National

U.S.  hurdler Sydney McLaughlin clinched an Olympic gold medal in the women's 400m hurdles final at the 2020 Tokyo Games — breaking her own world record to finishing in 51.46 seconds on Wednesday morning local time.

The big picture: McLaughlin edged into silver teammate Dalilah Muhammad, who was defending her own gold from the 2016 Rio Games. The Netherlands' Femke Bol took Bronze.

McLaughlin was the first woman to break 52 seconds in this event, at the U.S. trials in July. 

Along with McLaughlin and Muhammad, a third American, Anna Cockrell, was in the race, after all advanced from a rainy semifinal race on Monday. 

But Cockrell was disqualified for apparently running outside of her lane.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Sydney McLaughlin sets world record to win Olympic gold in 400m hurdles

McLaughlin was the first woman to ever break 52 seconds in the event at the U.S. trials in July.

USA's Sydney Mclaughlin (C) wins the women's 400m hurdles final setting a new world record during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on August 4

Team USA's Sydney Mclaughlin (C) wins the women's 400m hurdles final setting a new world record during the Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images

2020 Olympics

Beijing Winter Olympics

U.S. hurdler Sydney McLaughlin clinched an Olympic gold medal in the women&#x27;s 400m hurdles final at the 2020 Tokyo Games — breaking her own world record to finishing in 51.46 seconds on Wednesday morning local time.The big picture: McLaughlin edged into silver teammate Dalilah Muhammad, who was defending her own gold from the 2016 Rio Games. The Netherlands&#x27; Femke Bol took Bronze.

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

Sports

Former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) died Thursday, his family and the Levin Center at Wayne Law — which bore his name — confirmed. He was 87.

Why it matters: The Detroit native served for 36 years in the U.S. Senate, serving twice as chairman of the Armed Services Committee and is credited with helping overturn the military's “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule.

What they're saying: "He had a penchant for seeing the world through the eyes of people who struggled against injustice and was called to hold our democratic institutions accountable to everyone – first as a student activist, then as a young defense attorney, Detroit City Council member, and U.S. Senator," reads the family's statement. 

"In whatever he did, he defended the uniquely American proposition that all of us, no matter the color of our skin, how we worship, whom we love, the privilege of our parentage, or the size of our bank accounts, are created equal."

Former Michigan Sen. Carl Levin dies at 87

The Detroit native served twice as chairman of the Armed Services Committee

Sen. Carl Levin gestures while seated at a podium

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) in 2014. He died Thursday. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Michigan

Former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) died Thursday, his family and the Levin Center at Wayne Law — which bore his name — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://law.wayne.edu/levin-center/pdfs/cml_statement_two_pages_final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="69243a43-3c71-457b-9845-9c4475bd6b9b" data-vars-headline="Former Michigan Sen. Carl Levin dies at 87" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://law.wayne.edu/levin-center/pdfs/cml_statement_two_pages_final.pdf" target="_blank">confirmed</a>. He was 87.Why it matters: The Detroit native served for 36 years in the U.S. Senate, serving twice as chairman of the Armed Services Committee and is credited with helping overturn the military&#x27;s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

A largescale California hydropower plant was shut down on Thursday after ongoing drought conditions reduced water levels in Lake Oroville to historic lows, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Why it matters: It is the first time the Edward Hyatt hydroelectric power plant has ceased operations since it was constructed in 1967, at a time when California is warning about the potential for rolling blackouts.

The plant feeds from a reservoir at Lake Oroville in Butte County, the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California, and has the capacity to power almost half a million households, according to the Bee.

But the lake is less than one-quarter full — surpassing its record lowest level set in 1977 — amid the state's ongoing water crisis.

What they're saying: “This is just one of many unprecedented impacts we are experiencing in California as a result of our climate-induced drought,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, in a statement.

"DWR anticipated this moment, and the state has planned for its loss in both water and grid management," the statement adds. 

“Falling reservoir levels are another example of why it is so critical that all Californians conserve water. We are calling on everyone to take action now to reduce water use by 15 percent, to preserve as much water supply in storage as possible should we experience another dry year. We are all in this together.”

The big picture: California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has asked households this summer to voluntarily reduce water usage. 

He also declared a regional drought state of emergency in 50 of the state's 58 counties, where more than 40% of Californians live.

