Under the arrangement described by Trump, private companies are expected to play a major role in developing Venezuela’s oil sector. Reuters said the agreement could involve tens of billions of barrels of reserves, although key details about ownership, legal structure and implementation remain unclear.

Venezuela has some of the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, but years of underinvestment, sanctions and aging infrastructure have limited production. Any effort to significantly increase output would likely require substantial capital and time.

Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has welcomed the agreement, while U.S. officials have presented it as a way to expand energy supplies and encourage private investment. The announcement marks a significant change in the economic relationship between Washington and Caracas.

The tribute followed news of Parton’s death at age 80 on August 25. Her passing prompted remembrances from musicians, entertainers and public figures around the world, reflecting a career that crossed country, pop, film and philanthropy.

Grande’s tribute took place before her main performance rather than during the regular concert set. The choice kept the focus on Parton and one of the songs most closely connected to her songwriting legacy.

Parton wrote and originally recorded I Will Always Love You in the 1970s. The song later reached an even wider audience through Whitney Houston’s 1992 recording.

The London moment added Grande to the growing number of artists honoring Parton and her decades of influence on popular music.

At the 1994 Grammy Awards, Houston’s recording won Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. The awards recognized the enormous success of her version, while producer David Foster also received recognition for his work on the track.

Parton’s absence from the Song of the Year category came down to eligibility rules. She had first released I Will Always Love You in 1974, when it became a major country hit. Because the composition had already been released years earlier, it did not qualify under the rules in place when Houston’s version became eligible.

Grammy standards involving older songs have changed over time, creating different outcomes for other revived classics.

The situation remains an unusual chapter in Grammy history, especially considering how strongly the song is associated with both Parton’s songwriting and Houston’s landmark performance.

During the appearance, the singer addressed the attention surrounding his major weight loss. In comments made during the show, he rejected speculation that Ozempic was behind the change and pointed instead to adjustments in his diet, exercise routine and overall lifestyle. He approached the subject with the self-deprecating humor that has become part of his public personality.

The monologue also moved into politics, with Jelly Roll delivering jokes involving President Donald Trump and other topics in the news. His guest-hosting stretch gave the country star a different kind of spotlight outside his usual music performances.

The week also featured a varied lineup of guests, including Glen Powell, Henry Winkler, Nathan Fillion, Leslie Mann and Stevie Nicks, along with musical appearances from Juicy J, Project Pat and Lecrae.

For Jelly Roll, the hosting run added another television milestone to a career that continues to extend beyond country music.

Evelyn Palosaarii was honored with the Agnes Ahola Award.

In the Youth Awards category:

• Jane Eskola was named Junior Exhibitor of the Year.
• Cynthia Evilsizer was named Senior Exhibitor of the Year.

Silver Platter Awards went to:

• Needlework – Cathy Isaacson
• Culinary Arts – Steve Hecht
• Fine Arts and Folk Arts – Pamela Hecht
• Floriculture – Suzanne Kesti
• Horticulture – Bill Isaacson

In the King Arthur Contest Open Still Department:

• 1st Place – Cynthia Hodges
• 2nd Place – Kate Van Susante
• 3rd Place – Angel Miller

Best of Show Ribbons were awarded to:

• Sewing – Megan Luttrell
• Crochet – Rebekka Mikkola
• Knitting – Lori Crane
• Stitchery – Teresa Palosaari
• Other Needlework – Karen LaBell
• Food Preparation – Diane Eshbach
• Food Preservation – Steve Hecht
• Bottled Beverages – Pamela Hecht
• Fine Arts – Noelle Gardner
• Folk Arts – Jenny Dice
• Photography 8×10 – Landon Strzelewicz
• Photography 5 x 7 – Diane Eshbach
• Antiques – Cynthia Hodges
• Flowers – Amanda Dayaert
• Plants – Suzanne Kesti
• Horticulture – Jodi Dessellier

Special Award for Photography – Jennifer Schneider

The annual End of Summer celebration, organized by the City of Hancock, offers the Copper Country a final chance to enjoy the region’s remaining sunny days. The event begins Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. and features activities throughout the day, culminating in a spectacular laser light show on the Quincy Green.

