Good afternoon.
It’s us, the Daily Skimm, hitting your inbox again, and in the p.m. Why? Consider this a little experiment. To state the obvious, there’s been a lot of news recently. So we thought we’d send you a short afternoon bulletin to update you on developing stories, plus the best of what’s happening on the internet. We hope you like it.
— Alex Carr / Editorial Director / New York, NY
What’s Happening
US News
The Trump Shooting Investigation Is Getting Messy
What’s going on: Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it had opened an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of security at the Trump campaign rally on Saturday. New videos have raised questions about the “worst security lapse in decades” as the Secret Service and local law enforcement dispute who was responsible for securing the building the shooter accessed. And a Washington Post article published today also found that local police warned the Secret Service they did not have sufficient resources to “watch” the building used by the shooter. In the wake of ABC and CNN interviews, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has come under the most scrutiny and is expected to appear before the House Oversight Committee next week for a hearing. That’s as top GOP members have called for her resignation. And another big question mark remains: Four days into its investigation, law enforcement appears to be no closer to establishing the shooter’s motive — despite gaining access to the gunman’s phone, as well as his computer, home, and car.
What it means: Amid the chaotic investigation and demands for answers from lawmakers and voters, the GOP has united around former President Trump at this week’s Republican National Convention, with even onetime opponents Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley lining up to support him. (Remember, nearly nine months ago, when the party couldn’t even agree on who should be the Speaker of the House?) Expect that to continue tonight as VP candidate JD Vance delivers his prime-time convention speech, after being introduced by his wife Usha Vance — who has also shot into the spotlight in recent days.
Also breaking: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) becomes one of the most prominent Democrats to call for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race.
Meanwhile, On The Internet
🏊 Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo gave new meaning to “taking one for the team.” Hope that wetsuit was extra thick.
🐶 Meet Babydog, the 60-pound bulldog who stole the show at the RNC last night. As did this accessory. Because, of course.
😲 The 2024 Emmy nominations have arrived — and the snubs might surprise you.
💩 Is your poop frequency in the “Goldilocks zone”?
🦜 Pepper, the “potty-mouthed parrot,” has a new home. F*ck yea.
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