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Thursday, August 20, 2026
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Vox 08:30 PM

America's National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion

America's national debt exceeded $40 trillion on August 19, 2026, driven by rising government expenses and tax cuts. This increase in debt is leading to higher borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, with estimates suggesting an additional $2,500 per year in mortgage costs for the average homeowner. Political solutions to curb the debt's growth remain unpopular.

Guardian — US 08:25 PM

Questions Raised Over Security Clearance for Trump Aide Natalie Harp

The White House is under scrutiny for the lack of security clearance for Natalie Harp, an executive assistant to Donald Trump, who reportedly worked for a year without the necessary clearance. Sources indicate that she did not file the required forms for unknown reasons.

Washington Examiner 08:24 PM

FBI arrests New York woman for alleged ISIS attack plot on state capitol

Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from New York, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly planning to bomb the New York State Capitol building as part of a plot inspired by ISIS. Bowie faces federal charges for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and could face up to 20 years in prison.

National Review 08:21 PM

Rally in Albany Supports Moratorium on New Data Centers

Environmental advocates and progressive lawmakers held a rally at the New York state capitol on May 13, 2026, to support legislation for a moratorium on new data centers. The rally focused on raising awareness about the environmental concerns associated with data center operations.

Guardian — US 08:19 PM

New York woman charged with planning attack on state capitol

Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from Albany, New York, has been charged with planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on the state capitol building. Authorities allege she intended to use an explosive device to target public officials and damage the building before fleeing to Syria.

PBS NewsHour 08:18 PM

Psychologist testifies on Lindsay Clancy's mental health in murder case

Psychologist Paul Zeizel provided testimony indicating that Lindsay Clancy may not be criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children due to her mental health conditions. The defense argues that her bipolar disorder and a rare mental illness should exempt her from legal accountability.

New York Times — Politics 08:14 PM

Senator Darline Graham Campaigns for Late Brother's Seat

Senator Darline Graham is campaigning to succeed her late brother, Lindsey Graham, in the Senate. Her campaign is being monitored for insights into voter attitudes towards political newcomers in South Carolina.

Guardian — US 08:13 PM

California judge allows oil pipeline to continue operations

A judge in California has permitted an oil pipeline off the Santa Barbara coast to continue its operations, despite opposition from state regulators and environmental advocates. The pipeline, which had been closed since 2015 due to a major oil spill, resumed operations earlier this year following an order from former President Donald Trump.

The Hill 08:13 PM

Rep. Jared Moskowitz Comments on Hasan Piker and DSA Members

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) stated that he believes left-wing streamer Hasan Piker and members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) cannot coexist with him. This comment was made during an interview on Fox Business Network on August 20, 2026.

The Hill 08:09 PM

CFTC Chair Plans to Establish Crypto Rules if Congress Does Not Act

CFTC Chair Michael Selig announced that the agency will act quickly to establish cryptocurrency regulations if Congress does not pass legislation by the end of the year. He expressed readiness to implement the bill during a meeting with industry executives.

The Hill 08:07 PM

Congress Addresses $40 Trillion National Debt Concerns

Lawmakers are raising concerns about the national debt, which has surpassed $40 trillion. Both parties have struggled to find effective solutions, with Republicans attributing the debt primarily to federal spending and entitlement programs, while Democrats highlight different fiscal issues.

Al Jazeera English 08:05 PM

Children in Gaza Learn to Swim After Amputation

A swimming program in Gaza is assisting children who have undergone amputations to rebuild their confidence and mobility. The initiative focuses on rehabilitation for those affected by recent conflicts.

NPR — Top Stories 07:54 PM

Record Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Challenges Health System Response

The United States is facing a record outbreak of cyclosporiasis in 2026, prompting scrutiny of the health system's response capabilities. The increase in cases is occurring alongside budget cuts to federal health agencies that support food safety efforts.

BBC — World 07:52 PM

US Treasury Secretary discusses sanctions impact on Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the intended effects of sanctions on Iran, stating they aim to impact the country's economy and regime. He also mentioned the need for allies to clarify their positions on these measures.

Washington Examiner 07:47 PM

Senator Cramer Blocks Future Trump Nominees Over Wetlands Policy

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) has pledged to block any future nominees from President Trump until a wetlands policy implemented under the Biden administration is reversed. Cramer argues that the policy harms farmers by restricting agricultural practices near conservation easements. The Fish and Wildlife Service has stated it will not change the policy at this time.

