
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is experiencing “very mild symptoms,” the White House said, as new variants of the highly contagious virus are challenging the nation’s efforts to resume normalcy after two and a half years of pandemic disruptions.

Biden says he's 'doing great,' 'keeping busy' despite COVID
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said he is "doing great" and keeping busy after testing positive for COVID-19.


Jan. 6 hearings live updates: Trump's actions during riot under scrutiny
The Jan. 6 committee will hold its eighth public hearing on Thursday, focusing on Trump's actions during the riot.


Steve Bannon will not testify in criminal contempt trial, attorney says
The decision comes after prosecutors rested their case against him on Wednesday.


War in Ukraine could now expand beyond Donbas, Russia warns; EU says it's being blackmailed by Moscow over gas
Putin has said Ukraine did not want to pursue a preliminary peace deal with Russia back in March and that there was "no such desire" to pursue one now.

AP-NORC poll: Majority in US want legal abortion nationally
WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of Americans say Congress should pass a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide, according to a new poll that finds over half say they feel at least somewhat “sad” or “angry” about the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v.


Ex-cop Lane gets 2 1/2 years for violating Floyd's rights
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis police Officer Thomas Lane to 2 1/2 years in prison Thursday for violating George Floyd’s civil rights, calling Lane’s role in the restraint that killed Floyd “a very serious offense in which a life was lost” but handing down a...


Trump's latest actions present urgent new questions for a GOP that has refused to constrain him | CNN Politics
Donald Trump keeps proving the House January 6 committee's case.

What to watch as Jan. 6 panel returns to prime time
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Jan. 6 committee is headed back to prime time for its eighth hearing — potentially the final time this summer that lawmakers will lay out evidence about the U.S.


Louisiana abortion ban again blocked by judge
Abortion clinics in Louisiana can continue operating under the latest order from a state court

'The closest thing I've seen to hell’: U.S. veterans fighting in Ukraine describe heavy losses in the battle against Russia
Relentless Russian bombings were “the closest thing I’ve ever seen to hell,” an American who served several tours of the Middle East said.


Here are the key Senate Republican votes on legislation to protect gay marriage
Senate Republicans are keeping their distance from a House-passed bill to protect same-sex marriage, even though polls show a majority of Republicans support it and the measure passed overwhelmingl…


The street cleaners of Mogadishu: Doing Somalia’s riskiest job
Dozens of female street cleaners have been killed in the Somali capital by Improvised Explosive Devices since 2008.

Read a letter from Biden’s doctor on his Covid diagnosis
The letter was written by Kevin O'Connor, Biden's physician.


UK to send more weapons to Ukraine; more than 9.5 million Ukrainians have fled
Ukraine has once again made pleas to the U.S. for more air defense systems as it tries to stop Russian forces advancing in Donetsk in the Donbas.

Voters say ‘No’ to 2024 retreads, especially Hillary Clinton
Voters are showing an eagerness to junk old slates of presidential candidates and entertain a new cast of hopefuls, opening the door to fresh faces eyeing the 2024 race, including Govs. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).


WH press secretary to brief after Biden tests positive for COVID-19, day after traveling with president
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will hold a press briefing just hours after President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 following a day of travel on Air Force One.

Democrat Elaine Luria in spotlight as Jan. 6 probe turns to Trump's inaction
Democratic U.S. Representative Elaine Luria's stint on Thursday leading the questioning at a prime-time hearing into the assault on the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump will be the highest-profile moment of her four-year-old legislative career.


Italy heads to early election after Draghi's coalition fails
ROME (AP) — Italy is headed for an early election after its president accepted Premier Mario Draghi's resignation Thursday and decided there was no possibility for cobbling together another government following the rapid collapse of the ruling coalition.


House OKs bill to protect contraception from Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The right to use contraceptives would be enshrined in law under a measure that Democrats pushed through the House on Thursday, their latest campaign-season response to concerns a conservative Supreme Court that already erased federal abortion rights could go further.


Dave Chappelle show canceled by venue hours before performance | CNN
Hours before Dave Chappelle was set to hit the stage in Minneapolis, the venue canceled the sold-out show.

