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Washington Examiner

Darline Graham Nordone's Debate Performance Raises Questions on Policy Views

Senator Darline Graham Nordone (R-SC) faced criticism during a debate for stating that national security is 'not my thing' when asked about U.S. support for Taiwan. Her opponent, Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC), has framed the race as a choice between a seasoned conservative and a candidate with unclear policy positions. The primary runoff is scheduled for August 25, following a brief campaign period for Graham Nordone.

PBS NewsHour

Trump discusses new White House helipad construction details

President Trump discussed the construction of a new helipad at the White House, emphasizing the durability of granite compared to asphalt. He noted that granite can withstand significant pressure, specifically 35,000 pounds per square inch.

New York Times — Business

U.S. National Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion as of August 19, 2026. President Trump has made promises to restore fiscal order, but key initiatives to cut spending and boost revenue have not been realized.

New York Times — Politics

U.S. National Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion. President Trump has expressed a commitment to fiscal responsibility, but key measures to reduce spending and enhance revenue have not been realized.

NPR — Top Stories

U.S. Federal Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

The U.S. federal debt has reached a record $40 trillion, attributed to significant government spending. This situation has raised concerns among investors, leading to demands for higher interest rates that may increase borrowing costs for others.

NPR — Top Stories

U.S. Federal Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

The U.S. federal debt has exceeded $40 trillion, driven by rapid government borrowing. This situation is prompting investors to demand higher interest rates, potentially raising borrowing costs for the broader economy.

The Atlantic

Closure of Harvard Writing Center Sparks Community Response

Harvard University's decision to close its writing center and lay off director Jane Rosenzweig has sparked significant backlash from students and faculty. Critics argue that this move reflects a troubling trend towards prioritizing AI tools over traditional writing instruction. While university officials claim the closure is part of a necessary consolidation amid budget shortfalls, concerns remain about the long-term implications for writing education.

Ars Technica

Google acquires Spirit Airlines employee data through auction

Google has acquired a large dataset from Spirit Airlines that includes employment and workplace records, but excludes personal and customer information. The transfer of this data will be overseen by a court-appointed ombudsman to ensure the removal of personally identifiable information.

The Hill

Trump to Interview Michael Cohen, Former Attorney

President Trump will interview Michael Cohen, his former attorney who has publicly criticized him. Cohen admitted to making payments to Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair before the 2016 election, but the two have since reconciled.

Washington Examiner

Treasury Department Increases Debt Buyback Operations Amid Bond Market Stress

On August 19, 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Treasury Department will double its government debt buyback operations to mitigate rising borrowing costs. The maximum buyback size for longer-dated securities will increase to at least $4 billion per operation. This decision comes amid increasing Treasury yields and pressures in the bond market as the national debt nears $40 trillion.

The Hill

Turley discusses legal implications of fake polling claims

Jonathan Turley, a law professor, addressed the implications of a fake pollster's claims about Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Francesca Hong. He stated that the situation presents an interesting legal question regarding the authenticity of the polling data released by Median Strategies.

Axios

U.S. Military Establishes Oil Shipping Corridor in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has created a shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating the transport of around 10 million barrels of oil daily. This operation, which involves 15 to 20 tankers, aims to mitigate disruptions in oil supplies due to ongoing conflict. U.S. officials report that the initiative has led to increased exports, with some nights seeing up to 20 million barrels transported.