The US government, through the Marine Mineral Administration, proposed leasing 28 million hectares of seabed near the Mariana Trench for deep sea mining of critical minerals. Governors of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam expressed opposition, citing environmental risks and lack of transparency. Legal challenges have been filed by environmental groups in American Samoa and Hawaii to halt similar leasing processes.

Background: Iran has asserted the Strait of Hormuz is an exclusively Omani-Iranian waterway and established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage transit and impose fees on commercial shipping, with the US and Western nations rejecting the legality of the toll regime. Today, Iran's parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission approved Article 3 of the 'Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz' draft law, authorizing fees for services including maritime, environmental, fueling, insurance, safety, and other services for vessels from permitted countries, payable in rials or other currency. The draft law will now go to a full parliamentary vote and then the Guardian Council for constitutional review. The US rejects the fees, and President Trump has labeled the strait as 'new US territory.'

Background: Iranians were previously divided over the prospect of a US ground invasion, with some opposing war, others conditionally supporting intervention, and officials warning of retaliation. Today, Iranians in Tehran express mixed opinions on the country's recovery from US and Israeli strikes, while Iran warns that nations joining the US 'economic war' will be treated as enemies after President Trump announced a campaign to isolate Iran economically. This sentiment persists amid increased US sanctions threats, with Iran reiterating that countries participating in the US 'economic war' will be considered enemies.

President Trump defended the expansion of data centers in an interview, arguing they create jobs and money and are not draining the power grid, as they build their own power plants. His comments come amid growing bipartisan backlash in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York, where governors have imposed restrictions or moratoriums on data centers due to concerns over electricity costs and grid strain. The Trump administration has eased some environmental requirements for data centers and pushed operators to cover their own power costs.

Background: The US has announced an 'Economic D-Day' against Iran, threatening severe sanctions on any country providing support, with the UAE suspending trade and financial transactions. Today: Former Vice President Mike Pence argued on CNN that US military action against Iran is 'inevitable' and urged maintaining military assets in the region. This comes as the 60-day ceasefire memorandum expired with no deal, and both sides have exchanged strikes since early July. Pence echoed Trump's 'Economic D-Day' rhetoric and suggested the US and Israel will need to 'finish the job' in Iran, while Iranian President Pezeshkian vowed not to bow to the enemy.

Background: The US has reaffirmed support for Yemen amid renewed clashes with Houthis, including a meeting between US Chargé d'Affaires Neil Hop and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi in Riyadh, and a Houthi attack on Mokha port that killed at least seven civilians. On Sunday, Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani met with US Embassy chargé d'affaires Neal H. Opdahl to discuss countering Houthi disinformation. The US diplomat emphasized that countering Houthi lies with timely, accurate facts is an important part of the battle. The Yemeni minister stated that his country's leadership presents a genuine opportunity to deepen ties with the US. The meeting occurred as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping continued, and earlier that day, Yemeni government forces conducted drone strikes on Houthi targets across various locations.

Israeli airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip killed three people, including a four-year-old child, on Sunday, according to Palestinian rescuers. The strikes hit Al-Zawayda and Nuseirat refugee camp, with the child identified as Muhammad Abdel Salam Taha. Separately, Syria's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani met with Mossad chief Roman Gofman in Jordan to discuss establishing a special operations room under US supervision to prevent confrontations in Syria. Israel also warned Hamas it would intensify strikes over drone and balloon launches from Gaza. These developments occur amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel-Syria security talks.

Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, said he is working with Haiti's transitional government to stabilize the country following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for over 300,000 Haitians. The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke TPS, affecting many Haitians in Florida.

Background: The war with Iran has entered its fifth month with no end in sight, and President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated, with advisers fearing the conflict is harming his presidency. Today: Harvard political scientist Stephen Walt argues that Trump's unpredictability is weakening the US position, describing the conflict as a 'hurting stalemate' where neither side wants to escalate but waits for the other to crack. He also sees no opening for a genuine political solution on the Palestinian-Israeli front, as neither US party is willing to pressure Israel, citing a strong commitment to 'Greater Israel'.

