Last night’s Republican National Convention brought more speeches from Trump’s employees and family members, including First Lady Melania Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The topic of “school choice” has been referenced often during the RNC—that’s part of a major push from Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to privatize education. 

In Portsmouth, Virginia, Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke has been charged with a misdemeanor for calling for the resignation of the city’s police chief. She’s not alone. We discuss how the legal system in Virginia and elsewhere is being used against activists and elected officials, who are mostly Black, to suppress political speech. 

Mass Defense Fund: www.nlg.org/massdefenseprogram/ 

And in headlines: updates on Jacob Blake, California farmworkers face grueling work conditions made worse by extreme weather, and the Whitney Museum does fake activism.

Protestors gathered for a second night in Kenosha, Wisconsin following the police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, who is reportedly still in intensive care. The three cops that participated in Blake’s shooting have been put on administrative leave, and a state investigation is ongoing. 

Milwaukee Freedom Fund: https://bit.ly/mkefreedomfund

The Republican Party officially renominated Trump and Pence on the first day of the RNC. The night’s offerings included speeches given live from the same podium in Washington, DC, Kimberly Guilfoyle projecting her voice, and a version of America where the pandemic is basically solved. 

And in headlines: it’s been 15 years since Hurricane Katrina, Zoom problems on the first day of school, and Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns over a sex scandal.

The Republican National Convention begins tonight, predominantly featuring speakers who are Trump’s employees or blood relatives. This weekend, Trump announced that the FDA granted emergency use authorization to a blood plasma treatment for COVID-19… we discuss what that means. 

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified to the Senate on Friday in his first appearance since the abrupt changes to USPS's operations. On Saturday, the House passed a bill that would give the postal service emergency funding. DeJoy is set to testify to the House today. 

And in headlines: police shootings in Louisiana and Wisconsin, California wildfires continue with less prison labor than normal, and Tennessee’s governor makes some forms of protest a felony.

Last night was the final night of the DNC, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, former 2020 presidential candidates, and most notably, Joe Biden’s acceptance speech. In a stark contrast to his campaign thus far, Biden barely mentioned Trump by name, talking instead about the enormity of the situation America faces. 

The state of Michigan announced a $600 million fund to compensate Flint residents who were harmed by lead-tainted drinking water. This fund comes after years of litigation and more than 18 months of negotiation. 

And in headlines: 1.1 million people filed for unemployment this week, a former USPS Board of Governors member reveals how Louis DeJoy got his Louis DeJob, and boat-man Steve Bannon gets arrested.

Last night was the third night of the Democratic National Convention, featuring marquee speeches from VP pick Senator Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama. Overall, programming was more focused on issues, with segments on immigration, climate change, gun violence, and more. 

New coronavirus antibody data from nearly a million and a half people in New York City showed an infection rate of 27 percent, ranging significantly depending on neighborhood.

And in headlines: a Native American man faces federal execution despite tribal objections, Apple is worth 2 trillion, and Germany will introduce a dog-walking law.

Last night was the second night of the DNC, featuring beautiful shots of delegates across our gorgeous country, as well as speeches from AOC, activist Ady Barkan, and Dr. Jill Biden. We talk to Crooked’s own Jon Favreau about speech writing for the first digital DNC. 

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said yesterday that he would suspend cost-cutting changes at the USPS, but it’s unclear whether the postal service will reverse changes made this year that are leading to delays. House Democrats still plan to vote on legislation that would outlaw changes to the USPS and provide emergency funding. 

And in headlines: the president of Mali announces his resignation, Uber and Lyft may suspend operations in California, and Trump pardons Susan B. Anthony.