.S. support. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine can't win the war unless the U.S. allows broader use of its weapons. NATO leaders, including Jens Stoltenberg and Emmanuel Macron, supported Ukraine's call for more flexibility. The summit focused on Ukraine amid concerns about Chinese and North Korean support for Russia. Biden's leadership was also under scrutiny during the summit. The U.S. provided an additional Patriot missile system to bolster Ukraine's defenses. NATO declared Ukraine on an "irreversible path" to membership but stated it could only join after the war. NATO also committed to maintaining current military aid levels and launched a new program to support Ukraine's armed forces. The summit highlighted NATO's stance against China's support for Russia.

Kroger and Albertsons, planning to merge, have identified 579 locations to divest to address regulatory concerns. C&S Wholesale Grocers will buy these stores post-merger. Initially, 413 stores were to be sold, but this increased to 579 in April. The stores are spread across various states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, and others. The deal also includes six distribution centers, a dairy plant, and other assets. Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen assured no store closures or job losses due to the merger. The merger faces scrutiny from the FTC, which argues it could lead to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. Both companies claim the merger will benefit customers and communities. Kroger's market cap is around $38.02 billion, and Albertsons' is $11.33 billion.

About 40% of new cancer cases and nearly half of cancer deaths among U.S. adults 30 and older are linked to preventable risk factors, according to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Arif Kamal emphasized that lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk. Smoking is the leading risk factor, contributing to nearly 1 in 5 cancer cases and almost a third of cancer deaths. Other significant factors include excess body weight, alcohol, inactivity, diet, and infections like HPV. Researchers analyzed 18 modifiable risk factors across 30 cancer types, linking them to over 700,000 new cases and 262,000 deaths in 2019. Modifiable risks account for a larger share of cancer cases and deaths than genetics or environmental factors. Certain cancers, like melanoma and cervical cancer, are highly preventable. Lung cancer had the most cases linked to modifiable risks, primarily smoking. Excess body weight was the second largest contributor. Intervening on core behavioral risk factors can significantly impact chronic disease rates, including cancer. Creating environments that promote healthy choices is crucial, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Early healthy habits are vital, but it's never too late to make beneficial changes. Reducing exposure to risk factors can quickly lower cancer risk.

This year, two big-budget films, "Gladiator II" and "Wicked," will share a release date just before Thanksgiving, sparking hopes for another "Barbenheimer"-like phenomenon. "Gladiator II" star Paul Mescal suggests "Glicked" as the portmanteau for the double feature, though it hasn't caught on yet. UCLA lecturer Tom Nunan is skeptical about replicating "Barbenheimer's" success, noting that both "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" had unique hype and mystery. "Gladiator II" and "Wicked" are familiar franchises, which may not generate the same excitement. Additionally, musicals like "Wicked" can be tough sells, despite star power from Ariana Grande and others. The success of "Barbenheimer" was partly due to its directors' prestige and the films' unique marketing. Whether "Gladiator II" and "Wicked" can achieve similar success remains to be seen.

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 stores 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 appeared in desserts like EPCOT's Pickle Milkshake. The new pickle cupcakes are expected to be a hit, driven by curiosity and social media appeal.