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Dr. Anthony Fauci used the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing, meaning he chose not to answer some questions to avoid self-incrimination. At the same time, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates the same.
Key Facts
Dr. Anthony Fauci took the Fifth Amendment in a Senate hearing.
The Fifth Amendment allows a person to avoid answering questions to prevent self-incrimination.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged.
Interest rates affect how much it costs to borrow money.
The news was covered in a segment called "The Takeout with Major Garrett" on CBS News.
This information was shared on July 29.
The hearing involved questions directed at Dr. Fauci.
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Ukrainian forces attacked two large Russian oil refineries overnight, causing fires. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to weaken Russia’s economy and military during the conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted two major Russian oil refineries: one in the Perm region and one in Ryazan.
The Perm refinery is about 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) from Ukraine, and Ryazan is about 400 kilometers (180 miles) from the border.
Ukraine used drones and missiles developed within the country for these long-range strikes.
These attacks are happening nearly every day as part of a campaign to damage Russia’s oil industry.
The strikes have caused a fuel shortage in Russia.
Officials from Ukraine's Security Service and General Staff confirmed the attacks.
The attacks took place shortly after a meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The campaign aims to increase pressure on Russia economically and militarily during the ongoing conflict.
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The Dow Jones stock market index fell by more than 1,000 points. This happened after the Federal Reserve decided not to change interest rates again, despite rising energy prices linked to the conflict in Iran and ongoing high inflation.
Key Facts
The Dow Jones dropped over 1,000 points in a single day.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for the fifth time in a row.
Energy prices have increased due to the war involving Iran.
Inflation remains high, meaning prices for goods and services continue to rise.
The Fed’s decision aims to balance economic growth and control inflation.
Investors reacted negatively to the Fed’s hold on rates.
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Elon Musk has settled a lawsuit against advertisers who boycotted his social media platform, X, after the boycott caused a revenue drop of $1.5 billion by the end of 2023. The settlement ends the dispute involving the World Federation of Advertisers and the now-disbanded Global Alliance for Responsible Media, with no other public concessions made.
Key Facts
X sued the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) in 2024, accusing them of illegally coordinating an advertising boycott.
The boycott led to a $1.5 billion revenue loss for X by the end of 2023.
Musk described the situation as a "war" and sought criminal prosecution for advertisers who refused to buy ads.
The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) was disbanded shortly after the lawsuit began.
GARM aimed to address illegal or harmful content on digital platforms but was accused by Musk of controlling what content gets monetized.
The settlement confirms GARM will remain inactive, and WFA and X claim to be aligned on brand safety and freedom of speech.
A court had previously ruled the boycott legal and dismissed X’s antitrust claims for lack of evidence.
Musk recently launched X Money, a payments product intended to reduce X’s reliance on advertising revenue, but it faces adoption challenges.
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A drone struck a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s port of Damietta, signaling an increase in tensions in the Middle East. President Donald Trump promised to respond strongly to Iran after this incident, which is part of a growing conflict involving several countries in the region.
Key Facts
A drone hit a gas storage tanker owned by the U.S. at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta.
The incident was reported by the British maritime security company Ambrey.
President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate against Iran for the attack.
This event indicates the Middle East conflict is expanding beyond its main areas.
Other recent developments include US and Saudi strikes in Iraq and increased military actions around Iran.
The UK is considering forming a naval coalition to protect shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
This is part of ongoing tensions involving Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and other nations.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have recently met amid the rising conflict.
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The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking a New York appeals court to reject President Donald Trump’s challenges to his 2024 criminal conviction for hush money payments. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign, but he argues presidential immunity should protect him from some evidence used in the trial.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was convicted in 2024 of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
The charges relate to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, during the 2016 election.
Manhattan prosecutors say Trump used false records to cover up the payments.
Trump claims the 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity protects him from some prosecution evidence.
The Manhattan DA’s office disagrees, stating the payments were “unofficial” acts and not protected by immunity.
The trial judge, Justice Juan Merchan, was accused by Trump of bias due to small donations to Democrats, but prosecutors said the judge had no reason to recuse himself.
Although Trump faced possible prison time, the judge gave him an unconditional discharge because of the unusual situation of sentencing a president-elect.
The case makes Trump the first U.S. president to take office with a felony conviction.
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Meta reported a drop in its second-quarter profit due to high legal and layoff-related costs, even though its revenue grew more than expected. The company continues to invest in artificial intelligence and expects revenue to rise moderately in the next quarter.
Key Facts
Meta’s second-quarter profit was $15.85 billion, down 14% from last year’s $18.34 billion.
Revenue increased 28% to $60.8 billion, which beat analysts’ average estimate of $60.22 billion.
Legal expenses and severance costs from layoffs contributed $3.58 billion to total expenses.
Meta laid off about 8,000 employees, with total staff at 75,472 as of June 30.
Daily active users on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger grew 3% to 3.6 billion.
Meta forecasts third-quarter revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion, slightly below analysts’ expectations.
