Las Notis is a daily news column that gets you up to speed on the political, media + other going ons in Latin America and the diaspora—all in one quick digest.
Here’s your glimpse at what’s going on today:
- Protests erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin after police shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, at least seven times in the back while he was entering his car. Blake is in serious condition at Milwaukee hospital while the officers were put on leave. The city declared an emergency curfew in an attempt to stop protests. [WaPo]
- The Republican National Convention starts today. Speakers include several of Donald Trump’s children and baffling appearances, including Mark and Patricia McCloskey—the couple who pointed guns at Black Lives Matter protesters earlier this summer. [CBS News]
- Although Kellyanne Conway is scheduled to speak at the RNC as well, plans are unclear after she announced she’s leaving the White House to focus on her four children. Her husband, who has been involved in the anti-Trump organization The Lincoln Project, has also said he’s stepping away from politics. Their daughter Claudia Conway posted a series of TikTok videos celebrating the news. [Business Insider]
- An Army spokesperson revealed that Sgt. Elder Fernandes, a Fort Hood soldier who has gone missing, had been transferred to a different unit because he was the victim in an open investigation of abusive sexual contact. Fernandes’ disappearance comes less than two months after authorities found the remains of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén. [NBC Latino]
- Mexico is restarting its classes virtually for more than 30 million students and although nearly half of homes in the country don’t have Internet, the government is hoping to reach kids through television. [CNN]
- Tropical Storm Laura ripped through Haiti and the Dominican Republic, knocking out power in nearly 1 million homes and triggering landslides across certain areas. Nine people were reportedly found dead in Haiti, while four died in the Dominican Republic. [Weather Channel]
- J Balvin pulled out of performing at the MTV VMAs after revealing a little more than a week ago that he’s recovering from the coronavirus. “My message to those that follow me, young fans, and people, in general, is to take care. This isn’t a joke. The virus is real and it’s dangerous,” he said. [Vulture]
- Mercedes Barcha, Gabriel García Márquez’s wife, partner, and muse known for playing a critical role in the publication of his novel, “100 Years Of Solitude,” passed away this month in Mexico City. Her son Rodrigo García said she had suffered from respiratory problems for many years. [NYT]