Shinzo Abe fatally shot; contenders to replace Boris Johnson; the two groups behind many states' abortion bans

Plus, Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russia. [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen First up [People watch TV news reporting Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot, in Tokyo, Friday, July 8, 2022.]( AP Here's what we're following today: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot during a campaign speech. Japan is a one of the world's safest nations with some of the strictest gun control laws, and the attacked shocked many there. [Abe was the country's longest-serving prime minister]( before he stepped down in 2020. An overwhelming majority of U.S. gun owners are in favor of universal background checks, raising the age to buy any kind of gun to 21, and the passage of [red flag laws]( according to a new NPR poll. But [just a quarter trust the government]( to look out for them. Abortion rights opponents have been preparing for the fall of Roe v. Wade for two decades by drafting legislation that would restrict or ban abortions if the Supreme Court reversed the decision. [Two national organizations]( laid the groundwork for these laws, drafting language for legislation and spreading it across the country. Boris Johnson says he will stay on as British prime minister while his party elects a new leader. These are the [five people]( who could — based on popularity and experience — take up the mantle. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank You For Your Support Over the past few weeks, readers have answered our call and donated to local NPR stations across the country. Thank you. Your generosity and commitment means more than you know; it allows our team to stay focused on what matters most - reliable, fact-based, trustworthy reporting. No matter when or how much you give, [your support is what makes NPR possible](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today's listen [Linda Skeens' remarkable winning streak launched memes and even a song.]( AFP via Getty Images Linda Skeens completely dominated a Virginia county fair last month. She swept first, second and third prize for best cookies, for candies and for savory breads, and took home the top prizes for cakes, pies, brownies and sweet breads and for best overall baked good. And that was only the tip of the iceberg. Now she has a ravenous horde of Internet fans. 🎧 [Listen to the GOAT herself react to her county fair fame]( or [read the story](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Weekend picks [Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth.]( Jasin Boland/Marvel Studios Check out what [our critics]( are watching, reading and listening to this weekend: Movies: Taika Waititi fans will rest assured that he brought his signature idiosyncratic style to [Thor: Love and Thunder](. But for some, the familiar may feel strained. TV: The final two episodes of [Stranger Things]( season four set up a bombastic showdown and amped up the energy of an already propulsive season. Books: We published NPR's "Books We Love" project early this year. Out of the 167 books that made the cut, these are the [14 most-loved so far](. Music: On their debut album [Stay Proud Of Me]( songwriter Abby Hwong pairs reflections on gender and identity with dreamy, cinematic indie rock that shows off their impressive guitar skills. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go [President Biden presents gymnast Simone Biles with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on Thursday at the White House. Fellow honorees former Rep. Gabby Giffords, top, and civil rights lawyer Fred Gray look on.]( Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - Simon Biles, Gabby Giffords, and the late John McCain were among those awarded a [Presidential Medal or Freedom]( yesterday — the nations' highest civilian honor. - James Caan, best known for his role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, has [died at 82](. - Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the tournament because of an [abdominal muscle injury](. - WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges at her trial in Russian court, but said she [did not intend to break the law](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]