A Senate committee will vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions during a hearing about his COVID-19 work. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times, despite receiving a presidential pardon that some argue should protect him from prosecution.
Key Facts
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee plans to vote on contempt charges against Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Fauci refused to answer questions at the hearing by invoking the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination over 100 times.
Senator Rand Paul, committee chairman, says Fauci’s pardon from President Biden removes his risk of prosecution.
Fauci believes he could still face criminal charges and fears being forced to say something that could lead to his prosecution.
The presidential pardon covers acts from 2014 to January 2025 but does not protect against state charges or lying under oath.
If the committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt, the case would go to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which may decide whether to investigate or prosecute.
Senator Paul does not plan to push for a full Senate vote, as it likely would not pass.
The case raises questions about forcing testimony from witnesses who have received pardons and may have implications for future pardons by President Trump.
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President Donald Trump is promoting the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race scheduled for August 22-23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The race features high-speed cars reaching nearly 200 mph on a 1.66-mile track along Pennsylvania Avenue, which normally has a 25 mph speed limit. This event is part of broader celebrations of America’s 250th birthday that President Trump has helped organize.
Key Facts
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place on August 22-23, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
IndyCar vehicles can reach speeds close to 200 mph, much faster than the 25 mph speed limit on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The race will cover 250 miles over 147 laps on a 1.66-mile track with seven turns.
President Trump hosted an IndyCar pit crew event at the White House to promote the race.
This race is one of several major events aligned with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Trump has held other celebratory events in 2026, including a UFC fight at the White House and patriotic rallies.
The series owner, Roger Penske, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2019 and helped organize the race.
Manhole covers along the race route have to be secured due to the cars’ strong torque that could displace them.
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Tennessee has a new congressional map that breaks up a mostly Black district in Memphis. This new map, created by Republican lawmakers, changes district borders to favor Republicans and is being used in the upcoming primary election.
Key Facts
The old 9th Congressional District was majority Black and based in Memphis.
Republican officials redrew the district lines, splitting up the Memphis area.
The new 9th District now extends about 200 miles east from Memphis toward Nashville.
The redistricting followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision that reduced protections for minority voters.
President Donald Trump supports Republican Brent Taylor in the 9th District primary.
The new district favors Republicans more than before, shifting power away from Democrats.
Longtime Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen decided not to run again after the changes.
Memphis voters, including Black residents, say their influence has been weakened by the new map.
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Democrats in Wisconsin are holding a primary race for governor between David Crowley, supported by current Governor Tony Evers, and progressive candidate Francesca Hong. This election follows a similar contest in Michigan and is seen as a test of how much the Democratic Party is willing to support progressive candidates. The winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the November general election.
Key Facts
David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive, is the moderate Democratic candidate endorsed by Governor Tony Evers.
Francesca Hong is a progressive, democratic socialist candidate.
The Wisconsin Democratic primary is happening shortly after a close progressive win in Michigan’s Democratic primary.
Voter focus is on how far Democrats will move to the left politically in key midwestern states.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Tom Tiffany, a conservative Republican and supporter of President Donald Trump, in November.
Some Democrats express divisions between progressives and moderates within the party.
Early polls showed Francesca Hong leading before Mandela Barnes dropped out of the race.
Voters like Sarah Miller, who identify as progressive, still support Crowley for his perceived electability in the general election.
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North Northamptonshire Council plans to continue a program that offers free holiday activities and meals to children who get free school meals. The program is supported by the Department for Education and has been running successfully, with a contract up for renewal in 2027.
Key Facts
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides free meals and activities during school holidays for children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefit-related free school meals.
North Northamptonshire Council will discuss extending the program contract on August 11.
The program is funded by the UK government's Department for Education as part of a national investment.
In 2023, over 2,100 children took part in the summer program, slightly fewer than previous years.
The drop in attendance may be due to a change in the booking system, which will be monitored.
The council has previously received about £1.1 million to run the scheme.
Activities include a mix of exercise, drama, and computer programming.
The contract currently runs until March 2027, and the council plans to start a new tender process in November.
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President Donald Trump criticized Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Michigan, by calling him a "hater of Jews" and "a hater of Israel." El-Sayed recently won the Democratic nomination despite strong financial backing from pro-Israel groups supporting other candidates.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate nomination in Michigan.
President Donald Trump called El-Sayed a "hater of Jews" and "a hater of Israel."
El-Sayed defeated opponents who had support from pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Pro-Israel groups spent millions of dollars during the Michigan Senate primary.
The conflict highlights tensions around Israel-related issues in the US political campaigns.
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President Donald Trump is trying to change how people think about the Iran war before the 2026 midterm elections. However, some voters view the Iran conflict as another ongoing Middle East war that has not improved their daily lives.
Key Facts
President Trump aims to reframe the Iran war ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.
A Democratic strategist shared that many voters see the Iran war as just another prolonged Middle East conflict.
