Cities of anarchy
New York, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle have been dubbed "anarchist jurisdictions." Ruth Bader Ginsburg has achieved another first for women. And while we were distracted by the world's many dumpster fires, the Emmys managed to spark a little joy (and a 🔥 of its own).
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The cities of outlaws
In another episode of 2020 is the Wild West of years, the Justice Department designated New York, Portland and Seattle as “anarchist jurisdictions” on Monday in response to an executive order by President Donald Trump. The designation meant the cities could lose federal dollars after the Trump administration said they have failed to rein in violence during months of civil unrest. In a joint statement Monday, the cities' mayors said the move is a political stunt meant to punish Democratic cities beset by crisis brought by a deadly pandemic and protests that have stretched into several months.
RBG will lie in state at the Capitol – a first for women
The late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is still breaking barriers. Ginsburg will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol on Friday – becoming the first woman in history honored in this way. (Yes, really.) Thirty-four men have lain in state since 1852 (most of whom were presidents or prominent members of Congress). Civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who was not a public official, was lain in "honor" at the Capitol in 2005.
Ginsburg, 87, died Friday following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death creates a vacancy on the Supreme Court that Trump has vowed to fill with another woman. Who will it be? Trump says we'll probably find out this week, but aides and advisers have said that two women that top the list are appeals court judges Amy Coney Barrett and Barbara Lagoa. It's not clear if Senate Republicans will have time to confirm his nominee before Election Day, yet another wild card during a chaotic election year.
What everyone’s talking about
Ellen DeGeneres addressed toxic workplace allegations in her first episode back. "Today, we are starting a new chapter," DeGeneres said.
A wildfire burning through a swath of Los Angeles County for more than two weeks remains virtually unchecked. The Bobcat Fire is one of scores of major fires burning across the West.
Duchess Meghan’s lawyers deny she cooperated with the authors of a book about her relationship with Prince Harry.
"Cheer" star Jerry Harris remains jailed after a detention hearing on child porn charges was postponed.
Trump's former national security adviser said U.S.-backed peace talks in Afghanistan are doomed and warned of another 9/11-style attack.
Staying safe from COVID-19: Is staying 6 feet apart enough?
As the U.S. death toll climbed to within a few hundred of 200,000 on Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention walked back changed guidance on how the virus spreads. Sort of. The CDC had published an updated webpage that acknowledged that "it is possible that COVID-19 may spread through the droplets and airborne particles that are formed when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes." The CDC on Monday, however, said that the new guidance was "posted in error.” The previous guidance, now back on the site, says the spread is primarily between people who are in close contact with one another – within about 6 feet.
A fall "twindemic"? As U.S. nears 200,000 coronavirus deaths, experts fear COVID-19, flu may be a deadly combo.
Beta threatens 'torrential rainfall'
Tropical Storm Beta is expected to make landfall later Monday, potentially bringing days of flooding downpours to storm-weary Texas and Louisiana this week. Beta is the latest in a long line of storms this hurricane season forecast to batter the region and the record books. The National Hurricane Center said that up to 15 inches of rain could fall in some areas, possibly causing "significant flooding." Storm surge flooding was already occurring in some areas along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.
Barging in: In Florida, many people impacted by Hurricane Sally are still assessing wind and water damage left in the wake of the Category 2 storm. And some are assessing how they should deal with massive runway barges that have washed into their yards off the shore of Pensacola Bay. See for yourself. 👇
Real quick
Arctic sea ice shrank to its second-lowest level on record last week.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Trump's reelection campaign that challenges a new state law sending ballots to all active voters.
Christina and Ant Anstead have made the "difficult decision to separate" a year after welcoming a baby.
Facebook election turnout: The company says it has already registered 2.5 million Americans to vote.
COVID-19 at Las Vegas resorts: Where have possible exposures happened? Nevada released a list.
The fire on stage at the Emmys is 2020 in a nutshell
The Emmys got off to a 🔥 start on Sunday night – literally – when Jennifer Aniston put out a blaze in a trash can. In an effort to play up the importance of cleanliness during COVID-19, host Jimmy Kimmel “sanitized” a winner’s envelope by lighting it on fire. Aniston then tried to extinguish the small blaze – but not very well. The bit left some people frustrated as the nation struggles with immense devastation from wildfires. But the Emmys got some things right: The hit Canadian comedy "Schitt's Creek" made history, sweeping the comedy categories, while "Watchmen" took best limited series and "Succession" won four honors, including best drama. Here are some other moments everyone is talking about:
Emmys backstage: "Schitt's Creek" stars talk possible movie, Zendaya explains tears.
Fun fact: Schitt's Creek is a real place.
The biggest Emmys losers (including Netflix), on an unusual night.
Eight pajama sets inspired by celebrities who wore them to the Emmys.
A break from the news
💰 All the best Amazon deals to shop for September.
🎬 In honor of the Emmys: Here's when your favorite show returns, and your new addiction starts.
📈 Want to invest in an IPO? Here’s what you need to know to profit on initial public offerings.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ellen DeGeneres, New York: Monday’s news.
