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The Story Is with Elex Michaelson

Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Renew Ceasefire after Conflict Threatens to Derail U.S.-Iran Talks; Burnham Secures Commanding Win in UK By-Election; Brazil Cruise Past Haiti for 3-0 Win Philadelphia; Obama Presidential Center Opens to the Public on Juneteenth; Record Heat Expected in Europe Through the Weekend; New Movie About Iranian Resistance Generated by AI. Aired 12-1a ET

Aired June 20, 2026 - 00:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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PAULA NEWTON, CNN HOST, THE STORY IS: Hello, and a very warm welcome to "The Story Is". I'm Paula Newton, in for Elex Michaelson. "The Story Is" pushing for a final peace deal with no clarity on when talks with Iran could happen. U.S. sends two top negotiators to Switzerland.

"The Story Is" Team USA secures a spot in the knockout round in the World Cup. Plus, a look at why sports have been so unifying? And "The Story Is" political survival in the UK as the man who could potentially unseat Prime Minister Keir Starmer as British Prime Minister is expected to make his return to Westminster on Monday.

The U.S. and Iran are working to get talks back on track, with the clock now ticking to reach that final peace deal. Now, a U.S. official tells CNN, President Trump's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his Son-in-Law, Jared Kushner, are headed to Switzerland for potential negotiations, though it's still unclear when those talks will actually happen.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance meantime scrapped his plans to travel to Switzerland at the last minute after a flare-up in violence between Israel and Hezbollah threatened to derail the talks, but both sides have now agreed to renew a ceasefire. President Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said he urged Israel to support a truce with Hezbollah.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: We've had a great relationship with Israel. We were very formidable, and Bibi Netanyahu is a warrior Prime Minister. Now we have an agreement that was signed last night, and it's 60-days you have to make a deal, otherwise we will do things that won't make them happy. But I don't think it's going to get to that. I think it's going to be very good.

Remember, if we do that, then all of a sudden; you're not going to have the oil flowing out of the Strait too quickly, because people that own billion-dollar ships don't love missiles flying over them, don't love mines all over the water.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: CNN's Nic Robertson is following the latest developments from Switzerland.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: It's an utterly serene, beautiful, peaceful place. Exactly the place you want to put negotiators away from their domestic pressures in a secluded environment where they can feel that they can get on with some of the tough negotiations that lie ahead of them.

While we were up there, we can see the security was still in place. So, although there was nothing major like the proper talks happening, it's clear that the Swiss are sort of keeping this place with its security lockdown, which creates that impression, you know, which is in line with what we're hearing from the Iranians, saying they're working behind the scenes with mediators to move forward on the talks.

And the fact that Hezbollah and Israel have some sort of ceasefire going on between them, so it all kind of frames and makes a pathway to get back to the possibility of talks. I mean, Lebanon is front and center. Lebanon is the reason. Well, at least Israel strike in Hezbollah. Hezbollah also killed four IDF soldiers overnight.

There are escalation in bombing runs by the IDF following that. That was the reason the Iranians weren't coming to the table that appeared through the day wanting to get these guarantees. Look, you know, stand a little bit back from this. Lebanon is that issue that in of itself the Hezbollah-Israel conflict is decades old, is incredibly difficult to resolve in of itself.

Because it is included, and Iran wants a Lebanon ceasefire included in the broader peace discussions with the United States, because it's included, it puts all this pressure on to speed up a process that's been failing, frankly, for a number of years. So, putting it together quickly, this ceasefire is no guarantee at all that it will hold.

It's sort of a band aid to get the talks going between the U.S. and Iran around the MOU. But yes, Lebanon may be headed into a calmer few days, but to get to a real problem solved point on that conflict, that in of itself is going to take whole separate memorandums of understanding, and lots more meetings.

So yeah, look, this is was basically the first day of talks. Expect more of this up and down around the Lebanon issue and others in the days ahead.

NEWTON: I want to go straight to Dan Shapiro, who joins us now live from Chicago. He's a Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and now a Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council. And it is good to see you.

