Sabotage Snarls French Trains as Olympics Begin
1Digest
The episode begins with a discussion of the major headlines for the day, including a massive act of sabotage on France's rail network that disrupted travel for 250,000 people and potentially impacted the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Officials are investigating the incident and are bracing for potential state-sponsored sabotage. The podcast then moves on to discuss former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's endorsement of Kamala Harris's bid for the White House, solidifying her support within the Democratic Party. This endorsement comes after a week of Harris emerging as the expected Democratic nominee for president. Next, the episode covers the arrest of Mexican drug lord Ismail El Mayo Zambada by US agents after being tricked into flying to Texas. Zambada is a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel and is considered a leading smuggler of fentanyl into the US. The arrest is a significant blow to the cartel. The podcast also discusses Venezuela's presidential elections on Sunday, with Challenger Edmundo Gonzalez potentially beating incumbent Nicholas Maduro in a fair election. However, Maduro's authoritarian regime has overseen an economic collapse and is seeking foreign investment to restart the oil industry. The episode then shifts to market news and inflation, with Mercedes Benz reporting a drop in second quarter net profit and revenue due to fewer vehicle sales and a tough Chinese market. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index for June, is due out at 8.30 a.m. Eastern. The podcast concludes with a promotion of the Wall Street Journal's "Future of Everything" podcast, which explores how science and technology are shaping the future. The episode also covers the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, featuring a four-mile long parade of boats along the Seine River. The city is on high alert, with 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 22,000 security guards deployed to ensure safety. The episode also discusses concerns about doping at the Olympics, particularly in swimming, following the revelation that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned substances ahead of Tokyo 2021. Despite this, the return of Simone Biles and the introduction of new sports like breakdancing and surfing are generating excitement.
Outlines
Major Headlines and Introduction
This segment introduces the Wall Street Journal's "What's News" podcast and highlights the top headlines for the day, including a massive act of sabotage on France's rail network, the Obama's endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, the arrest of a Mexican drug lord in Texas, and the opening of the Paris Olympics.
France's Rail Network Sabotage and Paris Olympics Security
A massive act of sabotage has disrupted France's rail network, impacting 250,000 travelers and potentially preventing thousands from attending the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Officials are investigating the incident and are bracing for potential state-sponsored sabotage. The city is on high alert, with 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 22,000 security guards deployed to ensure safety.
Political News and Market Updates
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have endorsed Kamala Harris's bid for the White House, solidifying her support within the Democratic Party. Obama's endorsement comes after a week of Harris emerging as the expected Democratic nominee for president. Venezuela is holding presidential elections on Sunday, with Challenger Edmundo Gonzalez potentially beating incumbent Nicholas Maduro in a fair election. However, Maduro's authoritarian regime has overseen an economic collapse and is seeking foreign investment to restart the oil industry. Mercedes Benz reports a drop in second quarter net profit and revenue due to fewer vehicle sales and a tough Chinese market. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index for June, is due out at 8.30 a.m. Eastern.
Drug Lord Arrest and Future of Everything Podcast
Mexican drug lord Ismail El Mayo Zambada has been arrested by US agents after being tricked into flying to Texas. Zambada is a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel and is considered a leading smuggler of fentanyl into the US. The arrest is a significant blow to the cartel. This segment promotes the Wall Street Journal's "Future of Everything" podcast, which explores how science and technology are shaping the future.
Keywords
Paris Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, are scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Sinaloa Cartel
A powerful Mexican drug trafficking organization based in the state of Sinaloa. It is known for its extensive drug trafficking operations, particularly in the production and distribution of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Kamala Harris
An American politician serving as the 49th and current Vice President of the United States. She is a member of the Democratic Party and previously served as the 32nd Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017.
Fentanyl
A synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is highly addictive and has been responsible for a surge in overdose deaths in the United States.
Nicholas Maduro
A Venezuelan politician who has served as the President of Venezuela since 2013. He is a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and has been criticized for his authoritarian rule and the country's economic crisis.
Edmundo Gonzalez
A Venezuelan politician who is challenging incumbent President Nicholas Maduro in the upcoming presidential election. He is a member of the Democratic Action party and is considered a potential alternative to Maduro's regime.
Simone Biles
An American artistic gymnast who is widely considered to be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has won a record-breaking 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, including 7 Olympic gold medals.
Breakdancing
A form of street dance that originated in the 1970s in the Bronx borough of New York City. It is characterized by its acrobatic moves, intricate footwork, and improvisational nature.
Q&A
What security measures are being taken for the Paris Olympics?
The city is on high alert with 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers, and 22,000 security guards deployed to ensure safety. Security checks have been conducted on individuals attending the games, and some have been prevented from attending for security reasons.
What are some of the new sports being introduced at the Paris Olympics?
Breakdancing, surfing, and skateboarding are among the new sports being introduced at the Paris Olympics. These sports are expected to add excitement and visual spectacle to the games.
What are the concerns surrounding doping at the Paris Olympics?
Concerns about doping have resurfaced following the revelation that 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for banned substances ahead of Tokyo 2021. The American swimmers are on guard for this issue, and the IOC and WADA are under scrutiny to ensure that doping is not tolerated.
What is the significance of the arrest of Mexican drug lord Ismail El Mayo Zambada?
Zambada is a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel and is considered a leading smuggler of fentanyl into the US. His arrest is a significant blow to the cartel and a victory for US law enforcement.
Show Notes
A.M. Edition for July 26. Fires set around France’s rail network have brought service on several high-speed lines to a halt on the day of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. WSJ reporter Matthew Dalton says the disruptions could drag on for days. Plus, former President Barack Obama endorses Kamala Harris’s presidential bid. And U.S. authorities arrest a Mexican drug kingpin after he was tricked into flying to Texas. Luke Vargas hosts.
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