Heat exposes vulnerabilities, dog-sized dinosaurs, Jack the Ripper tourism: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! The US wasted 73.9 million tons of unsold or uneaten food — nearly one-third of the country's total supply — in 2023, according to ReFED, a nonprofit focused on reform. Food markdown apps are a popular way to score cheap meals destined for garbage bins.
Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day.
1️⃣ Extreme heat: Buckled roads. Broken bridges. Delayed trains. Strained power grids that led to dangerous outages. Cases of heat illness and canceled sporting events. These were just a few of the effects from this week's oppressive heat wave, which exposed some vulnerabilities.
2️⃣ Good and bad: Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, yet a new study found that deaths from heart attacks have dropped by nearly 90% in the US. That's encouraging news, of course — but unfortunately, there's a flip side.
3️⃣ 'Off-the-scale offensive': London has leaned into tourism based on Jack the Ripper, the unknown killer who brutally murdered at least five women in the 1800s. Every night, hundreds of curious visitors retrace his steps. The locals don't like it.
4️⃣ Psychedelic therapy: While NFL players were in the middle of a grueling season, Braden Smith of the Indianapolis Colts was fighting a different battle: the one going on inside his own mind. He turned to psychedelics to help with his OCD.
5️⃣ Dino-mite discovery: Scientists have found a new species of dinosaur — one that was the size of a dog and roamed what is now the US about 150 million years ago. See what it looked like.
Get '5 Things' in your inbox
If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter.
🚕 Mixed reviews: Tesla just launched its much-publicized robotaxi service — but only in one neighborhood in Austin, Texas, for a select group of the company's fans — and with a Tesla employee in the front passenger seat.
• Trump says US will meet with Iran 'next week'• Exclusive: New Trump administration plan could end asylum claims and speed deportations• RFK Jr.'s new CDC advisers to study childhood vaccination schedule
🖌️ 'You can't ignore it': Thousands of people who gathered in Switzerland for Art Basel encountered a large public square sprayed with white and magenta paint — a work of installation art by Katharina Grosse.
💰 That's how much the Democratic National Committee has in cash reserves. The Republican National Committee has raised nearly five times as much, campaign reports show.
🗳️ Which candidate won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary?A. Eric AdamsB. Andrew CuomoC. Brad LanderD. Zohran Mamdani⬇️ Scroll down for the answer.
⭐ Football and friends: Taylor Swift thrilled folks with a surprise performance at Tight End University in Nashville. The pop star's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, helps organize the summer gathering of National Football League players.
☝️ Puzzling print: Researchers in Spain say they may have uncovered one of the most ancient symbolic objects bearing a human fingerprint on record in Europe, dating back tens of thousands of years. Forensic experts helped them unravel the mystery of who made it.
👋 We'll see you tomorrow.🧠 Quiz answer: D. Zohran Mamdani energized young voters and progressives to win the primary.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters.
Today's 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNN's Kimberly Richardson, Chris Good and Sarah Hutter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
When the Beach Boys turned into men
Around ten years younger than the Beach Boys, I grew up listening to their music. As if I had a choice! It was everywhere in the air. Every house, every car, every weekend cook-out. The overhead speakers at the mall. Movie soundtracks at the drive-in theater. The low-octane, high-octave harmonies rained down all over. Like a sun shower – I wish I could say. Instead, it was more like pollen. The repeats on the radio actually gave me a headache. Sports cars and 'woodies.' Surf boards. French bikinis. Pretty surfer girls with 'bushy blonde hairdos.' Tanned handsome boys kissing 'Hawaiian dolls' on beach blankets. California culture of youth, beauty, privilege, sexual ease. But I was born in the Midwest. I was raised up North where the sunlight seldom, if ever, 'played upon my hair.' My father and mother both worked at Goldblatt's department store, and the year I got my Social Security card, I landed my first job as a janitor at Montgomery Wards. No T-birds. No little deuce coupes or giddy up 409 muscle cars. No 'surfin' safaris' to Waimea Bay. No one I knew at the city college I attended went to Aruba, Jamaica, or Kokomo for spring break. After school, we reported to work, took the city bus home, then shoveled the snow. And I had yet to find one of those northern girls the Beach Boys sang about, who 'keep their boyfriends warm at night.' Then one winter day when we had freezing rain, I heard a song that touched my heart. With minor chords creating a soundtrack of longing, loss, and sadness, 'Oh Caroline, No' bewailed the end of a love affair, the speaker drenched in sadness 'to watch a sweet thing die.' Finally, an artist who felt our pain! My former classmate and good friend who now lives in New York said he first heard 'Caroline' while sitting in an Army service club in Fort Polk, Louisiana, prior to shipping out to Vietnam, and shortly after receiving a Dear John letter. 