Meta shares fell 4.2% in after-hours trading following the earnings report.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized AI as a key driver for current and future growth.
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A court-appointed doctor reported that the California City Immigration Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in California, is not providing adequate healthcare to detainees. The facility, run by CoreCivic but now owned by the federal government, has issues with staffing, delays in medication, and poor management, which puts detainees’ health at risk.
Key Facts
The California City detention center is about 75 miles east of Bakersfield and was recently bought by the federal government.
CoreCivic, a private prison company, still operates the facility.
Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar was appointed by a judge to monitor healthcare in the detention center following a lawsuit by seven detainees.
Anandkumar’s report found 13 areas where healthcare was deficient, including emergency care and management of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Detainees experienced long delays in getting medications and cancer treatments.
Staffing shortages led to untrained workers having to cover shifts and train new staff.
A previous inspection by Disability Rights California found similar problems with medication delays and scheduling surgeries.
CoreCivic stated that the facility offers daily physical and mental health services and coordinates with outside doctors when needed.
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Fifteen elephants died in southern Kenya after eating tomatoes contaminated with cyanide near Amboseli National Park. Wildlife officials found cyanide in the elephants and warned the poison could also harm local farm animals.
Key Facts
Fifteen elephants died in the last month in southern Kenya.
The elephants ate tomatoes contaminated with cyanide.
The contaminated tomatoes came from farms near Amboseli National Park.
Cyanide is a very dangerous poison, especially for elephants.
Kenya Wildlife Service detected cyanide in lab tests on the elephants.
Farmers have previously been suspected of poisoning elephants to protect crops.
Local livestock like goats and cattle could also be at risk from the poison.
Officials said the poison does not pose an immediate danger to humans.
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The movie "I Want Your Sex" is a playful comedy about sex and relationships among young adults. Olivia Wilde stars as Erika Tracy, a strong and unusual character involved in a complicated, consensual BDSM relationship with a younger employee, played by Cooper Hoffman. The film explores themes of intimacy and generational differences with humor and drama.
Key Facts
"I Want Your Sex" is directed by Gregg Araki, known for New Queer Cinema.
Olivia Wilde plays Erika Tracy, a commanding and memorable character.
The story features a BDSM relationship between Erika and her employee Elliot, played by Cooper Hoffman.
The relationship is consensual but causes problems in Elliot’s personal life.
The movie addresses the lack of sexual intimacy experienced by Generation Z.
Other characters include Elliot’s best friend Apple and his girlfriend Minerva, played by Charli XCX.
The film mixes comedy, mystery, and drama including themes of betrayal and possible murder.
It opens in theaters on Friday and includes performances by Johnny Knoxville and Margaret Cho as detectives.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary from the COVID-19 pandemic has been released by Senator Rand Paul during a Senate hearing. The diary shows Fauci’s private thoughts about the virus origins and the pandemic response, which mostly align with what he said publicly, including uncertainty about where the virus started and how it spread.
Key Facts
Senator Rand Paul subpoenaed Dr. Fauci to testify about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci kept a detailed diary during the pandemic, with over 1,000 pages of entries.
The diary was obtained from government computers and shared with a GOP-led Senate committee.
Fauci’s diary states that early COVID infections were not directly connected to a market in China but the market helped spread the virus.
Fauci publicly said the market amplified the virus but likely was not the original source.
Fauci and other scientists considered the theory that the virus might have leaked from a lab, but there is no proof of this.
Most scientists believe the virus probably came from animals in nature before infecting humans.
During the hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer some questions.
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A man named Hadi Matar was found guilty of federal terrorism charges for stabbing author Salman Rushdie in 2022. Rushdie was seriously injured during the attack, which was motivated by a longstanding death threat against him linked to his novel "The Satanic Verses."
Key Facts
Hadi Matar was convicted on all terrorism-related charges linked to the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie.
Matar is already serving 25 years in prison for attempted murder from the same attack.
The stabbing occurred on an amphitheater stage where Rushdie was about to speak.
Rushdie was slashed 15 times, lost sight in his right eye, and was seriously wounded.
Prosecutors said Matar acted under Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini’s 1989 call for Rushdie’s death due to "The Satanic Verses."
Matar’s defense said there was no proof of his state of mind; Matar did not testify.
Rushdie’s book "The Satanic Verses" caused protests and violence worldwide due to perceived blasphemy.
Iran’s government never rescinded the fatwa, and a bounty remains on Rushdie’s life.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) sought help from Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former gangster turned informant, in a case against former FBI Director James Comey. Comey's defense claims Gravano said the term "86" would not be used as a threat by gangsters, which could weaken the government's case that Comey's Instagram post was a violent threat against President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
James Comey was indicted in April 2026 for a social media post with seashells spelling "8647," which prosecutors say threatened President Trump.
The DOJ interviewed Sammy "The Bull" Gravano to see if Comey could have understood "86" as meaning murder or violence.
Gravano, who admitted to involvement in 19 murders before cooperating with law enforcement, said gangsters would not use "86" because police knew what it meant.
