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Dr. Anthony Fauci testified before a Senate committee chaired by Senator Rand Paul about the origins of COVID-19 and accusations concerning "gain-of-function" research. The debate focuses on whether the coronavirus came from natural animal exposure or a lab leak, with disagreements about the type of research funded at a lab in Wuhan, China.
Key Facts
Dr. Fauci appeared under subpoena before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Senator Rand Paul released Fauci's diary entries related to the COVID-19 pandemic response.
The virus's origins are disputed: some say it spread naturally from animals, while others believe it came from a lab leak in Wuhan.
The World Health Organization and U.S. intelligence agencies have not reached a firm conclusion on the virus's source.
"Gain-of-function" research involves modifying viruses to study their evolution, and it is controversial.
Paul claims NIH funded risky gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a claim NIH denies.
Fauci and Paul have publicly accused each other of lying about the virus origins and research funding.
President Biden pardoned Fauci before leaving office to prevent prosecution related to these issues.
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Elon Musk has launched X Money, a new payment feature available only to certain X app subscribers in the US. The service currently has important limits, such as only allowing transfers between users aged 18 and older, and not supporting payments in big markets like New York and Massachusetts, which may slow its growth.
Key Facts
X Money launched recently for US Premium and Premium+ X app subscribers.
Users can transfer money only to other X Money users who are at least 18 years old.
The X Card cannot be used everywhere because X lacks money transmitter licenses in New York and Massachusetts.
Experts say limited payment acceptance could reduce user trust and slow adoption.
X Money users may lose access if the platform goes down or if account activity triggers restrictions.
Withdrawals can be frozen for up to 180 days under certain X policies.
Customer support mainly relies on in-app chat; phone support is limited.
Elon Musk aims to build X into an “everything app” combining social media, shopping, and banking within 3 to 5 years.
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A 16-year-old California lifeguard named Ryder Williams saved a 10-year-old boy from drowning in large waves off Seabright beach, Santa Cruz. The rescue was caught on video and shared widely online, highlighting Ryder's determination and training.
Key Facts
Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old lifeguard working for California state parks.
He rescued a 10-year-old boy who was swept about 15 yards offshore by waves.
A bystander recorded the dramatic rescue and posted the video online.
The rescue occurred on a Saturday afternoon during dangerous wave and rip current conditions.
Ryder said he refused to let go of the boy because he knew it would be fatal.
Ryder’s father, Shane Williams, is a retired firefighter and proud of his son’s calm under pressure.
Ryder completed lifeguard training despite being sick with a fever just before starting.
This was Ryder’s first official rescue; state officials said there were 34 rescues in the district that weekend.
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The article discusses the decline of the American-led world order, known as Pax America, and argues that trying to return to the old system is not practical. Instead, it suggests creating a new international approach based on limits to war and violence, where multiple world powers agree to respect certain rules to maintain peace.
Key Facts
The American-led world order (Pax America) is currently declining.
Many people hope to return to the old system, but this is unrealistic and overlooks its flaws.
The old order often involved hypocrisy and did not benefit many countries outside the Western world.
The article proposes an antiwar agenda centered on four key commitments related to self-defense, respect for borders, avoiding proxy wars, and limiting arms sales.
This agenda focuses on mutual restraint rather than enforcing global rules from one dominant power.
The rise of multiple global powers (multipolarity) could lead to a more stable world order based on cooperation rather than dominance.
The danger remains that a declining American role might lead to more violence without these new agreements.
The proposed changes build on lessons from the post-World War II international system but do not try to recreate it fully.
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JD Vance, the vice-president, has been following a special diet that includes fermented foods to lose weight. He has recently faced criticism from within his political party, mainly because of his mild views on Israel and the Iran war, which some see as hurting his chances for the 2028 presidential race.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the current vice-president of the United States.
He has been on a diet involving fermented foods like sauerkraut, promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
President Donald Trump has responded positively to Vance’s weight loss.
Vance has faced criticism and attacks from members of his own party.
His mild criticism of Israel and the war in Iran is a key reason for the backlash.
A member of Vance’s security team is under investigation for leaking details about his family’s expensive travel requests.
