The Fundamentals

For the week of August 19, 2024

Aug 26, 2024

Welcome to the weekly newsletter, where I share my musings on world events. I’ll also use this to identify those deserving of our collective side-eye. I’ll share thought-provoking online gems or things that make me laugh (because we need both). And sometimes, I may include personal nonsense. I hope this brightens your week and makes you think.

Nonsense

What’s Goin’ On?

The Democratic National Convention took place in Chicago. One noticeable change in the party is the restoration of hope. Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president. Despite rumors to the contrary, Beyoncé did not perform.

Donald Trump is hosting a “J6 Awards Gala” at his New Jersey club to celebrate insurrectionists who attacked the capitol.

Georgia legislature made it easier to question election results.

A lung cancer vaccine trial began in Europe. The vaccine is designed to kill the most common form of lung cancer.

The FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines designed to target recent virus strains. Walgreens is allowing people to schedule the COVID vaccine, beginning 9/6. Relatedly, the HHS announced that free COVID-19 tests will be available to order through mail again soon. The tests will be available at the end of September at COVIDtests.gov.

Massachusetts health officials advised residents to stay indoors. After detecting a human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) spread by mosquitoes, they imposed a 6 p.m. curfew on outdoor activities until at least October.

The UK government plans to crack down on extreme misogyny. I support this happening everywhere.

Talk show host Phil Donahue died at age 88.

“Boy Meets World” actor Danielle Fishel revealed she has breast cancer.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed Israel accepted a proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. However, Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the deal… again.

Bennifer is over… again.

The WNBA’s Angel Reese signed a sponsorship deal with Reese's, which includes a "Reese's Pieces" apparel collection.

Ashanti and Nelly announced the birth of their son, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes.

Florida’s tourism marketing agency recently removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its website.

Hailey and Justin Bieber have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Jack Blues Bieber.

Marielle Heller says her upcoming movie Nightbitch is “a comedy for women and a horror movie for men.” Now I’m actually interested in seeing the film… It stars Amy Adams and is set to release in theaters on December 6.

In a ridiculous, heinous ruling, a Judge decided that Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend caused her death and dismissed some charges against the ex-officers who falsified the warrant that resulted in her murder.

The parent company of Jack Daniel’s announced that it is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is recovering at home after being hospitalized with West Nile virus.

Two astronauts whose eight-day mission got stuck in space will return to Earth on SpaceX ship in February 2025.

Ted Lasso will return for Season 4 at Apple TV+.

Latina Ana Victoria Espino made history as the world's first lawyer with Down Syndrome.

PSA: What to do if you’re choking and alone.