An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Harris vs. Trump attacks; Biden’s long farewell; Olympic soccer chaos; and more

Listen to this briefing

Good morning. It's Thursday, July 25, and we recommend this fascinating profile of May Pang, who had an affair with John Lennon in the 1970s. Now let's get to the news.

President Biden explained his campaign exit in an Oval Office address.

Last night: Biden defended his record, tried to define his legacy and laid out his vision for the remainder of his term. It was the start of his long farewell.
Why it matters: It was Biden's first speech to the nation since his decision to end his reelection campaign. And it laid some conspiracy theories to rest.

Read this story

Vice President Harris and Donald Trump hit the campaign trail yesterday.

What happened? Each candidate tried to reframe the presidential election. Harris said it was a fight against "extremists," citing Project 2025. Trump called Harris a "radical" liberal.
What else? House Republicans were asked to stop racial attacks on Harris. And Trump's VP pick, Sen J.D. Vance of Ohio, was criticized for saying in 2021 that Harris has no kids.
Related news: The Trump rally shooter researched President John F. Kennedy's assassination, the FBI chief said.

Read this story

Israel's prime minister gave a defiant speech to Congress.

Yesterday: Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed critics who accuse Israel of war crimes and railed against pro-Palestinian protesters. Some Democrats boycotted the speech.
Outside: Thousands protested the speech and Israel's actions in Gaza. Some released maggots and crickets at the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu is staying.

Read this story

Wildfire reached the Canadian alpine resort town of Jasper last night.

The latest: There has been "significant loss" within the town, officials said. Thousands of people fled their homes after an evacuation order earlier this week.
Zooming out: Many fires are burning in western Canada and the western U.S. They have sent thick plumes of smoke south and east, compromising air quality.

Read this story

U.S. presidents have unleashed economic warfare over the last two decades.

Number of entities sanctioned (red) and unsanctioned (dark red) by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. (The Washington Post)

How? Through sanctions — financial penalties on people or organizations that can crush industries and upset the balance of political power. The U.S. targets a third of all nations.
The problem: Sanctions can be an effective way to punish nations without using military force, but they also can push enemies closer together — and empower criminal networks.

Read this story

A twice-a-year shot provides 100% HIV protection, a study found.

What to know: More than 5,000 women and girls in South Africa and Uganda received the shots. None of them contracted the virus that causes AIDS, the study said.
It's a big deal: If made affordable, the injections could dramatically reduce the spread of HIV worldwide. There are about 1.3 million new HIV infections globally every year.

Read this story

A men's soccer match at the Paris Olympics descended into chaos.

A fan gets chased after running onto the field in Saint-Étienne, France. Morocco eventually won the match, 2-1. (Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

How? Yesterday's match between Argentina and Morocco was stopped for nearly two hours after fans ran onto the field. Then a disallowed goal added to the drama.
What else to know: The Games started with rugby, but the Opening Ceremonies are tomorrow. LeBron James and Coco Gauff will carry the American flag. Learn more here.

Read this story

Before you go … ever found yourself confused by salmon packaging? Here's what the labels mean. Once you have it figured out: Try making this impressive dish.

And finally … test your news knowledge with The Post's daily quiz, On the Record. Click here to play. Or try our word game, Keyword.

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow.