The death toll is the highest since the agency began publicly reporting detainee deaths in 2018.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a legal memo asserting that presidents have the right to withhold communications with private advisers, even when Congress requests them through formal channels. The opinion, issued by the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel, claims that such communications are protected if they pertain to official presidential decision-making. This could significantly hinder congressional investigations into former President Donald Trump's activities, particularly if Democrats regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterms. Legal experts warn that this ruling extends executive privilege to include interactions between direct advisors and external consultants, potentially shielding a broad range of communications from scrutiny. The memo has sparked debate about its implications for transparency and accountability, with critics arguing it could enable future administrations to obscure sensitive information. Democrats, who currently hold a slight lead in congressional polls, have been planning to probe Trump's business dealings and potential conflicts of interest. However, the DOJ's stance may complicate these efforts by allowing the Trump administration to withhold records related to presidential decision-making processes.

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023, is facing an ethics investigation by the House Ethics Committee following allegations of domestic violence and illegal drug use. The probe was initiated after his ex-wife accused him of physically abusing her and their daughter. Miller, who has not withdrawn his bid for reelection, has stated his intention to continue his campaign despite the allegations. The investigation, announced on August 4, 2026, centers on whether Miller violated House rules regarding personal conduct and potential misuse of public resources. The case highlights ongoing debates about accountability for lawmakers and the balance between personal privacy and public service. While the House Ethics Committee has the authority to impose sanctions, the outcome could impact Miller's political future and set precedents for similar cases. The allegations have sparked discussions about the role of ethics committees in addressing personal misconduct by elected officials, raising questions about the limits of political immunity. The investigation also underscores the challenges of addressing domestic abuse claims in high-profile political contexts, where public perception and media coverage often play a significant role. As the process unfolds, it may influence broader conversations about transparency, accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of public servants.

Former US health adviser Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions about the origins of the coronavirus during a congressional hearing, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. Republican committee chairman Rand Paul accused Fauci of evading accountability over NIH-funded research linked to a Wuhan lab, while Democrats called the inquiry a political witch-hunt. The hearing followed revelations from Fauci's pandemic diary, which detailed his global fame and media scrutiny. Paul threatened legal action for Fauci's refusal to testify, with potential contempt charges looming. Fauci's lawyer was ejected from the session after attempting to speak on his behalf, highlighting the intense partisan tensions. The inquiry focuses on whether government-funded 'gain of function' research contributed to the pandemic, despite Fauci's claims that the studied viruses were genetically distinct from SARS-CoV-2. Biden had previously pardoned Fauci for official misconduct but not criminal contempt charges. The hearing underscores ongoing political battles over pandemic response and scientific accountability.