(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
TOKYO (AP) — Belated and beleaguered, the virus-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics finally opened Friday night with cascading fireworks and made-for-TV choreography that unfolded in a near-empty stadium, a colorful but strangely subdued ceremony that set a striking tone to match a unique pandemic Games.
Frustration builds as infrastructure talks drag
Tempers are starting to flare on both sides of the aisle as bipartisan infrastructure talks drag on and negotiators face the prospect of missing an informal self-imposed deadline of Monday for gett…
thehill.com
Martin Luther King Jr., the KKK, and more may soon be cut from Texas education requirements
The Texas Senate passed a new bill to cut several subjects concerning inequality, race and ethnicity from the Texas Education Code.
316 people are shot every day in America. Here are 5 stories
Behind the statistics and the political blame game over rising gun violence are the victims. They’ve held dying family members and panic if a balloon pops.
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Trump loyalists echo false Arizona election fraud claims in hopes of winning midterms
A slew of midterm candidates are using phony election fraud claims in Arizona to cozy up to Trump supporters
www.cnn.com
Trump's sway tested in race for open mid-Ohio US House seat
The crowded Republican primary for an open U.S. House seat in central Ohio is testing the ongoing political sway of former President Donald Trump
Federal appeals court finds CDC eviction moratorium unlawful
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exceeded its authority by temporarily halting evictions amid the pandemic.In a unanimous ruling, a thr…
thehill.com
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan doesn't want any GOP "whitewashing" of January 6 riots - "The Takeout"
"There's no way to overlook this and say it didn't happen. The nonsense about 'these were just peaceful tourists' is completely absurd," Hogan said on "The Takeout."
www.cbsnews.com
Senate panel votes to make women register for draft
The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved language in its annual defense policy bill that would require women to register for the draft.The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved…
thehill.com
From 'congratulations' to 'fully canceled': California cafe owners hit roadblock
After more than a year of heavy losses at their two cafes in the San Francisco Bay Area, Amy and Chris Hillyard were relieved to get word in May that they'd been approved for a $381,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
EXPLAINER: Does suspension end Giuliani's career in law?
For Rudy Giuliani, the point man for pushing Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election, the days of practicing law may be over.
apnews.comUSA TODAY
www.usatoday.com
Haitian president's hometown holds funeral amid violence
As the ceremony began, hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside the private residence.
www.politico.com'I’m just pissed off at this point.' Texas Democrats upset Biden hasn't met with them on voting rights
Beto O'Rourke encouraged Texas Democrats to keep up the pressure on securing a meeting with Joe Biden. "We must also hold him accountable," he said.
Health officials warn of fungus ‘superbug’ outbreaks in Dallas, DC
Health officials are warning of a fungus “superbug” outbreak in Dallas and Washington, D.C., that seem to be resistant to treatment.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Thursda…
thehill.com
Critics slam Biden for 'sucking the blood out of kids' comment after town hall
Conservatives were left puzzled after President Joe Biden quipped about Republicans allegedly believing Democrats are “sucking blood out of kids” during an exchange with a reporter.
Texas Begins Jailing Border Crossers On Trespassing Charges
At least 10 people have been arrested. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott says the move is among actions needed to slow the number of border crossings.
www.npr.org
Democrats blast FBI as new details of Kavanaugh inquiry emerge
The FBI said it received 4,500 tips about then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and forwarded "relevant" ones to the White House counsel's office.
www.nbcnews.com
First Chinese presidential visit to Tibet in 30 years
Xi Jinping is the first Chinese leader in 30 years to make an official trip to the troubled region.
www.bbc.com
Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony: Best moments from the event
After a yearlong delay and a string of scandals, the 2020 Summer Olympics officially opened in Tokyo on Friday.
