Voters in Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma will head to the polls for runoff elections Tuesday, while a wildfire is threatening homes near Reno as Nevada sues the federal government over Colorado River water cuts.
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Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and metals to 50%, and the Trump administration launched a new sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Iran.
Here are five stories worth following:
Quote Driving the News:
“Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said of the new sanctions against Iran.
Runoff Elections Take Center Stage in Three States
What we’re watching: Voters in Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma head to the polls Tuesday for runoff elections: an all-Democrat race in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District outside Atlanta, South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and a full ballot of races and referendums in Oklahoma, including a Republican gubernatorial runoff.
Why it matters: The contests offer a mix of national and state-level stakes. In South Carolina, Republicans will decide between Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator who has been endorsed by President Trump, and Rep. Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman. In Oklahoma, Republicans Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei are vying for the chance to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Canadian Autos and Steel
What we’re watching: President Trump is threatening to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, auto parts and steel to 50% starting Jan. 1, 2027, escalating his trade fight with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after U.S.-Canada trade negotiations collapsed on Friday.
Why it matters: Canada is one of the United States’ top trading partners, and the move risks further disrupting the deeply integrated U.S.-Canadian auto industry and supply chains, which would result in higher prices for cars and a broader trade war that could hurt both countries’ economies.
Read more South Carolina Republicans Weigh Graham and Norman for Senate Nomination
Uncontained Wildfire Threatens Reno
What we’re watching: The Hawk Fire has grown to more than 23 square miles near Reno, Nevada, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for about 90,000 people as firefighters work to protect neighborhoods from flames driven by hot, dry and windy conditions. As of Tuesday morning, the fire was listed at 27% containment.
Why it matters: The fire has already destroyed homes and injured at least six people, including three first responders, while nearly 10,000 homes and businesses have lost power and officials warn that shifting winds could push the blaze farther into densely populated areas. The area is home to about 280,000 people and isn’t far from the site of the annual Burning Man festival, which begins Aug. 30.
Nevada Sues Federal Government Over Colorado River Cuts
What we’re watching: Nevada is suing the federal government over newly finalized Colorado River operating rules that will cut the state’s allocation by about 17% over the next two years and authorizes cuts as large as 71% if drought conditions worsen, state officials say. The suit argues the Interior Department’s plan will cause “devastating environmental, socioeconomic, and health and human safety impacts to southern Nevada and its citizens.”
Why it matters: The lawsuit is the latest escalation in a broader fight over the dwindling water of the Colorado River Basin, which supplies roughly 40 million people across the West. As part of the new federal plan, Arizona, California and Nevada face mandatory reductions, which Nevada officials say could imperil the state. The Colorado River supplies roughly 90 percent of water used by Las Vegas and the surrounding region.
U.S. Announces New Sanctions Campaign Against Iran
What we’re watching: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced “Operation Economic Outcast,” a sanctions campaign against Iran that will aim to further isolate Tehran and its business and trade partners. “Economic engagement of any kind with this murderous regime will expose those responsible to the full reach of American power,” Bessent said.
Why it matters: The campaign escalates the Trump administration’s economic pressure on Iran as Washington seeks to force Tehran into a deal to end the conflict with Iran. Still, Bessent’s announcement includes few specifics and no mention of China, Iran’s largest trade partner.
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