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As we seem to have learned now that negotiations could be back on as early as Sunday. I mean, what are you expecting over the next few weeks? And is just keeping the Strait open here, the ceasefire in place enough, at least for a few weeks? And I note that you have said a ceasefire like this was necessary, but perhaps not in the parameters that the United States has already agreed to.

DAN SHAPIRO, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Sure, getting the Strait of Hormuz open was the essential step to serve the U.S. and really the global interest of trying to settle down the global economy that had been thrown into turmoil by the disruption of 25 percent of the world's oil and gas supplies flowing through that waterway, so that's important, and it still needs to be implemented.

That hasn't even actually been implemented yet, where Iran will clear mines, and the U.S. will end its blockade, and it will be safe for shippers and insurers to allow those ships to transit. But assuming that happens, which is very important. This phase two is incredibly difficult.

Phase two is negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, on its disposition of its stockpile of enriched uranium, and on whether or not it will agree to a long-term suspension of any future enrichment, and all the verification measures that would make sure they would actually live up to those commitments.

It says they'll reach those agreements in 60 days. This -- these negotiations have been going on for years, really, on those issues, and it's very unlikely that they'll be resolved in 60 days. So, it's likely that will be extended, and all subject to potential disruptions like the Lebanon issues that Nic Robertson was just talking about, or some other incident happening in the Strait. So, this is going to take a long time, and it's going to be very difficult.

NEWTON: Yeah, the president seemed to indicate that, look, if it takes longer than 60 days, it takes longer than 60 days. It seems that you just heard the president as well say that, look, his priority is keeping the Strait open and keeping the ceasefire in place. I do want to get to some of the criticism within the Republican Party itself, and what Congress may or may not be able to do this?

But just as I have you, why do you believe regional allies have been fairly discreet about their concerns at the moment? I mean, we have not heard much, and they really have paid quite a high price for this conflict?

SHAPIRO: Well, they see which way the wind is blowing? You know the United States led the region into this war, together with Israel. Most of the Gulf states did not want to see that war take place. Then they were attacked directly by Iran, saw their economies and their energy infrastructure disrupted, still they're waiting to see the Strait open so that they can kind of get back to some sort of normal.

But they also seem to understand what President Trump's message is, that frankly he's done, and probably the United States is going to be less involved in the region going forward. And certainly, those Gulf States don't feel they can rely on U.S. protection, the way they thought they could, so they're going to start to try to lower tensions with Iran. They're going to try to cut their own deals with Iran. They see the

United States has already agreed in this MOU to return frozen assets to Iran to allow oil sales by waiving sanctions, to talk about a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran that these Gulf States themselves would be called on to finance.

So, they are seeing which way the wind is blowing, and I fear it means significantly reduced U.S. influence, significantly increased Iranian influence in this very difficult region.

NEWTON: Which is precisely what the Trump Administration said it didn't want. And that brings us just to some of the voices within the Republican Party itself, especially from some of the Senators who have been quite blunt.

Here's the thing, though, Dan, are they going to be successful in stopping any of this? And I'm speaking specifically on lifting of those sanctions, right? I mean, it was startling to me in reading the document that all of a sudden decade of sanction, including being able to deal in U.S. dollars and sell oil just out there in the open completely legally that this Republican Congress would go for that.

SHAPIRO: It is quite an extraordinary development (ph). Some of the sanctions relief that it describes as at least the intent does require congressional approval, and it's not clear that the support is there for it.

But it -- those Senators are asking a very fair question, why is it that days, weeks ago we were in a war with a country described as, and I think accurately described as a hostile nation that has sponsored terrorism, that has built missile programs, and seeks a nuclear program to try to destroy Israel, to try to dominate its Arab neighbors, to try to kick the United States out of the Middle East?

And then on a dime we are now talking about basically providing them international legitimacy, significant resources, and ending all sanctions, including those related to human rights violations.

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The ballistic missile program that they pursue against UN Security Council requirements, the sponsorship of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, like the Houthis, like Shia militias, that continues to go on. It's very strange to now be talking about Iran, sort of being completely brought in from the cold.

