Mistrust of U.S. government information is rising across major issues, new poll shows - Los Angeles Times

• Latin Americans now view democracy as the best form of government for the first time in a generation, though trust in China has surpassed trust in the U.S. • Many citizens favor "illiberal majoritarianism," a system where an elected president can bypass the judiciary and political opposition to implement policies.

• A new AP-NORC/USA Facts poll reveals that Americans have become more skeptical of federal government information compared to a few years ago. • Majorities of respondents now report having little or no trust in government data regarding the environment, foreign affairs, and elections.

• The US Central Command destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Wednesday amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by expanding its maritime restricted zone into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

• The Organization of American States Permanent Council passed a resolution in August to hold an urgent foreign ministers' meeting in September to address President Daniel Ortega's efforts to eliminate elections in Nicaragua. • Critics argue the Inter-American Democratic Charter is weakened because it lacks a clear definition of serious violations and functions as a resolution rather than a legally binding treaty.

• Friedrich Merz cancelled a scheduled phone call with Donald Trump following a social media post from Trump celebrating the electoral success of the AfD party. • Trump praised the AfD's rise in a post stating that voters were tired of "absolutely horrible Immigration rules and regulations" that hurt Germany.

• John Sununu won the nomination to run against Pappas in the general election after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump. • New Hampshire voters have a history of splitting the ticket, having elected a Republican governor and two Democratic representatives in 2024.

• Friedrich Merz of Germany canceled a scheduled phone call with Donald Trump following a social media post celebrating a victory for the AfD party. • The canceled communication followed a post that used the phrase "make Germany great again" to describe the AfD's success.

• Friedrich Merz attacked the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in parliament following the far-right group's recent election victory. • Merz clashed with AfD leader Alice Weidel, claiming her migration policies amount to "ethnic cleansing" for skilled workers.

• The European Commission has begun implementing Mario Draghi’s plan to boost economic competitiveness, but national governments are resisting key proposals. • Spain suggested the Commission borrow an additional €850 billion per year for EU countries, but the proposal was ignored by the Council.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed French business leaders at the MEDEF’s La Rencontre des Entreprises on Friday regarding the future of private property. • The speech focused on the potential for the state to exert more direction over private bank deposits.

• Donald Trump praised the election victory of Germany's hard-right AfD party on Monday, blaming the result on "horrible" immigration rules. • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized supporters of the party in his own country, stating on X that only "idiots or traitors" would celebrate the AfD triumph.