Senior Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen criticized Republicans in Congress for not opposing President Trump's military actions in Iran. They said Congress is giving up its responsibility to control war decisions, even as the conflict continues and many Americans disapprove.
Key Facts
Democrats accuse Republicans of failing to check President Trump’s war powers over Iran.
Warren described Republicans as “gelatinous blobs” for not standing up to Trump.
The US has been involved in a war with Iran since February, costing tens of billions of dollars and causing military casualties.
Recent Senate votes to limit Trump’s authority to conduct the war failed narrowly.
The House passed a war powers resolution twice directing withdrawal from Iran; the Senate did not.
The conflict is unpopular with about 69% of Americans disapproving of Trump’s handling of the situation.
Van Hollen says Congress needs to stop funding the war to end it.
Democrats hope to regain Congressional majorities in November to better control war decisions.
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Democratic socialist Abdul El-Sayed is leading in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary against establishment candidate Haley Stevens. The race highlights a clash between the party’s left wing and center-left and could impact the Democratic Party's chances in the November Senate election.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed, backed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is ahead in Michigan’s Senate Democratic primary.
Haley Stevens is supported by the party establishment, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The primary is seen as a key test of the Democratic Party’s direction, with democratic socialists gaining influence.
Stevens is heavily supported by AIPAC, a pro-Israel group, which has spent about $30 million on her campaign.
The candidates differ on Israel: Stevens calls herself a "proud pro-Israel Democrat," while El-Sayed has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
About one-third of Democratic voters identify as democratic socialists and are highly motivated to vote.
Republican President Trump is using the primary race to criticize Democrats, calling El-Sayed a "communist" as part of his campaign strategy.
Winning Michigan is considered critical for Democrats to have a chance at controlling the Senate in the upcoming general election.
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Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home six months ago. Authorities continue to investigate with DNA evidence, surveillance video, and many leads, but no major public breakthroughs have been made yet.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie went missing on January 31 from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Blood drops found near her front door suggest she was taken against her will.
FBI released footage showing a masked man on her porch the night she disappeared.
Investigators have not identified a suspect or found major new evidence publicly.
DNA evidence found at the scene does not match Nancy or her close contacts.
Police emphasize the case remains active and they are pursuing many leads.
Experts say the case is "cooling" but not cold, meaning work is still ongoing.
The investigation has moved beyond the initial phase but continues with complex evidence reviews.
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A large outbreak of the parasite cyclospora, linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Mexico, caused thousands of illnesses across the U.S. between May and July 2024. Experts warn that this outbreak exposes weaknesses in the country’s ability to quickly detect and respond to biological threats, especially as advances in AI may make bioweapons easier to create.
Key Facts
The first cyclospora illnesses started on May 13, 2024.
A single supplier, Taylor Farms de Mexico, was identified on July 16 as the source of contaminated iceberg lettuce.
By late July, there were 6,707 confirmed cases, 11,500 cases awaiting confirmation, and 423 hospitalizations across 45 states.
Confirming infections linked to outbreaks can take up to six weeks because quick DNA testing methods don’t exist for cyclospora.
In 2025, government cuts reduced mandatory disease reporting from eight pathogens to two, making cyclospora reporting optional.
Biodefense funding was cut by over 11 percent in the 2026 budget request, and some biological threat units were eliminated.
Experts warn that U.S. preparedness in detecting and stopping biological threats is declining, leaving the country vulnerable.
Advances in artificial intelligence could make it easier for dangerous biological agents to be developed by groups without deep expertise.
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In August, family-sponsored green card applicants will see progress as visa dates advance, allowing more people to file or move their cases forward. However, employment-based green card categories remain heavily backlogged, especially for Indian applicants, with some categories possibly becoming unavailable before the fiscal year ends.
Key Facts
Family-sponsored green card categories like F2A (spouses and children under 21 of permanent residents) have moved forward in visa dates.
Applicants in family categories may now be eligible to file or have decisions made on their green card cases during August.
Employment-based green card categories still face long waits, particularly for Indian applicants.
The EB-2 and EB-5 visa categories for India remain unavailable, meaning no new applicants can file.
EB-1 China saw some progress; EB-3 Worldwide moved forward slightly.
