WHAT'S BREWING
WHERE'S MY $300 UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT? Find out here if your state has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to give an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits. When that money actually finds its way into people's pockets depends on the state. [HuffPost]
HELLISH COMBO FOR CALIFORNIA PRISONS Thousands of incarcerated people in California are enduring the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic while being surrounded by flames as wildfires burn around the state. Some of the prisoners are fighting the fires themselves, earning a few dollars a day. It's a convergence of crises on a level never experienced by the state. [HuffPost]
POSSIBLE DOUBLE HIT FOR GULF COAST Residents along the Gulf Coast, stretching from Louisiana to Alabama, started packing up and heading out as they face the possibility of two hurricanes hitting at once. A storm called Marco grew into a hurricane and Tropical Storm Laura lashed Haiti as it moved toward the area. [HuffPost]
TRUMP'S SISTER TRASHES BROTHER ON TAPE ICYMI: Trump's sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, said her brother "has no principles" and is a liar and cheat in conversations secretly taped by her niece, Mary L. Trump, and provided to The Washington Post. “All he wants to do is appeal to his base,” she said. [WaPo]
ANOTHER DISASTROUS YEAR FOR EARTH'S CLIMATE Spend some time with this overview of all the climate anomalies we've faced in 2020, including record-breaking heat, hurricanes, Iowa's derecho and the loss of sea ice. [HuffPost]
DEMS' TIGHTWALK ON CHINA Biden is struggling to appear tough on China without fueling hawkishness or racism. There may be political incentives to talking tough but going too far could hamper the achievement of objectives like ending the trade war. [HuffPost] | 