Background: Progressive Democrats have been pushing data center moratoriums and taxes on AI companies. Today, a survey of nearly 20 potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates reveals none support Bernie Sanders' call for a halt to AI development, with most favoring targeted measures like data center pauses. Only Rahm Emanuel offered a critique, while AOC and Ro Khanna took the most aggressive stances. Strategists warn the party's cautious approach could let Republicans like JD Vance seize the issue. Midterm candidates across parties are embracing pauses, and a Fox News poll shows 70% of voters oppose local AI data centers.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin warned against state-level moratoriums on data center construction, arguing they would harm the US in the artificial intelligence race against China. He acknowledged local concerns about energy costs and environmental impacts but emphasized the need for responsible development to ensure US competitiveness.

Background: Anthropic filed for IPO before OpenAI, valued at $965 billion, amid a fierce rivalry with OpenAI. Today: Reports indicate Anthropic's IPO could raise more than $100 billion, potentially exceeding SpaceX's record $85.7 billion offering and valuing the company at $2 trillion. The listing could occur in autumn, beating OpenAI to market. However, tensions with the Trump administration over military access to AI models may deter some investors.

Background: Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in August 2026 drew international condemnation. Today, US Ambassador Tom Barrack, serving as envoy to Syria and Turkey, retracted a statement made on Friday in which he acknowledged the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory, reaffirming that US policy, set by President Trump in 2019, recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the area. The retraction followed criticism from Israeli advocates and Republican figures, including Senator Rick Scott, who called for Barrack's resignation. Barrack had also faced criticism for opposing Israeli air strikes on a Syrian airbase, suggesting they were aimed at baiting Turkey. The US stance remains unchanged despite international opposition, and Colombia recently joined the US in backing Israel's claim.

Background: Russian strikes have hit facilities of US companies in Ukraine, raising concerns of deliberate targeting. Today: An opinion piece by David J. Kramer argues the Trump administration should direct pressure at Russia, not Ukraine, over attacks on American business interests. It notes Russia has struck US company facilities in Ukraine dozens of times over the past year, including Coca-Cola, Boeing, Mondelez, Cargill, and Philip Morris, while the US has been muted in response. The piece criticizes Vice President Vance's call to Ukraine over the Caspian Pipeline Consortium strike, noting Russia's aggression and urging military aid to Ukraine and tighter sanctions on Russia. It also highlights Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports in Odesa, which threaten global food markets, and mentions Ukrainian strikes on Russian military and energy targets, including the Wildberries infrastructure.

Background: The House Ethics Committee has faced a surge in misconduct allegations, prompting a bipartisan task force and calls for reform. Today: Bipartisan pressure is mounting on the committee to expedite investigations into sexual misconduct and domestic abuse allegations against several lawmakers, including Reps. Jimmy Gomez, Cory Mills, and Max Miller, as midterm elections approach. Lawmakers argue the slow process leaves the public in limbo and allows abusers to avoid accountability. Proposals for reform are being discussed, but the committee's secretive nature and lengthy timelines remain contentious. Recent developments: Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández and Republican Women's Caucus Chair Kat Cammack are partnering to combat sexual misconduct. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna publicly criticized the process as a 'cover up.' The committee announced an investigation into Rep. Jimmy Gomez for inappropriate sexual contact with a staffer, with two attorneys alleging sexual harassment and assault. The Democratic Women's Caucus called for releasing the investigation status before the 60-day blackout period. Rep. Cory Mills, who lost his primary, remains under investigation for multiple allegations including sexual misconduct. Rep. Max Miller faces a probe over domestic abuse and drug allegations. Speaker Mike Johnson deferred to the Ethics Committee, while Rep. Sam Liccardo argued investigations take too long. The committee's chair, Michael Guest, indicated openness to changes that would expedite investigations.

Two federal appeals court panels ruled that the Department of Justice cannot bypass Senate confirmation by renaming or delegating duties to acting U.S. attorneys. The rulings disqualified Sigal Chattah and John Sarcone III from serving as acting heads of U.S. attorney offices in Nevada and Northern District of New York. The DOJ plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The rulings are part of a broader legal battle over the Trump administration's use of the Federal Vacancy Reform Act to install loyalists in senior prosecutor roles without Senate approval.