Fox News commentators have criticized Vance for contradicting President Trump publicly, especially regarding military actions in Iran.
Vance’s troubles may benefit his political rival Marco Rubio, who is closing the gap in the polls for the 2028 Republican nomination.
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Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized since mid-June due to a fall and pneumonia. His office released two photos over several weeks to prove he is alive and recovering, but questions remain about his health and ability to perform his Senate duties.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall and treatment for pneumonia.
McConnell’s team released two photos, one in mid-July and another in late July, to show he is alive.
There is no direct statement from McConnell himself about his condition.
He has missed 38 Senate votes since his hospitalization.
McConnell is said to be undergoing intense physical therapy and is not expected to travel soon.
Kentucky’s Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, has asked McConnell to be transparent about his health.
Calls for more openness come from the public and officials concerned about McConnell’s ability to serve.
McConnell previously used a wheelchair in the Senate after a fall last year.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck the Kumamoto area in southwestern Japan, killing at least 18 people and injuring 62. Rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings, including a shopping mall and a factory, where people are still missing.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit on July 27, 2026, in Kumamoto, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.
At least 18 people have died, and 62 others were injured, six seriously.
The Aeon Mall in Kashima city was heavily damaged, with a gas explosion causing further harm and trapping people inside.
Three employees are still missing at the mall, and three deaths were confirmed from the explosion.
A collapsed chimney at a Nippon Paper Industries factory killed five people, with four others still missing.
Nearly 34,900 homes had no electricity, and about 15,000 had no water after the quake.
More than 8,800 people evacuated to over 400 shelters where air conditioning was provided due to hot weather.
Japan’s Self Defense Forces and firefighters from Taiwan joined rescue efforts, with officials calling it a race against time.
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Democrats are concerned that comments made by Megan Romer, a leader of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), during a Fox News interview might be used by Republicans as attack points in the upcoming midterm elections. Moderate Democrats are particularly uneasy about how these statements could affect voters’ opinions.
Key Facts
Megan Romer is the co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
She gave a fast-paced interview on Fox News on Sunday.
In the interview, Romer outlined key priorities of the DSA.
Democrats worry the comments might be used by Republicans in political attacks.
This concern is growing as the midterm elections approach.
Moderate Democrats feel especially worried about the potential impact.
The interview’s wide circulation has increased the Democrats’ unease.
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President Donald Trump wants the Senate to cancel its August break to discuss the SAVE America Act and a budget plan to support the Iran war. Senate Republicans are split over whether to shorten their five-week recess, with concern about protecting vulnerable senators.
Key Facts
President Trump demands the Senate cancel its August recess.
The Senate break is planned to last five weeks.
The SAVE America Act would focus on voter eligibility.
There is also a budget plan related to funding the Iran war.
Senate Republicans are divided on cutting short their break.
Some Republican senators are worried about their election chances.
The disagreement has caused confusion among GOP senators.
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New research shows that two blood tests used to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease can accurately identify the condition in people with Down syndrome. These tests could make it easier to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier in this high-risk group, replacing more invasive methods like brain scans or spinal taps.
Key Facts
People with Down syndrome have a very high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, with over 90% affected in their lifetime.
The study tested two blood tests, Lumipulse G p-tau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 and PrecivityAD2, which detect biological markers linked to Alzheimer's.
These blood tests found signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes with similar accuracy as in the general population.
The research included 39 people with Down syndrome who had both blood tests and brain scans (PET scans).
Blood tests could be a simpler and more accessible way to screen for Alzheimer's than current methods like PET scans or lumbar punctures.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s in people with Down syndrome is challenging because symptoms may look different and overlap with lifelong intellectual disabilities.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s in this group often include changes in behavior or planning skills rather than memory loss.
Researchers developed initial cutoff points in test results to help distinguish who has Alzheimer’s brain changes among people with Down syndrome.
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A man detained by ICE in an Indiana prison filed lawsuits alleging he was left bleeding after a seizure caused by missed epilepsy medication and then pepper-sprayed by correctional officers when he returned from the hospital. The lawsuits claim poor medical care and unjustified use of force violated his constitutional rights.
