Good morning, Washington. Whether you’re a loyal fan or recently initiated into World Cup frenzy by an uncharacteristic fist pump after a last-minute header against Brazil, eyes are on Frankfurt today where the U.S. Women’s National Team will play for the World Cup title in the final against Japan. Obama couldn’t make it, but he’s sending a presidential delegation led by Jill Biden. Others in the delegation include Chelsea Clinton and Philip Murphy, the U.S. ambassador to Germany. They’ll meet with friends and family of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and then watch the game at Commerzbank Arena.
For those of us unlucky enough to be left behind, TBD has put together a list of venues in and around the District that are broadcasting the game at 2:45 pm ET. Beforehand, you may want to check out Steven Goff’s Washington Post analysis of what the team’s success could mean for a new generation of young players and a struggling pro league.
>> Obama met with the Dalai Lama at the White House Saturday. Hours after the meeting, China issued an incendiary statement that said the meeting “grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs.” China had already called on the United States to rescind the invitation, warning that the meeting could damage U.S.-China relations.
>> On the debt plan: “Grand” is being tossed around again; Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) suggests that Congress is making it difficult for President Obama to raise the debt ceiling because of his race; and Ezra Klein offers some perspective on what this debate means for ordinary Americans.
>> In sports, the Nationals beat the Braves 5-2 Saturday night; a draw for D.C. United and FC Dallas; and the four-month old NFL lockout looks like it’s nearing its end.
>> Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-Va.) is pleading with the Pentagon to delay moving thousands of its employees to the Mark Center in Alexandria, claiming it will cause traffic nightmares.
>> FEMA is planning an emergency drill this week at the Surry Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Virginia. In April, tornadoes knocked out power to two of its reactors.
>> The man who was struck and killed by a Marc train Friday has been identified as 51-year-old Ricardo Antonio Levia Aldana of Derwood. Aldana was attempting to cross the train tracks when he was hit by a train traveling toward Frederick.
>> While we slept, Casey Anthony walked out of a Florida jail after three years behind bars. Now, she can worry about this.
>> In its perpetual oddity, the English language made yesterday’s New York Times headline on the tabloid scandals an instant classic: “Taint From Tabloids Rubs Off on a Cozy Scotland Yard.” Mid-post this morning, I noticed the paper changed the headline. At least we still have TIME.