New study finds drinking too much coffee can shrink your brain, increase dementia risk significantly
Researchers say drinking more than six cups of coffee daily could have adverse effects on the brain.
thehill.com
State Department suspends passport online booking system because of bots | CNN Politics
The US State Department on Wednesday evening temporarily suspended an online booking system used for urgent appointments because of bots, according to an update posted to its consular affairs website.
www.cnn.comFree money for all? Mayors hope local tests bring big change
Now a growing number of mayors and other leaders say they want to determine for sure whether programs like these are the best way to reduce poverty, lessen inequality and get people working. In experiments across the country, dozens of cities and counties — some using money from the $1.9...
Five boats head to international waters in flotilla to show support for Cuban people
The group will stop just 15 nautical miles from Havana.
www.cbsnews.com
Guardians chosen as new name for Cleveland's baseball team
Known as the Indians since 1915, Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team will be called Guardians. The ballclub announced the name change on Twitter, ending months of internal discussions triggered by a national reckoning by institutions and teams to permanently drop logos and names considered racist
apnews.com
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan backs Cheney in fight with McCarthy, House GOP over Jan. 6: report
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he supports Rep. Liz Cheney in her spat with House Republicans and plans to support her reelection effort – which former President Donald Trump is vocally opposing – in an interview with "The Takeout" podcast on CBS released Friday.
Noem to headline GOP event in early-voting South Carolina
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, possibly mulling a 2024 White House bid, is making her debut in South Carolina next month — an introductory step in the first Southern state to cast Republican-primary votes for president. Noem will speak Aug. 23 at the “Faith & Freedom BBQ” in Anderson, the...
Huawei hiring former Democratic super lobbyist Tony Podesta
The longtime K St. fixture is back in business after a Mueller-induced hiatus.
www.politico.com
Biden back on the campaign trail: 'I whipped Donald Trump in Virginia and so will Terry' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden made a forceful return to the campaign trail on Friday night in Virginia, stumping for gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe by linking the Democrat's opponent to the man Biden had defeated several months ago -- former President Donald Trump.
Opinion | The Justice Department Is Turning a Blind Eye to White-Collar Crime
Financial crime is at record-high levels while prosecutions are declining — and the lack of DOJ attention is costing Americans hundreds of billions of dollars.
www.politico.com
Caitlyn Jenner calls Olympian 'disrespectful' for anthem snub, says athletes should honor 'our values'
Former Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner took issue with a U.S. Olympian who recently turned her back during the national anthem and encouraged other Olympians to show respect to the United States going forward.
How Joe Biden's order on noncompetes could make it easier to quit your job
President's executive order aims to change restrictive employment agreements that tie workers to a single employer.
www.cbsnews.com
Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony features Naomi Osaka, blue humans and Tongan flag-bearer
Fewer than 1,000 spectators were present for the night's pageantry, speeches and parade of athletes.
www.nbcnews.com
Two Democrats in Congress call on Justice Department watchdog to investigate if Barrack case 'was inappropriately suppressed'
Two Democratic members of Congress are asking the Justice Department's inspector general to open an investigation into whether the probe of Trump ally Tom Barrack, indicted earlier this week, "was inappropriately suppressed," after CNN reported Wednesday that prosecutors had enough evidence to...
www.cnn.comU.S. delegation returns from Haitian president's funeral amid continued unrest
The U.S. delegation that traveled to Haiti on Friday to attend the funeral for assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse arrived safely back in the United States after departing early amid reports of nearby gunfire and tear gas.Why it matters: Widespread political unrest has engulfed the...
Biden administration offers new aid for mortgage borrowers at risk of foreclosure due to COVID-19 pandemic
The new assistance will reduce monthly principal and interest payments by about 25% for homeowners with certain federally-backed loans.
www.usatoday.com
Klobuchar’s medical misinfo bill draws rebukes
Gayle Manchin talks broadband — New revelations about Google in Epic antitrust complaint
www.politico.com
Dreamers on verge of getting DACA are left hanging after latest court ruling
“I had so many [job] offers, but now that my application has been paused, I can’t even go to the interviews," said a Dreamer. "I want a permanent solution, because we deserve it."
www.nbcnews.com
Search for bodies concludes at Florida condo collapse site
Firefighters have officially ended their search for bodies in the debris of the collapsed Surfside condo building
Can Pelosi’s power play on Capitol attack panel thwart wrecking tactics?