The United States is set to formally remove Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, ending a designation that has been in place since 1979. The mandatory 45-day congressional review period expired on 22 August without action to block the move, and the remaining step is publication by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Federal Register. The rescission follows the collapse of the Assad government in December 2024 and cooperation from Syria's transitional authorities under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who have joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Syria will be the first country removed from the list since Sudan in 2020, leaving Iran, North Korea, and Cuba as the remaining designees.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, to discuss possible collaboration, drawing criticism from Democrats and Trump critics who cite Kushner's financial conflicts of interest, particularly his business dealings with Gulf nations. The meeting comes ahead of the 2026 midterms, where Democrats are favored to retake the House, and critics question the wisdom of engaging with Kushner given ongoing investigations into his financial dealings. Jeffries defended the meeting, emphasizing Democratic priorities on affordability and opposition to Republican extremism.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sharply criticized AI data center companies, stating they 'dug their own grave' and deserve community backlash for failing to secure local support. This marks a reversal from his earlier enthusiastic courting of the industry, including a $40 billion Google investment announced last November. Abbott has directed regulators to make data centers pay for grid infrastructure and audit their connections, reflecting a broader bipartisan political backlash. Polls show 61% of Americans now oppose new data centers in their area, up from 49% in March. The issue is becoming a significant political problem for the AI industry, with potential impacts on investment and the economy.

Pakistan has been mediating between the US and Iran since February 2026, with army chief Asim Munir leading efforts. On May 22, Munir arrived in Tehran to finalize a letter of intent, and on May 25 he briefed Chinese officials on the near-complete deal. The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 and exchanged military strikes between July 8 and July 24. Now, in a new development, Munir is set to visit Tehran again on Monday, as announced by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Sunday. The visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation and build on Pakistan's efforts to strengthen regional peace and security, following a phone call between Munir and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed regional developments and ways to revive long-stalled direct talks with the US to end the monthslong Middle East war. The talks have stalled over disagreements on security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, are pushing to revive them after the expiration of a 60-day deadline for a final agreement.

Background: The Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has become a national test of the GOP's anti-"woke" strategy, with Republicans targeting Talarico's past progressive comments and Democrats highlighting Paxton's scandals. Today, Texas GOP Rep. Beth Van Duyne escalated attacks on 'The Hill Sunday', labeling Talarico a 'complete DSA candidate' and claiming his views would 'kill Texas', despite Talarico not being a DSA member and having not proposed nationalizing production. Talarico, a Presbyterian minister, has emphasized his Christian faith and criticized Texas Republicans for banning gender-affirming care for minors. The race has shifted from 'Lean Republican' to 'Toss Up' by Cook Political Report, with Decision Desk HQ giving Talarico a 49 percent chance of defeating Paxton.

A wave of AI-generated synthetic content, including fabricated polls, deepfakes, and fake online personas, is increasingly distorting American political discourse and business operations. A recent example involved a fake polling firm, Median Strategies, which published fabricated surveys in Wisconsin and Los Angeles races before being exposed. The article highlights the plummeting cost of deception due to AI, citing cases like AI robocalls impersonating Joe Biden, deepfake video calls defrauding a company of $25 million, and North Korean operatives using stolen identities to infiltrate US companies. This trend is undermining trust in information and creating new risks for politics and business.

Background: Darline Graham, appointed to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham, faces an uphill battle for a full Senate term in South Carolina's August 11 primary despite Trump's endorsement, with rivals Ralph Norman and Russell Fry. Today: During a debate, Graham admitted she is 'not that informed on national security,' prompting defenses from Senator Tim Scott and President Trump, who praised her honesty. The runoff election is imminent, and her qualifications remain a central issue. In a debate on Tuesday, Graham admitted she is 'not that informed on national security' when asked about U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea, adding 'national security is not my thing.' Senator Tim Scott defended her on Sunday's Meet the Press, asserting she is 'highly qualified' and citing her voting record and legislative work, including a Russia sanctions bill. President Trump also defended her, calling her answer 'honest' and emphasizing her focus on domestic issues like grocery prices. The runoff election is scheduled for Tuesday.

US Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced a federal crackdown on K-12 teachers who sexually harass students, criticizing the practice of reassigning accused teachers to other schools. The department has launched an investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District and a nationwide effort, warning that schools allowing sexual misconduct risk losing federal funding. This follows reporting that California did not revoke licenses of 67 teachers found to have committed sexual misconduct.

