Pentagon threatens to cut federal funding to 30 universities over foreign academic partnerships

• Tensions remain high across the Middle East as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and their respective regional allies remains unresolved. • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not yet made a decision regarding the resumption of formal negotiations with Washington.

• Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Iran threatens a new offensive following the expiration of its Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S., while the U.N. warns of an "alarming" surge in violence due to increased Israeli attacks on Lebanon. • Diplomatic efforts continue as Jared Kushner and Benjamin Netanyahu discuss a U.S.-backed 15-point plan for Gaza, though internal Israeli friction persists with Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanding a "kill quota."

• UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported an alarming intensification of violence in southern Lebanon over the weekend of August 16-17, 2026. • The surge in hostilities has resulted in significant civilian casualties on the Lebanese side, according to humanitarian and peacekeeping officials.

• Global oil markets are shifting their expectations to account for a potentially prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than a brief geopolitical shock. • Analysts are evaluating whether persistent disruptions in this critical shipping lane could sustain elevated oil prices through 2027.

• Following a January 2026 attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump has announced plans for military intervention in Mexico. • The report, authored by Prof Michel Chossudovsky on August 18, 2026, alleges a connection between Trump's policies and drug cartel activities.

• The author argues that the policy of isolating the Taliban has failed, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and increased security risks. • A proposed "pragmatic engagement" framework suggests opening diplomatic channels to address urgent stability and human rights issues without granting formal recognition.

A man, woman and teenage girl have died, while a younger girl is in a critical condition, say Sussex policeA couple and their teenage daughter have died after getting into difficulty in the sea off the West Sussex coast, police said on Tuesday.A man, a woman and a teenage girl died after the incident in Shoreham-by-Sea, the chief superintendent of Sussex police, James Collis, said. Continue reading...

Bill passed Senate on Wednesday evening and is due back in lower house today. Follow today’s news liveFollow our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGood morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Krishani Dhanji with the main action.The government’s controversial NDIS bill will pass the lower house today after it went through the Senate last night. The health minister, Mark Butler, said 63 government amendments across both houses were introduced to win the Coalition’s support for the government’s changes, aimed at reining in spending. Continue reading...

Tributes paid to ‘great friend and collaborator’ who played with band for 56 years and died in hospice care in TexasThe ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at the age of 77.A spokesperson for the band confirmed to the Guardian that Beard died on 17 August in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. His family were by his side. Continue reading...

Riley English said she was in the grips of a mental health crisis and abusing drugs, and that she planned to kill Scott BessentA Massachusetts woman who told police that she brought homemade firebombs to the US Capitol to kill Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, was sentenced on Tuesday to just over six years in prison.Riley English, a 26-year-old transgender woman, said she was in the grips of a mental health crisis and abusing drugs when she drove to Washington in January 2025 and told Capitol police that she was there to kill Bessent on the day of his Senate confirmation. Continue reading...

Larry Montes, already facing state charges, allegedly attacked 63-year-old woman and security guard on FridayThe man accused of attacking a woman and security guard at a New York City synagogue during Shabbat services Friday has been charged with hate crimes in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors said.Larry Montes, who is already facing state-level hate crime charges, allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman as security was trying to boot him from Central Synagogue. He allegedly spat at, and head-butted, a security team member and damaged synagogue property, authorities said. Continue reading...