It's one thing to find a ceasefire to get the Strait of Hormuz open, fine, necessary. It's another thing to throw out 47 years of treating Iran like it has set itself up as a pariah state and a violent and hostile country.

NEWTON: Yeah, just what you articulated there in that list is already quite daunting. Before I let you go, Israel's next move will be consequential. I'll lean on your experience there. What do you think it might be? SHAPIRO: This is a very difficult dilemma for the Prime Minister of

Israel. He thought he had Donald Trump as a partner in pursuing this war, then it became very clear that the interests diverged, where the United States' interest correctly was to get the Strait open, is rewind to continue the war.

Now it really hinges on Lebanon. And the question is whether the conflict in Lebanon, which will continue between Israel and Hezbollah, there's no question, can be contained and limited to sort of a low simmer, probably in the Southern Lebanon region, but not have Hezbollah shooting rockets into northern Israel communities, not have Israel responding by striking in Beirut, which puts civilians at risk.

Those are the kinds of escalations that actually threaten the ceasefire, threaten the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, maybe even threatened the Strait of Hormuz being closed again. So, it's a dilemma, and I think what we saw over the last 24 hours was an attempt by the United States to try to get the two sides and Iran to limit that conflict down to a smaller and lower boil, but we'll see if that's sustainable. It's going to be very difficult.

NEWTON: Yeah, especially given the nature of politics right now in Israel always complicated, but especially so in recent weeks. Dan Shapiro, for us, really grateful to you.

SHAPIRO: Thanks so much.

NEWTON: Now, a comment reportedly by U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit has led to Italy's Foreign Minister canceling the trip to the United States. Antonio Tajani had been planning to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That's according to an Italian media outlet. President Trump said this of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her. Prime Minister Meloni reported that Trump completely fabricated their conversation. She posted a video on social media to further deny Mr. Trump's claims, listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GIORGIA MELONI, ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER: Well, some things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the President of the United States, behaves like this toward his allies. It's not the first time moreover.

I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence. There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: Prime Minister of Italy, there making her point. Now British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a new fight for his political survival. Andy Burnham's victory in a local by-election paves the way for him to challenge Starmer as leader of the ruling Labour Party. The Prime Minister says he will stand in any leadership contest. Clare Sebastian has more now on the election and what it means for the UK?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Standing between a fox and a trash can, a surreal picture to end a five-week whirlwind campaign, the Labour's Andy Burnham, the man who may now challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job, making it clear he plans to shake things up.

ANDY BURNHAM, UK MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT: Everyone knows that politics is not working. Everyone can feel that the country isn't where it should be. Tonight, could just could be the turning point.

SEBASTIAN (voice-over): The scale of that victory may now strengthen his case for change. Burnham secured 55 percent of the vote, a comfortable lead over Robert Kenyon of Nigel Farage's hard right Reform UK Party, who came in second place with 35 percent. It was a campaign fought on the doorsteps of a collection of former coal mining towns in North West England.

BURNHAM: We're doing everything possible. We're not taking anything for granted.

SEBASTIAN (voice-over): Burnham, a former cabinet minister who has been the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester for the best part of a decade, talked as little as possible on the campaign trail about his larger leadership ambition, focusing instead on local issues.

NIGEL FARAGE, LEADER, REFORM UK: What really happened here is it was vote Burnham get Starmer out.

SEBASTIAN (voice-over): Reform Leader Farage admitting Friday he's disappointed in the result, his party beaten at its own game.

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Meanwhile, uncertainty ahead for Starmer and for Labour as Burnham plots his next move.

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then yes, I will run, I will stand, and I have said repeatedly I am not going to walk away from that.

SEBASTIAN (voice-over): Another battle may lie ahead for Burnham, but first a victory lap.

BURNHAM: The word Makerfield in the future must be known as a byword for the change that came to British politics.

