1. NICKI MINAJ BACKS OUT OF SAUDI ARABIA CONCERT: Rapper Nicki Minaj will no longer perform at a concert in Saudi Arabia, saying she wants to support women’s rights, gay rights, and the freedom of expression. Minaj was slated to perform at the Jeddah World Fest on July 18. Associated Press: “Jeddah World Fest, which in line with Saudi laws is alcohol and drug-free, is open to people 16 and older and will take place at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in the Red Sea city. Other performers include former One Direction member Liam Payne and DJ-producer Steve Aoki. The Human Rights Foundation issued a statement last week, calling for Minaj and other performers to pull out of the show. On Tuesday, the New York-based organization praised Minaj’s decision to not perform at the concert.”
2. HOUSTON WILL HOST THIRD DEMOCRATIC DEBATE: Houston will host the third democratic debate, which will air September 12 and 13 at ABC and Univision. The debate is expected to contain a smaller group of candidates, compared to 20 candidates who participated in the first debate in Miami. The New York Times: “Like Miami, which hosted the Democrats’ first debate in June, Houston was among the final group of cities considered to host next year’s Democratic convention. (Milwaukee eventually took the prize.) The choice of Texas could also be seen as a statement of intent by the party to be competitive in a state that has not been won by a Democratic presidential candidate since 1976.”
3. INSIDE EQUINOX’S NEW YORK HOTEL: Equinox will open its first hotel in New York’s Hudson Yards in the end of July. Aiming to reach wellness-minded travelers, the 212-room flagship hotel has a 60,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Club, which is the brand’s largest so far. Travel and Leisure: “Hotel guests, who become members during their stay (if they aren’t members already), can access personal training services, group fitness classes, private Pilates, a 25-yard indoor salt water pool, and hot and cold plunge pools. An integrated digital platform allows for easy bookings and also gives club members access to their current workout routines at other Equinox Clubs. … Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr heads the hotel’s food and beverage components. An 8,000-square-foot outdoor terrace on the 24th floor is home to the restaurant and social hub, Electric Lemon. Another culinary concept is slated for the club with balanced offerings designed to ‘feed every need.’”