Speaker is locked in a battle of wills with Kevin McCarthy who is determined to change the political conversation, critics say Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock It was, Nancy Pelosi told reporters on Thursday, one of the darkest days in America’s history – an...
FBI received over 4,500 tips during its 2018 background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh
Criticism has emerged after new information reveals FBI received more than 4,500 tips during its background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
www.usatoday.com
Capitol Police have new chief after Jan. 6 riot
“The challenges in protecting the Capitol campus, and everyone who works or visits there, have never been more complex,” the new chief, J. Thomas Manger, said.
www.nbcnews.com
White House makes more homeowners eligible for lower mortgage payments
Those with loans backed by the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture or Veterans Affairs could get their monthly payments reduced by 25 percent.
www.nbcnews.com
Congressional Republicans propose barring federal funds from universities that offer the abortion pill
Republicans in the House and Senate proposed a measure on Wednesday that would revoke federal funding for colleges that provide the abortion pill.
Eritrean refugees under attack in Ethiopia's Tigray war
Thousands of Eritrean refugees are increasingly caught in the middle of the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
apnews.com
Ransomware key to unlock customer data from REvil attack
The gang behind the attack had previously asked for $70m to access the stolen files.
www.bbc.com
POLITICO Playbook: The biggest winner of the infrastructure fight
And Donald Trump looks for a Liz Cheney challenger.
www.politico.com
First lady Jill Biden participates in Olympics opening ceremony
The first lady is leading the U.S. delegation in Tokyo.
www.cbsnews.com
Pelosi fires back at McCarthy after he called Jan. 6 committee probe a 'sham process'
Speaker Nancy Pelosi fired back at GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy on Thursday after McCarthy accused her of an "egregious abuse of power" over the Jan. 6 select committee.
Democrats blast FBI as new details of Kavanaugh inquiry emerge
The FBI said it received 4,500 tips about then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and forwarded "relevant" ones to the White House counsel's office.
www.nbcnews.com
Japan's prime minister dishes on Trump and Biden
Biden "tries to build a consensus among allies and like-minded countries," Japan's prime minister said in an exclusive interview with NBC News' Keir Simmons.
www.nbcnews.com
FBI says it got more than 4,500 tips on Kavanaugh, providing 'relevant' ones to White House
The FBI disclosed that it received more than 4,500 tips on a phone line in 2018 as part of a background investigation into then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and provided "relevant" ones to former President Donald Trump's White House counsel.
www.cnn.com
Dems renew questions about FBI background check of Kavanaugh
Senate Democrats are raising new concerns about the thoroughness of the FBI’s background investigation into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after the FBI revealed that it had received thousands of tips and had provided “all relevant” ones to the White House counsel’s office.
apnews.com
CBS News analysis: Voting changes get mixed reviews; many voters of color worry restrictions make things harder
Most Americans oppose limits to early voting and drop boxes, but voter ID requirements are broadly popular.
www.cbsnews.comBiden installing federal judges at blistering pace
President Biden and the Democratic-controlled Senate have installed more federal judges during the first six months of his presidency than any administration since Richard Nixon's.Why it matters: While Democrats may spend more time talking publicly about vaccines and infrastructure, the rapid...
Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson arrested at voting rights demonstration, second House Democrat detained in a week
Johnson spoke at a rally Thursday where protesters called for the passage of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
www.usatoday.com
Mississippi asks US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade
Mississippi's attorney general told the Supreme Court on Thursday that Roe v. Wade was "egregiously wrong" and should be overturned as she urged the justices to allow a controversial law that bars most abortions after 15 weeks to go into effect.
www.cnn.com
U.S. is still carrying out airstrikes against Taliban in Afghanistan
It's not clear, however, whether the Biden administration will give the U.S. military the authority to continue airstrikes against the Taliban beyond Aug. 31.
www.nbcnews.com
Eric Swalwell accuses Gaetz, Cruz, Jordan of putting on an act, says they're ‘better suited to work’ at WWE
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., likened Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Reps. Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan to WWE wrestlers, suggesting that in front of cameras they are merely putting on a show for their fans.