SEBASTIAN: Andy Burnham, speaking to supporters at a local football club, isn't directly addressing the big question when and how he could challenge Keir Starmer's leadership, instead focusing on what the campaign now believes won it for them, that core message of hope and the promise of change. Clare Sebastian, CNN in Ashton in Makerfield, England.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: A train driver in the UK has been killed after two trains collided in Bedfordshire, North of London. Emergency services say dozens of people were seriously injured in the crash Friday afternoon. Authorities are urging people to stay away from local hospitals unless they have a genuine emergency.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the reports hugely concerning. He said his thoughts are with the family of the person killed and those who were seriously injured. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new presidential plane. The president showed off the Boeing 747-8 on Friday at Joint Base Andrews. Unlike past presidential planes, which were a lighter blue on the outside, this plane's color scheme is similar to the American flag.

President was seen signing the plane as well. The nation of Qatar donated the $400 million plane to the Pentagon last year. The gift came after the president complained of delays in producing a new plane to replace the two aging Boeing planes, which have been used as Air Force One since the 1990s.

OK, after the break, we'll dive into the latest World Cup results as Team USA score another win, thrilling fans and securing their spot in the upcoming knockout stage.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was unbelievable. They look -- they're looking so good. Man, they came out great today. They hit it, and Australia didn't know what had it coming.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm starting to believe. I think we're pretty dominant. I think we're dangerous.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think they have a really good chance of winning this whole thing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The whole thing?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The whole thing. Quarter finals for sure.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Then we'll see.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I got to stay all the way.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: USA, all the way, red, white, and blue, you know what I'm saying. No matter what, let's go.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: OK, those fans are dreaming big after Team USA continued their impressive World Cup run, beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle. The Americans scored twice in the first half and never looked back, and neither did their fans, as you can hear, maintaining control of the pitch, despite Australia's best efforts. Now the U.S. has now secured their spot in the upcoming knockout round.

In other action, Mexico beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston after securing their goal within the first two minutes of play. Brazil captured their first win of the tournament, beating Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia. Now, despite an admirable effort from Haiti in the second half.

And Turkey facing off right now against Paraguay in San Francisco, we'll have those results as soon as they are in. For some expert insight into these games, I want to bring in Max Bretos. He's a Play- by-Play Announcer for Major League Soccer; that's MLS to the rest of us on Apple TV. Max, good for you to join us.

I mean, look, OK, let's get to what happened on the pitch first, because then I have to get to the fans. USA dominant, what did you think?

MAX BRETOS, PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER, MLS ON APPLE TV: Not dominant, but all business, as they. And by the way, the fans let them get carried away. We can talk about winning the World Cup a little further down the road. We can't do it now. This wasn't dominant, but this was taking care of business.

Australia is a difficult opponent. You're not going to face teams like this that are physical and negative on the football field, but they answered the bell. And at the beginning of the tournament, I said they were going to beat Paraguay, and they were going to beat Australia, but I didn't really mean it, I didn't think it was going to actually happen.

But here we are, two wins out of two, the U.S. have never done that. And it doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to be beautiful, and the Jogo Benito, you just got to get results, that's the business of the World Cup.

NEWTON: And they are definitely getting those results. And as we saw, they're getting the fans engaged in terms of some of the other matchups we've seen in the last day or so. Any surprises from you? I mean, people that -- I mean teams that -- we were just talking about, Brazil, for instance, that really was lackluster in their first match. What did you just think of them now.

BRETOS: Well, just with the U.S., I think they've been consistent with regards to their games, which is a really good sign. Brazil in their game, you know, they're such a big draw, and we saw this game in Philadelphia, the fans had packed it, and it's not just Brazilian fans from Brazil or America, it's Americans who love being part of the Brazil culture, so they show up, and that's very powerful. So, Brazil, a work in progress. I love what Haiti have been able to

do. They have one more game, they're going to go home, but this is a historic tournament for them. And they were very positive in the way they played. Losing only by three goals and creating chances is a very good step.

And I look forward to more Haitian success in this sport in World Cups to come. But Brazil, I think it's one of those things, wait and call, they made some good adjustments.

