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Start your Monday smart: Hong Kong, Putin & the Pope, July 4th, Venezuela, World Cup

Posted at 9:39 PM, Jun 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-30 23:39:05-04

Here’s what you need to know to Start Your Week Smart.

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TODAY

• Trump visits South Korea. En route from the G20 summit in Japan, President Donald Trump is in South Korea for a meeting with President Moon Jae-in and possibly a stop at the Demilitarized Zone at the North and South Korean border. The visit could set the stage fora third summitbetween Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

• New York celebrates Pride. More than 100 floats and 500 marching groupsare slated to rollthrough Manhattan starting at noon ET to honor the sacrifices and triumphs of the gay rights movement in the 50 years since the Stonewall riots.

It’s Asteroid Day, so move over, Bruce Willis. Now’s the time all earthlings are called upon toconsider the hazard posed by the rocky orbiters and how to protect our planet.

MONDAY

• Hong Kong protests return. Demonstrators are again expected to flood the streets of Hong Kong, this time to mark 22 years since the territory reverted to China. Recent protests against a controversial extradition bill have drawn hundreds of thousands of activists to the streets.

• Happy Canada Day! Parades, picnics, fireworks and welcome ceremonies for new citizens highlight this holiday, which marks the joining in 1867 of Canada’s original three provinces.

• It’s strawberries and cream time. It wouldn’t be Wimbledon withoutthe legendary snack. The Grand Slamtennis tournament begins in London, with defending champ Novak Djokovic aiming for his fifth title.

• The Walkman turns 40. Sony’s iconic portable music player — once the ultimate in freedom — enters middle age.

TUESDAY

• Ain’t no sunshine. Remembera few years back, when we all cut holes in paper plates, put them over our faces and stared at the sun? It’s déjà vu in Chile and Argentina when a total solar eclipse turns out the lights on parts of South America.

• Women’s World Cup victory is in sight. It’s semifinals week, with the US taking on England at 3 p.m. ET. The other semi is Wednesday, ahead of Saturday‘s third-place playoff. Here’s when to watch on Fox.

• Don’t get caught in the spoiler web. “Spider-Man: Far from Home” hits theaters, picking up where Marvel’s latest blockbuster left off. (If you haven’t seen “Avengers: Endgame” yet, now’s the time.)

THURSDAY

• Happy Birthday, USA! The nation celebrates its243rd year of independence. Trump has touted “one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C.,” includinga presidential address, though it could happen in the shadow of the Trump baby balloon that’s flown over protests against the President in London.

• Putin visits the Pope. Russia’s President is due to hold talks with Francis against the backdrop of warming relations between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church. Though Russia’sproxy war with Ukraine remains a sticking point, the sit-down could set the stage for the Pope to visit Russia.

• ‘It’s 1985 in Hawkins, Indiana.’ And “summer’s heating up.” If you’re ready for the sizzle,the third season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” drops.

FRIDAY

• Venezuelans hit the streets. Big pro- and anti-government protest are planned on the anniversary of the nation’s declaration of independence from Spain. The country is still in limbo after a budding revolutionfailed to deliver, leaving President Nicolás Maduro to preside over a society still in crisis.

SATURDAY

• The Yellow Jersey turns 100. Riders start competing for the ultimate in cycling apparelas the Tour de Francebegins in Belgium en route to the final stage on July 28.