South Korea cuts short joint drills at Trump’s request as US pushes for North Korea talks North Korea on Wednesday condemned joint US-Seoul military drills but stopped short of mentioning Trump The Independent UK · Aug 19
Alaska Senate race heads for November showdown between Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola Republican Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola advanced to Alaska's Senate general election. Republican Nick Begich also moved forward in the US House race. Governor Mike Dunleavy's successor will be chosen after his term limits. Voters overwhelmingly approved restoring campaign finance contribution limits. These primary results set the stage for… The Economic Times · Aug 19
Trump aide Natalie Harp’s brother reacts to report she climbed into SUV trunk to accompany President; recalls her letter to George Bush Preston Harp, Natalie Harp's estranged brother, was taken aback after hearing that she climbed into an SUV trunk due to denied access to a motorcade. He expressed concern over what he views as her unhealthy fixation on President Trump, attributing her loyalty to their shared conservative beliefs and a strong… The Economic Times · Aug 19
Trump Picks White House Health Adviser Heidi Overton to Lead FDA After Marty Makary’s Exit President Donald Trump has selected White House health-policy adviser Heidi Overton as his nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, putting a physician closely involved in the administration’s health agenda in line to take over an agency rebuilding after former Commissioner Marty Makary‘s resignation and more than 3,000 staff… Benzinga · Aug 19
Florida Could Elect Its First Black Governor and Senator After Donalds and Nixon Win Byron Donalds and Angie Nixon's primary victories set the stage for potential historic firsts in Florida, with Donalds aiming to become the first Black governor and Nixon the first Black senator. International Business Times UK · Aug 19
Democrats’ gripes with Iran war grow as conflict nears six months Democrats’ litany of grievances with the Iran war is growing as scandals have mounted in recent weeks and the war drags on toward the six-month mark. Reports of unbearable living conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb U.S. ally Oman if it interferes… Roll Call · Aug 19
Iran Parliament Speaker Mocks Bessent and Hegseth, Says Both Are 'Way Out of Their League': Stop Waiting for 'Clown Crew' to Pull a Rabbit Out of Their Hat' Iran’s parliament speaker dismissed the Trump administration’s escalating military and economic pressure, arguing that efforts to force Tehran back to negotiations have failed. Benzinga · Aug 19
In cutting joint drills, Trump has given South Korea’s president what he wants. So why is Seoul so uneasy? Lee Jae Myung has long pushed for stronger homegrown defences, yet Donald Trump’s move has sparked alarm in some quarters The Guardian - AU · Aug 19
Josh Shapiro Says He Won't Let Big Tech's Lawyers Bully Pennsylvanians, Signs Executive Order Imposing 'Nation's Strictest' AI Data Center Protections Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has tightened the rules for AI data centers, requiring developers to meet strict energy, environmental and transparency standards and secure local approval before projects can move forward. Benzinga · Aug 19
India’s exports to US hold firm after a year of Trump’s tariffs The US continues to account for about 20% of India’s exports despite tariff tensions and New Delhi’s push to diversify trade. New agreements and faster growth in other markets are expanding alternatives, but replacing US demand could take years. The Economic Times · Aug 19
Inscription on bullet shows Charlie Kirk was targeted for his politics, prosecutors say Judge Tony Graf said he will decide if the case should advance to trial after he hears again from both sides on Sept. 1 The Independent UK · Aug 19
Palestinians inspect aftermath of deadly Israeli strike An Israeli airstrike killed at least six Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday (August 18), health officials said, a day after Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner ended a trip to the region that failed to push forward the U.S. president's plan to end the war in Gaza. - REUTERS Bangkok Post · Aug 19
Texas governor Greg Abbott proposes to bar public schools from hiring H-1B workers Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed banning public schools from employing H-1B visa holders, potentially affecting districts that recruit foreign teachers to address shortages. The proposal requires approval from the Texas Legislature before it can take effect. The Economic Times · Aug 19
