Today's Headlines: Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates as Talks Collapse

August 22, 2026, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates as Talks Collapse

Intense negotiations to stave off new levies by the Trump administration ended in an impasse as Mark Carney suspended talks. U.S. tariffs on Canada, and retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., will come into effect.

Trump Threatens Suit Over Report He Doesn’t Like, Aiming to Intimidate a Critic

It was the latest example of President Trump’s bid to use the legal system against those who voice unflattering facts and opinions generally protected by the First Amendment.

Chief Justice Allows White House Ballroom Construction, for Now

Also, A.I. is everywhere in China. Here’s the latest at the end of Friday.

World

Giorgia Meloni Cuts the Hard Right a Path to Power

In a rare interview, the onetime political outcast reflects on her route from “the uncomfortable side of history” to the threshold of leading Italy’s most durable postwar government.

At 77, She Walked 9 Miles Under Drone-Filled Skies to Escape From ‘Hell’

Rescue teams no longer enter the city of Lyman, in eastern Ukraine, because it is deemed too dangerous. The only way out is a terrifying journey on foot.

Cities Compete in Dizzying ‘Gold Rush’ to Be Japan’s Backup Capital

Osaka? Fukuoka? Sapporo? The race is on to be second to Tokyo — and to claim the prestige and money that could come with it.

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U.S.

Desperation Mounts as Thousands in Indiana Endure 10 Days Without Power

Floods from powerful thunderstorms devastated Gary, where a third of residents live below the poverty line and full restoration isn’t expected until next week.

Defense Rests Case in Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial

The two sides focused Friday on whether Ms. Clancy was experiencing psychosis when she strangled her three young children in 2023. Closing arguments could begin on Monday.

Alfalfa Sprouts Linked to Illnesses in 15 States, F.D.A. Says

Officials are investigating after multiple strains of E. coli and a type of salmonella sickened dozens of people across the United States. Two people were infected with both salmonella and E. coli.

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Politics

With Midterms Approaching, Trump Implores Republicans: Pretend I’m on the Ballot!

President Trump was in South Carolina to stump for Darline Graham, sister of Lindsey. But his own political future was on his mind, too.

Postal Service Publishes Finalized Plan to Restrict Mail Ballots

The plan complies with President Trump’s executive order to restrict mail voting, which was blocked by federal courts and is under review at the Supreme Court.

Judge Strikes Down Trump’s 75-Country Visa Ban

The ruling from the Southern District of New York found that the policy went beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s legal authority.

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Business

Trump Widens Beef Imports in Bid to Lower Prices

The move prompted blowback from cattle ranchers and Republicans who represent them.

Neutrogena Releases Statement on Its Past Partnership With Hayden Panettiere

The actress said in an interview months before her death that the company had cut ties with her after she discussed suffering from postpartum depression.

Boeing Engineers and Technicians Reject Contract Offer

The union members also authorized a potential strike if a new agreement is not reached by October.

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Technology

A.I. Is Everywhere in China. See For Yourself.

Take a walk with us through Beijing, where everyday A.I. can be useful, gimmicky, or unexpectedly funny.

TikTok Settles With U.S. Over Child Privacy Concerns for $400 Million

The Justice Department resolved a lawsuit that accused the social media company of illegally gathering children’s information.

Anthropic Could Aim to Raise $100 Billion in Blockbuster I.P.O.

The offering could value the five-year-old A.I. start-up at $2 trillion, its bankers have told potential investors, which would exceed Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

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New York

We Tried to Cover a Tom Kean Campaign Event. Someone Called the Police.

Representative Thomas Kean Jr. was joined Friday on the campaign trail by House Speaker Mike Johnson. An aide to Mr. Kean blocked a reporter’s entry. Then the police were called.

N.Y. State Senator Under Ethics Scrutiny Over Billing Practices

State officials pledged reviews after The New York Times reported that Jessica Ramos billed her campaign for hotels and train fare while also receiving state travel payments.

Fan Week at the U.S. Open Is Still Free, if a Bit Confusing

An awkward policy change casts doubt on how the tennis tournament’s popular free first week will work.

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Arts

A Sovereign of Soca Takes Over the Brooklyn Public Library

The career retrospective for Machel Montano, a first for a Caribbean artist, highlights his ties to New York City.

Five International Movies to Stream Now

This month’s picks include powerful movies about mothers from Brazil, Argentina and Austria; a magical-realist tale from India; and an Icelandic drama.