POLITICSWhy has Infantino scrapped FIFA’s World Cup investment plan? What to knowHow FIFA President Gianni Infantino was forced abandon his World Cup equity plan after seismic backlash across football.Al Jazeera·August 1, 2026
POLITICSTrump administration drops Reflecting Pool vandalism charge and admits 'botched' repairsPresident Donald Trump had blamed "sick" vandals, and a former Olympian had been charged, but prosecutors now say contractors caused the damage.BBC News·August 1, 2026
POLITICSInfantino on the brink? Who might replace him if he goes?Fifa president Gianni Infantino is in the eye of a storm after scrapping his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup. If he goes, who comes in?BBC News·August 1, 2026
POLITICSTrump to Appeal Judge’s Ruling Denouncing I.R.S. Lawsuit as Exercise in Self-DealingIt was the latest sign that the president was doubling down on his fight for aspects of a deal that brings him vast benefits, even though they have jeopardized the confirmation of his pick for attorney general.NY Times·July 31, 2026
POLITICSFIFA’s Infantino scraps controversial World Cup private investment planFIFA and its president Infantino faced fierce backlash across football world over plans to sell stake in World Cup.Al Jazeera·July 31, 2026
POLITICSAnalyst: the US faces a strategic ‘dead end’ in IranWashington has reached a strategic impasse with Iran, says a former analyst for the US Congress.Al Jazeera·July 31, 2026
POLITICSProsecutors move to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism case, saying 'botched installation' to blameThe government had accused David Hearn of ripping a piece of sealant after a $14-million renovation. Hearn has repeatedly said that he simply touched the water in the pool out of curiosity last month.NPR·July 31, 2026
POLITICSPirro moves to drop case against Olympian, says Reflecting Pool damage caused by 'flawed installation'President Donald Trump had touted the Reflecting Pool update, one of many renovations in D.C. he ordered ahead of America's 250th birthday celebrations.CNBC·July 31, 2026
POLITICSTrump and Netanyahu May Be at Odds Again Over Gaza PlanPresident Trump’s announcement came at a difficult point in his relationship with the Israeli leader over their war against Iran.NY Times·July 31, 2026
POLITICSUS Senate’s Fauci hearing renews COVID origin debate but reveals littleHearing underscores years-long partisan divide on lightning-rod issue fuelled by misleading White House claims.Al Jazeera·July 31, 2026
POLITICSTodd Blanche’s Loyalty to Trump Is Putting His Attorney General Confirmation at RiskTodd Blanche’s approach has collided with the jury-of-two reality in the Senate that has, thus far, kept him from the prize he covets: the stability and status conferred by a Senate confirmation.NY Times·July 31, 2026
POLITICSWhy Mitch McConnell Isn’t Giving Up His Senate SeatDemocrats are demanding that the Kentucky Republican resign. Others who were sidelined for far longer faced no such calls, but times are changing.NY Times·July 31, 2026
