Meanwhile, here’s a look at the lineup for the Democratic National Convention, which begins on Monday and includes former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders, former President Bill Clinton and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. [Vox]

3. Why there’s skepticism about Russia’s claim of developing a coronavirus vaccine

Russia today became the first country in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine, but it hasn’t completed late-stage clinical trials that help determine a vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.

Those tests, known as Phase 3 trials, last many months and compare a placebo with a vaccine on tens of thousands of people. Scientists around the world said rushing to release a vaccine before Phase 3 trials are finished could backfire, put people in danger and undermine trust in vaccinations.

However, Russia’s minister of health today said the country will begin a mass vaccination campaign in the fall, beginning with teachers and medical workers this month. [AP]

4. Illinois reports more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases for 21 days straight

State officials today announced 1,549 new cases and 20 additional deaths. The last time Illinois saw cases under 1,000 was on July 21, when 955 infections were reported. The weekly average of cases per day was 1,429 as of yesterday, according to The New York Times. That’s a 22% increase from the average two weeks ago. [WBEZ]

Meanwhile, Kansas, Utah and Iowa will be removed from Chicago’s travel quarantine list. You can find a full list of states that remain on the list in this link. [Block Club Chicago]

5. Homicides are up in many major U.S. cities

The murder rate at the end of June was on average 37% higher than it was at the end of May for 20 major cities, according to criminologist Richard Rosenfeld with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. During the same time last year, the homicide rate increased by 9%.

As The New York Times reports, the situation is particularly tragic in Kansas City, which is on track to set a new record for homicides reported in a year.

Criminologists say it can be hard to explain what causes changes in crime rates. Some experts believe the pandemic may have played a role by destabilizing community institutions, but others say the murder rate was increasing even before COVID-19 spread throughout the U.S. [New York Times]

Here’s what else is happening

• Primary elections are underway in Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin. Here’s a guide on what to watch. [NPR]
• A Russian video of a Bible burning in Portland appears to be one of the first attempts by Russia to spread disinformation during the U.S. presidential election. [New York Times]
• The Big Ten Conference postponed its upcoming football season because of concerns over the coronavirus. [Chicago Tribune]
• If you have insomnia like me or just really enjoy cool things, the Perseid meteor shower will peak after midnight. [NPR]

Oh, and one more thing …

An aquarium in North Carolina drained a large waterfall that serves as a wishing well and collected 100 gallons of coins. (Note to self: Instead of looking for change under the sofa cushions, just create a wishing well.)

Officials at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores say the money will go towards “the general care of the aquarium and animals” as the facility remains closed due to the pandemic. [NPR]

Tell that to Andy and Stef from The Goonies. LOL sorry, I couldn’t resist. I watched that movie a few months ago with the nephews and quickly realized it is no longer appropriate for little kids. God bless the ’80s.

Tell me something good …

I have to do a self-evaluation for my performance review at work. And that has me thinking: What do you miss about working from the office?

Robin tweets:

“I work at a library, and I miss seeing all the kids giddy and excited for our storytimes and fun programs.”

And Ellen B. writes:

“I miss seeing my students. The excitement when they grasp a concept, their interest in a new chapter book we are reading, the high fives each morning as I greet them at the door. Not the same on Zoom.”

What do you miss about working from the office? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.

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