Key Facts
Andranik Grigoryan was held at Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana from December 30 to May 15.
He missed doses of Keppra, a medication for epilepsy, due to staff shortages and medication shortages.
On January 22, he had a severe seizure in his cell, hit his head, and was left in a pool of blood before staff arrived.
After hospital treatment, officers pepper-sprayed him when he struggled to stand and asked why he was being moved.
Grigoryan was not allowed to wash off the pepper spray immediately and had to use a sink in another cell to wash himself.
The lawsuits were filed against Centurion Health (the prison’s medical provider) and unnamed prison officers.
The suits claim violations of the 14th Amendment, including inadequate medical care and unreasonable use of force.
The ACLU of Indiana represents Grigoryan and says detainees have a right to medical care and protection from unjustified force.
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The Indian government responded to large protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule by arresting many young protesters and using police force. After the Supreme Court ordered the release of minors, some arrested protesters were freed, but authorities continue to monitor and take action against social media accounts criticizing the government.
Key Facts
Protests began in June at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over leaked medical exam papers and called for education reforms.
Hundreds of protesters, including those under 18, were arrested in states ruled by Modi’s BJP party.
India’s Supreme Court ordered the release of all arrested minors involved in the protests.
Several states, including West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, and Delhi, stopped actions against protesters and planned to withdraw cases.
Police used tear gas, batons, and pellet guns against protesters in New Delhi and other places.
There are reports that the government used AI surveillance to track protesters, leading to legal challenges.
Police filed complaints against social media posts they say insult constitutional leaders and requested user data from the platform X (formerly Twitter).
The protests caused Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, which is seen as a rare setback for Modi.
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In Gaza, a women-only safe space offers psychological support and group discussions for women affected by the ongoing war. Many women, like Ola Saleh, who lost their husbands and are now heads of households, use the space to talk, heal, and share their feelings amid difficult living conditions.
Key Facts
Ola Saleh is a 39-year-old woman living in a tent in al-Amal camp, Gaza, who attends a daily women-only support group.
Her husband was killed in August 2023 during the Israel-Palestine conflict, leaving her to care for five children alone.
About 16,000 women in Gaza have lost their husbands since the war began in October 2023, making nearly one in seven families led by a woman.
The support program is run by Collective Development Projects, providing psychological help and practical advice.
Sessions started recently at the al-Farah School and have quickly grown in attendance, with up to 75 women per day.
The safe space helps women express emotions, gain strength, and learn to handle family and social challenges during displacement.
Women face harsh living conditions in tents, often without electricity or ventilation, and focus heavily on survival needs.
The program also raises awareness on mental health, family pressure, economic difficulties, and child care during the war.
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Russia has charged Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram, with helping terrorists. Russian security services say Telegram was used by Ukrainian agents to plan attacks inside Russia, and they have issued an international arrest warrant for Durov, who lives outside Russia.
Key Facts
Russia’s FSB security agency claims Telegram was used to organize sabotage and terrorist acts inside Russia.
Telegram is accused of not removing channels and bots linked to Ukraine’s secret services.
An international arrest warrant has been issued for Pavel Durov.
Pavel Durov was born in Russia but lives abroad and holds French and UAE passports.
Telegram remains popular in Russia despite government attempts to limit access.
Durov denies the accusations and says Russian authorities want to restrict access to Telegram.
It is unknown if other countries will cooperate with Russia’s arrest warrant.
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Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has proposed charging data centre developers a large refundable fee upfront to connect to the electricity grid. This move aims to manage the rising demand for electricity from data centres, which has more than doubled recently, and to prevent speculative projects from taking up space in the connection queue without real plans to connect.
Key Facts
Ofgem wants data centre projects to pay a deposit between £237,500 and £712,500 per megawatt of power requested.
A data centre needing 1 gigawatt (GW) of power could pay hundreds of millions of pounds up front.
The fee is refundable if the project is completed.
Electricity capacity requests from data centre projects rose from 41 GW to 125 GW in one year.
The current peak electricity demand in the UK is about 46 GW, much lower than the requested capacity.