Background: Flock Safety, a US company operating a network of automatic license plate readers, announced new privacy safeguards after reports of police stalking, including reduced data retention and mandatory audits. Today: The Flock camera network has become a major political issue in the 2026 US midterm elections, with Democratic candidates attacking Republican opponents over their support for the surveillance technology. Bipartisan criticism has emerged in Congress, and a bill has been introduced to prohibit federal purchase of such cameras. Some municipalities have cut ties with the company amid privacy concerns and reports of police misuse. Flock's network now includes 120,000 cameras, and the company claims its cameras have aided roughly 1 million police investigations and helped find around 10,000 missing people.

Background: Medicaid work requirements are being implemented in U.S. states, with Nebraska as the first to cut coverage for enrollees failing to report 80 hours of monthly work, school, or volunteering, amid provider and advocate opposition and legal challenges. Today: A health policy researcher warns that relying on billing codes to determine who is 'too sick to work' will fail patients with serious conditions like cancer, as states like Illinois prepare to implement work requirements starting January 2027. The article highlights gaps for patients between abnormal screening and confirmed diagnosis, and for those in post-treatment monitoring, who may lack qualifying codes and lose coverage. It cites Arkansas's 2018 experience where 18,000 people lost coverage without employment gains, and notes CMS projects 2.3 million will lose Medicaid in the first year. The piece suggests states could shield patients from the moment of abnormal screening, add grace periods, accept letters from community clinics, and keep survivors covered during monitoring.

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace negotiations following talks in Switzerland from August 17-21, mediated by the US, Qatar, Togo, Switzerland, and the African Union. The roadmap outlines sequenced steps and timelines under the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement, establishes a mechanism to review implementation, and standardizes ceasefire violation reporting. A first ceasefire verification mission is due to deploy to Minembwe, South Kivu, on Monday, marking the first formal inspection since the November 2025 peace deal. Despite the agreement, fighting continues in eastern DRC, with disputes over territorial control and detainee transfers.

House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed a reported meeting between Jared Kushner and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating Kushner is not directly involved in the Trump administration's day-to-day operations. The New York Times reported the two discussed potential areas of collaboration like housing, immigration, and cost of living, amid forecasts of a possible Democratic House takeover. Johnson's comments came during a Fox News appearance, while Jeffries emphasized Democratic priorities and criticized Republican governance.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, in an interview with Reuters, reiterated Syria's call for a comprehensive security agreement with Israel and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories seized after December 2024. He expressed gratitude for Turkish support in rebuilding Syria's army and stated that Damascus does not currently trust Israel, following Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur air base that severed contacts. He expects negotiations to resume soon, emphasizing diplomacy over force, and noted that the U.S. is pressuring Israel to return to dialogue. The deal, brokered by the U.S., would involve security zones and Israeli withdrawal from seized territory, but al-Shaibani noted Israel's lack of real will to reach an agreement.

Paul Houston, a senior US career diplomat with the rank of Minister Counselor, began his tenure as Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Kyiv on 23 August, succeeding Sandra Oudkirk. He marked the start of his mission by attending Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, where he emphasized religious freedom as a foundation for peace and expressed commitment to advancing freedom and peace. Houston previously served as US Chargé d'Affaires in Niamey, Niger, and held senior positions at the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, as well as diplomatic posts in Germany, Jordan, Haiti, Serbia, and the US Mission to the UN in Geneva. His appointment follows a series of leadership changes at the US mission amid ongoing Russian strikes and continued US support for Ukraine.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said on 'Meet the Press' that he would not reject a DSA endorsement but is not seeking one, framing the Democratic debate over the DSA as a Republican effort to suppress Democratic turnout. He backed progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Senate primary, while other Democrats like Rep. Jared Moskowitz have clashed with DSA members. Van Hollen also reiterated interest in a 2028 presidential run.

Planetary scientist Adriana Ocampo proposed a UN-affiliated Planetary Stewardship Council to govern the moon and Mars, drawing criticism from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and others who favor the existing Artemis Accords, signed by 70 nations. The debate highlights tensions over space governance, especially with China and Russia not signing the accords.

The U.S. State Department has recommended Congress approve the potential sale of 21 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Norway for an estimated $2.3 billion. The sale aims to enhance Norway's ability to address current and future threats, improve interoperability with US and allied forces, and modernize its helicopter fleet for army and special operations. The helicopters will likely replace the Bell 412s used by the 339 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, with deliveries expected between 2030 and 2034.