Voters feel the Iran war has not had positive effects on their personal lives.
The discussion appeared on Al Jazeera’s show called ‘This is America’.
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The race for Tennessee's Republican governor nominee has become closer than expected between Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representative John Rose. Recent polls show Blackburn still leads, but Rose has gained ground by spending heavily on his campaign, while Blackburn faces questions about an ethics review.
Key Facts
Marsha Blackburn and John Rose are competing for the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor.
Blackburn started as the clear favorite, but polls show Rose narrowing the gap after a strong late campaign.
Rose has spent about $13 million of his own money on his campaign.
Blackburn’s Senate office was investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee over alleged misuse of taxpayer resources, which her office denies.
Blackburn has more name recognition and higher campaign donations from outside donors.
Tennessee has a history of voting Republican statewide, and Blackburn has won Senate primaries before.
A recent poll showed Blackburn with 34.5% support, Rose with 31%, and a third candidate with 25.6%.
The poll included 800 likely Republican primary voters and has a margin of error of 3.5%.
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President Donald Trump’s administration has refunded about $100 billion in tariffs after the US Supreme Court ruled that many of these tariffs were imposed beyond the president’s legal authority. The court found that Trump could not use emergency powers under a 1977 law to set these tariffs, leading to refunds to importers.
Key Facts
The Trump administration collected about $166 billion in tariffs before the Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Trump exceeded his power using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs.
The tariffs affected more than 90 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China.
Customs and Border Protection reported returning over three-quarters of $128.68 billion earmarked for refund.
Some tariffs under a different law (the 1962 Trade Expansion Act) remain in effect, such as those on steel and automobiles.
The US Court of International Trade ordered refunds to companies impacted by the invalidated tariffs in March.
President Trump has announced new tariffs on imports related to forced labor issues recently.
A group of 25 US states filed a legal challenge against the newest tariffs, saying they aim to restore the struck down duties.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's new seasonal flu vaccine called mFLUSIVA, which uses mRNA technology. The vaccine is approved for adults 50 years and older and is the first flu shot using this technology to get FDA approval.
Key Facts
The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, for adults 50 and older.
This is the first influenza vaccine using mRNA technology to be approved by the FDA.
mRNA technology is a method that uses genetic instructions to teach the body to fight infections.
Moderna’s vaccine showed better effectiveness in a trial of 40,000 adults compared to one standard flu vaccine.
The FDA initially rejected Moderna’s application due to concerns about the trial's comparison group.
After Moderna updated its application and agreed to more studies, the FDA reversed its decision and approved the vaccine.
The vaccine is expected to be available in the 2026-27 flu season.
There was some disagreement within the U.S. Department of Health about mRNA vaccine projects before the approval.
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The Trump administration is planning to ban Chinese-made optical transceivers—devices used for transmitting data inside data centers—by the end of 2026. Officials worry that relying on China for these parts could risk U.S. security, especially for AI infrastructure, and make America vulnerable if China stops supplying them.
Key Facts
Optical transceivers convert electrical signals into light pulses to send data through fiber-optic cables.
These components are crucial for AI data centers that run large-scale computations.
The planned ban aims to reduce dependency on Chinese technology and protect U.S. AI systems.
The U.S. has already limited exports of advanced AI chips to China to slow their military technology.
U.S. intelligence agencies have reported Chinese hackers infiltrating critical American networks.
China has used control over rare earth minerals to pressure other countries during trade disputes.
Some experts warn the ban could increase costs and slow AI development in the short term.
The Federal Communications Commission may still change or cancel the ban before it takes effect.
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The CDC reported that eating jalapeño peppers caused a Salmonella outbreak, affecting 345 people in 27 U.S. states. The jalapeños came from Sinaloa, Mexico, and were sold by Coast Citrus Distributors. So far, no deaths have been reported, but 36 people have been hospitalized.
Key Facts
345 people across 27 states got sick from Salmonella.
The outbreak is linked to jalapeño peppers.
The peppers came from Sinaloa, Mexico.
Coast Citrus Distributors handled the distribution of the jalapeños.
36 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
No deaths have been reported from this outbreak.
The CDC is monitoring the situation and providing updates.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its investigation into a Cyclospora outbreak connected to recalled iceberg lettuce. This outbreak, initially linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, has now spread to 15 states and caused two confirmed deaths.
Key Facts
The FDA is investigating a Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce.
The lettuce involved was recalled by health authorities.
The outbreak started in July with people getting sick after eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants.
The illness has now affected people in 15 U.S. states.
Two deaths have been confirmed related to this outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal illness.
Taco Bell is the fast-food chain where the contaminated lettuce was served.
Health officials continue to track the outbreak and advise people to avoid the recalled lettuce.
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President Donald Trump said that First Lady Melania Trump does not like some of his public behaviors, such as his dancing at rallies and a weightlifter imitation he does during speeches. Despite her disapproval, Trump continues these actions because he believes his supporters enjoy them.