Jim Jordan requests case file after watchdog finds ex-senior FBI official misconduct in lead-up to 2016 election
A top House Republican seeks more information about a former senior FBI official who made unauthorized contact and accepted unapproved gifts from members of the media in the run-up to the 2016 election.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Kaseya gets master decryption key after July 4 global attack
The Florida company whose software was exploited in the devastating Fourth of July weekend ransomware attack has received a universal key that will decrypt all of the more than 1,000 businesses and public organizations crippled in the global incident.
apnews.com
Bootleg Fire now 3rd largest wildfire in Oregon state history
The Bootleg Fire is now the third-largest fire in Oregon state history as firefighters try to limit its spread amid extremely dry conditions.
U.S. launched overnight airstrikes on the Taliban to support Afghan forces
The strikes are the first known since U.S. Army Gen. Scott Miller stepped down from his role last week.
Florida pastor facing U.S. Capitol riot charges has court hearing
A 72-year-old Florida pastor facing federal criminal charges arising from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump took part in a preliminary hearing on Thursday before a judge.
Psaki defends Hunter Biden's participation in art shows: 'No scenario' in which buyers can 'provide influence'
Jen Psaki defended Hunter Biden’s plans to meet with potential buyers of his art, saying the buyers will be anonymous, which will prevent appearance of any "undue influence" in the administration.
Major GOP tech critics sought funding from Google
"That was back before we knew how bad Google really was," says Internet Accountability Project leader Mike Davis, who pitched his PR services to lawyers for the Silicon Valley search titan in 2019.
www.politico.comWe talked to 22 insiders with front row seats to Trump's hostile takeover of the GOP
Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Lindsey Graham star in our first-hand account of how Donald Trump became the GOP king and won a crown he still wears today.
Ohio man charged with hate crime related to alleged plot to commit mass shooting of women
An Ohio man who is a self-proclaimed “incel” was charged by a grand jury for an alleged plot to conduct a mass shooting on a number of female university students.
FBI accused of running 'fake tip line' during Brett Kavanaugh background check
Seven Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded the FBI explain its use of a novel tip line implemented during a supplemental background investigation into then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Trump slams Arizona Senate Republican who said Maricopa audit 'makes us look like idiots'
Former President Donald Trump chastised an Arizona Republican who said the chamber's controversial audit of the 2020 election in Maricopa County "makes us look like idiots."
www.washingtonexaminer.comBiden nominates Comcast executive David Cohen -- a major campaign donor -- to be US ambassador to Canada
David Cohen, a senior executive at Comcast and a top campaign bundler for the Biden campaign, has been nominated to serve as US ambassador to Canada.
Melania Trump told Donald Trump she did not think he would win in 2016, former lawyer Michael Cohen told Insider
The former first lady is viewed as one of Donald Trump's most influential advisors, rivaled only by the influence of Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
First hearing set for lawsuit over Florida’s new anti-riot bill
A hearing is set for a lawsuit challenging Florida’s new anti-riot bill, H.B.1, the first legal test for the legislation that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said will combat disorder. The hearing…
thehill.com
Investigators question warden at California women's prison
Federal investigators have questioned the warden of a federal women’s prison in California and searched his office.
apnews.com
Half of Puerto Rico could lose health coverage if Congress doesn't act on Medicaid
Roughly 1.5 million Puerto Ricans rely on Medicaid for health care.
Pelosi says 'deadly serious' Jan. 6 probe to go without GOP
Unfazed by Republican threats of a boycott, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared Thursday that a congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection will take on its “deadly serious” work whether Republicans participate or not. The Republicans' House leader, Kevin McCarthy...
