As the Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago, the focus is on introducing Kamala Harris to the American public, just 11 weeks before Election Day. Amid efforts to highlight her biography, President Joe Biden will deliver a speech that now centers on his vice president’s candidacy. Progressives are shifting to a more pragmatic policy agenda in preparation for a potential Harris presidency. Chicago is bracing for potential protests outside the convention, with concerns about confrontations with police.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to the Middle East to negotiate a cease-fire deal as Israel strikes Gaza. Talks have been ongoing for months, with cautious optimism expressed by American and Israeli officials, despite Hamas signaling resistance. Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, while Palestinians in the West Bank fear increased efforts to “colonize” their territory. Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as negotiations continue.
Tropical Storm Ernesto has been downgraded to a hurricane after impacting Bermuda and is forecasted to strengthen again as it moves towards Canada’s Newfoundland. Thousands in Bermuda lost power, with dangerous beach conditions expected along the East Coast and Atlantic Canada. The storm is expected to become post-tropical near Newfoundland by Monday night or Tuesday morning.
Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by investigators, is accused of supplying drugs that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. She faces federal charges related to drug trafficking and could potentially receive a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Sangha had been selling drugs since at least 2019 and had created a stash house in her home. She was arrested in a separate drug case prior to being charged in Perry’s death.
South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham suggested that former President Donald Trump may need to focus on policy over showmanship to win the upcoming election. Graham encouraged Republicans giving advice on TV to come together and campaign for Trump. In other political news, former GOP Rep. George Santos is expected to plead guilty to campaign finance fraud charges, and both Trump and Harris are addressing housing shortages in their campaigns.
Seismologists are learning to identify warning signs of major earthquakes, such as the recent “megaquake” warning in Japan. Researchers are honing in on triggers and precursors of earthquakes in high-risk regions, but the science is still evolving. Meanwhile, a fictional restaurant called Bistro Huddy has gained immense popularity on TikTok, allowing its creator to quit their job and focus on the online brand full time. The restaurant’s videos focus on working in a restaurant and have amassed millions of followers.
