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Sen. Paul threatens to hold Fauci in contempt. And, a new rule undercuts U.S. asylum
The newsletter covers three developments: Senator Rand Paul’s move towards holding Anthony Fauci in contempt after a contentious COVID-19 hearing; a new asylum rule allowing cases to be sent to immigration court without an initial interview; and expanded Medicare access to certain weight-loss drugs. – Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment during questioning about COVID-19’s origins,…
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NATO member scrambles fighter jets as Russian attack on Ukraine kills 8
Poland scrambled fighter jets and placed its air defences on high alert after Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone attack across Ukraine. The response underlines the risk that the war poses to neighbouring NATO countries, particularly Poland, which borders Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired more than 70 missiles and about 280 drones,…
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Andy Burnham poll tracker: Prime minister and Labour’s approval ratings in four charts
Andy Burnham’s first month as prime minister has reportedly produced a sharp improvement in Labour’s polling and his personal approval ratings, described by commentators as a “Burnham bounce”. The article argues that his popularity, radical devolution proposals and communication style have helped Labour recover support after Keir Starmer’s departure, though it says sustaining this rise…
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Red card: World Cup fans and the public subsidize private jet polluters
An opinion article argues that private-jet travel by wealthy spectators has substantially increased the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s climate impact, while ordinary fans and taxpayers effectively bear some of the resulting public and environmental costs. It calls on FIFA to ban private jets at matches and reduce long-distance tournament travel, saying the issue conflicts with…
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Scorned senators force retreat on Blanche confirmation vote
The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its planned vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general after two Republican senators withheld support. The delay matters because either senator could prevent the nomination from advancing, exposing divisions within the Republican majority and putting Blanche’s confirmation timetable at risk. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North…
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Trump accused China of an ‘election security nightmare’ but then undercut his own warning
President Donald Trump said China had created an “unprecedented election security nightmare” by allegedly targeting US election-related data, but he has not announced any new measures against Beijing. The article highlights the apparent contrast between his warning and his continued engagement with China, including plans to host President Xi Jinping in September. In a 16…
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Nigel Farage plummets to lowest approval level since election in new poll
Nigel Farage’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since the 2024 general election, according to More in Common, adding to signs of weakening support for Reform UK. The poll matters because Farage is closely associated with his party’s brand, meaning a sustained personal decline could have a disproportionate effect on Reform’s electoral prospects.…
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Reform’s Jenrick demands Burnham ‘end the worry’ and rule out an £18bn ‘death tax’ to pay for social care plans – as he brands it ‘insulting’ Farage was snubbed by PM for cross-party talks
Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick has called on Andy Burnham to rule out using an estimated £18 billion inheritance-based levy to fund proposed social-care reforms, describing the possibility as a “death tax”. He also criticised the Prime Minister for excluding Nigel Farage from cross-party discussions on social care, arguing that this was disrespectful to Reform voters…
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San Sebastian Sets 2026 New Directors Lineup
San Sebastian Film Festival has announced the filmmakers selected for its 2026 New Directors programme, which showcases first and second feature films and runs from 18 to 26 September. The sidebar will bring together emerging directors from 13 countries, underlining the festival’s role in introducing international new talent. Jaime Lorente’s Spanish debut The Bad Son…
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Delta, United ban humanoid and animal robots from flights
Delta and United have barred passengers from taking robots that resemble humans or animals on flights, whether in the cabin or as checked baggage. The move reflects airlines’ concerns that the large lithium-ion batteries commonly used in such machines could create a fire risk, adding a new restriction as humanoid robots become more visible in…