Florida and Texas threaten Ben & Jerry's with anti-BDS laws over West Bank pullout
Public officials in at least two Republican-led states vocalized support for Israel in its dispute with Ben & Jerry’s, threatening to invoke state laws to punish companies that advocate or act to boycott, divest, or sanction the key U.S. ally.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden signs bill funding services 'to provide help and support to victims of domestic violence'
President Biden signed a bill into law that would assure fines and penalties from federal cases would be put toward funding services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The president also called for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden's drug czar nominee consulted for cannabis company last year, ethics disclosure shows | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden’s drug czar pick, Dr. Rahul Gupta, spent nine months last year working as an adviser to a Maryland-based cannabis company, recently released government ethics documents show.
www.cnn.com
McCarthy won’t rule out booting Cheney from Armed Services
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Thursday did not rule out booting Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from the powerful Armed Services Committee amid a partisan brawl over who should serve …
thehill.com
Mississippi asks Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade in blockbuster abortion case
The state's legal argument is the sharpest framing yet of the dispute as Mississippi engages in a frontal assault on the right to abortion.
www.usatoday.com
Cuba's fight for freedom finds a voice on social media
A new generation is fighting for freedom in Cuba and they're taking to social media to spread their message. NBC News' Morgan Radford talks with "Los Pichy Boys" who are working to make sure voices from Cuba make it out to the wider world.
www.nbcnews.com
Justice Department declines to investigate Whitmer over nursing home deaths
The Justice Department declined to open a civil rights investigation into Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s policies for nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Dems are 'not particularly pleased' with the Senate infrastructure deal. They'll back it anyway.
The party seems content to enter the home stretch of the infrastructure drama united — and leave Republicans split.
www.politico.com
Man who live-streamed the death of Ashli Babbitt at Capitol riot pleads guilty to misdemeanor, prosecutors say
Andrew Bennett became at least the 21st Capitol riot defendant to enter a guilty plea.
www.cbsnews.com
Mississippi asks US Supreme Court to overrule Roe v. Wade
Mississippi’s attorney general informed the Supreme Court that he believes Roe v. Wade was “egregiously wrong” and urged justices to allow a controversial law in her state banning most abortions after 15 weeks to take effect.
Fact check: Rep. Eric Swalwell falsely says Mitch McConnell only got 'serious' about Covid-19 vaccines after Monday stock market dip | CNN Politics
On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell did what he has been doing for seven months: he called on Americans to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
Cawthorn introduces bill banning federal reimbursement to airlines for transporting illegal immigrants
North Carolina Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn introduced a bill Thursday that would ban the use of federal funds being spent to compensate airlines that fly illegal immigrants throughout the country.
Rep. Hank Johnson arrested at voting rights protest | CNN Politics
Rep. Hank Johnson was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday during a protest on “Senate inaction on voting rights legislation,” according to a video posted on Twitter.
www.cnn.com
Black lawmaker hopes highway project can right an old wrong
Tennessee state Rep. Harold Love Jr.'s father put up a fight in the 1960s against rerouting Interstate 40 because he believed it would stifle and isolate Nashville’s Black community
DeSantis has a dead fish problem
A new red tide algae bloom expanding in southwest Florida has left more than 650 tons of dead marine wildlife floating in waterways and polluting a tourist-heavy region of the state.
www.politico.com
FBI ignored tips on Brett Kavanaugh, Senate Democrats charge
Seven Democratic senators on Thursday said that newly released materials show the FBI failed to fully investigate sexual misconduct allegations against U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh when he was nominated to the court in 2018.
