Evening NOISE

Dolly Parton dies at 80, leaving a legacy of music and philanthropy

Dolly Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at 80, according to The New York Times, which reported that no cause was provided. The Times highlighted her six-decade career, songwriting, film work and philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library and disaster-relief support. The Washington Post reported that President Donald Trump ordered US flags lowered to half-staff for one week in her honor.

CIA chief John Ratcliffe makes unannounced Moscow visit amid US-Russia tensions

The BBC, citing its US news partner CBS, reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow aboard a US military aircraft for unannounced talks. Washington and Moscow have not confirmed the visit or its purpose, though flight-tracking data and social media footage supported reports of the trip. A former British military attaché suggested the discussions could involve escalation management or US detainees held in Russia.

Bessent’s Treasury buybacks face doubts over market credibility

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s plan to at least double buybacks of longer-dated debt has modestly lowered yields, but investors question whether it can work without fiscal reforms. Stanley Druckenmiller, Bessent’s former mentor, warned in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that suppressing yields could undermine Treasury’s credibility and delay action on the deficit. CNBC also cited strategists who said Treasury lacks the resources to control the bond market and that Federal Reserve involvement would be necessary, though likely difficult to secure.

Supreme Court clears path for mail-voting restrictions, but legality remains unresolved

The Supreme Court paused an injunction blocking the Trump administration’s mail-voting order in 23 states and Washington, DC, ruling that the states lacked standing, while leaving the order’s legality undecided. Axios reports that a federal judge found the administration violated a separate injunction by finalizing the rules, though USPS remains barred from implementing them. WIRED emphasizes election officials’ warnings that the changes could cause confusion, disrupt ballot preparation and potentially disenfranchise voters before the midterms.

Follow-up to Supreme Court clears path for Trump mail-voting restrictions before midterms · 20260825

Xavi dismisses third-choice status after taking Netherlands job

Xavi Hernández said he was unfazed by being the Netherlands’ third-choice candidate after Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot declined the job, according to ESPN. The former Barcelona coach was unveiled Tuesday and said he wants the team to dominate possession, play with passion and bring renewed energy. He replaces Ronald Koeman and has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in May 2024.