Journals

US Strikes Larak; Iran Attacks Jordan and UAE

U.S. forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island after IRGC forces were seen preparing to fire rockets with sea mines toward the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a sharp escalation in a corridor vital to global oil shipments. The attacks come amid conflicting casualty reports and ongoing tensions as ships in the strait face heightened danger and international actors monitor the situation.

Trump $1 coins sell out on launch day despite steep price markup

The U.S. Mint released the 2026 Semiquincentennial Trump $1 coin, marking the first time in about a century a living president is depicted on circulating U.S. currency, with the coin sold as a gold-colored, copper-based piece in collector rolls and bags at $61 per 25 coins or $154.50 per 100, despite a face value of $1. Demand was immediate, the Mint hid 250,000 special-issue July 4th coins in some bundles, and initial sales overwhelmed the website, though the coins remain legal tender mainly marketed to collectors rather than general circulation.

US-Iran Clashes Escalate as UAE Intercepts Drone

UAE defence authorities said its air force intercepted a drone approaching from Iran over the country’s territorial waters, with air defences remaining on high alert. Iranian military statements meanwhile claimed retaliatory strikes against US bases in the region and vowed to safeguard security around the Strait of Hormuz, signaling escalating regional tensions.

Dolly Parton's Walk of Fame star vandalized after her death, repairs underway

Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star was vandalized with scratches and mourners reported flowers left at the site were stolen, as crews prepared repairs to address preexisting cracks. The star, dedicated in 1984 and part of Parton’s broader memorial after her Aug. 25 death at age 80, has ongoing maintenance by the Hollywood Historic Trust amid the tributes surrounding her passing.

Trump Pressures Media With FCC Threats Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump blasted NBC’s Kristen Welker over her portrayal of his endorsement record, vowing to report her to the FCC for ‘rebuke or punishment’ while touting a near-perfect success rate and recent GOP wins as proof of his endorsements’ strength. The pile-on across multiple outlets portrays Trump pressing regulators to scrutinize Welker’s reporting on Meet the Press and endorsing his claim that his record is the strongest in political history.

Trump nominates Hung Cao as Navy Secretary

President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao, the acting Navy Secretary, for the permanent post as the Navy contends with strain from ongoing operations in Iran and leadership turnover, praising him as a “true WARRIOR.” The nomination moves to the Senate for confirmation, with Cao already having led the Navy in an acting capacity since April and underscoring the service’s focus on readiness, shipbuilding, and homeland defense amid a challenging deployment pace.

Dolly Parton's estate turns canceled birthday tribute into two-continent DollyFest

Dolly Parton’s estate has announced DOLLYFEST, a two-weekend, two-continent celebration in Nashville and London for 2027 to honor her life, evolving from an earlier January 2026 plan and shifting away from a traditional memorial. The event, produced by Team Dolly/CTK Enterprises, will feature tributes and is awaiting dates and lineup details to be released.

Congress delays federal hemp ban to December 11 amid industry concerns

The U.S. Congress approved a funding bill delaying most hemp‑related restrictions to December 11, extending the current funding through Dec. 11 and allowing more time to craft federal regulations for hemp cannabinoids. Lawmakers from both parties emphasize regulated, adult‑only access and industry groups urging a framework that protects consumers and preserves legitimate hemp products, including hemp beverages and CBD, during the delay.

Chevron Leads Venezuelan Oil Expansion Under US Backing

The United States will take majority control of Venezuela’s oil output through a 25-year-plus public-private deal tied to 65 billion barrels of proven reserves, a plan Trump heralds as a historic boost to U.S. energy security. Venezuela promises sovereignty and sizable potential revenues, with projections of over $100 billion in private investment and more than $200 billion in state tax revenue, while critics question authorities, terms, and long-term implications.

CENTCOM strikes Iran again as Trump warns of harsher response to Tehran's retaliation

The United States conducted another wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, including air defenses, radars, and maritime assets, prompting Iranian retaliation across the region. President Donald Trump criticized Tehran and warned of harsher consequences if Iran retaliates, while Iran reported casualties from a wedding attack linked to the strikes.

CD sales surge 58% as US music revenue tops $6 billion

The U.S. recorded music market grew about 7% in the first half of 2026, driven by a revival of CDs and vinyl that boosted physical music revenue even as streaming remains the largest source; the industry described a healthy, diversified marketplace with continued investment in artists. Data show CD revenue surging roughly 59%, vinyl up about 18%, while paid subscriptions and overall streaming also rose, signaling broad consumer interest in multiple formats.

Trump's MAGA Inc holds $403 million war chest as Republicans await spending

With midterms looming, MAGA Inc. is intermittently spending, including a rare Michigan event, while President Trump continues to accumulate a massive war chest rather than rapidly funding campaigns. In Texas, Democratic challenger James Talarico has far outraised and outspent Republican Ken Paxton, highlighting donor frustration over the president’s future spending plans as MAGA’s overall war chest tops hundreds of millions of dollars.