Biden signs crime victims fund replenishment bill | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden celebrated what he called “a day of hope” Thursday before signing the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill that aims to provide assistance for crime victims, including counseling expenses, medical bills and lost wages.
www.cnn.com
Tennessee votes to remove bust of Confederate general, KKK Grand Wizard from Capitol
A Tennessee panel voted to remove a bust of Confederate general and Klu Klux Klan (KKK) Grand Wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest from the state Capitol building, according to multiple reports.
thehill.com
A $280M handout for baseball? Secret California budget item might juice Oakland project
The money has stayed under the radar ahead of a pivotal Oakland City Council vote Tuesday on the stadium’s future.
www.politico.com
Pelosi says other Republicans "expressed their interest" in January 6 select committee
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy threatened to pull all five of his Republican picks from the panel Wednesday.
www.cbsnews.com
Senate panel backs $25B Pentagon budget boost
The proposed increase is a bipartisan blow to President Joe Biden’s spending plans.
www.politico.com
Cincinnati restaurateur who asked Biden about labor isn't satisfied: 'He didn't really answer the question'
John Lanni, co-founder of a Cincinnati restaurant group, asked President Joe Biden to help with the worker shortage. He didn't like Biden's answer.
www.usatoday.com
Transit money emerges as a last major obstacle to Senate infrastructure deal
Democrats want more cash for public transit, while Republicans want to spend it on highways. One Democratic aide said there are other lingering issues.
www.nbcnews.com
Beto O’Rourke group raises $600,000 for Texas Democrats in DC: report
A group of Texas Democrats staying in Washington, D.C., after leaving the Lone Star State earlier this month will receive about $600,000 to help finance the trip, former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke said Thursday.
House passes bill to expand and accelerate visa process for Afghans who helped Americans
The current number of applicants is over 20,000, but about half have yet to complete the initial stages of the application.
www.cbsnews.com
Manger is named new chief of the U.S. Capitol Police
Thomas Manger was officially announced as the new chief of the U.S. Capitol Police on Thursday after a monthslong search to fill the role in a year of turmoil at the capitol.
www.politico.com
In Herat, ex-Mujahideen commander leads efforts to resist Taliban
In western Afghanistan’s biggest city, Taliban gains are causing economic distress and forcing people to pick up arms.
Tokyo Olympics begin with opening ceremony like no other
The Tokyo Games finally got underway with a four-hour extravaganza that was both celebratory and subdued, in a stadium filled with empty seats.
www.nbcnews.com
Harris tells DACA recipients that administration will take 'action' after program is ruled unlawful
Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday told recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that the Biden administration will take "action" in response to a court ruling that determined the 2012 program is illegal and she renewed calls for Congress to pass a pathway to...
US slaps sanctions on Cuban officials after protest crackdown
President Biden has been under increasing pressure to respond to the historic anti-regime protests.
www.bbc.com
2 wounded in Washington, D.C., shooting near restaurants
Two adult males are "conscious and breathing," according to police. An investigation is underway.
www.cbsnews.com
St. Jude hits donation milestone to fight childhood cancer
For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, even the sky is no longer the limit
Montana governor mobilizes National Guard to assist with wildfires
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) has mobilized the National Guard to assist with the response to the state’s wildfires.Gianforte said in a statement that he ordered two Montana National G…
thehill.com
Ethiopia Tigray crisis: New front opens as aid fears grow
A bloody eight-month battle for control of the Tigray region spills over into neighbouring Afar.
www.bbc.com
New York state raises age of legal consent to 18, banning child marriage
People in their mid-teens can wed through various legal loopholes and exceptions in most states, and about a dozen have no minimum age.
www.nbcnews.com
Struggling Lebanese families rely on expats for medicine lifeline
As Lebanon’s crisis deepens, families now depend on expats to bring life-saving medicine, hygiene products, and cash.
Teen used ladder to see girl in Louisiana home before fatally shooting her dad, police say
The 17-year-old boy is hospitalized and will be charged with second-degree murder, officials said.
www.nbcnews.com
'13 Reasons Why' star Tommy Dorfman reintroduces herself as transgender
The actor, who also appears in the show “Love, Victor,” shared her story in a new interview with Time.
www.nbcnews.com
Conservative radio host regrets COVID vaccine hesitancy
A conservative talk radio host from Tennessee who had been a vaccine skeptic until he was hospitalized from COVID-19 now says his listeners should get vaccinated
Alabama GOP governor says 'start blaming the unvaccinated folks' for rise in Covid cases
Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday called out "the unvaccinated folks" for the rise in Covid-19 cases in her state, a remarkable plea at a time when many GOP leaders are refusing to urge people to get vaccinated even as Covid-19 cases surge in many parts of the country.
www.cnn.com
Stanford University reports 7 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated students
Stanford University reported at least seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated students this week.
