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Two of California’s many wildfires are threatening Sequoia National Park and the massive, iconic trees that grow there. And in Louisiana, Tropical Depression Nicholas could slow down recovery from Hurricane Ida, which just blew through two weeks ago.
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. California recall
A bipartisan group of senators have reached an agreement on key points related to a massive infrastructure package. The Senate also voted to open debate on the plan, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats in voting to do so. The measure includes money for roads, bridges and public transportation, and while it falls far short of President Joe Biden’s initial $2.25 trillion proposal, Biden is still touting it. This bill falls more around the $1 trillion mark, with about $550 billion in new federal investments in America’s infrastructure. The bipartisan breakthroughs yesterday may move the plan forward, but only by a matter of inches. Many Republicans, and progressive Democrats who want more from the bill, could still bog down any significant movement.
2. Coronavirus
Mask mandates. Postponed events. Full emergency rooms. Signs of the difficult early days of the pandemic are reemerging, and some experts say stricter vaccination compulsions may be the best way to prevent a full downward spiral. The US House is reinstating its mask mandate, prompting some conservatives to push back. White House officials are also preparing to enact Biden’s decision to require federal employees to get vaccinated. The CDC estimates only 49.3% of the US population is fully vaccinated – a far cry from the 70% to 85% that experts have estimated would be needed to slow or stop the spread of the virus. In all, 49 states are seeing a surge in cases.
3. Gen. Mark Milley
5. Haiti
5. UK deportations
After three months of testimony from 32 witnesses, the criminal fraud case of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is now in the hands of the jury. Holmes faces nine counts of wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The jury of eight men and four women is tasked with determining whether Holmes – who claimed to have revolutionized blood testing – knowingly misled investors, doctors, and patients about her startup in order to take their money. Deliberations are scheduled to begin later today. If convicted, Holmes faces up to 20 years in prison. She has pleaded not guilty.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Why Olympians bite their medals and what they do with them
‘The Green Knight’ puts a dream-like spin on Arthurian legend
Campbell’s soup cans are getting their first redesign in 50 years
Like good plastic surgery, it’s so subtle, you can barely tell they got work done!
‘Jungle Cruise’ is the latest Disney ride turned movie
Now do “It’s A Small World” next.
New York City restaurant unveils $200 french fries
For that price they better be covered in … oh. They are covered in gold.
Brood X had a good run, but now the annual cicadas are here and they like to scream
No More Scary Bugs, ESPECIALLY Not Screaming Ones, 2021!
Event
There’s still time to reserve your spot for CNN Business’ “Foreseeable Future: A Conversation About the Workplace Revolution!”
This free, virtual event about the new workplace normal streams live tomorrow, July 29, at 11 a.m. ET with insights from top CEOs like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Vimeo’s Anjali Sud. RSVP here!
OLYMPICS UPDATE
American Caeleb Dressel has won the men’s 100 meter freestyle final with a time of 47.02 seconds, an Olympic record.
Follow here for the latest Olympic news and highlights.
TODAY’S NUMBER
That’s how much Melinda French Gates and McKenzie Scott have teamed up to give toward advancing the power and influence of American women over the next decade. The donation is being awarded to winners of the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
So … gooey …
Bear tested. Bear approved.