global edition · 2026-08-13
Daily Briefing — August 13, 2026
10 evidence-backed stories shaping the day.
Senate Committee Votes to Hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in Contempt of Congress
What happened
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in criminal contempt of Congress after he invoked his Fifth Amendment right during testimony at the end of July.
Why it matters
The vote moves the contempt resolution toward the Department of Justice for potential prosecution, where a conviction could result in up to one year in prison, escalating the legal stakes for the former pandemic response official.
PSG and Barcelona to Negotiate Ferran Torres Transfer Next Week
What happened
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are finalizing the transfer of Ferran Torres, with the player absent from training on August 12 after receiving club permission. The clubs are closing a gap in their valuation, with PSG seeking a total package of €50 million and Barcelona holding out for €55 million, while reports indicate a deal in principle has been reached for a €50 million fixed fee plus €5 million in add-ons. Torres could undergo a medical as early as Friday, with an official announcement expected this weekend.
Why it matters
The acceleration of the deal, with Torres excused from training and a narrow price gap remaining, signals that the transfer is entering its final phase after two months of discreet negotiations. The move resolves a tense situation at Barcelona, where some teammates were reportedly dissatisfied with Torres's handling of the process, and allows the club to avoid triggering an additional payment to Manchester City. For PSG, securing a player Luis Enrique knows well and plans to give a significant role addresses their need for attacking reinforcement.
Hungary and Romania Shut Nuclear Plants Due to Danube Drought Crisis
What happened
Romania announced it will begin shutting down Unit 2 of the Cernavodă nuclear power plant on Thursday after the Danube's flow fell to a record low and efforts to prevent a complete shutdown failed.
Why it matters
The shutdown marks the plant's first closure since a 2003 drought, underscoring how the unprecedented heatwaves and rain shortages across Europe are directly compromising critical energy infrastructure by depleting the cooling water supply from the Danube.
Boeing Wins $75M Contract for Jet-Powered JDAM Long-Range Bomb
What happened
Boeing was awarded a $75 million contract by the U.S. Air Force for initial production of the powered, long-range Joint Direct Attack Munition variant.
Why it matters
The contract transitions the weapon from a company-funded development effort, in which Boeing invested nearly $100 million, to a production program for U.S. forces, signaling confidence in a capability that extends the reach of standard JDAM-compatible aircraft beyond 300 nautical miles.
Russian Missile and Drone Attack on Ukraine Kills Eight, Violates Polish Airspace
What happened
Ukrainian forces conducted an overnight drone and naval drone attack that damaged Russia's Black Sea naval stronghold of Novorossiysk, according to President Zelenskyy.
Why it matters
The strike on Novorossiysk demonstrates Ukraine's continued ability to project force against a major Russian naval base far from the front lines, further constraining the operational freedom of Russia's Black Sea fleet.
Visa Acquires BioCatch for $2.4 Billion to Combat AI Fraud
What happened
Visa's $2.4 billion acquisition of behavioral biometrics firm BioCatch was covered in a comparative analysis of Visa and Mastercard's strategies for combating AI-powered fraud.
Why it matters
The coverage frames the acquisition as a strategic bet by Visa to differentiate itself from Mastercard in addressing the escalating threat of AI-driven financial scams.
Deadliest Ebola outbreak surges in eastern Congo, killing over 1,700
What happened
The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has risen to 2,000, according to a Fox News report published on August 12.
Why it matters
The milestone of 2,000 deaths underscores the continued acceleration of the outbreak, which has already been characterized as the fastest-growing and second-deadliest on record in the country.
Manchester City Pursues Marseille Goalkeeper Rulli as Backup Transfer
What happened
Manchester City officially announced the signing of 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from Marseille on a two-year contract through summer 2028, pending international transfer clearance. This marks Rulli's second stint at the club after a prior spell in the 2016/17 season.
Why it matters
The completion of the deal resolves the protracted negotiation over the backup goalkeeper position, securing an experienced international for the squad. Rulli's return to Manchester City, where he previously did not make a first-team appearance, adds a veteran presence behind the starting keeper.
Arsenal Signs Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle for £75 Million
What happened
Bruno Guimarães gave his first interview as an Arsenal player, stating he felt he needed a new challenge and that conversations with manager Mikel Arteta and the coaching staff left him excited to join the club.
Why it matters
The interview confirms the transfer's completion from the player's perspective and reveals his motivation was a desire for a fresh challenge, while also highlighting the role existing Brazilian teammates played in welcoming him.
FIFA President Infantino Accused of Improper Relationship and UEFA Payments
What happened
The Daily Telegraph reported that the former UEFA colleague with whom FIFA President Gianni Infantino is alleged to have had an extramarital relationship received a severance package exceeding £150,000 upon her abrupt departure in late 2011, a sum that included funding for an MBA. UEFA is now considering a broader investigation into Infantino's conduct during his 16-year tenure at the organization.
Why it matters
The disclosure of the specific six-figure sum and the MBA funding adds financial detail to the existing allegations, while UEFA's consideration of a wider probe signals that the fallout could extend beyond the initial payments to encompass Infantino's entire administrative legacy at the governing body.