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Senate Committee Votes to Hold Dr. Fauci in Contempt

A Senate committee has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt for not answering questions about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Rand Paul intends to refer the case to the Department of Justice.

emersoncollegepolling.com

Iowa Poll Shows Sand Leading in Governor's Race, Hinson Ahead in Senate Race

An Emerson College Polling survey reveals that Rob Sand leads the Iowa gubernatorial race with 48% support, while Ashley Hinson has a slight lead in the Senate race with 48%. The poll also highlights key voter concerns, including the economy and healthcare, and shows divided opinions on the state-funded private school tuition assistance program.

cbsnews.com

Congressional Watchdog Reports Inaccuracies in DOGE's Savings Claims

A Government Accountability Office report has found that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) overstated its savings claims by billions of dollars, citing inaccuracies and lack of evidence. The report highlighted specific instances where claimed savings were not substantiated and criticized DOGE for its lack of transparency in reporting.

nbcnews.com

IRS Employees' Union Joins Lawsuit Against Trump's Tax Audit Immunity

The National Treasury Employees Union has joined a lawsuit against President Trump's tax audit immunity, arguing that it is unconstitutional and provides unfair benefits. The lawsuit also challenges a fund intended for individuals claiming victimization related to political weaponization, including January 6 rioters.

cbsnews.com

Senate Negotiates to Address Key Issues Before August Recess

The Senate is negotiating to expedite the consideration of several key issues, including government funding and the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general, before the August recess. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that cooperation from both parties is necessary to address the outstanding agenda, which includes a continuing resolution and a budget resolution prioritized by the White House.

notus.org

Mitch McConnell Votes by Proxy During Farm Bill Committee Meeting

Senator Mitch McConnell participated in the Agriculture Committee's markup of the farm bill by casting proxy votes while on medical leave. His absence contributed to the bill's failure to advance to the Senate floor, as Senate rules prevent proxy votes from affecting such decisions. The committee may reconvene later to reconsider the bill.

nbcnews.com

Sen. Mitch McConnell Discharged from Rehabilitation Center

Senator Mitch McConnell has been discharged from a rehabilitation center following recovery from a fall in mid-June. He will continue his recovery at home while working remotely, though he has missed numerous Senate votes due to health concerns. McConnell is expected to retire at the end of his term in January 2027.

nbcnews.com

FCC Votes to Eliminate Broadcast TV Ownership Cap

The FCC has voted to eliminate a 39% cap on television ownership, allowing companies to reach a larger share of U.S. households. The decision, made in a 2-1 vote, is expected to facilitate corporate consolidation in the media industry, particularly benefiting Nexstar Media Group in its acquisition of Tegna. Critics have raised concerns about the potential impacts on local broadcasters and media diversity.

Axios

FCC votes to eliminate national TV ownership cap

The FCC voted 2-1 to eliminate the national TV ownership cap, allowing broadcasters to merge and expand their reach. This decision may benefit companies like Nexstar, which is currently involved in a paused acquisition of Tegna due to an antitrust lawsuit. The vote has drawn criticism and is likely to face legal challenges from consumer advocacy groups.

Ars Technica

X seeks to revive lawsuit against advertisers in 5th Circuit

X, led by Elon Musk, is seeking to revive a lawsuit against advertisers accused of illegally boycotting the platform. The lawsuit was previously dismissed by a district judge, but X argues that the case should proceed to recover economic losses. A settlement was recently reached with the World Federation of Advertisers.

Vox

FDA Approves Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine

The FDA has approved Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, which is designed to be more effective than traditional flu vaccines. This new vaccine addresses the rapid mutation of the flu virus and allows for quicker production. Clinical trials indicate that it significantly reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu in older adults.

New York Times — US

Union Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Tax Protections

The union for IRS workers has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to halt a deal that grants the president significant tax protections. The case has been filed in federal court as part of the union's effort to contest the administration's actions.