Dolly Parton's Legacy, Heat Breaks Records & NFL Health Study - Wednesday, August 26, 2026

**Erica Mandy** (0:00)
Today is Wednesday, August 26th. We'll share the tributes pouring in for country legend Dolly Parton and how her family has requested fans honor her legacy. Also, where Canada is targeting its latest tariffs as its trade war with the US continues. Plus, how long a record-breaking heat wave could last in the South? The shocking number of NFL players found to have had a brain disease and the ways Americans are marking Women's Equality Day today. Those stories and even more news to know coming up.
Welcome to The NewsWorthy, all the day's news in less than 15 minutes. I'm Erica Mandy. Thanks so much for being here. Let's do this.
The world is mourning the Queen of Country Music. Dolly Parton died yesterday at 80 years old after a brief battle with cancer. In announcing her death, Parton's family spoke about, her timeless music and prolific songwriting, her wit, warmth, and kindness.
Parton's career spanned seven decades. She had 65 records, including dozens of number one country singles. And she was one of the first major women country stars to write much of her own material. Parton was also an actor in movies like Nine to Five and Steel Magnolias. But people are remembering her not just for her award-winning career, but also her philanthropy, humor, and humble nature that touched her fans around the world. Tributes have been pouring in from all kinds of people from presidents across the political spectrum, to musicians across all genres. Paul McCartney said it's hard to imagine living in a world without her. Bette Midler described her as having a voice of pure gold and a heart to match. Oprah Winfrey said Parton brought light. Elton John called her a giant of an artist who was irreplaceable. And President Trump ordered flags to be lowered in her honor. Parton's family encouraged fans to donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in her honor. It's a monthly book gifting program for children under five that will continue even after her passing.
As far as funeral plans go, her family is having a small private service where she'll be laid to rest in a bed of plush cotton and her signature high heels.
The US says the Strait of Hormuz is now clear of mines. President Trump announced the US. Navy has removed or detonated more than 100 potential mines from the main shipping channel in the Strait. And he says the Space Force is now watching the waterway to make sure Iran doesn't try to lay more.
It comes as Iran and Oman are still negotiating the logistics of a temporary shipping corridor. But without mines in the Strait, Iran has less leverage over global energy markets, and a deal may not be relevant. Already, American officials say ships will be able to move much more easily with protection from the US. Air Force. And with that, more oil should be able to be exported to global energy markets. Meanwhile, the US is still focusing on punishing Iran with sanctions rather than strikes. But the threats of a broader war continue on both sides. In fact, Iranian state media has aired a video that appears to threaten the life of President Trump's son, Barron Trump. The Secret Service says it is aware of it, but that it won't speak more about our response.
America's spy chief has made a surprise trip to Moscow. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited the Russian capital for about four hours yesterday. His trip was not announced beforehand, and when his plane landed, top Russian government officials said they didn't know anything about it. The White House says Ratcliffe had meetings with Russian officials, though it didn't say exactly what was discussed. Right now, the US is still trying to end the war in Ukraine, while also pressuring Russia over its support for Iran. The last time the head of the CIA was in Russia was 2021, when then-Director William Burns warned Russian President Putin against invading Ukraine. But the invasion happened just three months later.
Canada is fighting back against President Trump's tariffs. And it could hurt some American businesses and their customers. Canada announced it will put tariffs of up to 50% on about 700 American products worth roughly $20 billion.
Remember, this comes after the US imposed new 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. So, in response, Canada is targeting things like steel and aluminum, as well as food, appliances, furniture, clothing, farm equipment and motorcycles. Canada is hitting goods produced in politically important states. So, for example, Wisconsin cheese, Maine seafood and appliances from Kentucky. The idea is to put political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of the midterm elections. US companies that usually sell these products to Canada may have to raise prices or absorb some of the costs, which could result in layoffs. Analysts actually say both Americans and Canadians can expect some inflation because of this back and forth. For now, the new Canadian tariffs are set to start in about two weeks. The increased American tariffs on Canadian goods are already in effect.