The Daily Beast 07:46 PM

Country Singer Justin Moore Discusses Health Concerns and Recovery

Justin Moore, a country singer, revealed a health scare related to his neck that led him to seek medical testing after fan comments. He discovered that the issue was benign fat and discussed his struggles with blood pressure and alcohol use, which resulted in a recent stint in rehab. Moore is now sober and back to touring.

Fox News — Latest 07:46 PM

Mike Rogers Courts Disaffected Democrats in Michigan Senate Race

In the Michigan Senate race, Republican nominee Mike Rogers is actively seeking support from disaffected Democrats who are unhappy with their party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. A recent poll shows the race is tight, with Rogers holding a slight lead. El-Sayed's campaign has criticized Rogers for his connections to former President Trump and his policy positions.

Fox News — Politics 07:46 PM

Mike Rogers Courts Disaffected Democrats in Michigan Senate Race

In Michigan's Senate race, Republican nominee Mike Rogers is appealing to disaffected Democrats, launching a coalition aimed at voters unhappy with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Polls indicate a close contest, with Rogers holding a slight lead. The campaign highlights divisions within the Democratic Party and seeks to attract voters who prioritize values over party affiliation.

Al Jazeera English 07:45 PM

England leads against Pakistan in first Test match

England is currently in a strong position in the first Test match against Pakistan, ending the second day with a score of 366-8. This gives them a lead of 195 runs over Pakistan's first innings total of 171. Rain has impacted the match conditions.

Daily Wire 07:44 PM

Federal Jury Orders New York Times to Pay $9.25 Million in Defamation Case

A federal jury has ordered The New York Times to pay $9.25 million to former University of Alabama basketball player Kai Spears for defamation. The jury found that the newspaper falsely reported Spears was in a vehicle involved in a shooting that killed Jamea Harris. The Times acknowledged the error and stated that the claim was based on information from a source.

Washington Examiner 07:41 PM

Rep. Ro Khanna Reports Over 5,400 Stock Trades in 2025

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) reported 5,402 stock trades made by his family trusts in 2025, totaling over $165 million in trading volume. He supports a proposed billionaire tax in California while stating that he does not personally trade stocks. His family earned significant income from investments, and he is considering a presidential run in 2028.

The Hill 07:38 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Announces New Sanctions on Cuba

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against Cuba on August 20, 2026. The sanctions target leaders of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples as part of an ongoing economic pressure campaign by the Trump administration.

Fox News — Latest 07:36 PM

Police Identify Suspect in Assaults on Women in Philadelphia

Zymire Hughes, a 22-year-old man, has been identified by Philadelphia police as a suspect in multiple assaults on women while wearing a Halloween mask. An active warrant for his arrest has been issued, and authorities believe he may have fled the state.

Fox News — Latest 07:32 PM

Atlanta Mayor Faces Criticism for Response to Constituent on Transit Issues

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens received backlash after telling a constituent to 'shut up' during a discussion about transit commitments. The exchange highlighted ongoing concerns regarding transportation planning in the city. Dickens also criticized the DNC for excluding Atlanta from hosting the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

Guardian — US 07:31 PM

Supporters Gather for Lindsay Clancy's Murder Trial

Lindsay Clancy's trial for the murder of her three children drew around 300 supporters outside the courthouse on August 20, 2026. Clancy's attorney claims she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and argues for her lack of criminal responsibility.

Fox News — Latest 07:28 PM

Philadelphia woman uses stage combat training to fend off masked man

Jameka Wilson, a Philadelphia actress, used her stage combat training to defend herself against a masked man who chased her on August 12. Police have identified the suspect, Zymire Hughes, and an arrest warrant is active as he may have fled Pennsylvania.

PBS NewsHour 07:21 PM

Trump advocates for data centers amid voter concerns

Donald Trump is promoting the construction of data centers critical for AI and cloud computing. This support comes despite significant voter resistance to having such facilities located near their homes.

Washington Examiner 07:19 PM

Bass and Raman Debate Key Issues in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

In a debate on August 20, 2026, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman discussed key issues such as homelessness, public safety, and housing. The candidates presented differing views on the effectiveness of current policies and proposed solutions, with homelessness and public safety emerging as significant points of contention.