Biden to propose spending $37B to fight crime, hire more police officers
President Biden is expected to unveil a new $37 billion plan to combat violent crime and hire more police officers during his trip to Pennsylvania on Thursday.

'Long overdue': Pelosi affirms support for labeling Russia a sponsor of terrorism
But the speaker was mum on whether she'd take action in the House to push the secretary of State's hand, just as the Senate started taking steps to that effect.


White House insiders to talk about Trump's actions on Jan. 6
WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Pottinger was a journalist in China, concerned about the country's drift toward authoritarianism, when he decided — at age 31 — to enlist in the U.S. Marines after the invasion of Iraq.


Historic number of LGBTQ candidates are running for office this year, LGBTQ Victory Fund says | CNN Politics
A historic number of LGBTQ candidates are running for office this year, according to new data from LGBTQ Victory Fund, a national organization dedicated to helping elect LGBTQ candidates.

House passes contraception bill that GOP argues violates religious freedoms
The House passed legislation that ensures the right to access contraception, a bill that lawmakers on the Right argue violates religious freedom.


HIMARS and howitzers: West helps Ukraine with key weaponry
The message to U.S. lawmakers from Ukraine's first lady, delivered amid stark and graphic images of civilian bloodshed, couldn't have been clearer: After nearly five full months since Russia launched its invasion , Olena Zelenska said that her country needs more Western weapons.


Rights group says hundreds remain jailed over Uzbekistan unrest
Open Dialogue Foundation says more than 300 people are detained after deadly unrest gripped Karakalpakstan this month.

Prime-time Jan. 6 hearing to focus on Trump's riot response, with new testimony and evidence
The House Jan. 6 committee will hold the eighth in its latest string of hearings on Thursday starting at 8 p.m. ET

Michael Avenatti loses $250 mln Fox News defamation appeal
A U.S. appeals court on Thursday refused to revive Michael Avenatti's $250 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News Network over its coverage of the 2018 arrest of the now-imprisoned celebrity lawyer and critic of Donald Trump.


Republicans fret as Walker stumbles in Georgia: ‘He needs help’
Anxiety is setting in among Republicans over Herschel Walker’s bid to oust Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) in Georgia after a series of unforced errors and negative headlines that have rocked the former f…

Don’t Blame Democrats For What Republican Voters Want
Interfering in GOP primaries is a questionable strategy, but it only works because of what the conservative base craves.

Trump ex-adviser Bannon rests case in trial, calling no witnesses
The defense in Steve Bannon's trial rested its case on Thursday without calling any witnesses and asked the judge to acquit Donald Trump's noted former presidential adviser on contempt of Congress charges for defying a subpoena by the committee investigating last year's attack on the U.S. Capitol.


Biden scraps Pennsylvania trip after testing positive for COVID-19
The White House press secretary said the president "will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative."


Ukraine war must end to prevent nuclear ‘abyss’: Lukashenko
Belarusian leader calls for deal on ending the conflict, but says any peace agreement depends entirely on Kyiv.
How Cuomo paved a clearer path for Hochul’s Penn Station master plan
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo significantly weakened the Public Authorities Control Board, the entity with a final vote on successor Kathy Hochul’s controversial Penn Station plan.


The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Biden isolates amid Dems pre-August recess dash
To view past editions of The Hill’s 12:30 Report, click here: To receive The Hill’s 12:30 Report in your inbox, please sign up here: –> A midday take on what’s …


Biden to outline $37 bln funding request for crime prevention
President Joe Biden will lay out plans on Thursday to ask Congress for $37 billion for crime prevention programs as he seeks to address one of the top concerns among Americans ahead of congressional elections in November.


Ukraine's Zelenskiy says report he is ill is fake news by Russian hackers
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted a video on Instagram from his office on Thursday to reassure Ukrainians that he is well after what he said was a fake news report about his health by Russian hackers.


Russia, Ukraine to sign deal on restarting grain exports, Turkey says
Russia and Ukraine will sign a deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine's Black Sea ports, Turkey said, a potential breakthrough that could ease the threat of hunger facing millions around the world as a consequence of Russia's invasion.


Oldest galaxy in universe discovered
The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered the oldest known galaxy in the universe, according to scientists at NASA.


