1. C3 PRESENTS TO LAUNCH GAMING AND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN LAS VEGAS: Festival producer C3 Presents will launch Metarama, a gaming and music festival in Las Vegas. The all-ages festival, created in partnership with Esports Hospitality Concepts, will take place October 19-20 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Billboard: “In partnership with Scott London and Seth Schorr from Esports Hospitality Concepts, C3 will present an all-ages destination festival that showcases gaming, esports, and live music for two full days. The festival also plans to offer opportunities for cosplay, as well as live streaming and comedy. Event organizers plan to announce the lineup, onsite activities and tickets soon.” 2. DEMOCRATS CONCERNED WITH TRUMP’S FOURTH OF JULY PLANS: Earlier this year, President Trump tweeted his plans for a “Salute to America,” an event coinciding with Washington’s Fourth of July celebrations that would include a presidential address, fireworks, and a parade. But less than a month away from the event, the D.C. mayor’s office said it doesn’t have event details beyond what Trump tweeted and the White House has released minimal information, leading to concerns from Democrats about event logistics and the celebration turning political. ABC News: “In addition to security, funding and logistical concerns, some have also accused the president of wanting to turn the annual non-partisan celebration into a political event. ‘President Trump's efforts to insert politics into a celebration of our nation's history is extremely alarming,’ said House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said in a statement. ‘Forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for what amounts to a political rally is irresponsible and a misuse of funds. I strongly urge the President to reconsider his proposed event,’ he added. Hoyer, along with Democratic Congressional members Raúl Grijalva and Betty McCollum, sent a letter to Trump in response to the proposed event.” 3. WOMEN’S WORLD CUP READY FOR BREAKOUT MOMENT: FIFA’s Women’s World Cup in France begins today, and the monthlong competition is slated to have a breakout moment, despite numerous obstacles. The competition is seeing sold out matches and changes to boost attendance, even as it’s greeted with less fanfare than its male counterpart. The event also comes at a time when women’s soccer leagues in numerous countries face inner turmoil regarding gender discrimination. Washington Post: “Globally, the sport has gained greater acceptance, as seen in attendance figures and general interest. Last month, about 5 million people in France (7.5 percent of the population) watched the roster announcement. Almost 1 million tickets have been sold to the 52-game competition, 300,000 short of the total available. Local organizers say they have been selling 15,000 per day. Friday’s opener at 48,500-seat Parc des Princes—home to men’s superpower Paris Saint-Germain—is among 10 sold-out matches. For the first time, each match will stand on its own; doubleheaders, designed to limit costs and boost attendance at past Women’s World Cups, have been phased out. Organizers say smaller cities, such as Montpellier and Le Havre, will embrace the tournament as a festival.” | 