The U.S. government warns that EB-1 India may become unavailable before September 30 due to high demand and visa limits.
Applicants must follow different visa bulletin charts: family-sponsored can use the more favorable "Dates for Filing," while employment-based must use the stricter "Final Action Dates."
Immigration lawyers advise Indian employment-based applicants to maintain valid temporary visas or explore other immigration options while waiting.
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Flags were lowered to half-staff in Arizona, Colorado, and New York to honor a fallen soldier, a firefighter who died after a wildfire, and a former state leader. Each state’s governor ordered the gesture to recognize these individuals’ service and sacrifice.
Key Facts
New York lowered flags on July 31 for Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, who died during an attack at a Jordanian air base.
Rampersad was a Queens resident and a decorated army sergeant with commendations.
Colorado lowered flags on July 31 for firefighter Nathan Matthews, who died from injuries sustained while fighting the Knowles fire.
Matthews was part of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and died after surviving a burnover event that killed three other firefighters.
Arizona lowered flags on August 1 to honor former Senate President Carl Kunasek, who died at age 94.
Kunasek served many years in Arizona politics including the Senate and regulatory commissions.
Half-staff flags are a traditional way to publicly mourn important and impactful figures.
The orders were issued by Governors Kathy Hochul (NY), Jared Polis (CO), and Katie Hobbs (AZ).
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The article discusses the history and current state of American conservatism. It explains how traditional conservatism focuses on limited government, free markets, and individual freedom, while warning that modern right-wing populism often departs from these principles by supporting more government control and protectionism.
Key Facts
American conservatism faced internal disagreements about its direction 60 years ago.
Ronald Reagan’s 1964 speech helped unify conservatives with a clear vision based on limited government.
Reagan warned that government power tends to grow and is hard to reduce once expanded.
Traditional conservatism supports free markets, limited government, fiscal restraint, and strong alliances.
Modern right-wing populism opposes elites but often supports more government intervention and protectionist policies.
Populism’s approach can conflict with the core conservative value of limited government.
The article argues that mixing populism and conservatism risks losing conservative principles.
Reagan believed government control over the economy leads to ongoing expansion of federal power.
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Several states including Florida, Alabama, Connecticut, and Mississippi have reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria known as "flesh-eating bacteria," in 2026. This infection is rare but can be very serious, and cases may be increasing due to warming ocean waters.
Key Facts
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that lives in warm coastal and brackish water.
It can infect people through open wounds or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters.
At least four states have reported infections of this bacteria so far in 2026.
Florida has the most reported cases and one death so far this year.
The bacteria can cause severe illness, including flesh-eating infections and blood infections, with a death rate of about 20%.
Many cases of Vibrio infections go unreported or undiagnosed.
Rising ocean temperatures allow the bacteria to live in more areas, including farther north along the U.S. coast.
People with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe infection.
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Gina Rinehart has threatened legal action against the ABC over offensive comments made about her in a broadcast. The ABC has received legal letters and is reviewing complaints, while the filmmaker apologized for the remarks.
Key Facts
The comments about Gina Rinehart aired on ABC’s Race Around the World program on 12 July.
The remarks included a crude joke about mixing her guts into a sausage roll.
Hancock Prospecting, Rinehart’s company, demanded immediate removal, an apology, and an investigation.
Legal letters were sent to ABC’s board chair, deputy chair, and managing director alleging serious legal breaches.
The ABC confirmed receipt of the legal letters and said it will respond soon.
The filmmaker, Kate McGuinness, apologized and said the joke was satirical and not meant literally.
The episode remains available on ABC’s iView streaming service.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is monitoring the situation but awaits ABC’s response first.
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The US Senate has passed the “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026” with strong support, aiming to punish Russia by using sanctions and tariffs, including high tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives but may face delays after President Trump asked to add Iran-related tariffs, which has caused concern among some lawmakers.
Key Facts
The bill passed the Senate 86 to 12 and is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
It targets Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials, defense companies, and Russia’s oil tanker network.
The bill allows up to 100% tariffs on exports to the US from the top five buyers of Russian energy and military equipment.
Tariffs on Russian imports to the US can be as high as 500%.
Potentially affected countries include China, India, and Türkiye, which buy large amounts of Russian energy.