While the West squeezes Russia with sanctions, politicians warn Moscow's strike back could cripple Europe
Russia weaponizing gas is "part of its hybrid war strategy to try to persuade Western countries to reduce their support for Ukraine,” one expert said.


Housing market chills as mortgage rates, prices scare buyers
NEW YORK (AP) — Kyle Tomcak was looking for a home for his in-laws in the suburbs around Denver, something priced close to $450,000. Tomcak became dispirited as he lost out to investors fronting cash offers $100,000 over the asking price.


Ukraine war: CIA chief says no intelligence that Putin is in bad health
William Burns said there was no evidence to suggest rumours of Putin's ill health were true.
www.bbc.com

Jan. 6 panel to show outtakes from Trump speech day after riot
The House select committee investigating the Jan 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol on Thursday plans to show outtakes of former President Trump’s speech a day after the riot in its prime-time hearing.…

School Board Candidate Says Doctors Helping Trans Kids Should Hang From A Tree
Alisabeth Janai Lancaster, who is running for a school board seat in Florida, made the remarks at a Republican club event.

‘Everything is fine’: Kremlin dismisses Putin illness rumours
As speculation rises, Russia says 69-year-old is in good health as CIA chief sees no evidence to back up rumours.

EU imposes more sanctions on Moscow over Ukraine invasion
The European Union has imposed more sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine

GOP AGs ask Google not to limit anti-abortion center results
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A month after some members of Congress urged Google to limit the appearance of anti-abortion pregnancy centers in certain abortion-related search results, 17 Republican attorneys general are warning the company that doing so could invite investigations and possible legal...


Russia pounds major Ukrainian city after expanding war aims
Russian shelling has pounded a densely populated area in Ukraine's second-largest city, as well as several other cities across the country

After starring role in Jan. 6 hearings, Liz Cheney faces tough test back home
During weeks of hearings about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters, Republican Representative Liz Cheney has sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Democrats eager to portray the former president as a danger to democracy.


House committee approves first assault weapons ban bill in decades
For the first time in two decades, a congressional panel has moved to prohibit the sale, transfer and possession of assault weapons in the United States.

Former National Security Adviser O'Brien to chair Nixon Foundation, hopes to 'educate' US on China threat
EXCLUSIVE: Former White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien was elected to be chairman of the board of directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation.

Americans filing jobless claims at highest level in 8 months
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week rose to its highest level in more than eight months, a sign the labor market may be showing some weakness

Who is Matthew Pottinger, the ex-Trump adviser set to testify at prime-time Jan. 6 hearing?
The Jan. 6 committee's eighth public hearing, which will air during prime time on Thursday, is set to feature testimony from two former White House aides, including former Trump White House official Matthew Pottinger.


Top Trump lawyers briefed in detail on alternate elector plot on Dec. 13, 2020
The day before electors cast presidential votes, Trump lawyers received a detailed email on plans to legitimize pro-Trump slates in states that Joe Biden won.


Vatican says they're gifts; Indigenous groups want them back
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most magnificent artworks in the world, from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to ancient Egyptian antiquities and a pavilion full of papal chariots.


'Loudmouth' Capitol rioter convicted after rough day in Jan. 6 jury trial
Matthew Bledsoe, who scaled a wall before entering the Capitol through a door with broken glass panels, tried to convince jurors that he thought he was allowed inside.


Jan. 6 hearing to focus on Trump’s frantic 187 minutes
The House panel probing last year’s attack on the U.S. Capitol is promising a “minute-by-minute” account of Donald Trump’s actions throughout the rampage, turning its focus Thursday on those crucia…


Pence steps up midterm stumping by touting abortion stance, with eye toward 2024
The former vice president drew a standing ovation after a speech at a South Carolina church Wednesday praising the end of abortion rights and discussing what comes next.


Trump watched TV during Jan. 6 riots, House Jan. 6 committee preview video shows
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), one of the two GOP lawmakers on the Jan. 6 select committee, took to social media Thursday to preview the panel's prime-time hearing, taking aim at former President Donald Trump for watching television instead of taking stronger action to stop the siege on the Capitol.


An unarmed 13-year-old is paralyzed after being shot by Chicago police. His lawyers contend his hands were up | CNN
New bodycamera video obtained exclusively by CNN shows the frantic final moments that led up to the shooting of the unarmed Chicago teenager and what immediately followed.