Gold falls to three-week low as Mideast tensions fuel rate-hike bets

Gold prices hovered near multi-week lows as US-Iran tensions push oil higher and fuel inflation fears, with spot gold around $4,320 and US futures also lower. Investors priced in a sizable chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike this month, as higher crude prices and rising yields tempered gold’s appeal as an inflation hedge.

US job openings edge up to 7.27 million as hiring cools

A new poll finds a sizable share of Americans are concerned about the rise of socialism and communism in U.S. politics, with 36% very concerned and 27% somewhat concerned. Meanwhile, July labor-market data show about 7.27–7.3 million job openings, with hiring easing and layoffs at low levels, leaving the Fed to weigh rate moves as inflation remains a headwind.

Fed's Barr warns rate hike possible if inflation stalls

Fed Governor Michael Barr signaled a September rate hike remains on the table if inflation fails to cool toward the 2% target, but he could opt for more time if data show progress. With inflation stuck above target for years, Barr warned that persistent price pressures could force decisive action while a convincing moderation would allow a cautious stance.

US-Iran Standoff Intensifies Near Hormuz

Senior U.S. military leaders warn that prolonging large-scale operations against Iran would be unsustainable, risking rapid depletion of munitions and fuel and weakening readiness for threats elsewhere, including China and Europe. The discussions center on a constrained, surgical objective rather than open-ended conflict, with internal Pentagon assessments urging restraint while political leaders debate next steps amid ongoing strikes and regional tensions.

Trump says US military may still 'smack' Iran, calls it a 'failed nation'

Trump's beef tariff pause followed meeting with JBS co-owner, reports say

President Trump announced a 90-day waiver allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to enter tariff-free, a move critics say could disrupt cattle markets and hinder U.S. herd rebuilding even as the administration frames it as consumer relief. Reports show JBS co-owner Joesley Batista met with Trump shortly before the decision to discuss lowering Brazil’s tariffs, raising questions about policy influence and Brazil’s likely gain from the planned quota while the plan promises beef sold 25% below current prices.

US plans $4 million for European right-wing media as leaders warn of interference

The Trump administration is planning to devote at least $25 million to European conservative civil society initiatives, including $4 million to support right‑wing media across Europe and additional funds to document democratic backsliding and build a network of independent journalists. Officials say the aim is to strengthen transatlantic ties and promote free expression, but European leaders warn the funding could interfere in domestic politics and risk heightening tensions as European elections approach.

Trump calls Iran conflict 'a little war' despite warnings of weapon shortages

Donald Trump has framed the Iran conflict as a “relatively little war” for the United States while accusing his predecessor of giving Ukraine about $300 billion in weapons for free, claiming Ukraine would have to pay through European NATO members. Reports also warn that the US missile stockpiles are being drawn down as authorities consider further strikes on Iran, feeding concerns about the ability to respond to threats from China and Russia.

Iran's president says Tehran will reciprocate if US honours interim deal commitments

Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling lets White House ballroom project proceed for now

The Supreme Court cleared the way for Donald Trump to continue construction of the White House East Wing ballroom by ruling that the National Trust for Historic Preservation generally lacks standing to block the project, in a split decision that featured several varying opinions. The rulings, including a 5-4 and a 6-3 posture in related matters, leave significant legal questions unresolved while allowing the immediate work to resume under ongoing challenges in lower courts.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll steps down amid reported friction with Hegseth

Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures dip as bond yields, oil prices climb in September

Saudi tankers reported hit in Hormuz strait as oil prices climb

Two Saudi-owned supertankers, Sidr and Senegal Prosperity, were struck by unknown projectiles near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a new escalation in attacks on shipping and prompting Western and regional actors to bolster protections as tensions with Iran rise and oil prices tick higher. Reports noting President Donald Trump’s threats of further action and allied maritime operations indicate an ongoing fight over Gulf shipping routes, with crews reported safe so far.

Nine more drugmakers join Trump's MFN pricing deals, terms still unclear

President Trump announced a new wave of drug-pricing deals aimed at lowering U.S. prescription costs by tying prices to what is paid in other developed countries, with multiple manufacturers participating and promises of substantial domestic manufacturing investments. The White House has positioned these MFN-style agreements as a continuation of efforts ahead of the midterms, with ongoing rollout across a mix of large and mid-sized drugmakers and accompanying tools like patient-access portals and tariff relief.

Iran says it could accept US terms after Trump's retaliation warning

Poland nearly quadruples domestic defence spending while building Europe's largest land army

Poland is pivoting its defence procurement toward domestic and Central European suppliers as it builds Europe's largest land army, quadrupling spending to 30.4 billion zlotys and targeting about €53 billion in core defence this year. Officials say this shift strengthens supply-chain resilience, reduces reliance on distant vendors, and prioritizes domestically produced drones, ammunition and other frequently used equipment amid Russia's threat and lessons from the Ukraine war.

Whistleblower says USPS system Trump ordered for mail ballots is flawed and untested

Russian finance minister, invited by Trump, draws objections at G-20 meeting