Trade wars, historic national debt, and press freedom clashes lead today's headlines.

1. 1
   Trade

   U.S. Imposes 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods as Trade Talks Collapse

   Negotiations between the U.S. and Canada broke down late Friday night over a new trade agreement. In response, the U.S. slapped 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to promise dollar-for-dollar retaliation starting September 8.

2. 2
   Economy

   U.S. National Debt Crosses Historic $40 Trillion Mark

   The United States' gross national debt has officially surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in history. The milestone has amplified concerns about the sustainability of current federal borrowing and the $1.1 trillion annual cost of interest payments.

3. 3
   Pentagon

   Pentagon Fires "Stars and Stripes" Publisher and Editor Over Independence Row

   The Pentagon has fired the publisher, editor-in-chief, and a top reporter of the military newspaper Stars and Stripes. Editor Erik Slavin stated he was dismissed for "insubordination" after publicly defending the paper's editorial independence from military censorship.

4. 4
   Elections

   USPS Pushes Forward with Restrictive Mail-in Voting Rules Despite Court Injunctions

   The U.S. Postal Service published a 95-page final rule late Friday tightening requirements for mail-in voting ahead of the November midterms. The USPS says the rule will take immediate effect if existing court injunctions blocking it are lifted.

5. 5
   Foreign Policy

   U.S. and Iran Trade Threats as Tensions Escalate Ahead of Elections

   Rhetoric between Washington and Tehran has reached a fever pitch, with the U.S. administration threatening an "Economic D-Day" against Iran. Iranian leaders have labeled new U.S. sanctions a "declaration of war" and claim to be expanding underground weapons production.

6. 6
   Supreme Court

   Supreme Court Allows White House Ballroom Construction to Continue

   The Supreme Court issued an administrative stay allowing the Trump administration to proceed with the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House. The stay keeps a lower court's order on hold while justices weigh an emergency appeal regarding the project.