As Covid Surges in Florida, DeSantis Refuses to Change Course  —  A virus spike connected to the Delta variant has led to a record number of Covid-19 hospitalizations in Florida.  Gov. Ron DeSantis has not altered his approach, for better or worse.  —  MIAMI — Gov. Ron DeSantis …

Security Alert U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan (August 7, 2021)  —  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately using available commercial flight options.  Given the security conditions and reduced staffing, the Embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited even within Kabul.

Jan. 6 Committee will reconvene after Labor Day — Republicans should be scared  —  More than six months have passed since Joe Biden took office after a fair election, and still, most of Donald Trump's supporters believe the election was stolen and that their fallen hero won.

US now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day  —  The U.S. is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in yet another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country.

The venue had been closed for the day to allow for security sweeps ahead of Obama's arrival  —  The exclusive images and video gave the first glimpse of what will now be a downsized version of the party that had once been set for 500 guests but will now be a smaller but no less glitzy affair for family and friends.

Senate nears last lap on bipartisan infrastructure deal  —  The Senate will take a key vote Saturday to advance the bipartisan infrastructure bill, with final passage right around the corner.  —  The noon vote comes after senators on Thursday failed to reach an agreement for additional amendments.

A 3-part story about short bowel syndrome and the FDA  —  This is a three-part story of heroism, intrigue, and ultimately treachery in the world of drug approval.  —  PART 1  —  Tyler Cowen points me this weekend to a righteous rant about the FDA from psychiatrist Scott Alexander …

Homeland Security warns of potential conspiracy theory-fueled violence in August  —  (CNN)The Department of Homeland Security warned state and local authorities Friday about an increase in calls for violence online tied to election-related conspiracy theories, according to a law enforcement source.

Vocal anti-vaccine broadcaster dies from COVID-19 complications  —  Friends say Dick Farrel encouraged them to get the vaccine after he was infected  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former South Florida talk show host Dick Farrel, known and beloved by fans for his over-the-top right-wing opinions …

The Kindergarten Exodus  —  As the pandemic took hold, more than 1 million children did not enroll in local schools.  Many of them were the most vulnerable: 5-year-olds in low-income neighborhoods  —  PHILADELPHIA — On a sweltering July afternoon, Solomon Carson, 6, jumped off the stoop …

‘Ugh’: Life at Andrew Cuomo's Hometown Newspaper  —  The Times Union's strait-laced, minimal-schmooze, no off-the-record principles put it on a collision course with the notoriously press-controlling governor of New York.  —  Casey Seiler, editor in chief of The Albany Times Union …

S.F. sheriff's deputies threaten resignations over city's vaccination mandate  —  The San Francisco Sheriff's Department will see a wave of resignations if the city enforces its policy requiring vaccinations for its employees, according to the Deputy Sheriff's Association, the union representing sheriff's deputies.

A Black Army vet toured a house with his real estate agent and teen.  Police surrounded the home and handcuffed them.  —  As a police officer turned Roy Thorne around to cuff his hands behind his back, the 45-year-old father saw the same happening to his 15-year-old son.

Fake Covid Vaccination Cards Are on the Rise in the U.S., Europe  —  Vaccine mandates have fueled an increase in demand for fraudulent certificates as sellers flourish online  —  MILAN—As Covid-19 vaccine mandates proliferate in the U.S. and Europe, so are swindlers selling bogus vaccination certificates.

Trump's Repeating Donation Tactics Led to Millions in Refunds Into 2021  —  Donald Trump and the Republican Party returned $12.8 million to donors in the first half of the year, a sign that their aggressive fund-raising tactics ensnared many unwitting contributors.

Arizona state Sen. Tony Navarrete accused of 7 felony charges involving sexual conduct with 2 teens  —  State Sen. Otoniel “Tony” Navarrete is facing seven felony counts involving allegations of sexual conduct with two teenagers, which would add up to a minimum of 49 years in prison if he were convicted.

Apple is opening a Pandora's box with its upcoming software update  —  Apple has announced it will install a program on iPhones in the United States that will persistently scan users' photos and flag those its algorithm believes to be related to child abuse.

Conservative Fellow Travelers: Tucker Carlson Drops In On Viktor Orban  —  This week, the talk show host has been in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban hopes to set up an ideological center for a global conservative movement.  —  BUDAPEST — It's been a meeting of conservative fellow travelers …

Hometown hospital cuts ties with Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins over vaccine comments  —  EAGAN, Minn. — A day after Kirk Cousins doubled down on his stance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, a hospital Cousins partners with in his hometown of Holland, Michigan, cut ties with the Minnesota Vikings quarterback.