August 6, 2026 - Both U.S. and Iran Say Deal Is Near

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary Tuesday, and everybody's asking the obvious question: Can he beat Mike Rogers in November? I read seven takes on the race Wednesday — the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Rich Lowry, Jonathan Chait in The Atlantic, Slate, The Intercept, and The New Yorker — and something else crystallized.

These writers agree on nothing. But buried in all of them is one point of unanimity none seemed to notice. The Journal, from the right: Democratic primary voters "want candidates who share their anger no matter their policy views." Chait, from the center-left: the insurgents won "less by appealing to ideological disagreements" than by channeling "broad frustration" with the party's failures. The Intercept, from the left — celebrating: this was a "pissed-off base" defeating an "out-of-touch" establishment despite a 9-to-1 spending disadvantage.

Right, center, and left just described the same engine: anger, aimed at the party's own leadership. Sound familiar? Ten years ago, another base stopped trusting its establishment's judgment about electability, beat the donors' money, purged the dissenters, and welcomed the exits of its critics. It captured its party — then the country.

Note the poetry: both 2016 revolts announced themselves in Michigan. Bernie shocked Hillary there in March; Trump carried the state in November, the first Republican since 1988. The state that birthed both revolutions now has to tell us which one it meant.

That leads to today's poll question: Are Democrats having their own MAGA moment?

You'd be correct in thinking I'm trying to make it difficult for all ends of the spectrum. Progressives will resent the comparison — I suspect they'll flood the poll to say no. Centrists fear it's true. And Republicans have to decide whether "yes" is an insult or a compliment, because the uncomfortable subtext is that the MAGA revolt won. Which is why "yes" is not a prediction of doom, and "no" is not a comfort.

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The U.S. and Iran say a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may be imminent, but key disputes over Iranian control of the waterway and U.S. sanctions remain unresolved, leaving the agreement—and broader efforts to end the conflict—uncertain.

Associated Press

The United States has depleted much of its advanced missile defense stockpile during the war with Iran, prompting military leaders to warn that shortages of key interceptors could limit future operations and take years to fully replenish despite expanded production efforts.

CNN

The Senate Homeland Security Committee is set to vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment during testimony, with any potential criminal prosecution ultimately resting with the Justice Department.

NPR

Six months after the kidnapping of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, investigators have made little progress, as the high-profile case has been marked by investigative missteps, intense media scrutiny, and rampant online speculation.

The Wall Street Journal

Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary by building strong support in college towns, Arab American communities, and among in-person voters, while Haley Stevens performed best in Black urban centers, suburban Detroit, and rural counties with fewer college-educated residents.

The New York Times

Sen. John Fetterman announced he will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, adding pressure on Senate Republicans as Majority Leader John Thune works to secure enough votes for confirmation before the August recess.

The Hill

FIFA has reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino after scrapping a controversial World Cup commercial rights proposal, despite growing opposition from UEFA and other football confederations that has intensified a leadership crisis.

Al Jazeera

Bank of America says it now spends more than $250 million annually covering GLP-1 weight-loss medications for employees, with CEO Brian Moynihan calling the rapidly growing expense a worthwhile investment due to potential long-term health benefits and lower healthcare costs.

CNBC

A Virginia woman is suing Tesla for $10.3 million, alleging the company negligently allowed her to test drive a Model Y in high-performance Insane Mode without proper instruction, causing her to lose control and crash into a storefront.

USA Today

Home Depot has launched its annual “Christmas in July” collection, but its $299 8.5-foot LED Santa and matching Reindeer decorations have already sold out as shoppers rush to buy the oversized holiday displays.

The Sun