President Trump wants to add tariffs related to Iran, which could delay the bill and reduce Democratic support.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy supports the bill and attended Graham’s funeral in the US.
The House of Representatives is currently on summer break, delaying further action.
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A corruption inquiry in New South Wales, Australia, is investigating a group of young conservative Liberal party members called the Reformers for allegedly using illegal donations and branch stacking, which means recruiting or renewing party members improperly. One member admitted that some of the group’s funds were used for personal events like a bucks night and that money was moved through a lobbying company to gain tax benefits.
Key Facts
The Reformers are a young conservative group within the Liberal Party in New South Wales.
They are accused of seeking illegal donations to boost party membership, known as branch stacking.
Funds from a donor, Michael O’Hara, were moved through Beckington, a lobbying firm linked to the group, to avoid taxes.
Robert Assaf, a member of the Reformers, admitted using group funds temporarily for a bucks night (a party before a wedding).
Some payments were allegedly approved by the Catholic Schools NSW chief executive, Dallas McInerney, to support branch stacking.
The inquiry examined whether federal opposition leader Angus Taylor knew about or supported the Reformers; he denied any involvement or payments.
The inquiry is led by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac), which investigates corruption in NSW.
Assaf described the use of funds for personal spending as immature behavior at the time.
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The NHS in the UK has ended the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), a program that allowed 400 to 500 overseas doctors annually to train in British hospitals for up to two years. Medical groups say the scheme helped both the NHS and the doctors’ home countries, but NHS England ended it after a review found issues like some doctors staying in the UK and unfair pay.
Key Facts
The Medical Training Initiative let doctors from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal train in the UK NHS for up to two years.
About 400 to 500 foreign-trained doctors joined the NHS each year through this program.
The MTI cost NHS England £176,000 annually and operated since 2011.
An internal NHS England review said the program didn’t meet its goals because some doctors stayed in the UK and didn’t improve healthcare back home.
The review found evidence that foreign doctors were paid less than UK doctors for the same work.
Medical royal colleges criticized the sudden end of the MTI, warning it could worsen NHS doctor shortages.
Doctors already in the program or who applied before March can finish or start their placements.
NHS England said the program’s closure was unrelated to prioritizing UK-trained doctors in medical training.
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Several hospitals in Essex have raised parking fees by about 50%, reducing free parking time from 30 to 20 minutes. This has caused concern among pregnant patients who already face stress and frequent hospital visits, as parking costs are now higher and spots are limited.
Key Facts
Parking costs increased at Basildon University Hospital, Broomfield Hospital, Southend University Hospital, and Orsett Hospital.
Free parking time dropped from 30 minutes to 20 minutes at these hospitals.
The cost of three hours of parking rose from £4 to £6, and the daily rate increased from £10 to £18 starting 31 July.
Some visitors, like chemotherapy patients and blue badge holders (disabled parking permit holders), can still park for free.
Pregnant women with frequent appointments say the higher fees and limited parking add extra stress.
Nearby residents sometimes rent out their driveways for parking at about £6.15 per day, higher than average local rates.
The hospital trust said this is the first price increase in three years and is due to rising operational costs.
Weekly concession tickets are available for some patients and carers.
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An 81-year-old woman in Pontardawe, Wales, was abused by her carer, Louise Harris, who was caught on CCTV acting cruelly while drunk. Harris was sentenced to three months in jail, but the victim’s family cannot appeal the sentence, and the elderly woman now needs constant care due to trauma.
Key Facts
Louise Harris, aged 42, was filmed abusing Elizabeth Anne Shipton, 81, while drunk.
Harris screamed insults and destroyed property, including the victim’s knitting.
Harris pleaded guilty to ill treatment and criminal damage and received a three-month jail sentence.
The family cannot appeal the sentence because only certain crimes qualify for appeal under the law.
Harris was initially charged with attempted robbery, but that charge was dropped due to lack of evidence.
The abuse was recorded on home CCTV originally installed to monitor Elizabeth’s late husband’s care.
Elizabeth’s daughter, Tracy, said Elizabeth cannot be left alone now because she is traumatized.
Harris will serve about 40% of her sentence in prison before release.
