The Short List

Thu Jul 18 2024

Laura L. Davis | Audience Editor

@lauradavis

President Joe Biden is hunkering down after testing positive for COVID-19. Donald Trump will wrap up the last day of the RNC. And comedian Bob Newhart has died.

👋Hey, Thursday! Laura Davis here. Let's get you caught up on the news.

🍬 But first: What is a candy salad? And what does it have to do with trauma?

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More bad news for Biden

Get well soon, Mr. President! Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 following an event Wednesday in Las Vegas, the White House confirmed. This is the third time the president has tested positive for the virus. And Biden is not alone: The positivity rates for COVID-19 have been increasing recently, as have visits to the emergency department and deaths.

How's he doing? Biden, 81, is vaccinated and boosted and is "experiencing mild symptoms," the White House said.

👉 What to know about the current state of COVID-19.

•	As COVID spikes this summer, here's what to consider.
•	Brutal split screen: Biden holed up with COVID while Trump accepts nomination.

U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One, at Harry Reid international airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

Tom Brenner, REUTERS

Wrapping up the RNC

It's the fourth and final day of the Republican National Convention, and GOP lawmakers, delegates and other officials will wrap up a week of proceedings that saw former President Donald Trump formally nominated as the Republican presidential nominee. Trump's running mate also became official this week with the nomination of Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, who headlined Wednesday night's list of speakers. 📍 Follow along with our live updates.

•	VP Kamala Harris takes heat at RNC amidst Biden replacement talks.
•	Why did JD Vance change his name?
•	RNC speakers list: Who is speaking on Day 4?
•	Kai Trump, 17, Trump's granddaughter, makes political debut.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump with a bandaged ear after he was injured in an assassination attempt, and supporters and attendees wearing bandages in tribute during the Republican National Convention.

Reuters, REUTERS

'Tragedy that shouldn't have happened'

Friends and family of Corey Comperatore gathered Thursday at Laube Hall in Freeport, a small town on the Allegheny River, to pay their respects to the volunteer firefighter and father of two who was killed in last weekend's attack on former President Donald Trump. 👉 See the latest updates.

•	Felon. Martyr. MAGA unifier? Can Trump unite country after shooting?
•	The one simple reason George W Bush won't talk about Trump.

Flowers and a tribute to fallen firefighter Corey Comperatore are pictured at the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company in Buffalo Township, Pa., Thursday, July 18, 2024. Comperatore was shot and killed at the Trump rally in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Bryce Buyakie, USA TODAY

📸 See more photos: Trump shooting victim mourned.

Real quick

•	Skelly's got a friend! See Home Depot's Halloween line.
•	"Brat summer" is upon us. What does that even mean?
•	We asked Simone Biles' teammates what it's like to train with her.
•	Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston are trying this weird facial.
•	What to know: Dengue fever is reaching historic levels.

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Fired over a social media post?

It's not just Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass. In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Trump , plenty of people took to social media to make jokes and comments – and some are reaping the consequences. School employees, a restaurant worker, a fire chief and a political aide have all lost their jobs or resigned after outrage over their posts. Celebrities' comments are certainly in the spotlight after a tragic incident, but regular people need to be careful about what they say, too – even if it is a joke. Joking about an assassination attempt that left a citizen dead is simply a shade too far. ✍️ Keep reading.

Bob Newhart dies at 94

No one ever listened funnier than Bob Newhart. It's one thing to do so when someone is actually speaking to you – but to appear to listen when nothing is being said? Newhart, who died Thursday at 94, turned that into an art. The droll standup comedian and actor died at home in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses, his publicist said.

Remembering Bob: It was his mastery of a slow-burn silence that made him a TV star, one of the few to have his name in the title of two beloved, classic and critically acclaimed CBS sitcom hits: "The Bob Newhart Show" in the 1970s and, a few years later, "Newhart." 👉 Read more about his life and legacy here.

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Actor Bob Newhart attends the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Ceremony.

Tommaso Boddi, WireImage

📸 See more: Comedy legend Bob Newhart's life in photos.

A break from the news

•	🦈 Watch: Great white shark swims laps around a boat full of curious crew.
•	🍌 Can dogs have bananas? Your guide to safe fruits.

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hi: laura@usatoday.com. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.

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Jun 29, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Gabby Thomas celebrates her win in the women's 200 meter final during the US Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

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