3 Senate Democrats just unveiled their cannabis decriminalization bill at a time when many lawmakers still oppose a policy that's overwhelmingly popular
The bill would add FDA regulations to weed, as well as new taxes. It's most likely doomed this Congress.

U.S. open to discussing Colombia trade deal with next president
The Biden administration is willing to discuss the existing U.S.-Colombia trade agreement with the Andean country’s next president, a senior U.S. official said, as Washington dispatched a high-level delegation on Thursday to begin forging a relationship with him on a wide range of issues.


What would declaring a national climate emergency do?
Facing mounting pressure to act on climate change and little hope of passing major legislation, President Biden may soon declare a national climate emergency. The White House has said that such a m…


Nord Stream: Key Russian pipeline resumes pumping gas to Europe
There had been fears Moscow would not restart flows in response to sanctions over the Ukraine war.
www.bbc.com

Trump had 'extreme difficulty' with his speech on the day after January 6 | CNN Politics
The House committee investigating the insurrection plans to show footage at Thursday's hearing of then-President Donald Trump having difficulty working through efforts to tape a message to his supporters on January 7, 2021, the day after the Capitol riot, sources familiar with the committee's...


Fetterman says he has ‘nothing to hide’ about health after two months off trail
John Fetterman, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, does not have any “physical limits” and has “nothing to hide” about his health status, he said in his first interview since experiencing a stroke in May.


N. Carolina AG won't seek to renew 20-week abortion ban
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s Democratic attorney general declined Thursday to meet Republican legislative leaders’ demand that he ask a federal court to lift an injunction on a state law banning nearly all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.


CNN Poll: Americans' confidence in elections has faded since January 6 | CNN Politics
Most Americans lack confidence that the results of US elections reflect the will of the people, a sentiment that has grown steadily since January 2021, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.


Mario Draghi resigns, plunging Italy into political turmoil
Italy will hold a snap national election on Sept. 25 after Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned following the collapse of his national unity government, sending tremors through financial markets.


How an Obama-backing Arizona news anchor became Trump’s pick for governor
More than a dozen formerly close friends, colleagues and associates say social media and a refusal to back down morphed Kari Lake into a true MAGA believer.


Biden says U.S. military thinks it's "not a good idea" for Pelosi to visit Taiwan now
The House speaker was initially scheduled to visit in April but had to postpone after testing positive for COVID.


Four indicted in smuggling incident that killed 53 migrants in Texas
A U.S. grand jury on Wednesday indicted four men including the suspected driver in connection with the death of 53 migrants amid the sweltering heat during a smuggling attempt last month in Texas, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.


Moscow says US must respect Russian law in Griner case
The spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry says the United States has shown disrespect for Russian law by characterizing basketball star Brittney Griner’s jailing on drug charges as “wrongful detention.”
Extreme heat warnings in effect in 28 states across US
100 million Americans are enduring searing temperatures as Biden declines to announce a climate emergency

Kansas vote could allow ban, but abortion foes mum on plans
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Republicans have spent more than three decades making it as hard as possible to get an abortion in Kansas, and now that their chance to ban the procedure is in sight, they’re reluctant to tell voters whether that's their goal.


Eurozone raises interest rates for first time in 11 years
The European Central Bank has raised rates as it tries to tackle soaring eurozone inflation.
www.bbc.com

Schumer's legal weed bill is finally here
The long-awaited cannabis legislation was introduced Thursday, but faces an uphill battle to passage.


Samsung considering $200 billion investment into chip factories in Texas
Samsung may be considering a $200 billion investment into expanding its planned Texas chip factories, in an effort that would bring nearly 10,000 jobs to the state.

Column: Why you shouldn't underestimate Kamala Harris in all the speculation about a post-Biden 2024
Kamala Harris' strength among Black voters and opportunities as vice president can't be underestimated in speculation about the 2024 election if Biden ends up not running.

Daily Harvest says tara flour sickened hundreds of customers. What is it?
The product has found a market as a plant-based protein source in vegan or vegetarian foods.


