Intelligencer – New York Magazine

The Disappearing National Political Convention

Whether they are gone for good or make a comeback down the road, the old-school national political conventions are over for now.

5:34 p.m.

That stimulus bill still isn’t happening yet

Meadows: “There’s no agreement. We’re done for the day.”

—@ChadPergram

Most Popular

4:41 p.m.

lebanon

Hundreds of Thousands Displaced By Beirut Explosion

By Adam K. Raymond and Matt Stieb

Prime Minister Diab announced an investigation into the blast that killed at least 135, which appeared to be caused by a store of ammonium nitrate.

3:39 p.m.

Would Biden Contest a Trump Electoral College Win?

While there’s abundant evidence Trump is willing to contest an adverse election result, it’s unlikely Joe Biden would trigger a constitutional crisis.

2:04 p.m.

protests

Portland’s Bigger Policing Problem Was Always Local

By Zak Cheney-Rice

Trump’s agents may leave Portland. Police brutality won’t.

1:26 p.m.

2020 census

Congressional Democrats Need to Stop the Census Power Grab

The Trump administration claims there isn’t enough time to count everybody. Democrats should insist that Congress give it to them.

1:12 p.m.

The country is in a healthy place

Fauci tells Sanjay on @CNN that he is receiving death threats and that people are harassing his family.

—@Acosta

11:37 a.m.

The Democratic convention gets ever less convention-like

WASHINGTON (AP) — AP source: Biden will not travel to Milwaukee to accept Democratic presidential nomination.

—@NickRiccardi

11:21 a.m.

2020 elections

Another Deep-Red State Votes to Expand Medicaid

In a fairly close vote, Missouri became the 38th state to sign on, even as Republicans try to cripple the Affordable Care Act.

11:16 a.m.

Trump clings to a lead in a state he absolutely needs to win

New Monmoth poll of Iowa among registered voters:

Trump 48%
Biden 45%

Ernst 48%
Greenfield 45%https://t.co/cYeQ7If74K

—@MikeDelMoro

10:11 a.m.

A member of “the squad” easily wins her primary

Freshmen Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan has prevailed against a Democratic primary challenge from Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, CNN projects

—@mkraju

8:44 a.m.

Trump’s entire presidency raises major ethics questions

Trump confirming the White House is on the short list for his convention speech, because it’s inexpensive and easy operationally, plus a beautiful setting. Raises major ethics questions, however

—@ChrisJansing

8:10 a.m.

As opposed to Trump’s calm, soothing presence

Trump on Obama’s speech at John Lewis’s funeral: “I thought it was a terrible speech. It was an angry speech. It shows there is an anger there that people don’t see. He lost control.”

—@ddale8

8:06 a.m.

How Much Ground Does Trump Need to Make Up to Have a Good Chance of Reelection?

Trump needs positive net job approval ratings to be in a solid position to win, and that’s something he has yet to achieve.

8:00 a.m.

100-person poll

100 New Yorkers on the New Rules of Outdoor Drinking

By Brock Colyar

On a recent Saturday, we asked 100 people at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park about porta-potties, open container laws, and other 2020 etiquette.

12:29 a.m.

coronavirus stimulus

At-Risk Republicans Ask McConnell to Get Stimulus Deal or Suspend Senate Recess

By Matt Stieb

Republicans in close races want to put off the August break to close the stimulus package, including a potential extension of the $600 weekly benefit.

8/4/2020

There are now just 12 remaining states that have not passed Medicaid expansion

I’ve seen enough: Missouri voters narrowly pass constitutional Amendment 2 to expand Medicaid.

—@Redistrict

Kris Kobach Loses Kansas Senate Primary

2020 elections

The abrasive nativist and vote suppressor — and Trump’s close ally — was defeated by Roger Marshall, a better prospect for holding an open GOP seat.

Isaias Wreaks Havoc on Northeast, Leaving Millions Without Power

extreme weather

By Chas Danner

The powerful storm left more than 3 million without power, tornadoes were reported in at least five states, and at least five people were killed.

