• President Joe Biden is reportedly inching closer to accepting that he may have to step out of the race, according to four sources who spoke to the New York Times. While the situation remains delicate, Biden is said to be considering stepping aside soon and endorsing VP Kamala Harris as his replacement. The president remains in COVID isolation at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. [New York Times]
  • The COVID FLiRT variants continue to run amok in California, with the state now among the seven US states where the wastewater levels are showing a “very high” rate of infection. COVID-related emergency room visits are up 15% statewide compared to the previous week, and test positivity rates are now at 13% after having been only 1.8% three months ago. [Chronicle]
  • SoMa strip club the Gold Club received a $1.9 million PPP loan, and the US Small Business Administration has denied the club’s request to have it forgiven. PPP loans were typically entirely forgiven if used for distinct reasons, but the Gold Club had their forgiveness request denied in 2022. The club has just appealed the ruling. [SF Business Times]
  • SF Supervisor and state Assembly candidate Catherine Stefani endorsed Mark Farrell for mayor, after already having endorsed London Breed. Stefani is portraying this as a 1-2 endorsement in a ranked-choice vote, and after all, she was Farrell’s legislative aide when he was District 2 supervisor. But still, Breed cannot be happy with this from her longtime ally. [Examiner]
  • The feds and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested three Santa Cruz men who were allegedly dealing not only fentanyl, but also… elephant tranquilizer. [KRON4]
  • We’ll get ‘em next year? MLB released the Giants’ 2025 schedule Thursday, even though we’re only halfway through the 2024 season, as they released every team’s 2025 schedule today. [NBC Sports Bay Area]
  • Comedian Bob Newhart died Thursday, after his Bob Newhart Show brought him  fame in the 1970s, he resurrected his career with Newhart in the 1980s, and another career resurgence with Elf in 2003. He was 94. [CNN]

Image: The Gold Club via Yelp