These conditions have significantly affected power generation, Axios' Ben Geman has reported.

California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant

“This is just one of many unprecedented impacts we are experiencing in California as a result of our climate-induced drought.”

Penstock intakes for the Hyatt Powerplant at Lake Oroville during a drought in Oroville, California, U.S., on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Penstock intakes for the Hyatt Powerplant at Lake Oroville during a drought in Oroville, California, on July 15. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

California

Climate change

A largescale California hydropower plant was shut down on Thursday after ongoing drought conditions reduced water levels in Lake Oroville to historic lows, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sacramento Bee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/water-and-drought/article253298613.html" data-vars-content-id="990fd2d3-747e-4640-8df3-08f3fb130ba5" data-vars-headline="California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/water-and-drought/article253298613.html" target="_blank">Sacramento Bee</a>.Why it matters: It is the first time the Edward Hyatt hydroelectric power plant has ceased operations since it was constructed in 1967, at a time when California is warning about the potential for rolling blackouts.<ul><li>The plant feeds from a reservoir at Lake Oroville in Butte County, the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California, and has the capacity to power almost half a million households, according to the Bee.</li><li>But the lake is less than one-quarter full — surpassing its record lowest level <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set in 1977" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicoer.com/2021/08/03/lake-oroville-at-lowest-levels-since-1977/" data-vars-content-id="990fd2d3-747e-4640-8df3-08f3fb130ba5" data-vars-headline="California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicoer.com/2021/08/03/lake-oroville-at-lowest-levels-since-1977/" target="_blank">set in 1977</a> — amid the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing water crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/gavin-newsom-californians-water-use-drought-be053abc-1ca3-4f68-82d4-c0d2e8bbd670.html" data-vars-content-id="990fd2d3-747e-4640-8df3-08f3fb130ba5" data-vars-headline="California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/gavin-newsom-californians-water-use-drought-be053abc-1ca3-4f68-82d4-c0d2e8bbd670.html" target="_self">ongoing water crisis</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: “This is just one of many unprecedented impacts we are experiencing in California as a result of our climate-induced drought,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, in a statement.<ul><li>&quot;DWR anticipated this moment, and the state has planned for its loss in both water and grid management,&quot; the statement adds. </li><li>“Falling reservoir levels are another example of why it is so critical that all Californians conserve water. We are calling on everyone to take action now to reduce water use by 15 percent, to preserve as much water supply in storage as possible should we experience another dry year. We are all in this together.”</li></ul>The big picture: California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has asked households" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/gavin-newsom-californians-water-use-drought-be053abc-1ca3-4f68-82d4-c0d2e8bbd670.html" data-vars-content-id="990fd2d3-747e-4640-8df3-08f3fb130ba5" data-vars-headline="California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/gavin-newsom-californians-water-use-drought-be053abc-1ca3-4f68-82d4-c0d2e8bbd670.html" target="_self">has asked households</a> this summer to voluntarily reduce water usage. <ul><li>He also declared a regional drought state of emergency in 50 of the state&#x27;s 58 counties, where more than 40% of Californians live.</li><li>These conditions have significantly affected power generation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Ben Geman has reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/drought-california-hydroelectric-generation-climate-change-3a4dee29-df25-4bae-af60-b986c10299d8.html" data-vars-content-id="990fd2d3-747e-4640-8df3-08f3fb130ba5" data-vars-headline="California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/drought-california-hydroelectric-generation-climate-change-3a4dee29-df25-4bae-af60-b986c10299d8.html" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Ben Geman has reported</a>.</li></ul>

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Energy & Environment

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, 105 to 98, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. 

Why it matters: The home court win earns Milwaukee its first championship ring in 50 years.

After losing the first two games of the tournament, the Bucks came back to win four consecutive games.

The victory fulfills a favorite fan chant — "Bucks in six!" — and took place at Fiserv Forum, with about 65,000 fans gathered outside the stadium for the historic game.

Flashback: The last time the Bucks won a championship was in 1971, when Lew Alcindor — now known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — played for the team.

Go deeper: Sign up for the Axios Sports newsletter

Milwaukee Bucks win first NBA Finals title in 50 years

Milwaukee lived up to its fans' favorite chant, "Bucks in six!"

Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a green jersey, #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks, jumps to dunk a basketball into a hoop above Phoenix Suns players in orange uniforms.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns during Game Six of the 2021 NBA Finals on July 20, 2021 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

National Basketball Association (NBA)

NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, 105 to 98, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Why it matters: The home court win earns Milwaukee its first championship ring in 50 years.

Two Wyoming Republican leaders voted to no longer recognize Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wy.) as a member of their party, six months after she voted to impeach former President Trump, per the Casper Star-Tribune.

Why it matters: While symbolic, the move is the latest censuring that Cheney has faced for diverging from much of her party's response to the Capitol riot. 

State of play: The Republican parties of Park county, in the state's northwest, and Carbon county, in the south, voted to no longer recognize Cheney as a GOP leader.

Both county boards passed their resolutions unanimously and submitted letters about the votes to Cheney's office last week.

Joey Correnti, chair of the Carbon County Republican Party, expects other counties to follow suit, according to the Star-Tribune.

The resolutions have no legal effect on Cheney's party affiliation.

Flashback: Cheney was one of 10 Republican Congresspeople to support articles of impeachment that accused Trump of inciting insurrection against the U.S. government, after his supporters rioted at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Consequently, she was formally censured by her state party in February and removed from her House leadership position in May.

What they're saying: "In short, and in the immortal words of the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump...'You’re Fired!'" both the Park and Carbon county letters read.

Cheney's spokesperson Jeremy Adler told the Star-Tribune that she "knows that she and all elected officials are bound by their duty under the US Constitution, not by blind loyalty to one man."

Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote

“In short, and in the immortal words of the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump...'You’re Fired!'”

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) in a blue blazer sits at a table, behind a microphone and a placard of her name, and in front of an American flag.

Rep. Liz Cheney, (R-Wyo.), delivers an opening statement during the opening hearing of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on July 27, 2021. Photo: Oliver Contreras-Pool/Getty Images

Liz Cheney

Two Wyoming Republican leaders voted to no longer recognize Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wy.) as a member of their party, six months after she <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voted to impeac" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/liz-cheney-trump-republican-leadership-26363e1a-8e66-40ef-87b6-22477b2ed682.html" data-vars-content-id="a0fe975f-bfb8-4dcb-884e-f49f377f297c" data-vars-headline="Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/liz-cheney-trump-republican-leadership-26363e1a-8e66-40ef-87b6-22477b2ed682.html" target="_self">voted to impeac</a>h former President Trump, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casper Star-Tribune." data-vars-click-url="https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/republicans-in-2-wyoming-counties-vote-to-stop-recognizing-cheney-as-party-member/article_758e6ffc-921d-5f6c-b02d-fdb061977feb.html#tracking-source=home-trending" data-vars-content-id="a0fe975f-bfb8-4dcb-884e-f49f377f297c" data-vars-headline="Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/republicans-in-2-wyoming-counties-vote-to-stop-recognizing-cheney-as-party-member/article_758e6ffc-921d-5f6c-b02d-fdb061977feb.html#tracking-source=home-trending" target="_blank">Casper Star-Tribune.</a>Why it matters: While symbolic, the move is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the latest censuring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/liz-cheney-censured-wyoming-republicans-trump-ae39e104-dbb1-4195-b446-76b53a9ea886.html" data-vars-content-id="a0fe975f-bfb8-4dcb-884e-f49f377f297c" data-vars-headline="Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/liz-cheney-censured-wyoming-republicans-trump-ae39e104-dbb1-4195-b446-76b53a9ea886.html" target="_self">the latest censuring</a> that Cheney has faced for diverging from much of her party&#x27;s response to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Capitol riot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/capitol-protests-dc-photos-trump-86822307-2afb-4b09-a0a9-2becf5c2932e.html" data-vars-content-id="a0fe975f-bfb8-4dcb-884e-f49f377f297c" data-vars-headline="Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/capitol-protests-dc-photos-trump-86822307-2afb-4b09-a0a9-2becf5c2932e.html" target="_self">the Capitol riot</a>.

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Stories

Wyoming GOP leaders will no longer recognize Liz Cheney over Trump vote

California drought forces shutdown of historic hydropower plant

Sydney McLaughlin sets world record to win Olympic gold in 400m hurdles

Former Michigan Sen. Carl Levin dies at 87

Milwaukee Bucks win first NBA Finals title in 50 years