Nation

• A Senate committee has voted to hold former health official Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. • The action follows Fauci's refusal to answer specific questions regarding the origins of COVID-19 and the government's response. • This move highlights the ongoing political tension and legal battles over transparency and accountability concerning the pandemic's start.

• Health Canada has approved a Phase I clinical trial for Moderna’s mRNA vaccine candidate targeting the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola. • Canada becomes the second nation to authorize this trial, following a similar approval in the United Kingdom. • The move comes after the World Health Organization declared the current outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.

• Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, undermining the stability hoped for following a recently signed memorandum of understanding. • Gulf nations are increasingly analyzing the conflict in Ukraine to understand how global geopolitical shifts and converging conflicts impact their own regional security. • This convergence of crises highlights a deeper transformation in international politics, where legal and administrative decisions are reflecting broader strategic realignments.

• Manoah Esipisu transitioned from a career in international journalism to high-level government service, eventually serving as the spokesperson for former President Uhuru Kenyatta. • His background reporting from conflict zones and politically sensitive regions provided critical insights into governance, humanitarian crises, and African politics. • This professional evolution is significant as it highlights how journalistic expertise in global affairs can translate into success within state house operations and international diplomacy.

• Michelle Yeoh has been named the Asian Filmmaker of the Year at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. • The award will be presented during the festival's opening ceremony on October 6 at the Busan Cinema Centre, with actress Kim Minha serving as the host. • This honor recognizes Yeoh's extensive career, which began in Hong Kong action cinema with the film 'Yes, Madam!'.

• Two Israeli soldiers were killed in Lebanon, marking the first Israeli fatalities since a ceasefire was established with Hezbollah in June. • The deaths occurred during an escalation of tensions despite the existing truce intended to stabilize the border region. • This incident is significant as it represents a breach of the fragile peace agreement and increases the risk of renewed full-scale conflict.

Former 2UE and 2GB radio broadcaster is facing 22 charges. Jones, 85, has pleaded not guiltyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA former student sports star has denied in a Sydney court that he “fabricated” indecent assault allegations against broadcaster Alan Jones after he lost his police job and fell on “extremely hard times”.Jones’s defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC on Wednesday suggested to complainant J during cross-examination that he had a financial motive to report his alleged indecent assaults 20 years after the incidents. Continue reading...

• Representative Wesley Bell successfully defeated a primary challenge from Cori Bush in a high-profile Missouri rematch. • The contest pitted two prominent Democratic figures against each other, centering on political strategy and representation within the state. • This outcome is significant as it settles a contentious internal party rivalry and secures Bell's position heading into the general election.

• Abdul El-Sayed has transitioned from political obscurity to becoming a significant progressive contender in the Michigan Senate race. • The campaign highlights El-Sayed's strategic shift to mobilize progressive voters and challenge established political norms within the state. • This breakthrough matters as it signals a potential shift in Michigan's political landscape toward more left-leaning policies and leadership.

• US stocks remained near record highs on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 slipping 0.2% from its previous all-time high amid hopes for an agreement with Iran. • Market stability was mirrored in oil prices, which held steady as investors balanced geopolitical optimism against persistent inflation concerns. • The Federal Reserve continues to hold its benchmark interest rate steady while monitoring economic costs and the broader impact of inflation.

The rules came into effect shortly after the killing of dozens of protesters, news which was only covered by overseas newsPakistani authorities have imposed severe new restrictions on international media, including barring them from reporting in most of the country, in a move that has provoked significant backlash from journalist organisations.According to the new rules anyone, including Pakistani nationals, should seek permission to report from Pakistan except three cities – Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Continue reading...

Joanna Whaley, ex-megachurch pastor who endured years of conversion practices, comfortably bested her opponentsUS politics live – latest updatesA former megachurch pastor who endured 15 years of conversion practices is set to become the first transgender member of Michigan’s state legislature after winning a Democratic primary election on Tuesday.Joanna Whaley comfortably defeated Frank Liberati, a former state representative, and Gary Schlack in the primary for the second district of the Michigan statehouse, a Democratic stronghold. Continue reading...

• The House Committee on Ethics has recommended a formal censure for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards following an investigation into his conduct. • The committee concluded there is substantial evidence that Edwards violated House Rules regarding sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile workplace. • This development puts the embattled representative under significant political pressure as the U.S. House prepares to vote on the ethics censure.

• The Parliament monsoon session is facing significant disruptions as the Opposition demands answers from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a security crackdown on CJP protests. • AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to discuss public outrage and consumer rights concerns over the mandatory implementation of E20 petrol. • This legislative move follows a march led by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday to protest the fuel policy.

• Representative Wesley Bell successfully defeated a primary challenge from Cori Bush in a Missouri rematch. • The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines to support the nomination of President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney. • The nominee has been aggressively advancing Republican administration priorities since succeeding Pam Bondi in April.

Exclusive: Warren Pickering told 2025 podcast mass deportations ‘not a reality’ in Australia and suggested politicians over 55 should ‘handball it to the next generation’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation’s Victorian leader has previously said mass deportations in Australia are “not a reality” and “won’t happen”, in newly unearthed comments which raise further questions about Pauline Hanson’s signature policy to deport 75,000 people she says have overstayed visas.Warren Pickering, on Monday unveiled as the party’s leader for Victoria’s November state election, also previously conceded in niche podcast interviews that the party ran so-called “ghost candidates” who didn’t actively campaign in order to harvest more Senate votes. Continue reading...

