It’s easy to think of diet sodas as a healthier choice, but they might not be as gentle on your body as you’d hope. New research finds that drinking diet beverages may raise the risk of a common liver disease by up to 60%.
Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day.
1️⃣ Israel
It’s a somber day in Israel as the country marks two years since Hamas launched its deadly attack on October 7, 2023. The massacre carried out by Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 people hostage. Hamas and other militant groups still hold 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. October 7 inflicted deep trauma on Israeli communities, with many viewing it as Israel’s 9/11. It triggered a brutal retaliation from Israel on Hamas in Gaza, which the enclave’s health ministry says has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians — most of them women and children. Talks to end the war will continue in Egypt today as negotiators and mediators work to advance President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan.
2️⃣ Troop deployments
President Trump is suggesting that he could invoke the Insurrection Act to send National Guard troops to US cities if courts keep blocking his deployments. “I really think that’s really criminal insurrection,” he said Monday about anti-ICE protests in Portland, before promising to make the city safe. Federal agents are also on the ground in Chicago, where protests have been taking place against immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted a photo on social media of Texas National Guard troops leaving for Illinois. The deployment comes after Illinois and the city of Chicago sued the Trump administration earlier Monday, calling the plans to move troops from other states “illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional.”
3️⃣ Flight delays
Travelers across the US are feeling the effects of the government shutdown as a shortage of air traffic controllers causes delays at major airports. Controllers are considered essential workers, so they must work during the shutdown, but they are not being paid. Consequently, more controllers are calling out sick. One of the most severe disruptions on Monday occurred at California’s Burbank Airport, where the control tower was shut down completely, resulting in hours-long delays. The towers in Burbank, Phoenix and Denver all had “staffing triggers” reported in the public FAA operations plan. Other facilities that handle air traffic around airports in Newark, New Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida; Chicago, Washington, DC, and Indianapolis were also short-staffed.
4️⃣ Covid -19 vaccines
The CDC has signed off on a recommendation that patients must consult a health care provider to get a Covid-19 vaccine. The updated guidance — made by a new panel of vaccine advisers chosen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — is a departure from a broader push in past years for most people to get an updated Covid-19 shot. Health experts say this will keep Covid-19 vaccines available but may also create more barriers to access than in past years. Pharmacy chain CVS, which had previously limited access to Covid-19 shots in some places, said Monday that “prescriptions from outside prescribers will no longer be required in any states.”
5️⃣ Hurricane season
A new tropical storm could form in the Atlantic this week, potentially adding another late burst of activity to the 2025 hurricane season. The storm, which would be named Jerry, is likely to track near the northeast Caribbean islands in the coming days. It’s not clear yet how strong it will be at that time, but it’s unlikely this system will be a threat to the US mainland because a cold front will sweep off the East Coast and help deflect it out to sea. Meteorologists say this is a slightly unusual sight for this time of year. Storms that track across the Atlantic between Africa and the Caribbean, and help to form about 85% of all intense hurricanes, usually begin to die down by now.
Breakfast browse
Taylor Swift’s new album sparks ‘bad blood’ with some fans
Even die-hard Swifties are expressing disappointment with her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Read why some believe this act fell flat.
Country star Zach Bryan takes aim at ICE in teaser for new song
The Grammy award-winning country singer is striking a political chord in the immigration debate.
Trump confirms Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs asked him for a pardon
Hip-Hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has requested a presidential pardon in connection with his federal criminal case. Here’s how Trump might respond.
A monstrous tornado
The rarest and most extreme form of tornado struck eastern North Dakota in June, but experts have now determined how strong it really was.
New details of Ernest Shackleton’s sunken Endurance ship
A broken rudder wasn’t what doomed the Endurance, new analysis suggests.
Quote of the day
The Science educator is sounding the alarm over President Trump’s plan to cut NASA funding. In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Nye warned that severe cuts to NASA would end pioneering programs and make the US “lose our international competitiveness.”
Weather
🌤️ Check your local forecast to see what you can expect.
And finally…
▶️ The big bell of Bordeaux
The Grosse Cloche has been ringing for more than 200 years in the charming city of Bordeaux, France. Here’s a brief look at the historic bell tower.
Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan.
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