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They have to play better opponents, but let's see how they do in their third, fourth, fifth game, if they get one. But again, Brazil still have a lot of questions to answer.

NEWTON: All right, in the stadiums, off the pitch, in the bars, in the restaurants, on the sidewalks, these fans are vibing in three countries and from coast to coast in the United States. I mean, teams, even like Norway, we saw the Dutch having a good time, of course, the Tartan Army in Boston.

Now by the way, headed to Miami. Miami watch out. Were you expecting this, Max? I think it took a lot of us by surprise, but also so many of us are really enjoying it. It's really what this continent -- I'll speak for this continent. What this continent needed, just to kind of everyone embrace this beautiful game.

BRETOS: Paula, I hope you're getting out to some watch parties, so you can enjoy it firsthand. So, I'm holding you to it. And just a little advice for the Scottish fans who are heading down to Miami SPF 50: make sure you cover up, because it's going to be important.

So, we didn't expect it, and to be honest, there was a lot of news, and I kind of bought into it, and I didn't feel the fanfare of fans that were coming in. And I thought it would be a little less than usual, because the ticket prices, it is expensive, everything is expensive, but this is the thing about the World Cup: either people have the money to do it, or they live beyond their means, because this is a once in a lifetime experience.

So, I can understand somebody taking their kid and getting on a plane and going to a game and saying this is, we'll remember this, because you know what? They will. So, these Scottish fans, and I'm so thrilled that you mentioned the Norwegian fans, because I think they're one peg below.

They have really taken the country by storm. And Americans are seeing this, and it's a big mystery. What's going on? And they want to be part of it. And I think it's bringing the best out of Americans too, because we're all here for sport, and this is just a beautiful practice, right?

To see us all come together and just forget about politics, forget about what's going on in our home life, just watch a game, talk to our neighbor, talk to our family, and just watch a copious amount of games. I don't know, I'm going to hold up. This is just the first, the eighth day of this World Cup. We have like 32 to go. I don't know if I'm going to make it, but I'm going to try.

NEWTON: Max, pace yourself OK. You just gave the Scottish fans, you know, the advice about SPF 50. I'll tell you what I tell my husband: pace yourself, for goodness' sake. All right, eat, drink, stay hydrated --

BRETOS: Cover up.

NEWTON: Cover -- stay hydrated, because you know what I'm telling you, Max? Guess what? The World Cup withdrawal is real OK. It is real. We're having a good time, embrace it. And I agree with you, Max, we are loving it. But yeah, let's just take it all in and pace ourselves. All right, you got a deal.

BRETOS: Miss a game from time to time if you have to, there'll be another one right behind it. 30 more days, do what you got to do. Get your sunscreen, don't overdo it. Watch the games. And Paula, get out to a watch party.

NEWTON: I've already been, I have already been. Thank you very much. Going again, I've already -- yeah, I'm telling you. Max Bretos, thanks so much for joining us as we continue to follow this beautiful game. Love it. Thanks so much.

BRETOS: Thanks, Paula.

NEWTON: All right. Ranch dressing, I know you have thoughts. It's having a moment as some World Cup fans visiting the U.S. are discovering the versatile salad and food topping for the first time. Now Kraft Foods is planning to sell a ranch travel kit, so fans can taste the zesty, creamy condiment at home. It includes small packets and a clear bag that meets U.S. airport travel rules.

Of course, posts by international fans of ranch have gone viral. One on X said, why didn't, no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? Europe, we need ranch ASAP. Apparently, Kraft is going to make sure it gets there. OK, the very expensive facelift of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is going to cost even more. Just ahead, we'll update the algae bloom and the peeling blue mess that has turned the pool into a swamp.

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NEWTON: Welcome back to "The Story Is". I'm Paul Newton. We want to take a look at our top stories. We're learning that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is going to Switzerland, hoping to kick off the next round of peace talks with Iran.

