FBI raided Spanish vacation rental of wealthy leftwing funder James ‘Fergie’ Cox after his arrest

• On Monday, August 24, 2026, the United States announced a new series of sanctions targeting Iran amid escalating tensions. • The measures are part of a broader strategic effort involving the US and Israel to curb Iranian activities and influence in the region.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Arrest of Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, sparked backlash as he was detained while his son, Joshua, was deployed in Middle EastThe father of a US navy sailor who has been deployed in the Middle East for a record-breaking nine months on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been released from immigration detention, according to his family.His arrest sparked intense backlash after the Associated Press reported that his son was entering his ninth month on the Lincoln with the navy when his father was detained. The carrier had just set a US military record for uninterrupted time at sea and has raised concerns about supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among those serving onboard. Continue reading...

One more day of testimony expected as closing arguments set for Thursday and jury likely begins deliberations FridayOne more day of rebuttal testimony was expected this week in the trial against Lindsay Clancy, followed by closing statements likely on Thursday.The jury, which will likely begin deliberations on Friday, will decide whether the Massachusetts mother was experiencing postpartum psychosis when she killed her three children in January 2023.In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

US president’s lawyers in court filing say Washington arts complex must undergo repairs or risk demolitionThe John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts could be demolished if repairs are not carried out, Donald Trump’s administration warned in a court filing on Monday.Lawyers for the US president said the national arts complex in Washington DC must undergo a $250m renovation or risk facing the wrecking ball. Continue reading...

Woman and her son, who was allegedly punched, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on Tuesday. Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGood morning, and happy Wednesday. It’s Nick Visser here to get the morning news off to a start, with a bit of melancholy as we remember the unmatched Dolly Parton. Let’s get to it. Continue reading...

Democratic Senate candidate for Michigan distances himself from Hasan Piker and debates Fox News hostThe Democratic candidate for Senate in the swing state of Michigan has spent the week trying to keep his affordability message front and center as scrutiny mounts from both ends of the political spectrum.In the span of two days, Abdul El-Sayed distanced himself from leftwing streamer Hasan Piker, spoke out against rightwing hate directed at the Muslim community, and debated Fox News host Jesse Watters on taxing billionaires. The clip circulating most from the Fox interview, though, focused on circumcision - specifically, El-Sayed asking Watters if he was, in a retort to Watters’ question about gender-affirming care. Continue reading...

Cristy Maryori Villafranca-Trejo, deported to Honduras, is latest military spouse to face removal amid Trump 2.0The wife of an active-duty US soldier was deported on Monday to her native Honduras, according to her family and the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS).Cristy Maryori Villafranca-Trejo is at least the seventh spouse or parent of an active-duty US soldier to be deported under the immigration crackdown during Donald Trump’s second presidency. Continue reading...