Gravano did not see Comey’s post as a personal threat of violence.
Comey's lawyers argue that evidence obtained via search warrants should be dismissed because prosecutors misled judges by leaving out key details.
Federal agents searched extensive organized crime records and interviewed experts about the term "86" without finding support for the prosecution’s theory.
The case hinges on whether Comey, given his FBI background, would have interpreted "86" as a violent threat.
Gravano's lawyer said Gravano is willing to testify truthfully at Comey's trial.
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President Donald Trump announced a $22.5 billion plan to renovate Washington Dulles International Airport. The project will replace the old mobile lounges with a new passenger train, walking tunnel, and more moving walkways to improve traveler access.
Key Facts
The renovation budget is $22.5 billion.
The project will end the use of mobile lounges called "people movers."
A new U-shaped passenger train will replace the people movers.
The plan includes a central walking tunnel and additional moving walkways.
A new above-ground parking garage will be built close to the main terminal.
The parking garage will have space for 32,000 vehicles.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined President Trump for the announcement.
The renovation is part of President Trump’s larger effort to improve infrastructure in the Washington, D.C. region before his term ends in 2029.
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Politicians in the United States are using profanity more often in public speeches and social media. They do this to seem more real, show anger, and break away from traditional formal language in politics.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump said U.S. forces would "beat the fucking shit" out of Iranian forces after an attack in Jordan.
Senator Bernie Moreno used profanity to criticize Dr. Anthony Fauci during a Senate hearing on COVID-19 mask rules.
Since 1919, U.S. presidents and top politicians have sworn in public at least 692 times, with 605 instances in the last 10 years.
President Trump and President Joe Biden are responsible for 78% of these swear words, with Trump using stronger language.
Research shows voters see swearing as informal, making politicians seem more like regular people and improving how voters feel about them.
Male politicians tend to gain more positive effects from cursing than female politicians, who may face more criticism for it.
Social media algorithms promote emotional and shocking content, helping politicians reach voters without traditional broadcast rules.
Experts warn that while profanity can attract attention, it cannot replace detailed policy work by politicians.
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A new bipartisan bill called the Increasing Mental Health Options Act aims to make it easier for Medicare patients to get mental health care. The bill would let psychologists provide services without needing a doctor's approval first, which could speed up treatment, especially for seniors in rural areas and nursing homes.
Key Facts
The bill was introduced by Senators John Kennedy (R) and Martin Heinrich (D).
It would remove the rule that psychologists need physician approval to offer mental health services in certain settings.
This change could reduce delays in mental health care for Medicare patients.
Psychologists would also become eligible for bonus payments when working in areas with few mental health professionals.
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness affect many older Americans on Medicare.
The bill aims to update Medicare rules to better match modern mental health care needs.
The bill was sent to the Senate Finance Committee for review.
Nursing home residents, who often face depression or anxiety, might benefit most from faster access to care.
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President Donald Trump said he is not worried about Senator John Cornyn possibly blocking the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Trump mentioned that he has heard the nomination process is going well.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the nomination of Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General.
Senator John Cornyn from Texas has the power to delay the nomination.
Trump said he has not heard of any problems with the nomination.
He believes the nomination is progressing without issues.
The discussion happened on a Wednesday during the nomination process.
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President Donald Trump announced a $22 billion plan to renovate Dulles International Airport. The project will build new terminals and remove the airport’s current shuttle system called the “people mover.”
Key Facts
The renovation budget is $22 billion.
The project will include new airport terminals.
The airport’s “people mover” shuttle system will be removed.
President Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office.
He said the airport is unpleasant for all travelers, regardless of political views.
The announcement was made on a Wednesday.
The plan aims to improve the overall experience at Dulles International Airport.
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Indie singer Noah Kahan criticized President Trump for using his song "American Cars" in a White House Instagram post without permission. Kahan said he would not approve his music being used to support the current administration.
Key Facts
Noah Kahan is an indie singer.
The White House used Kahan’s song “American Cars” in an Instagram post.
The post was captioned “Made in America is BACK.”
Kahan commented that he never approved the use of his song.
He expressed disapproval of his music being linked to President Trump’s administration.
The issue highlights artists’ concerns about how their music is used in politics.
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Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, is testifying again at a royal commission about education and training related to antisemitism. Separately, three people died in a house fire in Sydney, and a national target to have 95% of First Nations children enrolled in early childhood education has been reached.
Key Facts
Jillian Segal was appointed special envoy to combat antisemitism by the Australian government in 2024.
She is giving evidence at a royal commission examining education and training on antisemitism.
Segal recommended Holocaust and antisemitism education be included in all school curriculums.
Three people died in a house fire in Wiley Park, southwest Sydney; police are investigating.
The Australian government launched a childcare safety training program aimed at preventing abuse.
The first phase of childcare worker safety training was completed by 99% of early educators.
Australia has reached a target of 95% enrolment of First Nations children in early childhood education.
Other social targets related to Indigenous Australians, such as child development and incarceration rates, are still worsening.
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