President Trump's Son-in-Law, Jared Kushner, is also expected to attend. That's according to a U.S. official. It comes as Israel and Hezbollah renew their cease fire after the conflict in Lebanon jeopardized U.S.-Iran negotiations. A newly released image of the National Mall shows the numbers 86, 47

standing out more clearly than ever. The U.S. Interior Department attempted to cover up the numbers when the grass etching was discovered more than a week ago, but the markings now appear even more visible. CNN has reached out to the Trump Administration for comment.

A massive fire at a hotel in the Dominican Republic has left an Italian woman dead. Nearly 1700 tourists had to be evacuated. In the fire broke out Friday three people were hospitalized, and six others were treated on site. Officials say the flames spread rapidly because of the hotel's straw roof. The cause is under investigation.

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The Obama Presidential Center has opened to the public nearly 10 years after the Former President left office. Some visitors posed for photos with a sculpture of the 44th President and his wife Michelle Obama. Others describe the day as historic, joyful, and deeply personal, as it opened on Juneteenth, which is also called African American Freedom Day.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEBORAH LOVE, CHICAGO RESIDENT: In the museum on the wall is a yes, we can, because he was not always about I. He wanted all of us. So, I kind of like that resonated with me. Yes, we can. You can, you can and you can. Yes, we can.

LEVIDA HARDY, CHICAGO RESIDENT: I love the Obamas, and I'm also from Chicago, and I'm also from the South side of Chicago. So, there's that -- there's that real, real deep, deep connection, and I'm just so proud, I'm just so proud. So, we went inside. When I heard his voice, it just -- it was just resonating to me, almost like tears, you know?

Like, oh my God, the voice, you know, the -- because when he speaks, he speaks with so much love and care and concern. And his words are real, not somebody just reading his script. And so that's what it meant to me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: The center was designed to permanently secure the legacy of Former President Barack Obama's two terms in the White House. The sprawling museum and civic center complex includes a performing arts hall, library, and athletic center.

Instead of draining the swamp in Washington, DC President Trump seems to have created one. First, the newly renovated Reflecting Pool National Mall turned green after algae took over. Then workers poured hydrogen peroxide in to kill the algae, but now the blue material used to repaint the pool seems to be peeling away.

President Trump posted on Truth Social that he believes the problems come from vandalism. He also said the algae is nearly gone. He believes the issues will be fixed early next week. CNN's Tom Foreman has this update. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For a couple of protesters and a chorus of the curious, the reflecting pool glistening green is DC's hottest new tourist distraction.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a total waste of tax dollars.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It looks pretty gross.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yeah, it's terrible.

FOREMAN (voice-over): The most recent issue, portions of what appear to be that brand new blue liner coming apart.

FOREMAN: This is what we're talking about, and I'll try not to disturb anything, but just show you pieces like this flapping up from the bottom, where some tourists are even coming along and tearing them away as souvenirs.

FOREMAN (voice-over): It was supposed to be memorable in a different way when the White House fast-tracked the renovation through a no-bid contract for $14 million 7 times the cost originally pitched. President Trump insisted it would be better than anything any previous president had tried.

Leaving the pool clean, pristine, and with a fresh new paint job just right for the nation's 250th birthday.

TRUMP: It will be blue water, dark blue, we call it American flag blue, because that's the name of the color that we chose, American flag blue. Can't do better than that.

FOREMAN (voice-over): But the algae came on so fast and furious, just as it had for years, and just as outside experts said it likely would. That official claims the water is now crystal clear seem laughably false.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All I see is green, so.

FOREMAN: No blue?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No blue. There's nothing, just bright green.

FOREMAN (voice-over): The company that installed a new liner says it had nothing to do with the water, but amid claims that the liner may be failing in places, added there's several things that we've got to address when we come back for maintenance. And anything like that will be addressed if it's a problem.

For now, pumps are working around the clock to push oxygen into the water in hopes of preventing even more algae growth. And dozens of workers are vacuuming up the green goo dawn to ducks.

FOREMAN: The thing is, algae comes in microscopic spores that can live in water that otherwise looks clean, and that means that even as these workers are clearing out the old algae bloom, a new one could be coming right behind it. Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: Sunday marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but summer heat is already broiling parts of Europe. We'll have those details ahead.