Unrelenting heat wave spreads from South into Northeast: Latest forecast
The unrelenting heat wave pounding the U.S. is still going strong, with 24 states and 103 million Americans on alert for dangerous temperatures on Thursday.

Europe's central bank backs larger-than-expected rate hike
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank raised interest rates Thursday for the first time in 11 years by a larger-than-expected amount, joining steps already taken by the U.S.


First on CNN: DHS inspector general tells Secret Service to stop investigating potentially missing texts due to 'ongoing criminal investigation' | CNN Politics
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general has informed the Secret Service it is investigating what happened to January 6-related text messages that may have been deleted, describing it as an "ongoing criminal investigation" and directing the agency to stop its internal investigations...


Ukraine latest updates: Turkey says grain deal to be signed
Ukraine news from July 21: Ankara says Ukraine and Russia will sign deal to reopen Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.

Mexican woman who had reported threats dies after being set on fire
Luz Raquel Padilla, who had reported threats against her, was doused with alcohol and set alight.
www.bbc.com

In occupied south Ukraine, some fear a return to Soviet times under Russia
In Nova Kakhovka, a city in southern Ukraine occupied by Russian troops five months ago on the first day of its invasion, the signs of creeping annexation by Russia are mounting and some residents fear a return to Soviet times.


Spain and Portugal reject EU plan to limit natural gas use
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The European Union’s plan to reduce the bloc’s natural gas use by 15% to prepare for a potential cutoff by Russia this winter received sharp skepticism Thursday from the governments of Spain and Portugal, which are usually big supporters of the bloc.


Disney gives gender-neutral title to employees at makeover boutique
Disney is renaming the makeover artists in two of its theme parks to a more gender-neutral title.


Mom opens up about turning her son in to police for mass shooting threat
Nichole Schubert opens up to "Good Morning America" about reporting her son to the police after finding a journal of his writings detailing a killing spree.

What to watch for at Thursday's prime-time January 6 hearing | CNN Politics
The House select committee investigating January 6, 2021, is returning to prime time for its final planned hearing this month that will seek to show in minute-by-minute detail how former President Donald Trump failed to act while the US Capitol was under attack.


Graphic assault footage sparks outrage over violence against women in China
The incident is the second display of public violence against women that has made national headlines in the last month.


Opinion | The Supreme Court Reform that Could Actually Win Bipartisan Support
It’s time to impose term limits on the justices.


Michelle Obama's book 'The Light We Carry' coming this fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Obama will have a book out this fall, “The Light We Carry,” in which she reflects upon her experiences and shares insights on navigating an increasingly stressful world.


Ford plans to cut 8,000 jobs to focus on electric vehicles
Ford Motor Co. is planning to cut as many as 8,000 jobs from its internal combustion engine division as it seeks to channel more funding into its electric vehicle division.


"I don't want to say the election is over": House Jan. 6 committee looks at Trump's actions
The House Jan. 6 committee focused Thursday's hearing on what was happening at the White House during 187 key minutes of the rioting.


Lynne O'Donnell: Taliban detained, abused and threatened me
Australian Lynne O'Donnell says she was forced to post tweets that publicly retracted her articles.
www.bbc.com
Steve Bannon is not testifying or calling any defense witness at his contempt of Congress trial
Steve Bannon's lawyers have protested that pre-trial rulings have handcuffed their defense against contempt of Congress charges.

2 indicted in migrant death-trailer case that left 53 dead
Two men were indicted Wednesday in the case of a hot, airless tractor-trailer rig found last month with 53 dead or dying migrants in San Antonio, officials said.


House passes legislation to enshrine a right to contraception in federal law
The bill now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain.


Retired generals, admirals in op-ed: Trump’s Jan. 6 actions were ‘dereliction of duty’
Former President Trump’s actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection constituted a “dereliction of duty” that endangered American democracy, a group of seven retired four-star generals and admira…


Report: Brazil authorities pay no mind to deforestation
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Environmental criminals in the Brazilian Amazon destroyed public rainforests equal the size of El Salvador over the past six years, yet the Federal Police — the Brazilian version of the FBI — carried out only seven operations aimed at this massive loss, according to a new...


