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Here’s what’s making headlines today: Trump approves a Saudi nuclear deal as the Iran war bill grows, ESPN fires anchor mid-broadcast, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 3 minutes and 48 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S SHOW AD-FREE BELOW
Nostalgia Nerd
On this day in 1995, two stargazers independently spotted which famous comet? (answer revealed below!)
(hint: named after both discoverers)
Before We Dip In (TL;DR)
In today’s issue:
Saudi deal opens door to enrichment. 🌍
Layoffs hit ESPN’s biggest names. 🎬
Mamdani presses feds on Netanyahu warrant. 🏛️
Plus, take today’s poll and check out the Nostalgia Nerd quiz answer down below!
WORLD NEWS
🌍 Trump Approves Saudi Nuclear Deal as Iran War Costs Climb
President Trump approved a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could eventually let the kingdom enrich uranium, even as his war aims to stop Iran from doing so.
The reported 30-year pact gives U.S. companies a lead role and follows prior “Section 123” nuclear agreements. Critics say it may limit international inspectors and could push Iran toward a bomb; supporters say it counters Russian and Chinese influence.
The war bill: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Congress for $67 billion more. Trump also threatened to strike Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain site as a Houthi Red Sea blockade pushed oil past $95 a barrel.
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ENTERTAINMENT
🎬 ESPN Fires Ryan Clark Mid-Show as Layoffs Hit On-Air Talent
ESPN laid off several well-known on-air personalities this week, informing NFL Live analyst Ryan Clark of his firing during a commercial break in Monday’s live show.
Others cut include Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero, and Karl Ravech. The move drew backlash from figures like Stephen A. Smith and Dave Portnoy, who criticized how it was handled.
The subplot: ESPN ties the cuts to restructuring after acquiring NFL Network and RedZone distribution rights. Meanwhile, it is reportedly nearing a record extension with Pat McAfee worth $60 million or more a year, fueling speculation about the timing.
Dipper Poll
:📈 Today’s Poll: Studio Shakeup
ESPN laid off longtime on-air names, telling analyst Ryan Clark mid-show, even as it reportedly nears a record extension for Pat McAfee. Colleagues and fans called the handling cold, while ESPN cites restructuring after new NFL media rights.
How do you feel about the way ESPN handled its latest round of layoffs?
POLITICS
🏛️ Mamdani Says NYC Can’t Arrest Netanyahu, Pushes Feds to Act
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his city lacks the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant, and is urging the federal government to act instead.
The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu in 2024 over the wartime treatment of Gaza. But the U.S. is not an ICC member, and President Trump said Netanyahu would not be arrested here in any form.
The backlash: Mamdani said Netanyahu is not welcome in New York. Israel’s UN ambassador accused him of spreading blood libel and told him to focus on New Yorkers, while others said Mamdani himself should face arrest.
Fun Facts
🏙️ History: In 1667, the Dutch handed England the island of Manhattan and took a tiny Indonesian nutmeg island in return. Worst trade in real estate history.
🗺️ Geography: Alaska is both the westernmost and easternmost U.S. state, since its Aleutian Islands cross the 180th meridian. Geography loves a technicality.
📏Science: In 1958, MIT students measured a bridge using a classmate’s body, creating a unit called the “smoot” that Google Maps still recognizes. Science, but chaotic.
🤯 WTF: The tradition of adding lighting to Christmas trees began centuries before electric lights existed–by using candles. Fire safety wasn’t exactly the priority.
TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWER:
Comet Hale-Bopp
On July 23, 1995, Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp separately discovered the comet that would carry both their names. Hale-Bopp became one of the brightest comets of the 20th century, visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months. It won’t swing back for roughly 2,500 years.
Poll Results From July 22, 2026
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Show Notes
Looking for more specific details on each story? Click here for the full show notes for yesterday’s PDS episode.
Over and Out...
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