1 Senators Announce Their Support Of Todd Blanche After He Ends The "Anti-Weaponization" Fund
Two Republican senators who had been blocking Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general announced yesterday that they will now support him, clearing a major roadblock. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina had held up the nomination over concerns about a legal deal President Trump reached with the IRS earlier this year. The deal created a $1.8-billion fund meant to pay people who claimed they were victims of government "weaponization," and it also gave Trump, his two older sons, and his company sweeping protection from tax audits. Lawmakers from both parties worried the fund could end up paying people convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot. The two senators said they agreed to back Blanche only after the Justice Department issued a formal, binding order ending the controversial fund and clarifying that the audit protection applies only to Trump, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization.
2 First Deaths In Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Reported In Michigan
The first two deaths have been reported in a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, the state's health department announced yesterday. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a tiny parasite that spreads through contaminated food and can cause severe stomach problems and dehydration. Both people who died had significant underlying health conditions that may have been made worse by the illness and dehydration, according to the department. The deaths come as cases in Michigan have climbed past 11,000, reaching a total of 11,234, including 193 people who had to be hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is aware of the two deaths in Michigan and plans to update its website to include confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths tied to the outbreak.
3 Trump Warns He's Giving Iran 'Last Chance' to Avoid 'Decapitation'
President Donald Trump warned he's giving Iran one final opportunity to agree to a peace deal or risk "decapitation" as the two sides disagreed publicly about whether new talks were underway. "This is a last chance," Trump said on Aug. 3. "This is a last chance for them to sign a good document." Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, later added that he wants to give Iran "every last chance before decapitation." Iran earlier in the day denied the president's assertion that Tehran and the United States agreed to renew negotiations after Trump over the weekend held off on carrying out what he called "the biggest attack since World War II." "I'm very proud of the fact that I will give people a chance," Trump said. "This is a big move. To do an attack that big on a country ‒ I'd rather not do it."