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NEWTON: Europe is bracing for a scorching weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach or break records in some parts of the continent. CNN's Derek Van Dam has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why do people seem to be so buzzed about sporting events at the moment?

DEREK VAN DAM, CNN METEOROLOGIST (voice-over): Umbrellas, sunscreen, cold drinks, all travel essentials for tourists visiting Europe right now. In Florence, forecasters say temperatures are expected to reach nearly 40 degrees celsius or 104 degrees fahrenheit throughout the weekend, brutal conditions for sightseeing.

[00:45:00]

Some shops misting the streets for a bit of relief, but it's hard to avoid the heat when waiting in line for an attraction or exploring the streets of a famed city.

RADHIKA IYER, TOURIST: It's quite insufferable, and we know heat. We come from India. It's getting hotter over there as well. And I did not expect it to be so hot so soon in Italy.

DAM (voice-over): Italy's Ministry of Health has issued a red alert for Florence and other parts of the country this weekend, a warning not just for vulnerable people but for everyone to take precautions in the heat.

CATHY BALLARD, TOURIST: Well, we have a 11.5-month-old, and it's very difficult. We have to keep him shaded at all times, keep him cool. We have a wet rag on him, and we try to seek shelter when we can.

DAM (voice-over): The scorching temperatures are radiating throughout Europe and reaching peak levels just as summer solstice occurs on Sunday. That's the astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But this is already the second round of extreme heat in Europe this year.

A previous heat wave in May shattered records across the continent for high temperatures so early in the calendar. Forecasters in France say this weekend will be brutal in many parts of the country, and Monday could be even worse, with a chance the average temperature could make it to the hottest day ever recorded in France for any month. The UK is warning of extreme heat in Southern England and Wales that

develops over the weekend and intensifies at the start of the week. Last month, there were water shortages in parts of the UK because of high demand in the heat. The extreme conditions are a damper for many visitors and potentially dangerous, but at least one tourist says for now he's trying to make the best of it.

SIGURD IOVVIK, TOURIST: It's very warm. But being from Norway, being used to winter and snow, this is for me. I have to say, I enjoy it. I can't lie. So, the sun is very nice, but as mentioned, the heat is sometimes a bit too much.

DAM (voice-over): CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam, Atlanta.

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NEWTON: The World Cup group stage forges ahead on Saturday as teams look to strengthen their position in the tournament and secure every point they can. The Netherlands will take on Sweden in Houston, Texas. Germany will face the Ivory Coast in Toronto, and Ecuador will play Curacao in Kansas City, Missouri. Both those teams looking to secure their first points in the tournament.

Now, in a time dominated by news of political instability and global conflict, sports seem more popular than ever. We were just having that conversation with events like the World Cup uniting cultures and communities from all over the world. CNN Producer Antoinette Radford explores how sports transcend division during difficult times.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANTOINETTE RADFORD, CNN PRODUCER (voice-over): Why do people seem to be so buzzed about sporting events at the moment? From the Knicks win last weekend to the Arsenal win a few weeks back, and now with fans supporting their teams at the World Cup from their home countries and abroad.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Static, amazing. Yes, sir. Did you watch the game? How do you feel? Because if you feel the way anywhere, we feel, it's amazing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is so ironic to have the World Cup here in my hometown of Los Angeles.

RADFORD (voice-over): Why have these events captured the world's attention this summer? To find out, I spoke to Billy Graeff, who's on the Executive Committee of the UNESCO Chair on Sport for Development Peace and the Environment.

BILLY GRAEFF, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE UNESCO CHAIR ON SDPE: So, since we started walking in two legs, we found ways to play together. And I guess because we are living in these so difficult times as well, maybe people find time to celebrate doing these games. Whether they are far away from home, and people gather to watch it, or some people have the luck to travel places. RADFORD: Do you think for people who are less involved than seeing

these big events, does it build a sort of community that people can unite around?