US unions sue Trump administration over new time limits on student and journalist visas US unions and advocacy groups have sued the Trump administration to block new rules imposing fixed stay periods on foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists. The regulations, effective September 15, would require international students to seek extensions after four years. The Economic Times · Aug 19
The Economic Times · Aug 19 Angie Nixon upsets Alex Vindman in Florida Democratic Senate primary Angie Nixon secured an upset victory in Florida's Democratic Senate primary. She will now face Republican Senator Ashley Moody in November's general election. Florida's congressional races also saw key primary outcomes after redistricting efforts. Democrats aim to challenge Republican Senate majority in upcoming elections. Alaska's Senate primary also drew significant…
The Economic Times · Aug 19 Gold extends losses, falls to nearly Rs 1.54 lakh/10 gm. Time to buy? Gold prices slipped on the MCX but edged higher internationally as easing Treasury yields supported demand. However, rising oil prices and renewed inflation concerns could limit the scope for US rate cuts, weighing on gold. With traders pricing a 35% chance of a September rate hike, experts Christopher Wood and…
Euronews · Aug 19 Trump says last minute deal reached with Canada to delay 50% US tariffs on imports from Ottawa The two allies traded goods and services worth close to $1 trillion despite their strained relations last year, as US President Donald Trump continues his relentless push to enforce tariffs and levies on his northern neighbours.
The Independent UK · Aug 19 Iran-US war latest: Trump declares ‘Economic D-Day’ and vows sanctions against any nation helping Tehran Trump warned countries against oil smuggling and cash transfers with Iran
Benzinga · Aug 19 Trump Pressure Raises Concerns in Japan as 2026 Midterms Loom: Defense Official Says 'We Should Be Prepared' for Higher US Troop Payments Japan braced for increased pressure from President Donald Trump on defense spending, payments for U.S. troops and monetary policy as Washington approached the November 2026 midterm elections.
Benzinga · Aug 19 Trump Pauses 50% Canada Tariffs Just Hours Before They Hit — Says US and Canada ‘Have a DEAL’ Pending Final Paperwork With Mark Carney (UPDATED) Editor’s Note: The story has been refreshed with the latest market price action and a revised headline.
International Business Times UK · Aug 19 Bush-Appointed Judge Strikes Down Trump Obamacare Rule Restricting Transgender Health Coverage Protections A George HW Bush-appointed judge struck down a Trump rule that would have cut gender-affirming care from Obamacare's essential health benefits, the structure that caps enrollees' costs.
The Economic Times · Aug 19 Trump claims over 24,000 noncitizens voted illegally in 2020 US President Donald Trump asserts over 24,000 noncitizens voted illegally in the 2020 election. He cites a Census Bureau review and advocates for the SAVE America Act. This proposed legislation mandates physical proof of citizenship for voter registration. It also limits mail-in voting and directs states to remove non-citizens from…
The Economic Times · Aug 19 Israel kills six in Gaza on day after Kushner meeting with Netanyahu, medics say An Israeli airstrike killed six Palestinians in Gaza on Tuesday, health officials reported. This occurred after Jared Kushner's regional trip failed to advance a US peace plan. Israel stated the strike targeted Hamas commanders involved in the October 7 attack. Hamas accused Israel of sabotaging Trump's peace proposal for Gaza.…
The Economic Times · Aug 19 Natalie Harp net worth: How much does Trump’s ‘biggest fan’ with an ‘unhealthy obsession’ with the 80-year-old president earn as White House aide? Natalie Harp, a close aide to Donald Trump, faces political scrutiny over her role. Senator Jon Ossoff highlighted her proximity and duties during a recent rally. Harp reportedly curates information reaching the president and accompanies him on trips. Her salary is $150,000 annually, with limited public financial details available. Her…
Benzinga · Aug 19 Iran’s Security Chief Declares ‘Post-American Order,’ Mocks Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Claim: ‘The Gap Between…’ Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaee, pushed back against President Donald Trump‘s claim that the Strait of Hormuz was a U.S. territory on Tuesday amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.