Catherine Lucey of the Wall Street Journal explains how presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is looking to capitalize on renewed energy within the party. CNN reports on the protests and uncertainty wracking Venezuela in the wake of its contested presidential election. The dual killings of a Hamas political leader and a Hezbollah commander this week have raised the risk of a regional war. The Guardian has more. Katie Ledecky cruised to another gold, her eighth — tying the record for American women in any Olympic sport. USA Today has a recap of the race. Wired explains why the athletics track at this year’s Games is purple — and the secret ingredient that makes it possible. The Athletic has the story of an Egyptian fencer who revealed that she competed while seven months pregnant. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.