Police departments are offering big raises. Does it work? Police officers in many U.S. cities have recently gotten large pay boosts. Departments are offering these raises to combat understaffing, but some say the money won’t help. Read more on NPR

The musical moments (so far) during the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris The rainy opening ceremony featured a Parisian performance from Lady Gaga, a heavy metal moment with a headless Marie Antoinette and a golden performance from one of France’s most popular performers. Read more on NPR

Paris prepares for the Olympic opening ceremony on the River Seine The amphibious ceremony starts with a float parade on the Seine. The open-air venue has invited serious security concerns. Read more on NPR

A pollster sheds light on Palestinian attitudes toward the U.S., Israel and Hamas For three decades, Khalil Shikaki has provided insights into Palestinian public opinion. The most recent poll showed a rise in Hamas popularity, though a majority of respondents don’t support Hamas. Read more on NPR

What to know about Venezuela’s election, as Maduro faces stiff opposition Venezuela is holding a presidential election on Sunday that could bring dramatic change to the nation, if the opposition candidate can really knock out longtime President Nicolás Maduro. Read more on NPR

Flavor Flav hits Paris to boost his new passion: women’s water polo Flavor Flav, co-founder of Public Enemy, has been embraced by Team USA’s women’s water polo team as “our hype man.” In Paris he plans to cheer the team on to a fourth gold medal Read more on NPR

Harris says she ‘will not be silent’ about humanitarian toll in Gaza In her remarks, which came after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris also said she held an “unwavering commitment to Israel.” Read more on NPR