'My young life was in ruins,' he told me. But listening to the song over and over, knowing another had the same soul crushing experience, helped him come to terms with it. Meanwhile, I was surprised to learn that the artist who wrote the song was Brian Wilson, lyricist, bassist, and front man for the Beach Boys and for their previous decade of confection, who had transitioned from sugary fantasy to heart-rending reality with the release of their album Pet Sounds. Reflecting on his own feelings of inadequacy and depression in tracks like, 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times,' and 'You Still Believe in Me,' Wilson strummed the faces of millions of like-minded listeners dealing with loneliness, loss, or lack of direction. The album was transformational, a kind of validating perception of people's quiet desperation. He sees us, I felt at the time. And the shared experience was intensified by the music's cathartic instrumental accompaniment of harpsichord, piccolo, and clarinet. Among the album's most popular tracks, the addictively rhythmic 'Wouldn't It Be Nice,' was an ironic acknowledgment not just of one person's unrequited love, but of all of our dreams deferred. While my favorite number, 'Sloop John B,' was a metaphor for life's paradox: a jaunty, joyful sea shanty that comes to a sobering end with the verse: 'I feel so broke up, I wanna go home.' The album's mega hit single, 'God Only Knows,' with its lilting melody and achingly plaintive refrain, is tinged with the fear of a monumental love disappearing. It's the album's one song that Paul McCartney says brought him to tears. Brian Wilson, whose mid-life struggle with drugs and mental illness has been well chronicled, died last week on June 11th at age 82. I and millions of others will never forget how he applied his genius to enhance an entire generation's quality of life with unique and sensually delightful music and a more honest understanding of who we are. Former English professor at Florida Southwestern State College, David McGrath is author of "Far Enough Away," a collection of his essays and stories. Email him at profmcgrath2004@ This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: When the Beach Boys turned into men | Opinion
Vogue
38 minutes ago
- Vogue
Sweet Dreams! The Best Sheets on Amazon Are Surprisingly Luxurious
Apropos of nothing, my seven-year-old recently said: 'You know why I love hotels? The nice, crisp sheets.' He's caught on early to a universal truth, which is that an elevated sheet set is one of life's finest pleasures. Luckily, the best sheets on Amazon approximate those at a five-star hotel—if you know where to look, and when. From July 8 to 11, Prime Day 2025 will offer rare discounts on everything from travel essentials to dinnerware sets to, yes, sumptuous sheets that suit every type of sleeper. But here, as with any type of bedding, it's best to fill your cart with options that have been thoroughly vetted by those who don't, ahem, sleep on the details. Vogue's Guide to the Best Sheets on Amazon: Ahead of the four-day sales event, find the sheets that Vogue editors and interior designers approve for elevating bedtime in any setting—all just a click away on Amazon. Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set $299 AMAZON Why We Love It: Known for its luxurious cotton bedding, this U.S. brand has become a bedroom staple for more than one Vogue editor. To wit: 'I'm a huge fan of Boll & Branch's breathable, buttery soft, 100% organic cotton sheets,' Vogue contributor Laura Jackson shared previously. Suited for all seasons, the brand's Hemmed Sheet Set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases—and you can take your pick of colors from a range that includes crisp white, rosy beige, misty grey, and more. 'I love how tonal each of the color options is, making for a calm and comfortable environment to come home to each night,' Jackson said. Known for its luxurious cotton bedding, this U.S. brand has become a bedroom staple for more than one Vogue editor. To wit: 'I'm a huge fan of Boll & Branch's breathable, buttery soft, 100% organic cotton sheets,' Vogue contributor Laura Jackson shared previously. Suited for all seasons, the brand's Hemmed Sheet Set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases—and you can take your pick of colors from a range that includes crisp white, rosy beige, misty grey, and more. 