News from the Note…
A round up of the day’s news that might be of interest to you.
This is an OPEN THREAD, folks. Chat about any of the stories listed, share links to stories that caught your eye today, and generally have a good time discussing whatever you want.
President Trump says the U.S. has no talks planned with Iran, but the Strait of Hormuz is operating despite limited traffic.
— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) 10:02 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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State-sponsored billboards have become a familiar sight across Tehran. But since the start of the war with the U.S. and Israel nearly six months ago, their messaging has become increasingly focused on the conflict, offering a glimpse into how Iran is shaping its public messaging.
— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) 6:00 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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Trump’s Syria envoy calls Israeli air strikes on base ‘unnecessary escalation’
— Politico (@politico.com) 10:08 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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Justice Department asks court to reinstate criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
— CBS News (@cbsnews.com) 10:27 PM · Aug 17, 2026
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Minnesota AG sues Texas gov to force the state to extradite ICE agent
— Politico (@politico.com) 1:59 PM · Aug 18, 2026
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A player development staff member for the San Diego Padres was detained in Texas last week while traveling and is being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. https://cnn.it/4qqztwz
— CNN (@cnn.com) 2:00 PM · Aug 18, 2026
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President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea does not just slight a longtime ally but raises broader concerns about the security interests of the United States in Asia and elsewhere.
— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) 11:00 PM · Aug 17, 2026
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The U.S. and Canada are negotiating in an effort to reach a truce on tariffs before a 12:01 a.m. Wednesday deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. https://to.pbs.org/4hGQPDg
— PBS News (@pbsnews.org) 2:05 PM · Aug 18, 2026
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US sanctions International Criminal Court president, Treasury Department website shows reut.rs/4qm76j4
— Reuters (@reuters.com) 1:35 PM · Aug 18, 2026
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The number of parents in the U.S. choosing not to vaccinate their children rose dramatically in the last school year, according to data released by the CDC.
— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) 10:40 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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Disney sues FCC, alleging it's violating its First Amendment rights and engaging in a "retaliatory campaign" against ABC https://cnn.it/4g5vVMX
— CNN (@cnn.com) 9:23 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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Natalie Harp, a relatively little-known White House aide, has been thrust into the public eye following Sen. Jon Ossoff making a comment about her during a at a campaign rally over the weekend.
— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) 5:20 AM · Aug 18, 2026
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