GRAEFF: Yes, that's something very specific to sports as well. Communities are built around and within sports practices, sports clubs, and then again cities, regions, countries, nations. So, I guess it's not surprising. It's not surprising. It has been happening for a long time now.

RADFORD (voice-over): Despite this, this year's World Cup, in particular, hasn't been without its controversies.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When the World Cup is here in the U.S., the team from Iran will be playing in the games?

[00:50:00]

TRUMP: Well, if Johnny said it, I'm OK. Did Johnny say it? That's a piece of work.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What if they win?

TRUMP: Well, they wouldn't have to worry about that. That's not -- I'm going to have to worry about that one, you know. What, let them play well.

RADFORD (voice-over): A Somali referee was denied entry to the United States last week, and Iranian players have to leave the U.S. after their games to reside in Mexico due to visa issues. While the Trump Administration has defended its border controls and a sweeping travel ban for 39 countries.

GRAEFF: My personal opinion is that the games should be very open to everyone. It is a time in which we should be thinking about union instead of increasing borders, border control. But on the other hand, it is not surprising that we are having that at this moment.

RADFORD: We're seeing this year that ticket prices are sky high for people who are already facing barriers to get to the events to be able to see it. How do you think people can overcome that and find a way to still unite over these games? Or do you think that once that first ball was kicked last Thursday, that that's all gone by the wayside and people are just focusing on the games?

GRAEFF: That's the problem with the carnival. Yeah, the carnival moves on. So next time it's going to be a different government, a different place. And when we learn about it, it's almost impossible to change it already.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: Artificial intelligence, but a very real breakthrough. We speak with the Director of Dream of Violets, the AI-generated film making history at Tribeca.

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[00:55:00]

NEWTON: Now we began this hour with the war in Iran, and now we end with a film that is aiming to serve as a memorial to Iranian history over the past few decades.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: "Dreams of Violets" tells the story of civilian resistance to Iran's regime. The film made history as the first live-action movie created by artificial intelligence to be accepted into a major film festival, the Tribeca Festival in New York. Director Ash Koosha told me why the use of AI was essential to bringing this story to life.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: You couldn't make this film inside of Iran. You couldn't physically go there, and I'd venture a guess that you know those in Iran would like to persecute you again just for making this film with AI. So, how much of a substitute do you believe this is for that kind of a work?

And you know as well as I do, I'm sure you've studied it more than I have, in terms of how powerful a documentary can be, or even a work of nonfiction?

ASH KOOSHA, DIRECTOR, "DREAMS OF VIOLETS": Yeah. Look, this is a new technology, and I think for the last 10 years it's been growing. But now we're talking about it because it's so powerful. And when I had to tell the story in January, I looked at the events and it really upset me as a person, right?

So, now I looked at the tool and I'm thinking there's no way I am going to compile all of these images and videos coming out of Iran, and I wouldn't be able to just make a film about it. But then I looked at the technology and having experience in the field in AI for the last 10 years, I thought that I would give it a shot at the beginning, and obviously human authorship and human creative forces behind this.

There's no way you're going to press a button and AI is going to give you a docudrama about Iran, right? So, this is lived experience versus technical experience versus just like giving it a shot, right? And I think we're at that moment in the world where we're going to give it a shot with stories that we're not allowed to tell, and we're not going to get green light to tell these stories.

And there are many stories, even if it's fiction, there are many stories that I think, using these new technologies, we're going to find ways to tell them.

(END VIDEO CLIP) NEWTON: Koosha says the film costs just $2,000 to make. Now it's been a busy year for Actress Anne Hathaway. She's appeared in "The Devil Wears Prada Two", "Mother Mary", and "The Odyssey", set for release soon. She's about to get even busier. The 43-year-old announced Friday on social media that she and her husband Adam Schulman are expecting their third child.

Hathaway revealed her baby bump you sit there in the video set to the song "Baby I'm yours". They already have two sons, aged ten and six, and yes, they will be busy. I want to thank you for watching. I'm Paula Newton in New York. Stay with us. The next hour of "The Story Is" begins right now.