Dolly Parton, US country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80

• Iran has condemned upcoming U.S. sanctions as the Trump administration prepares for a major escalation termed "Economic D-Day." • In the Middle East, Israel continues attacks on Gaza resulting in child casualties, while U.S.-brokered talks between Syria and Israel occur amid ongoing strikes.

• China has formally criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warning that the measures will intensify tensions and create "spillover risks." • In response to the sanctions, Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the U.S. actions.

• Prof Michel Chossudovsky and Drago Bosnic released a video on August 24, 2026, discussing a Medical Professionals Report submitted to the U.S. Congress regarding President Trump. • The report claims that the President presents a "clear and present danger" to both the United States and the global community.

• Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan have established the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement 2026, creating a new collective-defence framework among the three nations. • The pact focuses on enhancing defence diplomacy, maritime security, and collective security measures to stabilize West Asian geopolitics.

Alarm as Republicans warn that ‘flooding’ stores with 300,000 metric tons of beef imports will hit US farmersDonald Trump is facing growing criticism from within his own party over his decision to temporarily pause US tariffs on foreign beef in a bid to bring down grocery prices.The president’s announcement that the US will import up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef without charging higher tariffs has alarmed some senior Republicans, who warn that “flooding” stores with imports will hit US farmers. Continue reading...

The country music’s death was announced by nephew Brian Seaver on InstagramDolly Parton, US country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80Country ⁠music ​legend ⁠Dolly Parton ⁠has ​died at the age of 80, ‌her ‌family has said ‌in ​a ⁠statement. Continue reading...

The Republican Senate candidate announced the plan with a graphic X flagged as ‘Made with AI’US politics live – latest updatesKen Paxton, a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Texas, has unveiled plans to tackle the “negative impact” of datacenters amid a growing backlash across the political spectrum.Paxton, endorsed by Donald Trump but facing a close contest against Democrat James Talarico, posted a “Texas first” datacenter plan on X with a graphic that the social media network flagged as “Made with AI”. Continue reading...

Gang leader threatens to kill hostages after attack in Kenscoff in which homes were also set alight‘A massacre’: Haiti gangs carrying out mass killingsAt least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped when armed men attacked a once peaceful community near Haiti’s capital at the weekend, the UN has said.A gang leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members as they try to secure the community of Kenscoff, nestled in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Continue reading...

Children were among victims of Sunday shooting in Billings in case police have characterized as a family disturbanceMultiple people – including children – were killed on Sunday evening in a shooting at a home in Billings, Montana, that was also set on fire, according to authorities and local media reports.Police have characterized the case as a family disturbance, according to Montana news outlet KULR. Continue reading...

Government resilience campaign aims to ensure people can cope in a national disaster, in order to free resources for most vulnerableUK citizens will be told to stock up on tinned food and take steps to ensure they are prepared for national emergencies as part of a new government campaign to improve the nation’s resilience.The new campaign from the Cabinet Office will set out ways people can prepare for extreme weather events and potential attacks from hostile states, including stocking up on bottled water, sources told the Guardian. Continue reading...

One agent’s aim was to ‘gather intelligence regarding any organized networks of conspirators’Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailNewly disclosed records reveal how undercover federal agents posed as concerned community members to spy on residents and activists who opposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) crackdown in Minnesota.Internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) files, disclosed in federal court and reviewed by the Guardian, document the actions of several undercover agents, including one who went by the username “peanutbutterjelly” in Signal chats with activists. The documents show that the officer kept records of Signal conversations, screenshotting chats about protest plans, and offering to help with fundraising efforts and volunteer recruitment. Continue reading...