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President Donald Trump will hold his Friday Cabinet meeting at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. This will be the first Cabinet meeting at Camp David during his second term after a previous attempt was canceled due to bad weather.
Key Facts
The Cabinet meeting at Camp David will be the 13th of President Trump’s second term.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the event will be a fun and different experience for Cabinet members.
Trump previously held Cabinet meetings at Camp David during his first term.
The meetings often last several hours, with officials updating the president on their work, and Trump encourages brief comments to keep meetings manageable.
Trump allows the media to stay for the entire meeting, which he says shows transparency.
Camp David was established in 1942 as a secure presidential retreat close to Washington, D.C.
Presidents have used Camp David for important diplomatic talks, such as the 1978 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
Trump has visited Camp David less frequently in his second term than in his first.
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Democratic candidates are facing challenges due to their past support for reducing police funding as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. They are trying to balance their earlier calls to change public safety with the need to appeal to moderate voters concerned about crime and safety.
Key Facts
The phrase “defund the police” gained attention during protests after George Floyd’s death.
Some Democrats supported redirecting police funds to social programs or changing public safety approaches.
This issue caused debate within the Democratic Party and may have influenced election losses in 2020.
Democratic leaders want to control the conversation about safety to avoid negative political effects.
Republicans are focusing on crime, immigration, and opposition to democratic socialism in their midterm campaigns.
In Wisconsin, Democratic candidate Francesca Hong, who previously supported defunding police, is facing pressure to adjust her stance.
Francesca Hong’s past statements included calls to abolish the police, which are now being reassessed as she runs for governor.
The party is trying to attract moderate and independent voters important for winning close races against Republicans.
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This podcast episode discusses the possibility of the United States electing its first female president in 2028. It explores the political landscape and figures who might run for president in the future.
Key Facts
The podcast focuses on the 2028 U.S. presidential election.
It considers the chance of a woman becoming the first female president of the U.S.
Political commentator Jonathan Freedland appears on the podcast.
The podcast is part of the Guardian’s Politics Weekly series.
Listeners can send questions and feedback to the podcast’s email.
The Guardian invites support through its website.
A photograph credited to Ross D Franklin/AP accompanies the article.
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A new Fox News poll shows Democratic State Representative James Talarico slightly leading Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race. The poll suggests the race could be competitive, with Talarico gaining support from key groups like moderates, Black voters, and younger Texans.
Key Facts
The poll shows Talarico ahead of Paxton by 51% to 48%, within the margin of error.
Talarico has a stronger lead (53% to 47%) among voters who are very motivated and interested in the election.
Talarico gets 68% support from independents and 98% from Democrats, while Paxton has 89% of Republican support.
Paxton’s campaign criticized Talarico’s record on issues like reparations and taxes.
Talarico criticized Paxton for not releasing information about a legal case involving a man charged with sexual abuse.
The poll surveyed 1,006 registered Texas voters between July 23 and July 27, with a 3% margin of error.
More Democrats than Republicans are highly motivated and interested to vote, which may affect turnout.
Paxton holds strong support among Republicans, but some non-MAGA Republicans and Hispanic voters favor Talarico.
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Laura Loomer, a well-known supporter of President Trump, has changed her position to support the war in Ukraine. A former White House advisor said this change could provide a chance for President Trump.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer is a prominent supporter of President Trump.
She has recently changed her view to back the war in Ukraine.
A former White House adviser commented on this shift.
The adviser suggested Loomer’s new stance might help President Trump.
This topic was discussed on Al Jazeera’s program called ‘This is America.’
Loomer’s previous position on Ukraine was different from her current one.
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U.S. officials are investigating a coordinated cyberattack on more than 30 water facilities in Minnesota. The attack may involve hackers from Iran, and state and federal agencies are working together to understand and respond to it.
Key Facts
Over 30 municipal water facilities in Minnesota were targeted by a cyberattack.
The Minnesota Information Technology (MNIT) agency issued a warning about the attacks on a Tuesday.
The investigation involves federal groups, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
There is evidence suggesting Iranian hackers might be responsible.
The attack affected water systems that provide drinking water to communities.
The agencies are working to assess damage and prevent future attacks.
Minnesota is coordinating closely with the U.S. government to manage the cybersecurity threat.
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