RNN August 18th 2026

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman over its proposed deal with Iran to manage ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, opposing joint Iranian-Omani oversight of the passage. U.S.-Canada Tariff Negotiations: Washington and Ottawa are holding last-minute talks ahead of a Wednesday deadline to avert proposed 50% U.S. tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. Meta Youth Social Media Trial: A federal court trial in California opened against Meta Platforms, with dozens of state attorneys general seeking financial damages over claims its platforms harm children's mental health. Disney Sues the FCC: Disney filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission, alleging First Amendment violations after the regulator launched early license reviews following satire targeting President Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. SpaceX Starship Recovered: A SpaceX Starship stage was successfully towed to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean for inspection following an intact ocean splashdown.