The Delta Variant Will Drive A Steep Rise In U.S. COVID Deaths, A New Model Shows
New estimates show the U.S. is on track to see a big rise in cases and more than triple the number of deaths by October.
www.npr.org
McConnell pushes vaccines, but GOP muddles his message
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been one of the more consistent GOP voices on COVID-19 precautions and the importance of getting vaccinated.Amid a growing partisan divide over CO…
thehill.com
Covid: Moderna jab approved for teenagers in EU
Vaccination with Moderna's jab can now be extended to adolescents, the EU medicines watchdog says.
www.bbc.com
COVID was a boon for autocrats — future pandemics must prioritize democracy
Lessons from the current pandemic indicate that preparedness for future crises should center on measures that are supportive of democratic development.
thehill.com
AP-NORC poll: Most unvaccinated Americans don't want shots
A new poll shows that most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots.
apnews.com
Virus's impact: More relaxing and thinking, less socializing
The eruption of COVID-19 across the United States last year caused the proportion of people working from home to nearly double, with the shift most pronounced among college graduates and workers in such fields as finance and professional services
apnews.com
As Americans navigate conflicting COVID-19 mask advice, 'everyone is confused'
A COVID-19 surge ignited in parts of the United States by the highly contagious Delta variant and vaccine hesitancy has led to new mask mandates and deep confusion among some people about which guidance to follow.
Chinese COVID-19 vaccine offers poor protection to elderly: study
Beijing-produced Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine produces less antibodies with increasing age, according to a new study by two Hungarian researchers posted on Monday.In the study, 450 people were g…
thehill.com
Indonesia: Covid-positive man boards flight disguised as wife
He may never have been caught if he had not changed into his regular clothes midway through the flight.
www.bbc.com
Biden administration purchases extra Pfizer doses to prepare for possibility of children vaccine needs and booster shots
The Biden administration purchased an additional 200 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine to prepare for potential additional vaccine needs in the US, an administration official familiar with the contract tells CNN.
www.cnn.com
Should vaccinated people mask up with COVID-19 cases rising?
You might still want to mask up in public even if you're fully vaccinated. With COVID-19 cases rising, experts say masking can provide another layer of protection and help prevent the virus from spreading to others who aren’t protected.
apnews.com
Study finds COVID-19 95 percent lower in vaccinated Philadelphia school employees
A study published Friday found the portion of positive COVID-19 tests among vaccinated school employees in Philadelphia was 95 percent lower than unvaccinated workers, according to the Centers…
thehill.com
Vaccinations rise in some states with soaring infections
Vaccinations are beginning to rise in some states where COVID-19 cases are soaring. That's according to White House officials who briefed reporters on Thursday.
apnews.com
CDC advisory committee voices support for immunocompromised people getting boosters
About 44% of breakthrough infections are immunocompromised people.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says the NFL is "sending a very strong signal" with its new COVID rules
The nation's top infectious disease doctor says the league's decision gives other organizations "the impetus to do the same sort of thing."
www.cbsnews.com
Why people who are fully vaccinated are getting breakthrough COVID infections
Even people who are fully vaccinated can spread the virus, health experts warn.
www.cbsnews.com
One state has had 5,000 infections, 80 deaths of vaccinated people
Breakthrough infections in Massachusetts led to 329 hospitalizations through July 17.
thehill.com
Florida reports highest daily COVID-19 cases since January
Florida on Wednesday reported 12,647 new cases of COVID-19, the highest daily number of cases since late January, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD…
thehill.comStruggling Lebanese families rely on expats for medicine lifeline
As Lebanon’s crisis deepens, families now depend on expats to bring life-saving medicine, hygiene products, and cash.
