• The Republican National Convention is underway and we are already speechless. Let’s just start with asking how in the world an orange charlatan like Donald Trump has gotten within inches of one of the most powerful positions in the world? Plagiarized speeches, men walking around open carrying rifles. Watching coverage of the RNC, it’s hard to differentiate between the comedians and the journalists because the comedy writes itself. Trouble is, it’s not funny if anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, pro-hate Trump takes office.

• Meanwhile the Malheur occupiers continue to provide twisted comedy as well. The latest coming out of a pretrial hearing is that occupation leader Ryan Bundy was tearing his bed sheets and braiding them together in a foiled escape attempt. He was also hoarding extra food and spare boxer shorts. He reportedly told bailiffs he’s just “a rancher, trying to practice braiding rope.” Apparently the old “file in the cake” trick wasn’t working.

• Sometimes we have to toot our own horn a little bit. EW heard back from the subjects of recent stories that our coverage helped them out. In the midst of months of shootings, coups and murders, it’s good to focus on moments of brightness. We hear from the McKenzie Watershed Council that quite a few volunteers contacted them after our story on their river cleanup. At one site alone, 15 cubic yards of debris was collected. And 100 Women Who Care got new members after our coverage to aid in raising money for good causes. On Friday, July 22, before the recorded City Club of Eugene begins, the group will be presenting $3,000 to City Club as its “debut” gift. City Club meets at noon at the UO’s Baker Downtown Center.