Good morning. Here are some of the stories we’re following today:
1. Joy, Sexism and That Kiss: World Cup Reactions Run the Gamut
The USA's 5-2 victory over Japan in the Women's World Cup soccer final roused the nation Sunday, sparking celebrations far and wide, online and off. An emotional high point came when one of the game's greatest ever players, veteran striker Abby Wambach, raced to the stands to kiss her wife, former player Sarah Huffman. Read more in NEWS.
2. Chicago Copes With Its Season of Violence
The figures can be numbing: There were more than 2,000 shootings in Chicago last year, and the city is on pace for more this year. The violence rises in the heat of summer. But beneath the sobering figures are personal stories, both of fear and resilience. Read more in NEWS.
3. What's Next in the Greek Debt Crisis?
Partying on the streets of Athens overnight spelled out a Europe-wide hangover on Monday, after more than 61 percent of Greeks voted to reject tough economic bailout conditions. While the poll marked a victory for Greece's fiery Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, it threatened to jeopardize further the nation's crippled economy as well as the future of the European currency. Read more in NEWS.
4. Obama to Receive Update on Fight Against ISIS
The president is expected to be briefed at the Pentagon at 2:20 p.m. ET, then he'll speak on the subject at 3:55 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, Israel is building an approximately 18-mile-long fence along the country's eastern border with Jordan to keep out ISIS. Read more in NEWS.
5. Pope Francis Begins South America Tour in Ecuador
It’s part of the pontiff’s three-country spin through South America, which will also include Bolivia (July 8-10) and Paraguay (July 10-13). Pope Francis received a raucous welcome in Ecuador on the first leg of his pilgrimage, in which he is expected to highlight the plight of the poor, denounce inequality and reinforce his call to safeguard the environment. Read more in NEWS.
6. The Fate of the Confederate Flag in South Carolina
The South Carolina State Senate is expected to consider today a bipartisan proposal to take down the Confederate battle flag that flies on the statehouse grounds. The flag raised at the monument on the statehouse grounds in 2000. From 1961 until then, it had flown atop the Capitol under the American and state flags. Read more in NEWS.
7. Golf Superstar Tears Ligament Playing Soccer With Pals
McIlroy said Monday that he tore a ligament in his left ankle but gave no indication on how long he would be unable to compete. “Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day,” he said in a post on Instagram. “Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can.” Read more in SPORTS.
8. Iconic Co-Founder of Burt's Bees Dies at 80
Burt Shavitz, the bearded beekeeper who was the iconic face of the body products company he co-founded in 1984, Burt's Bees, has died. He was 80 years old. "We remember him as a bearded, free-spirited Maine man, a beekeeper, a wisecracker, a lover of golden retrievers and his land," the company wrote in a post on its website. Read more in NEWS.