The celebration includes pickleball, cribbage and cornhole tournaments, kids games, a beer garden hosted by the fire department, live music and dancing, and prizes for participants of all ages.

“End of Summer celebrates the fun activities and memories made over the summer,” according to city officials.

Individuals and teams interested in participating in tournaments should contact Mary Kaminski for more details. Businesses and organizations looking to support the event should reach out to Community Development Manager Todd Gast.

The laser light show provides a spectacular finale to the day’s festivities, transforming the heart of downtown Hancock into an evening celebration as summer transitions to fall.

Learn more about the End of Summer celebration in Hancock online. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or volunteer … please email city@cityofhancock.net or call 906-482-2720. 

The annual fall cycle provides a helping hand to nonprofits and community-driven efforts focused on health, environmental protection, access to sports and recreation, and community impact. Grant applications will be accepted online between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. Nonprofits and initiatives interested in learning more about available grants can attend an open house hosted by the foundation on Sept. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

“The funds supporting the grant awards seek to effect positive outcomes for the region through health, environmental protection, access to sports or recreation, and community impact,” according to foundation officials.

The fall cycle includes a variety of funds designed to address diverse community needs. The KCF field of interest grants provide flexible funding for organizations working across multiple focus areas.

Those with questions about the different funds available during the fall grant cycle or seeking more information about field of interest grants should contact Madelina DiLisi.

Learn more about the KCF fall grant cycle online.

The board meets 10 times annually and offers members a meaningful opportunity to influence the future of the local business community. Service is open to anyone affiliated with a chamber member, whether volunteering at an organization, working as an entry-level employee or leading a team in the workplace.

“This is a great opportunity for members to help shape the future of the local business community,” the chamber said in a statement.

Board positions provide a platform for professionals at all career levels to contribute their expertise and vision to regional economic development. Members gain insight into local business trends while building connections with peers across industries.

Those interested in joining the board of directors should contact the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce with questions or to learn about commitment expectations.

Learn more about the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce online.

The millage question will appear on ballots for residents of the City of Hancock and those living in Hancock, Franklin and Quincy townships. If voters approve a 0.7 millage in November, the HADL will gain dedicated funding to expand library services significantly.

Approved millage funds would support library employees staffed beyond school hours and the school day, purchase new materials, add an interlibrary loan program, expand digital and audio resources, and create programming such as storytime, 100 Books Before Kindergarten and a summer reading program.

The millage question addresses a critical transition for the community. Previously, library services provided to Hancock Public Schools students and the wider community were supported through the Portage Lake District Library. In summer, the district library and school district agreed to a nine-month contract ending in March 2027.

“The millage question will ask voters if the community will wish to continue funding these services beyond the end of the contract,” according to library officials.

If the millage fails, the library will revert to operating solely as a school public library, funded by the local school district with reduced services and limited hours. Remaining funds from the special project fund will be donated to Hancock Public Schools for library operations.

The HADL seeks to raise $10,000 to support legal and administrative costs associated with placing the millage question on the November 2026 ballot. When city and school leaders agreed to create a district library in summer, they enlisted Anne Seurnyck, an attorney specializing in Michigan Library Law and a member of the Board of the Library of Michigan Foundation.

The fund will also support educational materials to inform residents about the millage issue, ensuring voters have comprehensive information before casting their ballots.

The initiative reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining robust library services. Library officials emphasize that the millage represents an investment in educational resources, programming and community access to information for residents of all ages.

Find more details about the Hancock Area District Library and the November millage vote here.

Reuters reported that U.S. Treasury officials expect discussions to cover sovereign debt, supply-chain resilience, investment and productivity. The meeting is also expected to address concerns about excess industrial capacity and trade practices that can create pressure across global markets.

Iran will be another major topic. U.S. officials plan to encourage participating countries to reduce remaining economic ties with Tehran and follow existing U.S. sanctions. The issue may also come up during bilateral meetings between finance officials.

The talks arrive as governments continue to manage slower economic growth, higher borrowing costs and pressure on public finances. G20 members are also expected to discuss ways to strengthen private investment and improve economic resilience while navigating ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical disputes.