How the Jan. 6 hearings affect Trump’s potential 2024 run
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol has triggered fresh debate about former President Trump’s viability as a candidate as he mulls launching a 2024 White…


Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska said war has made her young son want to become a soldier
"The only thing he wants to do is martial arts and how to use a rifle," Zelenska said.


New Sri Lankan president sworn in, police clear protest site
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president Thursday to take charge of a nation bitterly angry that he will remain in power amid an unprecedented economic crisis .


Gene therapy cures patients with hemophilia B
Story at a glance Hemophilia B occurs when patients lack sufficient levels of the blood protein factor IX. Some current treatments for the condition involve repeated infusions of the protein. But n…


Biden unpopularity boosts Iowa GOP challenger Nunn vs. Democratic Rep. Axne: Poll
Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) is all tied up with Republican challenger Zach Nunn as she attempts to withstand a red electoral wave and win reelection in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.


CIA director William Burns says ties between Russia, Iran suffer from "limits," lack of trust
Burns' comments followed a rare visit by Putin this week to Tehran, where he met with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.


Report: UK clearly overwhelmed by surge in migrant crossings
LONDON (AP) — Britain's response to growing numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats is poor and officials are clearly overwhelmed on some days, an independent inspection found in a report published Thursday.


John Fetterman has been off the campaign trail since May. As Senate race with Oz heats up, he's eyeing a full comeback | CNN Politics
John Fetterman will continue his soft return to the campaign trail on Thursday, attending a fundraiser in Philadelphia two months after a life-threatening stroke sent him to the sidelines of one of the most closely-watched Senate contests in the country.

GOP lawmaker who gave Jan. 5 tour wants to investigate Jan. 6 panel
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, who led a tour of the Capitol complex on the eve of the riot and faced questions for it earlier this year, may soon chair the committee in charge of Hill security.


WHO again considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency
LONDON (AP) — As the World Health Organization's emergency committee convened Thursday to consider for the second time within weeks whether to declare monkeypox a global crisis, some scientists said the striking differences between the outbreaks in Africa and in developed countries will...


Federal appeals court, citing Roe v. Wade reversal, lets Georgia's "heartbeat" abortion law take effect
The court cited the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The Georgia law has exceptions for rape and incest and when the mother's life is at risk.


Italy's rivers dry up and its farm fields bake as Europe's devastating heat wave exacerbates a record-setting drought
While record-setting temperatures have subsided, wildfires and Italy's worst drought in decades are still putting lives at risk.


WHO moves to roll out first malaria vaccine in Africa
BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — As the World Health Organization announces the next step in its rollout of the world’s first authorized malaria vaccine in three African countries, concerns about its value have come from an unlikely source: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, arguably the vaccine’s...


New Harvard study reveals the primary motivation of Jan. 6 rioters: Trump
The study, which was shared with NBC News ahead of its publication, logged and analyzed the motives of 417 Capitol rioters, all of whom have been charged in relation to Jan. 6.

Who is Roger Stone? Trump ally and Republican strategist whose clemency grant was seized
Roger Stone is a mainstay of the Republican Party. Here's what you need to know about his outspoken style, cut-throat strategy, and feud with Bannon.

Eight-foot great white washes up dead amid string of Long Island shark attacks
An 8-foot great white shark washed up dead Wednesday on a Long Island beach amid a string of attacks and sightings.


Democratic group targeting GOP candidates in ad during Jan. 6 hearing
A Democratic super PAC will air an ad during Thursday’s prime-time hearing of the House Jan. 6 select committee that targets four GOP candidates for statewide office who have downplayed the Capitol…


Ukrainian experts turn to Israel for mental trauma training
JERUSALEM (AP) — Ukrainian therapist Svitlana Kutsenko thought she was making progress with her patients — army veterans recovering from mental trauma suffered during fighting with Russia in 2014. Then, war erupted again.


China launches new bid for internet dominance


15-foot snake shot and killed by police as it was strangling man
Officers shot it in the head. The man was unresponsive. He was rushed to a hospital.


EXPLAINER: Foot-and-mouth disease and the efforts to stop it
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Thousands of cattle are covered in blisters from highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease in Indonesia, sounding the alarm for the country, its Southeast Asian neighbors and Australia.