There are 564 data centres in the UK, with 24 more planned in Scotland due to its renewable energy supply.
Local communities have raised concerns about noise, high electricity use, and water needs for cooling servers.
The new rules aim to stop speculative data centre projects from blocking the electricity grid connection process.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters. This followed recent missile and drone attacks by Iran and its allies against U.S. and Saudi targets in the region.
Key Facts
U.S. and Saudi forces launched strikes on Iran-backed groups in eastern Iraq.
The Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi paramilitary group backed by Iran, reported at least 20 fighters killed and 32 wounded.
The strikes targeted logistics and weapons sites used by Iranian proxies.
Over 30 drone attacks on U.S. forces and Saudi energy facilities were attempted in the prior three days.
Jordan intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles fired early Wednesday.
The U.S. military said it stopped a missile attack aimed at American forces and worked with Saudi Arabia on the retaliatory strikes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards struck and stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they ignored warnings.
The Houthi group, supported by Iran, fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi tanker in the Red Sea.
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The southeastern coast of the United States, including areas near Florida, the Carolinas, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, could see the formation of tropical storms in early to mid-August. Forecasters say there is no immediate threat, but the area needs to be monitored due to favorable conditions like warm water and weakening winds.
Key Facts
No tropical storms are expected in the Atlantic in the next few days.
A broad zone near the U.S. coast may produce tropical rainstorms or depressions by early to mid-August.
Warm ocean water and lower wind shear could help storms form in that region.
Tropical systems can develop if thunderstorms gather and separate from weather fronts to form low pressure areas with warm cores.
A quickly forming storm near shore could cause heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds with little warning.
This watch area follows the recent storms Arthur and Bertha, the second named storm this season.
Forecasters expect a below-average to average hurricane season in 2026 due to a strong El Niño, which tends to reduce storm formation.
NOAA predicts 8 to 14 named storms this season, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes and 1 to 3 possibly major hurricanes.
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A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 hit Kumamoto prefecture in southwest Japan, causing significant damage. The earthquake destroyed homes, caused fires, broke bridges, cut power, and resulted in at least 18 confirmed deaths so far as rescue efforts continue.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwest Japan.
The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated at 7.1.
Five people died at a damaged factory where part of a large smokestack collapsed.
At least 13 people died after a shopping mall was badly damaged.
The earthquake flattened homes and started fires in the affected area.
Several bridges were broken due to the quake.
Thousands of people lost electricity following the earthquake.
Rescue efforts to find survivors are still ongoing.
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A large fire in southwestern France has mostly stabilized, allowing around 60,000 people to return home. However, 14 fires have started again, and firefighters are working to control them as a fourth heatwave this year arrives, making their task harder.
Key Facts
A major wildfire in southwest France is currently under control but not fully extinguished.
Nearly 60,000 residents who had evacuated are being allowed to return home.
Fourteen smaller fires have reignited in the region.
Firefighters continue to battle these fires amid challenging conditions.
A fourth heatwave this year is hitting the area, increasing the difficulty of fighting the fires.
French officials and emergency teams are actively managing the situation to prevent further damage.
Authorities are also trying to prevent burglaries in evacuated areas.
The fire is near Bordeaux, in the Gironde department of France.
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A recent Fox News survey shows that fewer Republicans view capitalism favorably compared to previous years. While most Republicans still support capitalism, many are concerned that the system mainly benefits the wealthy and does not work well for everyday workers.
Key Facts
61% of Republicans view capitalism favorably, down from 72% in 2019.
Strongly favorable opinions among Republicans dropped from 54% to 41%.
Overall, only 50% of registered voters now have a favorable view of capitalism, with 46% unfavorable.
65% of voters believe the economic system favors the wealthy, an increase from 56% during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Many voters feel capitalism is linked to high costs and corporate influence rather than shared prosperity.
A Wall Street Journal-NORC survey found less than half of Americans think capitalism works well, down from 60% about ten years ago.
Most Republicans have not abandoned capitalism but express frustration with what they see as unfair practices helping elites while burdening working families.
Experts say this trend reflects concerns about economic fairness and affordability, not a move toward socialism.
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