Latest Headlines for Wednesday, August 19th.

Here are today’s top stories.

President Trump posted an image labeling the Strait of Hormuz “New US Territory” after Iran reiterated its demands for reopening the waterway, as global oil prices climbed to their highest levels since July. The United Arab Emirates also said it detected two ballistic missiles launched toward the country from Iran, while the U.S. criticized Israeli strikes on a Syrian air base as unnecessary escalation. Read More

Rep. Byron Donalds cruised to victory in Florida’s crowded Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday, powered by an early endorsement from President Trump. He will face former Republican congressman David Jolly, now running as a Democrat, in November as the successor to term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis is decided. Source

A Florida man convicted of fatally shooting his estranged wife and wounding his mother-in-law was executed Tuesday, the state’s 13th execution of the year. The case continued Florida’s aggressive use of the death penalty under Gov. Ron DeSantis. Find out More

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, pulled off a stunning upset over retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the state’s Democratic Senate primary. Nixon will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November for the final two years of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s former term. Source

Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola both advanced from Alaska’s nonpartisan primary and will face off in November under the state’s ranked-choice system. Alaska has not elected a Democratic senator since 2009, but Democrats see the race as one of their best opportunities to help flip the chamber. Source

State Sen. Eric Barlow won Wyoming’s Republican primary for governor, defeating President Trump’s endorsed candidate, state Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, in the latest setback for a Trump-backed gubernatorial pick this cycle. Barlow will face Democrat Ken Casner in November for the seat being vacated by term-limited Gov. Mark Gordon. Find out More

The CDC reported 15,716 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases nationwide as of Aug. 17, an increase of 1,821 cases from the previous week. The outbreak, linked to fresh produce, has led to 828 hospitalizations and two deaths across 47 states. See Details

President Trump announced a three-day pause on planned 50% tariffs on Canadian goods just hours before they were set to take effect, saying the two countries “have a DEAL.” The tariffs had targeted dozens of products, from hockey sticks to wine, under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Source

The Justice Department appealed a federal judge’s ruling that dismissed human-smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in 2025. A Nashville-based judge had ruled in May that the prosecution was retaliatory after Abrego Garcia challenged his deportation. See Details

Tech stocks fell as long-term bond yields hit fresh milestones, with the 30-year Treasury yield notching a 19-year high and Japan’s 10-year bond yield reaching its highest level in three decades. Despite the moves, market strategists said continued earnings strength should help stocks weather the volatility. Find out More

Oil prices reached their highest levels since July as diplomatic momentum toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz stalled, with Brent crude climbing on renewed doubts about a resolution. Energy analysts said the market is increasingly pricing in a prolonged disruption to the vital shipping corridor. See Details

Defense contractor Mercury Systems reported record fourth-quarter bookings of $660 million, up more than 93% year-over-year, along with a record backlog exceeding $1.9 billion. The company posted $290 million in quarterly revenue and expanded margins on strong execution. See Details

U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning that the group must honor its commitments to disarm in Gaza or face an Israeli military operation to “finish the job.” Kushner detailed high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Egypt and Israel aimed at advancing a broader peace roadmap. Find out More

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan announced a new mutual defense pact that Turkish officials described as similar in principle to NATO’s collective defense clause, a development analysts say reflects shifting regional alliances since the war in Iran began. President Trump praised the agreement in a social media post over the weekend. Source

Ukraine launched more than 600 drones toward Moscow overnight, in what the Russian capital’s mayor called one of the largest long-range Ukrainian assaults on the region since the war began. Russia separately warned Britain it would “pay a price” for supplying Ukraine with attack drones. Find out More

Cinemark became the third major U.S. theater chain, joining AMC and Regal, in publicly backing a settlement with California over a proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The alignment sets the stage for a court battle next year over the fate of the two studios. See Details

Vin Diesel confirmed that “Fast Forever,” the eleventh and final mainline installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, begins shooting in December ahead of its March 2028 release. The franchise has grossed a combined $7.3 billion worldwide, making it Universal’s most profitable series. See Details

Fans and family gathered in Swansea, Wales, for the funeral of singer Bonnie Tyler, the “Total Eclipse of the Heart” hitmaker who died last month in Portugal at age 75. Her manager told mourners she “was always a star but never a diva,” and never forgot where she came from. See Details

The Milwaukee Brewers matched baseball’s modern-era record for the biggest shutout, routing the Seattle Mariners 22-0 behind three-run homers from Christian Yelich, David Hamilton and rookie Luis Lara. It was the largest shutout victory since Cleveland beat the New York Yankees by the same score in 2004. Source

IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix arrives in Washington, D.C., this weekend, marking the series’ first-ever race through the nation’s capital. The street circuit winds past the Washington Monument and National Mall as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. Read More

The New York Giants signed veteran running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal, adding depth to a crowded backfield after starter Cam Skattebo’s recovery from a serious leg injury. Harris joins a rotation that also includes Tyrone Tracy, who has led the team in carries each of the past two seasons. Find out More

Former Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce teamed with Liquid Death energy drink to highlight the negative impacts of AI data centers in a musical ad that asks people to donate urine to cool them down. Source