Lankford seeks answers from CBP chief on Border Patrol 'whipping' probe over due process concerns
Sen. James Lankford is raising concerns about a potential politicization of the investigation into Border Patrol agents who were falsely accused of whipping migrants.
Nebraska governor makes big donation to take out Greitens
Greitens once appeared at a Pete Ricketts-sponsored political event years ago. Now, the wealthy governor is giving to an anti-Greitens super PAC.


Inspector general hid vanishing Secret Service texts from Congress: Report
A report published Wednesday evening raises new questions about the watchdog agency that alerted Congress to vanishing Secret Service text messages around the time of the Capitol riot.


Amazon to buy primary care provider One Medical for $3.9B
Amazon announced Thursday it will acquire the primary care organization One Medical in a deal valued roughly at $3.9 billion, marking another expansion for the retailer into health care services

Former nanny to Princes William and Harry to get "substantial" damages from BBC over Princess Diana interview
Alexandra Pettifer, who nannied Princes William and Harry, also got a public apology for "fabricated" allegations that she had an affair with their father.


CDC adds 5 places to 'high' risk category for travel, drops Covid-19 cruise ship program | CNN
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its "high" risk category for travel on Monday with five places and discontinued its Covid-19 program for cruise ships.


More American workers are taking on second jobs as inflation rages
Number of people working two full-time jobs is at a record high, according to government labor numbers.


Biden has COVID-19, here are his symptoms
President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, with reportedly mild symptoms of fatigue, trouble sleeping, a runny nose, and a dry cough.

Should you get your booster now or wait until the fall? An expert weighs in | CNN
Covid-19 cases are rising again, driven by Omicron subvariant BA.5. Federal health officials urge Americans to get vaccine boosters if they are due, but if new boosters are developed for the fall, should people wait? CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Lean Wen explains.


Final Trump declassification request to DOJ blocked after he left White House
Former President Donald Trump's final declassification request was blocked by the Justice Department after he left the White House, new records reveal.


Italy's 'Super Mario' Draghi undone by political infighting
Mario Draghi, the central banker turned Italian prime minister, won plaudits for his calm leadership as Italy emerged from the coronavirus crisis but suffered the same fate as many of his predecessors, brought down by fractious internal politics.


Monarch butterflies listed as endangered: 'Just a devastating decline'
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed as "endangered" the orange-and-black monarch butterfly, which is declining in the U.S.
www.usatoday.com
Ivana Trump's funeral displayed a copy of her 1992 Vanity Fair cover that appeared to edit out Hillary Clinton's name
The funeral of Donald Trump's first wife featured two of her magazine covers by the altar. One of them originally had a headline about Clinton.
Biden administration reverses Trump endangered species rule
Federal regulators Wednesday canceled a policy adopted under former President Donald Trump that weakened their authority to identify lands and waters where declining animals and plants could receive government protection. The move was the latest by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undoing...


President Biden tests positive for COVID-19
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning, his office said.

DC to require students 12 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall
Students over the age of 12 will be required to receive COVID-19 vaccines this fall in Washington, D.C.

US President Joe Biden 'doing great' after testing positive for Covid
The 79-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms and will continue to work, the White House says.
www.bbc.com

Will the BA.5 COVID strain force new mask mandates?
ABC News' "Start Here" podcast spoke with Chief Innovation Officer at Boston's Children's Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School John Brownstein.

President Biden tests positive for COVID-19
President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday, a day after traveling to Massachusetts where he delivered remarks on the "climate crisis."

'Zero sense of urgency': Long Covid groups are frustrated by federal response
The Biden administration is scheduled to release two reports on long Covid on Aug. 3, but advocates fear they won't go far enough to address the needs of patients.


How Biden’s Covid case compares to Trump's
Biden, who is twice boosted and has already started Paxlovid, is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.


State launches pandemic review


Australia battles fresh Omicron outbreak as COVID deaths rise
Australia reported one of its highest daily death tolls from the novel coronavirus on Thursday while hospital admissions hovered near record levels, as authorities struggle to get ahead of highly contagious Omicron variants.

Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is fully vaccinated and boosted. Just 22.7% of Americans his age have kept up to date with their shots.
About 12.5 million US adults older than 65 years old — those in President Biden's age bracket — have received their second booster shot, the CDC says.