The Latest: The US national debt hits a record $40 trillion
The United States’ debt has surpassed a record $40 trillion, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs and interest on the burgeoning deficit make up an enormous share of federal spendi
World
independent.co.uk
20.08.2026
When Will Super El Niño Hit US States? Map Shows Predictions
A strengthening super El Niño is expected to become the dominant driver of U.S. weather during the coming months.
Politics
newsweek.com
20.08.2026
Scott Bessent will announce the next steps of the United States against Iran on August 24
US Finance Minister Scott Bessent is planning to hold a press conference on August 24 on Washington's next measures against Iran.
Azerbaijan
report.az
20.08.2026
Meta brings Pocket, an app that lets you vibe-code and share games, to US users
Meta is bringing Pocket, its experimental AI-powered app for creating and sharing interactive games, to users across the U.S. after quietly testing it in Brazil.
Tech
techcrunch.com
20.08.2026
New US carrier strike group arrives in Middle East to relieve long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln
US media quoted relatives of crew members saying living conditions had deteriorated on the USS Abraham Lincoln and there were also reports of several suicide attempts.
World
euronews.com
20.08.2026
US man sentenced to 77 years for child sexual abuse charges tied to online extremist group
Kyle Spitze of Tennessee faced federal charges for targeting girls online as part of ‘764 network’ investigated by FBIA 27-year-old Tennessee man described by the US justice department as a “nihilisti
World
theguardian.com
20.08.2026
Can US, Middle Eastern powers unite Libya 15 years after Gaddafi overthrow?
The US government is intensifying efforts to unify the country's two rival governments.
World
aljazeera.com
20.08.2026
‘Starve the beast’? The $40tn cost of Republicans’ false promises to cut spending
The enormous US debt under Trump will hobble the next Democratic administration – just as the GOP plannedYou could pin the US’s staggering $40tn in government debt to Donald Trump’s Keystone Cops-styl
World
theguardian.com
20.08.2026
Two emerging tick viruses that can be deadly are spreading in the US
Heartland virus and Bourbon virus, which are transmitted by lone star ticks, have killed at least seven people in the US
Science
newscientist.com
20.08.2026
State Dept. Declares U.S. Citizen in China Wrongfully Detained
U Min Zin, a scholar who studied Myanmar, is one of two U.S. citizens the department has designated as wrongfully detained in China.
Politics
nytimes.com
20.08.2026
US national debt hits record high
The United States’ national debt has reached a record $40 trillion, doubling from around $20 trillion in 2017. The milestone highlights the growing gap between federal spending and government revenue.
Azerbaijan
azernews.az
20.08.2026
Trump plan to allow drilling near US world heritage site sparks alarm
Administration’s plan to scrap drilling-free buffer zone around New Mexico site prompts scrutiny from UnescoThe Trump administration’s push to expand oil and gas extraction across the US is set to bri
World
theguardian.com
20.08.2026
ICC slams US decision to sanction the court's president and a senior prosecution lawyer
The International Criminal Court on Wednesday slammed the latest US sanctions targeting senior ICC staff, including its president, as a “flagrant attack” on the global tribunal's independence and vowe
World
france24.com
20.08.2026
US national debt tops $40 trillion for first time, dealing blow to Trump
The US gross national debt has surged past $40 trillion for the first time, government data showed Wednesday, outstripping earlier forecasts at a pace fuelled in part by President Donald Trump's inval
World
france24.com
20.08.2026
US says hackers are targeting vulnerable water systems with the help of AI
Hackers are targeting internet-connected Siemens controllers used in water facilities around the United States.
Tech
techcrunch.com
20.08.2026
Harry and Meghan’s security funding on UK return is private matter, Burnham says
Prime minister wishes couple well in their move back from the US to a non-royal residence outside London• Harry and Meghan: key moments and controversies since US moveSecurity funding for the Duke and
World
theguardian.com
20.08.2026
Islamabad protests Washington over remarks on Kashmir
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a protest with the United States over remarks by the U.S. ambassador to India describing Kashmir as part of India.
Azerbaijan
azernews.az
20.08.2026
US Military Is Already Preparing for El Niño
El Niño will also hit parts of the continental U.S., including drying out the Northern Rockies and Ohio and Tennessee valleys.
Politics
newsweek.com
20.08.2026
Walmart shares slide as U.S. sales hit by falling drug prices
The supermarket chain reported comparable U.S. sales growth of 2.6% in its second-quarter earnings, its lowest in over five years.
Finance
marketwatch.com
20.08.2026
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion. And, new census report Trump is touting raises concerns
The U.S. debt has surpassed $40 trillion. And, a new census report on noncitizen voting that President Trump is touting has ties to a think tank aligned with him, raising concerns among experts.
World
npr.org
20.08.2026