10 things you need to know today: August 23, 2012

Tropical Storm Isaac threatens the GOP convention, the U.S. middle class shrinks, and more in our roundup of the stories that are making news and driving opinion

In this handout satellite image provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Isaac reached tropical storm status and is approaching the Lesser Antilles islands as it moves wes
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1. ROMNEY TO UNVEIL ENERGY POLICY

Presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will lay the groundwork for an energy policy on Thursday morning in Hobbs, N.M. Romney's goal is for America to achieve energy independence by 2020, by giving states more power to increase the production of oil and natural gas, in addition to revving up offshore oil and gas drilling. The Republican's plan might sway voters in potentially energy-rich states like Virginia, where drilling could bring employment. But the plan could be controversial following the catastrophic 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and in places like Florida, where offshore drilling is often seen as disastrous for tourism. [New York Times]

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