FBI Joins NASCAR Investigation; Fauci To Testify On Pandemic Response; The Summer Reader Poll Is Back!

Plus, why there’s a push to get police out of schools. by Korva Coleman and Jill Hudson First Up [Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is seen here testifying in March on Capitol Hill. He and others leading the federal coronavirus response will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday.]( Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Here's what we're following today. The nation’s top infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, is expected to testify before a House committee Tuesday on the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. He and other witnesses are expected to be pressed for details about the spike in coronavirus infections across the country, why the federal response has not been more effective, and whether Trump prevented health experts from taking action sooner. [Watch our live stream of the committee hearing](. The FBI has joined NASCAR in an investigation into who left a noose inside driver Bubba Wallace's garage at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. NASCAR says it will ban the perpetrators from the sport for life. Wallace has been the focus of international attention since he successfully led the stock car racing organization to impose [a historic ban on the Confederate flag]( at their racing events. The coronavirus pandemic is severely curtailing the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage observed by Muslims worldwide. Officials announced on Monday that [this year's pilgrimage to Mecca]( will be restricted in size and limited to Saudi residents. The Hajj is one of the most important religious requirements for Muslims; nearly 2.5 people made the journey last year from around the world. The Trump administration has extended a ban on green cards issued outside the U-S, and suspended several kinds of temporary work visas. The order targets [visas designed for certain skilled workers]( such as those employed in the tech industry, as well as visas meant for executives who work for large corporations. Business groups are expected to oppose the move, but groups that want less immigration cheered it. The helicopter crash that killed NBA icon Kobe Bryant, his daughter and several other people in January has spurred action by Congress. This month, lawmakers introduced a bill that will require new safety standards and equipment such as terrain-awareness systems. But the bill also highlights a decades-old problem in aviation: [pilots continuing flights into bad weather rather than landing](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Today's Listens Jonell Joshua for NPR According to data from the Urban Institute, at least two-thirds of American high school students attend a school with a police officer, and that proportion is higher for students of color. In most states, Black students are more likely to be arrested at school, and according to one expert, "There isn't much evidence indicating that police officers in schools make schools safer." Now, the national uprising for racial justice has led to a push to remove police officers from security positions inside schools. ([Listen here]( or [read the story]( Facebook groups are ripe targets for people who want to spread misleading, wrong or dangerous information. So says internet disinformation researcher Nina Jankowicz, whose recent opinion column in WIRED magazine says Facebook's promise to protect sensitive user information — their so-called pivot to privacy — did little to combat the spread of misinformation. Editorial note: Facebook is among NPR's recent financial supporters. ([Listen here]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Daily Good [Victoria Gray, who underwent a landmark treatment for sickle cell disease last year, has been at home in Forest, Miss., with her three kids Jadasia Wash (left), Jamarius Wash (second from left) and Jaden Wash (right).]( Victoria Gray Victoria Gray is thriving. She's the first person with a genetic disorder — in her case, sickle cell disease — to get treated in the United States with the revolutionary gene-editing technique called CRISPR. Now a year into her therapy for the rare blood disorder that [disproportionately affects African-Americans in the U.S.]( Gray has the strength to care for herself and her children while navigating the pandemic. Researchers are optimistic that her treatment may be effective for others, too. ([Listen here]( or [read the story]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Before You Go [This year, we want to hear all about your very favorite kids' books, specifically picture books and very early chapter books.]( Esmé Shapiro for NPR - The NPR summer readers’ poll is back! This year we're celebrating [books for the littlest readers]( so tell us about your favorite kids’ book. Nominate series books, picture books and kids’ chapter books, but please keep your list to five picks. - Director [Joel Schumacher]( died Monday morning in New York City from cancer. He was 80 years old. Schumacher directed the 80s hit movies St. Elmo's Fire and The Lost Boys, as well as Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. - A massive Neolithic ring has been discovered near Stonehenge. Researchers say [the prehistoric structure]( "is significantly larger than any comparative prehistoric monument that we know of in Britain." — Suzette Lohmeyer contributed to this report. --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [dailynewsletter@npr.org](mailto:dailynewsletter@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. 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