The Major School Districts That Will Remain Online-Only This Fall

education

By Matt Stieb

Public schools in Chicago, L.A., and San Diego will not return to campus next semester, with COVID-19 still spreading in California and Illinois.

Why Disney’s Plan to Release Mulan Online for $30 Pleases Wall Street

the top line

By Josh Barro

COVID-19 may be ravaging the movie industry, but it’s also presenting opportunities to think outside the box office.

Teachers Aren’t Sacrificial Lambs. No Essential Worker Is.

labor

By Sarah Jones

Don’t blame school workers for trying to protect themselves from danger.

Are the Security Fears About TikTok Misplaced?

pivot

By Intelligencer Staff

On the first episode of Pivot Schooled Live, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway talk to the general manager of tech’s hottest company.

8/4/2020

Not the greatest numbers

In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States via Gallup poll:

March: 42% satisfied, 57% dissatisfied
May: 32% satisfied, 66% dissatisfied
June: 20% satisfied, 78% dissatisfied
Now: 13% satisfied, 86% dissatisfied

—@ryanstruyk

8/4/2020

Cause of Lebanon explosion revealed

BREAKING: Lebanese Prime Minister says #Beirut explosions caused by an estimated 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate left unsecured for 6 years in a warehouse. He vows to punish officials responsible. 50+ dead, 3,000 injured, hospitals overwhelmed.

—@BillNeelyNBC

Sports Now Feel Meaningless — and More Valuable Than Ever

games

By Will Leitch

With the narrative stakes gone, each game is a pure, self-contained piece of entertainment.

Trump Says Voting by Mail is Evil — Except in Florida

Trump executes a selective reversal by suggesting that voting by mail in Florida — but not in other states — is just fine.

Voters Are Turning Against Trump in Places Hit Hard by COVID-19

By Eric Levitz

A new study confirms the president is paying a political price for presiding over mass death.

8/4/2020

He always knows just what to say

Trump, this morning, introducing his Secretary of the Interior: “He loves the Interior.”

—@anniekarni

8/4/2020

Things are getting intense in NYC

Winds are howling in the NYC area as #Isaias sweeps through. Some airport gusts just before 1 PM EDT:
–52 mph at Newark
–53 mph at JFK
–60 mph at LaGuardia

—@bhensonweather

Trump Mulls End-Running Congress to Get His Payroll Tax Cut

coronavirus stimulus

Trump’s advisers are threatening that he could take matters into his own hands if Congress can reach a stimulus agreement. He may prefer it that way.

Should Susan Rice’s Benghazi Past Matter to Biden?

intelligencer chats

By Intelligencer Staff

The former national security adviser comes with a prepackaged faux scandal, but it may not resonate outside the Fox bubble.

8/4/2020

A huge explosion has rocked Beirut, with the cause unclear

*Lebanon’s Capital Hit By Massive Explosion
*Explosion At Beirut Port - Social Media
*Beirut Explosion Causes Widespread Damage in Nearby Neighbourhoods
*Not Immediately Clear What Caused The Explosion
*Lebanese Government Officials Couldn’t Be Immediately Reached

—@summer_said

The 9 Wildest Answers in Trump’s Interview With Jonathan Swan, Ranked

the national interest

By Jonathan Chait

The 1964 Civil Rights Act hasn’t worked out?

Census Bureau to End Counting Efforts a Month Early

2020 census

By Adam K. Raymond

Advocates say the Trump administration is attempting to leave out people in marginalized groups.

8/4/2020

Get ready, New York

Storm Isaias has slightly shifted West, that means between noon and 5pm the city will experience high winds. There is also a tornado watch and we are likely to see tornado warnings in NYC, @nycemergencymgt

—@NY1

Parents Are Flocking to Virtual Charters and Homeschooling. That’s Bad News.

education

By Sarah Jones

Poorly regulated education alternatives could set kids back.

8/4/2020

Me Me Me

From @axios: When asked if he found [John] Lewis’ life impressive, Trump responded: “He didn’t come to my inauguration. He didn’t come to my State of the Union speeches. And that’s OK. That’s his right. And, again, nobody has done more for Black Americans than I have.”
🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

—@DanielBShapiro