NPR News: 07-18-2024 10AM EDT
Digest
The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee concluded with Donald Trump accepting the GOP presidential nomination. The convention's theme was unity, but it remains unclear if Trump will continue that theme in his speech. Trump has said he reworked his speech after the assassination attempt on him last weekend. Senator Ron Johnson, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, received an unclassified briefing on Wednesday and learned that the Secret Service was aware of a possible threat one hour before the attempt. Johnson expressed a lack of confidence in Secret Service director Kimberly Cheely and believes she should be replaced. Meanwhile, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 after feeling unwell while campaigning in Las Vegas. He has returned to his home in Delaware to recuperate, while Vice President Harris will be campaigning in Fayetteville, North Carolina. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average rose more than 110 points in early trading after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to start cutting interest rates in September. United Airlines saw second-quarter profits jump 23 percent, but the current quarter is not looking as strong due to airlines adding too many flights and pushing down ticket prices. The mission of a floating pier off Gaza built by the U.S. to deliver aid to Palestinians is ending. The pier faced challenges, including high seas, but was able to deliver aid for roughly 20 days. Bernice Johnson-Rigan, a songleader and civil rights activist, has died at the age of 81. She founded the acclaimed Acapela Group, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and co-founded the activist Freedom Singers. Starting this fall, students in Michigan will be able to attend community college for free. The proposal, urged by Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, will only cover tuition for community colleges in the districts where eligible Michigan high school student graduates live.
Outlines
Republican National Convention Concludes
This Chapter discusses the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Donald Trump accepted the GOP presidential nomination. The convention's theme was unity, but it remains unclear if Trump will continue that theme in his speech. Trump has said he reworked his speech after the assassination attempt on him last weekend.
Secret Service Concerns
This Chapter focuses on Senator Ron Johnson's concerns about the Secret Service's handling of a potential assassination attempt on Trump. Johnson, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, received an unclassified briefing on Wednesday and learned that the Secret Service was aware of a possible threat one hour before the attempt. Johnson expressed a lack of confidence in Secret Service director Kimberly Cheely and believes she should be replaced.
President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19
This Chapter reports that President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 after feeling unwell while campaigning in Las Vegas. He has returned to his home in Delaware to recuperate, while Vice President Harris will be campaigning in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Economic News
This Chapter covers various economic news, including the European Central Bank holding interest rates steady, the Dow Jones industrial average rising more than 110 points in early trading, and the Federal Reserve's expected interest rate cuts in September. It also discusses United Airlines' second-quarter profits and the impact of increased flights on ticket prices.
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 one of the major events in the American political calendar, attracting significant media attention and public interest.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is a controversial figure known for his outspoken views, business ventures, and reality television appearances. Trump's presidency was marked by significant political and social divisions, as well as a number of policy changes, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a hard-line approach to immigration.
Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President of the United States, the Vice President, their families, and other high-ranking government officials. The Secret Service also investigates financial crimes, such as counterfeiting and identity theft. The agency has a long history dating back to the 19th century and has played a significant role in protecting the nation's leaders and combating financial crime.
COVID-19
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has since spread globally, causing a pandemic. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the virus can be particularly dangerous for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. The pandemic has had a significant impact on global health, economies, and societies.
European Central Bank
The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the eurozone, the group of European countries that use the euro as their currency. The ECB is responsible for setting monetary policy for the eurozone, including setting interest rates and managing the euro's exchange rate. The ECB also plays a role in supervising the eurozone's financial system and ensuring the stability of the euro.
Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve, also known as the Fed, is the central bank of the United States. The Fed is responsible for setting monetary policy, regulating banks, and providing financial services to the government. The Fed's actions have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, including interest rates, inflation, and employment.
United Airlines
United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, operating a global network of flights. The airline is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and is a major player in the U.S. aviation industry. United Airlines has been affected by various factors in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, competition from other airlines, and rising fuel costs.
Bernice Johnson-Rigan
Bernice Johnson-Rigan was an American songleader, civil rights activist, and founder of the acclaimed a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. She was known for her powerful voice, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to bring people together through music. Johnson-Rigan's work had a significant impact on the civil rights movement and the world of music.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Sweet Honey in the Rock is an American a cappella group known for its powerful and moving performances of traditional African-American spirituals, folk songs, and original compositions. The group has been active for over 40 years and has toured extensively, performing for audiences around the world. Sweet Honey in the Rock is known for its strong social and political messages, and its music has been used to raise awareness about issues such as racism, poverty, and gender equality.
Q&A
What was the theme of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee?
The theme of the convention was unity.
What did Donald Trump say about his speech after the assassination attempt?
Trump said he reworked his speech after the assassination attempt and that it would be more introspective and inclusive.
What concerns did Senator Ron Johnson express about the Secret Service?
Johnson expressed concerns about the Secret Service's handling of a potential assassination attempt on Trump, stating that he lost confidence in Secret Service director Kimberly Cheely and believes she should be replaced.
What happened to President Biden while campaigning in Las Vegas?
Biden reported feeling unwell and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
What did the European Central Bank decide regarding interest rates?
The European Central Bank decided to hold interest rates steady, waiting to see if inflation is under control.
What is the Federal Reserve expected to do regarding interest rates?
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to start cutting interest rates in September.
How did United Airlines' second-quarter profits perform?
United Airlines' second-quarter profits jumped 23 percent.
What is the outlook for United Airlines' current quarter?
The current quarter is not looking as strong due to airlines adding too many flights and pushing down ticket prices.
Who is Bernice Johnson-Rigan?
Bernice Johnson-Rigan was an American songleader, civil rights activist, and founder of the acclaimed a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock.
What is the new policy regarding community college tuition in Michigan?
Starting this fall, students in Michigan will be able to attend community college for free, covering tuition for community colleges in the districts where eligible Michigan high school student graduates live.
Show Notes
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