Senate Panel Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt of Congress
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions during testimony about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment at the hearing, and Republicans argued he was not entitled to that protection because he had received a presidential pardon.
Committee chair Rand Paul plans to refer the case to the Department of Justice. Under Senate procedure, the contempt resolution could also advance to a vote in the full upper chamber.
Trump Signs Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship and Birth Tourism
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting eligibility for birthright citizenship and banning "birth tourism," which the White House described as entry under the guise of tourism for the purpose of giving birth. The orders came just over a month after the Supreme Court ruled on June 30 that Trump's earlier effort to end birthright citizenship was unconstitutional. Trump said he believed his latest actions would be constitutional, though additional details were not provided.
Explosive Drone Found Near Runway at Leipzig Airport
German authorities have opened a counterterrorism investigation after a drone carrying explosives was discovered near the south runway at Leipzig airport. An airport employee found the drone with an unknown explosive device, prompting flight diversions and a police bomb disposal response.
A DHL cargo plane that had aborted its landing later collided in midair with an unknown object and was slightly damaged. The drone was found near Ukrainian cargo planes, and officials described the incident as representing a new quality of threat.
Woman Charged After Four Men Stabbed in Covent Garden
Stella Gollovena, 47, has been charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place after four men were stabbed in London's Covent Garden on Wednesday lunchtime. The Metropolitan police named the victims as Patrick De Barr, Thomas Harding, Adrian Lovett and Mantas Jankus.
Gollovena, of no fixed address, appeared in court following the attack, during which the men were stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors, according to the court hearing.
Trump Denies Munitions Shortages and Threatens Leakers With Prison
President Donald Trump has denied reports that the United States is running short of key munitions in its war with Iran, insisting the country has "massive amounts" of weapons. He threatened long prison sentences for officials who leak information about military weapons stocks.
The denial followed a Washington Post report that Trump demanded answers from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth about alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting at Camp David last Friday.
Le Court Wins Tour de France Femmes Stage Six Sprint
Kimberley Le Court of Mauritius won stage six of the Tour de France Femmes in a sprint finish at Tournon-sur-Rhône on Thursday, securing the second Tour stage win of her career. Le Court recovered from a mechanical problem earlier in the stage to outsprint her rivals.
Switzerland's Marlen Reusser retained the overall leader's yellow jersey ahead of rival Demi Vollering.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños Spreads Across 27 States
A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers has sickened at least 345 people across at least 27 states, with the majority of cases reported in Colorado and Minnesota, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chipotle, Qdoba and other restaurants have removed the peppers as the investigation continues.
New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay $567 Million
A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay $567 million for mental health harms to children from its platforms. Judge Bryan Biedscheid directed $420 million toward treatment services for young people, with the remainder funding awareness, prevention and screening.
TikTok Creator Sydney Towle Dies at Age 26
Sydney Towle, a TikTok creator who shared her battle with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, with more than a million followers, has died at age 26, her family announced.
Trump Administration to Pay RWE $1.22 Billion for Lease Cuts
The Trump administration has reached a $1.22 billion agreement with German energy company RWE to relinquish its offshore wind leases and redirect funds toward fossil fuel investments. The deal marks the fifth such agreement the administration has struck with energy companies.
Reality TV Star Stephen Bear Jailed for Restraining Order Breach
Reality TV star Stephen Bear has been jailed after admitting a harassment charge for breaching a restraining order linked to his earlier conviction for filming a sex tape without consent and posting it online.