Key Facts
President Trump said Melania dislikes his rally dance moves and a weightlifter gesture he makes during speeches about transgender athletes.
Melania thinks these actions are not "presidential."
Trump shared that Melania compared his style to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, questioning if Roosevelt would have acted similarly.
Trump often dances at campaign events, including to the song "Y.M.C.A." by the Village People.
Melania has also given Trump feedback on his appearance in interviews, like saying he didn’t look good due to lighting.
Trump said he continues his rally traditions because supporters ask him to "dance, dance, dance."
Melania generally keeps a low public profile and rarely comments on these private conversations.
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A Wisconsin brewery known for offering beer promotions tied to the deaths of President Donald Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell is fighting the state’s attempt to revoke its alcohol license. The brewery remains open due to a legal appeal while state officials say the business violated alcohol laws, including improper transport of beer across state lines.
Key Facts
Minocqua Brewing Company offered promotions giving free or discounted beer linked to the deaths of President Trump and Senator McConnell.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue moved to revoke the brewery’s alcohol licenses citing regulatory violations.
The brewery appealed the license revocation, allowing it to stay open during the legal process.
State officials alleged the brewery illegally transported beer from Illinois without the proper permits or taxes.
The department said it enforces alcohol laws fairly and acts when laws are broken.
The brewery’s owner called the state’s actions politically motivated and promised to fight to keep operating.
The promotions caused backlash, including criticism from Trump supporters and debate over the appropriateness of such campaigns.
Senator McConnell has not been publicly seen since a June hospitalization and has not returned to the Senate.
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Vice President Vance stated that Abdul El-Sayed, who won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, gained support mostly from wealthier liberal voters, not working-class people. Vance made this comment during a Fox News interview shortly after El-Sayed’s primary win over Representative Haley Stevens.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan.
He defeated Representative Haley Stevens in that primary.
Vice President Vance said El-Sayed’s support mainly came from affluent liberals.
Vance claimed El-Sayed has little support among working-class voters.
Vance made these remarks in a Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham.
The discussion happened a day after the primary results were announced.
El-Sayed is associated with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
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Tucker Carlson outlined ten qualities he believes America should have to improve the country, highlighting issues like political paralysis and threats such as nuclear war and artificial intelligence. His comments signal growing disagreements within the MAGA coalition that supports President Donald Trump, especially ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Tucker Carlson listed 10 traits America should embrace, including fairness, sovereignty, productivity, health, honesty, optimism, wisdom, decency, beauty, and unity.
He criticized the political system as being paralyzed and mostly serving the interests of those in power, not the people.
Carlson emphasized the importance of a common language, saying everyone in America should speak English to stay united.
He expressed concern about major threats like nuclear war and artificial intelligence, saying leaders are inactive in addressing them.
Carlson announced plans to help build a third political party and stated he does not intend to run for office.
His views represent a split within the MAGA coalition, particularly regarding foreign policy and U.S. involvement in wars.
President Donald Trump continues to enjoy strong support among Republicans despite tensions with Carlson.
This development comes about three months before the November 2024 midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress.
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A man named Dolars Aleksanders was brought from Latvia to the UK and charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He is accused of hitting 12-year-old Keaton Slater with a car in Coventry in June 2024.
Key Facts
Keaton Slater was a 12-year-old boy hit by a black BMW while walking home from school on June 14, 2024.
Dolars Aleksanders, 23 years old from Latvia, was arrested last month in Latvia.
He was extradited, which means sent back to the UK to face legal charges.
West Midlands Police charged him with causing death by dangerous driving.
Aleksanders arrived at Gatwick Airport and was taken into custody in the West Midlands.
He is scheduled to appear in Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday.
British, Latvian, and international agencies worked together to return Aleksanders to the UK.
The investigation and extradition had been ongoing since shortly after the crash.
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Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, defeating Representative Haley Stevens. Corbin Trent, who once coordinated Bernie Sanders’ campaign, provided analysis on the election results.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan.
He defeated incumbent Representative Haley Stevens.
CBS News projected El-Sayed’s victory.
Corbin Trent, a former Bernie Sanders campaign national coordinator, offered analysis on the outcome.
The event relates to the U.S. political scene and upcoming elections.
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Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a Salvadoran man detained at an ICE facility in New Jersey, died after a medical emergency. His attorney had filed a petition days earlier asking for his release or to prevent his transfer due to medical concerns.
Key Facts
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was held at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
He died on August 1, 2026, following a medical emergency.
His attorney filed a habeas petition on July 24 asking a judge to stop his transfer or order his release.
The petition cited Lopez-Cornejo's several medical conditions needing regular medication, including epilepsy and high blood pressure.
ICE said he received proper medical care and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The official cause of death is pending further investigation, but Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said it was cardiac arrest.
Lopez-Cornejo had been detained since June 18, 2026, pending removal from the United States.
Family members and the attorney expressed concerns about whether he received adequate medical care before he died.
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