'I love how tonal each of the color options is, making for a calm and comfortable environment to come home to each night,' Jackson said. Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King Material: 100% organic cotton 100% organic cotton Colors: 9 Brooklinen Luxury Percale Sheet Set Brooklinen Luxury Percale Sheet Set $219 AMAZON Why We Love It: Another brand that puts Vogue editors to sleep—in a good way—is Brooklinen. The Brooklyn-based company is best known for its sheet sets, which allow for sweet dreams wrapped in Okeo-Tex-certified (or harmful-chemical-free) fabrics. For summertime in particular, the brand's cofounder, Vicki Fulop, instructs: 'You want something light and airy that not only keeps you cool, but also evokes the mood and spirit of the season.' This set is made from crisp, cool-to-the-touch percale, and comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Another brand that puts Vogue editors to sleep—in a good way—is Brooklinen. The Brooklyn-based company is best known for its sheet sets, which allow for sweet dreams wrapped in Okeo-Tex-certified (or harmful-chemical-free) fabrics. For summertime in particular, the brand's cofounder, Vicki Fulop, instructs: 'You want something light and airy that not only keeps you cool, but also evokes the mood and spirit of the season.' This set is made from crisp, cool-to-the-touch percale, and comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King Material: 100% long-staple cotton 100% long-staple cotton Colors: 6 Bed Threads Linen Flat Sheet Why We Love It: When describing her ideal bedding for summertime, Fulop also told Vogue: 'I've been really into linen because it sleeps cool and has that textured look that I love so much.' Test out her recommendation with these 100 percent French flax linen sheets from Australian brand Bed Threads. Sized to graze the floor when draped over a bed, the Okeo-Tex-certified sheets double as lightweight covers, and they get softer the more they're used and washed. What's more, they come in a wide color range that includes sheets in sage, lavender, terracotta shades, and—for a little Mid-century-style spice—turmeric. When describing her ideal bedding for summertime, Fulop also told Vogue: 'I've been really into linen because it sleeps cool and has that textured look that I love so much.' Test out her recommendation with these 100 percent French flax linen sheets from Australian brand Bed Threads. Sized to graze the floor when draped over a bed, the Okeo-Tex-certified sheets double as lightweight covers, and they get softer the more they're used and washed. What's more, they come in a wide color range that includes sheets in sage, lavender, terracotta shades, and—for a little Mid-century-style spice—turmeric. Sizes Available: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King Twin XL, Queen, King, California King Material: 100% French flax linen 100% French flax linen Colors: 11 Sijo Stone-Washed Organic French Linen Bed Sheet Set Why We Love It: The Sleep Foundation has deemed these Sijo sheets some of the best for keeping hot sleepers cool. They're also ideal for those with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and made of GOTS-certified organic linen, the sheets achieve their softness naturally: Instead of using chemicals or fabric softeners, the brand stone-washes them. Available in 11 colors, you can choose a sheet set that includes both the standard flat and fitted sheet, or just the flat. Either way, your new bedding just might invoke dreams of France: All Sijo linen is sourced from Normandy, which has a centuries-old tradition of producing top-notch linen. The Sleep Foundation has deemed these Sijo sheets some of the best for keeping hot sleepers cool. They're also ideal for those with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and made of GOTS-certified organic linen, the sheets achieve their softness naturally: Instead of using chemicals or fabric softeners, the brand stone-washes them. Available in 11 colors, you can choose a sheet set that includes both the standard flat and fitted sheet, or just the flat. Either way, your new bedding just might invoke dreams of France: All Sijo linen is sourced from Normandy, which has a centuries-old tradition of producing top-notch linen. Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King, California King Full, Queen, King, California King Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic linen 100% GOTS-certified organic linen Colors: 11 Marimekko Cotton Percale Sheet Set Why We Love It: In the market for a pop of print? Marimekko's Oeko-Tex-certified sheet sets are a Vogue favorite for breaking up solids in the bedroom. In this set, the 200-thread-count cotton makes for lightweight yet durable sheets and pillowcases, and the fabric feels crisp and smooth. Now for the fun part: Available in 10 patterns that range from Tiiliskivi (a tomato red grid) to the iconic Unikko (a vibrant poppy print), the playful sheet sets awaken one's inner designer even as they support falling asleep. In the market for a pop of print? Marimekko's Oeko-Tex-certified sheet sets are a Vogue favorite for breaking up solids in the bedroom. In this set, the 200-thread-count cotton makes for lightweight yet durable sheets and pillowcases, and the fabric feels crisp and smooth. Now for the fun part: Available in 10 patterns that range from Tiiliskivi (a tomato red grid) to the iconic Unikko (a vibrant poppy print), the playful sheet sets awaken one's inner designer even as they support falling asleep. Sizes Available: Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King Material: 100% premium cotton percale 100% premium cotton percale Colors: 10 H by Frette Sateen Fitted Sheet H by Frette Sateen Fitted Sheet $135 AMAZON Why We Love It: Vogue's edit of the best places to buy bedding wouldn't be complete without Frette, and neither would a bed in one of the world's most high-end hotels. Synonymous with fine fabrics since 1860, the Italian brand currently supplies sheets for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Peninsula—and, should you wish, your bedroom. The brand's sateen fitted sheet has a silky feel, seams meticulously finished to avoid fraying, and the rest-easy promise of an Oeko-Tex certification. Vogue's edit of the best places to buy bedding wouldn't be complete without Frette, and neither would a bed in one of the world's most high-end hotels. Synonymous with fine fabrics since 1860, the Italian brand currently supplies sheets for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Peninsula—and, should you wish, your bedroom. The brand's sateen fitted sheet has a silky feel, seams meticulously finished to avoid fraying, and the rest-easy promise of an Oeko-Tex certification. Sizes Available: Twin, Queen, King, California King Twin, Queen, King, California King Material: 100% long-staple cotton 100% long-staple cotton Colors: 1 Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Cooling Sheet Set Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Cooling Sheet Set $218 AMAZON Why We Love It: Another brand Vogue implicitly trusts for making bedtime a breeze is Coyuchi. Inspired by coastal living, its organic bedding is minimally processed from fine fibers, and the crinkled percale sheet set could have been freshly plucked from a Nancy Meyers-designed beach house. Made of GOTS- and Fair Trade-certified, long-staple cotton, the sheets and pillowcases in this set are woven to promote maximum airflow and breathability. Cooling and casually crinkled, the sheets have the lived-in feel of a favorite t-shirt, and they come in soothing neutrals such as Steel Blue, Sage, and Pewter. Another brand Vogue implicitly trusts for making bedtime a breeze is Coyuchi. Inspired by coastal living, its organic bedding is minimally processed from fine fibers, and the crinkled percale sheet set could have been freshly plucked from a Nancy Meyers-designed beach house. Made of GOTS- and Fair Trade-certified, long-staple cotton, the sheets and pillowcases in this set are woven to promote maximum airflow and breathability. Cooling and casually crinkled, the sheets have the lived-in feel of a favorite t-shirt, and they come in soothing neutrals such as Steel Blue, Sage, and Pewter. Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King Material: 100% organic long-staple cotton 100% organic long-staple cotton Colors: 8 FluffCo 100% Cotton Flat and Fitted Sheet Set FluffCo 100% Cotton Flat and Fitted Sheet Set $149 AMAZON Why We Love It: FluffCo's 300-thread-count sheets are made with combed cotton, which tends to be softer, more durable, and gentler on sensitive skin than other kinds of cotton. (In short, the combing process helps remove shorter fibers and impurities that could cause irritation.) Sourced from the same suppliers that provide bedding for top-notch hotels, the brand's flat and fitted sheets bring a touch of the suite life to your bed. The fitted sheet is designed to stay extra snug, and both sheets have a silken feel that makes snuggling into bed a touch more luxe—at a budget-friendly price, to boot. FluffCo's 300-thread-count sheets are made with combed cotton, which tends to be softer, more durable, and gentler on sensitive skin than other kinds of cotton. (In short, the combing process helps remove shorter fibers and impurities that could cause irritation.) Sourced from the same suppliers that provide bedding for top-notch hotels, the brand's flat and fitted sheets bring a touch of the suite life to your bed. The fitted sheet is designed to stay extra snug, and both sheets have a silken feel that makes snuggling into bed a touch more luxe—at a budget-friendly price, to boot. Sizes Available: Queen, King Queen, King Material: 100% cotton 100% cotton Colors: 1 Cozy Earth Luxury Bed Sheet Set Why We Love It: Cozy Earth has a long list of famous fans, including Kris Jenner and Oprah Winfrey. What's the appeal? The brand gives its sheets an