• The Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly approved Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general on Tuesday morning following a week of political uncertainty. • During the proceedings, Blanche accused the Biden administration of conducting politically motivated investigations, though he admitted the "weaponization" of the Justice Department was less intense in the previous administration. • Senator Charles E. Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, provided a key public endorsement to support the nomination's progress.

• A mass funeral was held Tuesday in Gaza City for over 100 Palestinians whose remains were recovered nearly three years after Israeli airstrikes destroyed a residential block. • In a separate maritime incident, a cargo ship was reportedly struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. • Qatar announced it is currently mediating peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, though both nations have made conflicting claims regarding the talks.

Official action by regulator for England and Wales comes after formal complaint made by Labour MP about the fundsAn official investigation has been launched into charities in England and Wales donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine.The Charity Commission will aim to establish the amount of charitable funds going to illegal settlements, whether the spending was in furtherance of their purposes and any regulatory action that may be necessary. Continue reading...

After a bumpy confirmation hearing, Clayton replaces acting director Bill Pulte to head US intelligence agenciesUS politics live – latest updatesJay Clayton has been sworn in as the US’s top spy after a contentious Senate confirmation hearing during which ⁠he refused to directly ⁠acknowledge ​that Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.The oath of office was administered to Clayton on Tuesday by the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, in the Oval Office as the president looked on and applauded. He becomes the ninth director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down in June. Continue reading...

• A Senate committee advanced the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. • The move followed Blanche's decision to rescind a $1.8 billion fund previously designated for President Donald Trump’s political allies. • This action is significant as it addresses potential conflicts of interest and financial controversies surrounding the nominee's ties to the administration.

• The national selection shows for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, taking place in November, will be streamed on YouTube. • Selection events are scheduled throughout September for South Korea (Sept 4), Nepal (Sept 19), Laos (Sept 23-24), Thailand (Sept 27), and Bangladesh (Sept 30). • Malaysia will deviate from the show format by announcing its selected artist via broadcasters TV3 and TonTon OTT on August 15.

• The US Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General. • Ranking member Senator Dick Durbin expressed skepticism over Blanche's assurances that the Trump administration would not reinstate a $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund. • This nomination is critical as it determines the leadership of the Department of Justice and the handling of controversial federal funds.

Class action claims Indigenous staff were called slurs, exposed to racist language and paid less for doing the same workWarning: This article contains racist and offensive language directed at First Nations peopleGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAboriginal community police officers are suing the Northern Territory government and the NT police force alleging systemic discrimination and underpayment, the widespread use of racist slurs against Indigenous colleagues and community members, and abuse spanning nearly three decades.The class action, on behalf of Aboriginal community police officers (Acpos or Apos) who worked in the NT between 1998 and 2025, is led Shawn Lewfatt, a Darwin man who has served as an Acpo since 1998. He said decades on the job had left him dreading putting on his uniform. Continue reading...

Blanche, one of Trump’s most trusted legal aides, had confirmed in writing that $1.8bn slush fund for president’s allies was deadThe US Senate judiciary committee voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after he confirmed in writing that a planned $1.8bn slush fund for Donald Trump’s allies was dead. Experts say, however, that Trump could easily reverse the deal.His nomination will now proceed to the full Senate, where it will likely face intense skepticism from Democrats. Continue reading...

• State legislature elections are frequently among the most tightly contested races in the U.S., with some outcomes decided by a single vote. • These local contests hold significant national importance because state lawmakers are responsible for drawing congressional maps and establishing election rules. • Key policy areas influenced by these officials include the implementation of voter ID requirements and regulations regarding ballot harvesting.

Trump’s former personal lawyer appears on track to become attorney general despite reservations over deal withdrawing ‘anti-weaponization fund’Critics denounce Blanche deal to halt Trump slush fundSign up for US Breaking News emailHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche appears on track to become the next US attorney general after two Republican senators drop their opposition to his nomination.Trump declined to call for Rep Max Miller’s resignation following allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Trump said he has always known Miller as “a good person” and called the situation “a very sad thing.”In an 89-4 vote, the Senate voted to take up a measure that would temporarily keep the government funded and help avoid a shutdown in the fall. The measure, known as a continuing resolution, would maintain government funding at current levels through 11 December, with some adjustments for specific programs. The Senate is slated to debate the funding bill and move it closer to a final vote.A coalition of 25 US states sued the Trump administration over new tariffs pegged at 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, calling them a pretext for replacing import taxes struck down by the supreme court in February. The states are asking the US Court of International Trade to halt the tariffs, declare them unlawful and order refunds of duties that have already been paid. More here.Trump accused US attorney Jeanine Pirro of having “folded like an umbrella” amid reports that he was considering removing her from her post. Trump criticized Pirro on Monday after she dropped vandalism charges against a former Olympian accused of damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. More here. Continue reading...

• Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have agreed to support the nomination of Blanche for Attorney General. • The agreement follows a deal to ensure a specific fund is not created, addressing concerns that January 6th rioters could receive payments. • This resolution removes key GOP holdouts who sought written confirmation to prevent the potential misuse of funds for violent offenders.