Mayo Clinic expert warns delta variant will infect everyone who is not immune
“Don’t be deceived that ‘I got this far and I am OK.’ This is a very different variant. It will find you.”
thehill.com
How safe are the Tokyo Olympics from COVID-19?
Experts say Olympic bubbles are already broken and that safety measures at the COVID-delayed Games are inadequate.
GOP seeks records on possible U.S. funding of research at Chinese lab before pandemic
The U.S. intelligence community is more than halfway through a 90-day review of the origins of COVID-19.
www.cbsnews.com
The specter of renewed masking rises over Capitol Hill
Mask-donning diminished markedly around the Capitol from about mid-May. And then people got spooked over the past few days as the Delta variant took hold.
Klobuchar targets vaccine misinformation with Section 230 bill
“We need a long term solution” that goes beyond removing accounts spreading falsehoods about the crisis, Sen. Amy Klobuchar said.
www.politico.com
In Springfield, Missouri, a Covid surge leads to uptick in vaccinations
“Everyone needs to realize that this is not just another wave like we saw before,” the lead infectious disease physician at Mercy Hospital Springfield said.
www.nbcnews.com
Fauci praises GOP encouraging vaccines: ‘A very good thing’
Anthony Fauci said Republicans who are now encouraging Americans to get vaccinated are doing “a very good thing” to help stop the spread of COVID-19 as well as misinformation about vaccin…
thehill.com
GOP's vaccine push comes with strong words, few actions
Republican lawmakers are under increasing pressure to persuade vaccine skeptics to roll up their sleeves and take the shots as a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant sends caseloads soaring.
apnews.com
Covid vaccine: Eight-week gap seen as sweet spot for Pfizer jab antibodies
Spacing out doses boosts antibody levels, say researchers - who suggest eight weeks as the "sweet spot".
www.bbc.com
Florida AG tests positive for COVID-19
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) announced Wednesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19, following a trip she made with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and others to the southern border of Te…
thehill.comKeep calm and get vaccinated, Biden says of 'breakthrough' COVID cases
Coronavirus rates are rising and masks are returning in some areas, but President Biden had a simple message on Wednesday evening: Get your coronavirus vaccine and, having done so, don't worry about reports of "breakthrough infections."
Chicago to require masks in schools
Chicago Public Schools will require masks to be worn in its schools as classes are set to begin in late August.
thehill.com
Doctors treating COVID-19 patients arrested in Myanmar
Doctors treating patients for the coronavirus are being arrested in Myanmar, colleagues and local media say, Reuters reported.As hospitals are being overrun due to a surge of infections in the coun…
thehill.com
Pressure mounts on Biden officials to weigh new mask mandates
President Joe Biden vowed people could either be “vaxxed or masked." But as the delta coronavirus variant surges nationwide, some are urging a stronger review of federal health guidelines over mask-wearing.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case?
A small number of COVID-19 “breakthrough” cases are expected after vaccination, and health officials say they’re not a cause for alarm.
apnews.com
DOJ declines to investigate Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 nursing home regulations
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it will not open an investigation into Pennsylvania’s handling of COVID-19 patients at nursing homes, The Associated Press reports.The DOJ tol…
thehill.com
CDC director stands firm on mask guidance, calls it 'individual choice' for vaccinated to wear one
The CDC is sticking with its guidance for now that only unvaccinated people need to wear masks to be safe, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told reporters on Thursday.
5-year-old dies of stroke after contracting multiple infections including COVID-19, family says
Wyatt Gibson was described as an "exuberant, enthusiastic, lively, and loving little boy."
NFL teams could face forfeits for Covid outbreaks among unvaccinated players
"If a game can't be rescheduled and is canceled due to a COVID outbreak ... the team with the outbreak will forfeit," Commissioner Roger Goodell warned.
www.nbcnews.com
Runaway Texas Democrat slammed for call to let schools impose mask mandates
A Democratic Texas State Representative accused the state’s Gov. Greg Abbott of playing “political games” with state facemask mandates and was widely panned on social media for being one of the maskless lawmakers who fled to Washington, D.C.
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