oversized fit and a relaxed drape for a looser, more comfortably casual vibe. (Think a boyfriend sweater versus a fitted blazer.) Made from bamboo-derived viscose, the sheets are renowned for their dreamy softness. Pro tip: The brand recommends making your bed while the sheets are still a bit damp, which will help them stay wrinkle-free. Cozy Earth has a long list of famous fans, including Kris Jenner and Oprah Winfrey. What's the appeal? The brand gives its sheets an oversized fit and a relaxed drape for a looser, more comfortably casual vibe. (Think a boyfriend sweater versus a fitted blazer.) Made from bamboo-derived viscose, the sheets are renowned for their dreamy softness. Pro tip: The brand recommends making your bed while the sheets are still a bit damp, which will help them stay wrinkle-free. Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King Twin, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King Material: 100% viscose from bamboo 100% viscose from bamboo Colors: 10 Cariloha Resort 4-Piece Sateen Sheet Set Cariloha Sateen sheet set $299 AMAZON Why We Love It: Cariloha's 400-thread-count sheet set is an ode to resort life—or, more accurately, to that deep, unbothered, out-of-office sleep. With a sateen-weave finish, the sheets and pillowcases have a silky feel and a temperature-regulating design to help sleepers stay cool at night. Oeko-Tex-certified, the bedding comes in beachy colors like creamy Coconut Milk and seaglass-hued Ocean Mist. Cariloha's 400-thread-count sheet set is an ode to resort life—or, more accurately, to that deep, unbothered, out-of-office sleep. With a sateen-weave finish, the sheets and pillowcases have a silky feel and a temperature-regulating design to help sleepers stay cool at night. Oeko-Tex-certified, the bedding comes in beachy colors like creamy Coconut Milk and seaglass-hued Ocean Mist. Sizes Available: Queen, King, Split King Queen, King, Split King Material: 100% viscose with a sateen-weave finish 100% viscose with a sateen-weave finish Colors: 7 Buffy 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Buffy 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet $220 AMAZON Why We Love It: Vouched for by Vogue, New York-based Buffy uses earth-friendly materials to craft sheets that are soft, breathable, and cool to the touch. Using plant-based dyes from pomegranate and turmeric, its 300-thread-count eucalyptus sheets come in shades of blue, pink, and white, and they're made with technology that absorbs excess moisture and helps regulate body temperature. The fitted sheet has extra-deep pockets to fit all mattresses, and the sheets are hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex tested. Vouched for by Vogue, New York-based Buffy uses earth-friendly materials to craft sheets that are soft, breathable, and cool to the touch. Using plant-based dyes from pomegranate and turmeric, its 300-thread-count eucalyptus sheets come in shades of blue, pink, and white, and they're made with technology that absorbs excess moisture and helps regulate body temperature. The fitted sheet has extra-deep pockets to fit all mattresses, and the sheets are hypoallergenic and Oeko-Tex tested. Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King Full, Queen, King Material: Lyocell Lyocell Colors: 3 Laura Ashley Percale Cotton Bed Sheets Why We Love It: Anyone with the smallest yen for florals should have at least one set of Laura Ashley sheets. These, made with cooling percale cotton, come in over 30 different colors and prints, which include blue-and-white floral vine design, garden-green toile, and the primmest of pink rosebuds. Crisp, smooth, and cool, the sheets run no risk of stifling hot sleepers, and the pillowcases have self-hems that lend a polished look to any bed—or dorm room. (Luckily, sizes include the college-campus-standard Twin XL.) Anyone with the smallest yen for florals should have at least one set of Laura Ashley sheets. These, made with cooling percale cotton, come in over 30 different colors and prints, which include blue-and-white floral vine design, garden-green toile, and the primmest of pink rosebuds. Crisp, smooth, and cool, the sheets run no risk of stifling hot sleepers, and the pillowcases have self-hems that lend a polished look to any bed—or dorm room. (Luckily, sizes include the college-campus-standard Twin XL.) Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King Material: 100% percale cotton 100% percale cotton Colors: 30+ 8 More Sheets We Love to Shop: Matouk Amara Triple Pearl Embroidered 300 Thread-Count Flat Sheet $174 NORDSTROM With a 300 thread count and an elegant, triple-pearl motif, Matouk's sateen flat sheet brings luxury hotel caché to any bedding set. Parachute Percale Sheet Set $299 NORDSTROM $299 PARACHUTE HOME Parachute's organic percale cotton sheet set offers a supremely soft sleeping experience—its earthy color range, which includes soothing shades like Moss, Adobe, and Bone, is also soft on the eyes. Snowe Home Percale Sheet Set $302 SNOWE HOME Snowe Home's 500-thread-count, long-staple percale cotton sheets feel crisp and smooth; if you sleep hot, they'll feel refreshingly lightweight on the skin. Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet $110 QUINCE High-quality and budget-friendly, Quince sheets are another Vogue editor staple. Ideal for summertime, the organic percale sheets have a 270 thread count and a cooling feel. Tekla Linen Flat Sheet $245 TEKLA FABRICS $305 SSENSE A Vogue editor-favorite for bedding—associate shopping director Talia Abbas loves their wool throw blanket—Tekla's 100% French flax linen sheet softens over time, and, with its softly textured look, has immediate visual appeal. How pretty is the pale lemon color? Serena and Lily Nantucket Stripe Linen Sheet Set $428 SERENA & LILY Yarn-dyed, ruffled linen with a little frill brings a jaunty, nautical look to the bedroom. If you're looking to branch out from neutrals, this is for you.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Who are Bob Vylan? The punk duo behind Glastonbury's controversial pro-Palestine chants
Glastonbury is no stranger to political statements, and this year a punk duo grabbed headlines after leading pro-Palestine chants on stage. Here's what you need to know about the breakthrough act shaking up the Left Field stage this weekend. Who are Bob Vylan? Bob Vylan (pronounced villain) are known for their unconventional blend of punk and hip-hop. Formed in London in 2017, the pair have built a cult following with their fiercely political lyrics and incendiary live performances. To protect their identities in what they describe as a surveillance state, they go by Bobby and Bobbie. Their songs contain scathing indictments of the British establishment, racism and inequality, blending punk, grime and hardcore into a sound all their own. They quickly broke through the industry's glass ceiling, winning Best Album at the 2022 Kerrang! Awards and landing in the UK Top 20 — an impressive feat for such a divisive sound. 'The band has gotten itself to a point where you can't really ignore us,' the vocalist told DIY magazine. What happened at Glastonbury? The duo performed on Saturday afternoon on the Left Field stage, a venue associated with radical politics. During their set, Bobby Vylan launched into a powerful polemic against political leaders for 'complicity in genocide', leading a chant of 'Free Palestine' and 'Death to the IDF.' The moment quickly spread across social media, with pro-Israel voices branding the duo as 'anti-Semitic.' As a proud Zionist, I wouldn't feel welcome at Glastonbury this year. This is the state of Britain's biggest music festival. A platform for extremists — Bella Wallersteiner 🇺🇦 (@BellaWallerstei) June 27, 2025 Others believe that the performance is making 'the right people' uncomfortable, responding: 'You wouldn't be welcome, and you, as a Zionist, are in fact the extremist. ' This comes following the legal trouble facing Irish rave-rap group Kneecap, who face terrorism charges after their controversial anti-Israel comments at Coachella. The controversy surrounding Kneecap led the BBC to decide not to air their performance, instead opting for Bob Vylan, which turned out to be equally inflammatory. Following the performance, news broke that police are assessing videos of both Kneecap and Bob Vylan. Some pundits have branded the reaction as 'utter hysteria' and serving as pure distraction from the suffering taking place in Gaza. This is utter hysteria. To state the obvious: Almost 60,000 people are recorded to have been killed by Israel in Gaza (the true number will be many times higher) and 17,000 of them are children. But Kneecap, Bob Vylan, hurty words. It would be funny if it wasn't so shameful. — Barry Malone (@malonebarry) June 28, 2025 What else do they stand for? Bob Vylan's entire identity is rooted in protest. Their lyrics cover all manner of topics, from police brutality and the legacy of colonialism to gentrification and mental health challenges. In their song Britain Makes Me Violent, Bobby insists there's 'nothing great' about Great Britain. On Reign, the vocalist advocates for repatriation: 'Got a message for the thieves in the palace, we want the jewels back.' On GYAG, the singer takes a shock approach to the London housing crisis, saying 'Landlord just raised your rent / Mate, get yourself a gun', stemming from his own experience with a newborn under a cruel landlord. The provocative lyrics, they explain, are simply a reaction to a state that enables systematic mistreatment. He told The Guardian: 'I'm not saying it for the purpose of purely being provocative. It's just what I feel.' Following the provocative Glastonbury show, Bobby Vylan appeared relaxed eating an ice cream, while he said: 'Zionists are crying on socials.' Bob Vylan just posted this on his Instagram😂 — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) June 28, 2025
