Meanwhile. . .

Time - California billionaires will appear on the state’s ballot this fall after Gov. Gavin Newsom failed to reach a deal with the union backing the measure. Supporters say the tax would help fund health care, education, and food assistance, while Newsom and other opponents argue it could drive wealthy residents out of the state.

NPR - The U.S. was once the leading force in the world's research engine, but it is now losing ground to China. The country may be taking the dominant role due to significant investments and a disruptive year for American universities under the Trump administration. This year, Harvard University lost its top position in a global ranking measuring academic output to a Chinese university. In fact, seven out of the top 10 institutions on the list, compiled by Leiden University in the Netherlands, are located in China. 

The Congressional Insider- A stubborn Boyle Heights cold storage warehouse fire has burned for nearly a week, sending smoke across much of Los Angeles and forcing repeated shelter in place orders and air quality warnings. Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom declared emergencies to unlock state resources, even as officials admit the exact cause of the blaze remains undetermined and walls inside the facility are unstable. Firefighters have battled flames fueled by roof top solar panels, foam insulation, an ammonia leak, and possible lithium ion batteries, while 85 million pounds of spoiling food now pose a major biohazard and cleanup challenge.