Plus: Iran drone attacks on Bahrain raise fears for ceasefire ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Richard Hall | June 28, 2026

Hello there! Today we’re looking at Seattle’s World Cup Pride Match, which went ahead despite objections from the Egyptian and Iranian soccer federations. We also have stories on Iran’s drone attacks on Bahrain, relief efforts after the Venezuela earthquakes, California’s billionaire tax proposal, and New York City’s rent freeze.

Plus, we have pieces on Olivia Wilde’s new film, how AI could change art, whether pickle juice really helps muscle cramps, the healthiest fats to eat, and where everyone ended up in the series finale of The Bear.

Ten Must-Reads

A fan holds up rainbow and Iran flags during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Egypt and Iran at Seattle Stadium in Seattle on June 26, 2026. Robbie Jay Barratt—AMA/Getty Images

Seattle’s World Cup Pride Match went ahead Friday despite objections from the Egyptian and Iranian soccer federations, with Pride flags and celebrations visible in and around the stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw that sent Egypt to its first-ever knockout round, while Iran was eliminated from the competition. —TIME

Iran launched drone attacks against Bahrain on Saturday, damaging buildings and infrastructure and putting a fragile U.S.-Iran cease-fire under new strain. The strikes came after renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington and Tehran continued to accuse each other of violating the agreement. —TIME

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela this week, killing at least 1,400, injuring thousands, and leaving tens of thousands of people unaccounted for. Humanitarian groups are mobilizing emergency relief as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and officials warn the toll is likely to rise. —TIME

A proposal to impose a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of California billionaires will appear on the state’s ballot this fall after Gov. Gavin Newsom failed to reach a deal with the union backing the measure. Supporters say the tax would help fund health care, education, and food assistance, while Newsom and other opponents argue it could drive wealthy residents out of the state. —TIME

Responders search for victims in a demolished building in the San Bernardino neighborhood after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Caracas, Venezuela, and other parts of the Caribbean on June 24, 2026. Jesus Vargas—Getty Images

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board approved a rent freeze for about 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, delivering on a central promise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign. The freeze, which runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2027, drew praise from tenant advocates and criticism from landlords who say it could make it harder to maintain aging buildings. —TIME

Olivia Wilde’s new film, The Invite, is an independently financed marital comedy starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton that drew a bidding war at Sundance before being picked up by A24. Wilde says making the film helped her process personal heartbreak and rediscover acting after the scrutiny surrounding Don’t Worry Darling. —TIME

After pickle juice was used to treat a referee’s cramp during the U.S.-Australia World Cup match, TIME asked sports-medicine and nutrition experts whether the remedy actually works. They said the briny drink may help stop some muscle cramps quickly by triggering a nervous-system response, but it is not a cure-all or a replacement for hydration and electrolytes. —TIME

Not all fats are bad for you, and experts say foods rich in unsaturated fats can support heart health, brain health, and overall nutrition. TIME breaks down five of the healthiest sources to add to your diet, including fatty fish, nuts and seeds, certain oils, tempeh, and avocados. —TIME

The series finale of The Bear gives Carmy, Sydney, Richie, and the rest of the restaurant’s staff one last high-pressure service before revealing where everyone ends up. TIME breaks down the biggest turns, including the restaurant’s Michelin fate, Carmy’s next chapter, and Sydney’s future at the Bear. —TIME

A TIME Ideas essay argues that AI may push human artists to make work that is more personal, idiosyncratic, and deliberately imperfect as machines become better at producing polished images, writing, and other forms of art. The piece suggests that, in an AI-saturated culture, flaws and rough edges could become part of what makes human-made art feel distinct. —TIME