Monday, 13 June 2022

A gun deal in the Senate, Amber Heard sits down with Savannah, and Toby Keith's cancer fight. Here's the latest.

June 13, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER

Your day starts here. The latest in news, pop culture, wellness and more.

Senators announce a framework for the first significant new gun legislation in decades, and Amber Heard speaks with Savannah Guthrie in an exclusive interview about the "vitriol" she received online. Plus, country star Toby Keith shares some sad news with fans, and the touching moment an adopted sixth grader gets his first-ever birthday cake.

THE LATEST

Senators announce framework agreement on new gun legislation.

A bipartisan group of 20 senators announced a framework agreement on new gun legislation yesterday in the wake of a wave of mass shootings. The framework provides resources for states to implement "red flag" laws, establishes more rigorous background checks for people 18 to 21, implements new penalties for prosecution of gun traffickers, and provides funding for mental health services and school safety. The final bill has not been written yet, sources told NBC News, and it would still have to pass a vote in the Senate.

Exclusive: Amber Heard says the role social media played in her trial with Johnny Depp has not been 'fair.'

In an exclusive sit-down with Savannah Guthrie, actor Amber Heard speaks about the defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp and the role social media played in the proceedings that ended with Depp being awarded $10.4 million in damages by a jury. "Even somebody who is sure I'm deserving of all this hate and vitriol, even if you think that I'm lying, you still couldn't tell me — look me in the eye and tell me — that you think on social media there's been a fair representation," she said. The interview will air on Tuesday and Wednesday on TODAY, followed by an hour-long Dateline special on Friday.

Country music star Toby Keith reveals he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Toby Keith tweeted on Sunday that he was diagnosed in the fall with stomach cancer and has spent the last six months being treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The country star received an outpouring of support from his fans after the announcement, and an upcoming performance in July has been canceled. "So far, so good," he wrote. "I need time to breathe, recover, and relax."

🏌️‍♂️ 43 Father's Day gift ideas for the dad who's hard to shop for.

Father's Day is less than a week away, and if you're swimming in a sea of neckties, tools, books about baseball and golf gear trying to figure out what to get dad, we have you covered. Here are 43 gift ideas for all types of dads, from clothes to grill accessories to, yes, something for his golf game.

LIVE BETTER

Achieve your life goals with this easy tip.

You might have a glass of water here or there during a busy day or keep your trusty water bottle handy, but how do you know you're drinking enough? Registered dietitian Samantha Cassetty shared a guide to how much water you should be drinking and how to know when you're getting enough in your daily routine. Plus, she has 8 tips to incorporate drinking more water into your day, from replacing sugary drinks to adding some fruit or vegetables to your glass to liven it up.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

This spaghetti aglio e olio (or, garlic and oil) recipe from chef Sal Lamboglia of Café Spaghetti in Brooklyn is perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute dinner guests, a simple prep that packs plenty of flavor. The al dente pasta and garlicky sauce with red pepper flakes contrasts with the crunch of the breadcrumbs for a hearty Italian meal. If you're looking for some more crunchy goodness on the side, Lamoglia's ricotta crostini is a terrific option.

DAILY DELIGHT

A little pick-me-up before you go.

Sixth grader Abraham Walker, who was adopted with his older brother from Sierra Leone, couldn't contain his joy when he was thrown a birthday party and given a birthday cake for the first time in his life. The young boy, who was adopted by a family in North Carolina, was filmed tearfully hugging his new family after parents Joe and Jamie Walker brought out a birthday cake for him. "I just think we're looking for authentic, joyous moments," Joe Walker told NBC affiliate WCNC. "And I think this was so pure. It's a reminder of how the simplest things can be super impactful to people."