CLOSER. Mueller impanels grand jury in Russia probe: “Special counsel Robert Mueller has reportedly impaneled a grand jury in Washington as part of the ongoing investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. Such a move would signal that the investigation is growing and entering a new phase. The special counsel is looking into Russia's efforts to influence the election and any ties between President Trump's campaign and Moscow.”

WHAT A DUMP. Trump denies referring to the White House as a dump:

I love the White House, one of the most beautiful buildings (homes) I have ever seen. But Fake News said I called it a dump – TOTALLY UNTRUE

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2017

AT LEAST 8 OR 9 PEOPLE HEARD IT: Trump called White House a “dump:” “Alan Shipnuck told Golf Magazine that eight or nine people heard Trump call the White House a dump.”

ANGELYNE. The mystery, solved.

PHOTO PORTFOLIO. Ready to party at Fire Island Pines. “It lies only about 55 miles east of Midtown Manhattan, but the hamlet of Fire Island Pines, on the narrow barrier island that gave the place its name, feels as if it's a world away. Many of its roughly 600 houses are modernist, and a wooden boardwalk serves as the main thoroughfare. On a recent weekend at this chic summertime haven populated mainly by gay men — during which the main event was the annual bacchanal called the Pines Party — a few people took a moment to tell us about their beach style.”

THE MOOCH. Anthony Scaramucci cancels live online event: “Scaramucci had planned to host an online event Friday to address the public after his departure from the White House 10 days after he was hired.”

No Press Event Tomorrow: Focusing on Family, My Work in The Private Sector. #MovingForward Stay Tuned!

— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) August 3, 2017

UGANDA. Archbishop to boycott global meeting over gay marriage: “The 62-year-old who also doubles as Bishop of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, in an interview with the BBCsaid he was not prepared to engage with people who took ‘an unbiblical view of marriage.'”

CHRIS SCHULTZ. Gay Topeka mayoral candidate says he received death threats: “Schultz, who owns two downtown Topeka restaurants, said he didn't report the texts he received by text and email to law enforcement in an attempt to avoid thinking about them. And he said he didn't bring them to light until after the primary election so that they wouldn't become a distraction.”

DRAG QUEEN BARBIES. Mark Jonathan has a special talent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWQEv0YDm5r/?taken-by=mark_jonathan_repaints

STAFFING UP. Choire Sicha has been named the new editor of the New York Times ‘Styles' section.

ELEPHANT VS GOOSE. Battle royale.