U.S. and Iran resume attacks. And, Fauci to face Senate questions on COVID pandemic

U.S. Forces Intercept Iranian Missiles; Trump Meets Netanyahu and Zelenskyy

Fighting between the United States and Iran resumed after Iran launched missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East on July 28, 2026, just before 6 p.m. ET, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. intercepted all missiles. U.S. and Saudi forces responded with attacks on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The escalation occurred on the same day President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

Netanyahu sought to use the meeting to address strains in the U.S.-Israel relationship. Five months into the joint Israel-U.S. military operation against Iranian targets, the two countries hold differing priorities, according to NPR reporting. Israel seeks to continue operations against security threats from Iran and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and opposes any agreement that would limit its defensive options. Trump has expressed support for Israel’s security while favoring a rapid conclusion to the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to address rising fuel prices. Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution stated that Trump and Netanyahu maintain a cooperative relationship but that both sides lack a clear path to end the fighting.

Fauci Scheduled to Testify Before Senate Committee

Dr. Anthony Fauci is scheduled to appear today before a Senate committee as part of investigations into the origins of COVID-19. The hearing follows extended debate over whether the virus originated in a Chinese laboratory. The current scientific consensus holds that the virus spread naturally from an animal source to humans. Ahead of the hearing, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., released diary entries attributed to Fauci covering December 2019 through December 2022. Paul posted more than 1,000 pages of entries over the weekend, removed them on Monday, and reposted a redacted version the following day. Paul stated on social media that the entries reveal differences between Fauci’s private notes and his public statements. Fauci’s legal team responded last month with a letter describing Paul’s actions as a “years-long public crusade” against Fauci.

Federal Reserve Officials Meet on Interest Rates

Federal Reserve policymakers convened today to discuss interest rates. Chairman Kevin Warsh, who assumed the role two months ago, stated earlier this month that he and the rate-setting committee remain committed to controlling inflation. In June, committee members signaled that their next action would likely involve a rate increase. Inflation data released last month showed some easing, which could lead the committee to hold rates steady at present levels.

Iowa Gubernatorial Candidates Address Water Quality Concerns

Water quality issues in Iowa have drawn attention ahead of the November gubernatorial election. Iowa records the second-highest cancer rate in the United States according to the latest report from the Iowa Cancer Registry, and rates have continued to rise. Both Democratic candidate Rob Sand and Republican candidate Zach Lahn have stated that additional measures are needed to address water quality. Their proposals have centered on voluntary and incentive-based approaches. Some farmers have indicated these measures fall short. The candidates have agreed to meet with farmers to discuss the issue. The Iowa Cancer Registry 2026 report states that farmers in the state experience 13 percent fewer cancers than expected and does not identify a causal connection between water quality and overall cancer rates.

Ukrainian Conductor Releases Album Highlighting Lesser-Known Composers

Conductor Dalia Stasevska has released the album “Ukrainian Mixtape,” which features works by Ukrainian composers. Stasevska cited Ukraine’s history and periods of cultural suppression as factors that limited recognition of these composers in both Ukraine and the West. Several of the composers faced imprisonment or other restrictions. The project required more than a year to assemble five pieces. Stasevska has expressed hope that the music will support cultural preservation and recovery efforts.

Wildfires Force Evacuations in Southwestern France and Spain

Wildfires in southwestern France and Spain have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors this summer. In France’s Gironde region near Bordeaux, one fire burned an area four times the size of Paris and prompted the evacuation of 220,000 people. A separate fire near Biscarrosse in the Landes region, which began July 23, has been contained, according to French authorities. The Landes de Gascogne forest lost 42,000 hectares. European officials have noted that dry vegetation and soils, combined with recent heatwaves, have increased fire risk. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has reported that Europe is warming faster than twice the global average.

Additional Developments

FIFA announced plans to create a separate company to manage commercial rights for the men’s and women’s World Cups and the new Club World Cup, with the goal of attracting private investment. Artist Betye Saar, known for three-dimensional works addressing stereotypes related to Black identity and women, died days before her 100th birthday. In Denver, volunteers distributed 21 tons of potatoes at a nonprofit event, with the full load claimed within 90 minutes.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.