Good Morning… In the news today:

The Democratic National Convention gets underway in Chicago; Ukraine’s plans for a buffer zone; Blinken is in the Middle East to press for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. And, when your kids should take a sick day from school.


Democrats open a DNC transformed by Harris’ rise, but face lingering questions

In what appears to be a refreshed Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided U.S. this week, having been transformed by Vice President Kamala Harris’ rise to the top of its ticket. But just beneath the surface, real questions loom about the depth of Harris’ newfound support, the breadth of her coalition and the strength of her movement.

Not even a month ago, Democrats were deeply divided over foreign policy, political strategy and President Joe Biden himself, who was holding on after his disastrous debate by suggesting he had a better chance than any Democrat — including Harris — of beating Trump.

A potential distraction will be thousands of progressive protesters who are expected to descend upon Chicago to decry the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Harris’ allies are hopeful that the pro-Palestinian protesters will not overshadow the official program.

The AP has more on this