NPR News: 07-17-2024 1PM EDT
Digest
The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is in its third day, with the agenda focused on national security, immigration, and foreign policy. Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a prime-time address. The convention will highlight the party's stance on security and safety both domestically and internationally. There is a split among conservatives regarding continued foreign aid to Ukraine, but less division on supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Speakers are expected to criticize President Biden's handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, Iran has denied any involvement in an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, calling the accusations politically motivated. Tehran is also pursuing legal action against Trump for the killing of Iranian general Qasim Soleimani in 2020. The health ministry in Italy has issued severe heat warnings for several cities due to hot air from North Africa, urging residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The Italian civil protection agency is responding to wildfires in the south. In financial news, the Nasdaq is down sharply, while the Dow is up slightly. A new study published in Nature reveals how the psychedelic drug psilocybin alters brain connections, potentially explaining its therapeutic effects for addiction and depression. The Emmy nominations are out, with the drama series "Succession" leading with 25 nominations. The comedy series "The Bear" received a record-breaking 23 nominations. The final season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" was nominated four times, including a nomination for Larry David for Lead Actor. The Emmy Awards will be held on September 15.
Outlines
Republican National Convention Day Three
This Chapter covers the third day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, focusing on national security, immigration, and foreign policy. Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a prime-time address. The convention will highlight the party's stance on security and safety both domestically and internationally. There is a split among conservatives regarding continued foreign aid to Ukraine, but less division on supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Speakers are expected to criticize President Biden's handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Iran Denies Involvement in Trump Assassination Attempt
This Chapter reports on Iran's denial of any involvement in an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Tehran calls the accusations politically motivated and is pursuing legal action against Trump for the killing of Iranian general Qasim Soleimani in 2020.
Heatwave in Italy
This Chapter reports on a heatwave affecting Italy, with severe heat warnings issued for several cities. The hot air from North Africa is causing a spike in temperatures, and the health ministry is urging residents to stay indoors during the hottest periods. The Italian civil protection agency is responding to wildfires in the south.
Psilocybin's Impact on Brain Connections
This Chapter discusses a new study published in Nature that reveals how the psychedelic drug psilocybin alters brain connections, potentially explaining its therapeutic effects for addiction and depression.
Keywords
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the United States Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It is a major event in American politics, attracting national attention and media coverage. The convention typically involves speeches, debates, and platform discussions, culminating in the official nomination of the party's candidates.
JD Vance
JD Vance is an American author, venture capitalist, and politician. He is the Republican nominee for Vice President in the 2024 election. Vance is known for his book "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," which explored the social and economic challenges faced by working-class white Americans in Appalachia. He has also been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party and its policies.
Iran
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is a major player in the Middle East, with a rich history and culture. Iran has been involved in numerous conflicts and diplomatic disputes, including the Iran-Iraq War, the nuclear program controversy, and the ongoing tensions with the United States. The country is known for its oil reserves and its influential role in regional politics.
Qasim Soleimani
Qasim Soleimani was a prominent Iranian military commander and the head of the Quds Force, an elite unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was known for his role in Iran's military operations in the Middle East, including the Syrian Civil War and the fight against ISIS. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, an event that escalated tensions between Iran and the United States.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." It is a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. However, recent research has shown potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Psilocybin is believed to work by altering brain activity and promoting neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt.
Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards, commonly known as the Emmys, are annual awards presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) to recognize excellence in American primetime television programming. The awards ceremony is one of the most prestigious events in the television industry, honoring outstanding achievements in acting, writing, directing, producing, and other categories. The Emmys are considered the highest honor in television, and winning an Emmy is a significant achievement for any television professional.
Succession
Succession is an American satirical black comedy-drama television series created by Jesse Armstrong. The show follows the Roy family, owners of Waystar RoyCo, a global media and entertainment conglomerate, as they fight for control of the company. Succession has been critically acclaimed for its sharp writing, complex characters, and exploration of power dynamics within a wealthy family. It has won numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.
The Bear
The Bear is an American comedy-drama television series created by Christopher Storer. The show follows Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a young chef who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after his brother's suicide. The Bear has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the restaurant industry, its compelling characters, and its fast-paced and intense storytelling. It has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a record-breaking 23 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm is an American comedy television series created by and starring Larry David. The show follows David as a semi-fictionalized version of himself, navigating the absurdities of everyday life with his signature brand of cynical humor. Curb Your Enthusiasm has been praised for its improvisational style, its sharp writing, and its ability to find humor in the mundane. It has won numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Q&A
What are the key topics being discussed at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee?
The third day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is focusing on national security, immigration, and foreign policy. Speakers are expected to address issues such as continued foreign aid to Ukraine, support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, and criticism of President Biden's handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.
What is Iran's response to accusations of involvement in an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump?
Iran has strongly denied any involvement in the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, calling the accusations politically motivated. Tehran is also pursuing legal action against Trump for the killing of Iranian general Qasim Soleimani in 2020.
What is the current situation with the heatwave in Italy?
Italy is experiencing a heatwave, with severe heat warnings issued for several cities. The hot air from North Africa is causing a spike in temperatures, and the health ministry is urging residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and stay indoors during the hottest periods. The Italian civil protection agency is responding to wildfires in the south.
How does the psychedelic drug psilocybin affect brain connections?
A new study published in Nature reveals that psilocybin alters brain connections, causing populations of neurons that are normally in synchrony to become out of synchrony. This change is most pronounced in the brain network responsible for a person's sense of space, time, and self, and the effects can last for several weeks. This suggests that psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt, potentially explaining its therapeutic effects for conditions like addiction and depression.
Which television shows received the most Emmy nominations this year?
The drama series "Succession" received 25 Emmy nominations, while the comedy series "The Bear" received a record-breaking 23 nominations.
Show Notes
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