Community News
Monday, July 20, 2026 · Colby
United States, Iran Officials Hold Initial Peace Talks in Switzerland
Officials from the United States and Iran have begun face-to-face discussions in Switzerland. The talks occurred after ongoing combat in Lebanon and an Iranian claim regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Congress votes to direct Trump to withdraw forces from Iran conflict
Congress passed a symbolic measure calling for the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran, signaling frustration from lawmakers across party lines. The vote carries no legal weight and requires no presidential signature.
Monday, July 20, 2026
U.S. and Iran trade military strikes as ceasefire frays
The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes over the weekend, threatening an interim deal brokered between the two countries. President Trump has tapped a former Oklahoma state trooper to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Supreme Court to Review Semiautomatic Rifle Bans
The Supreme Court will examine the legality of bans on certain semiautomatic rifles. This review will determine if such prohibitions violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.
Monday, July 20, 2026
President Trump Travels to Ankara for NATO Summit on Defense Spending
President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the annual NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. A key agenda item involves discussion of defense spending pledges made by allied nations in the previous year. Trump aims to reinforce these commitments.
Monday, July 20, 2026
European Leaders Address Defense Spending and Production for Ukraine
European leaders met to discuss increasing defense production and aid for Ukraine. The discussions focused on expanding ammunition manufacturing and coordinating support efforts.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Platner Faces Calls to Withdraw from Senate Race
A recent allegation against Graham Platner has led to calls for his withdrawal from the Senate race. Platner is currently challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a contest that could influence party control of the Senate.
Monday, July 20, 2026
DOJ Outlines Criminal Penalties for Noncitizen Voting
The Department of Justice reminded state election officials of potential criminal charges for violations related to noncitizen participation in federal elections. Federal law prohibits individuals who are not U.S. citizens from voting. The memo outlines specific statutes under which prosecutors could pursue cases.
Monday, July 20, 2026
U.S. Military Conducts New Strikes Following Iran's Actions Against Tankers
The U.S. military has conducted new strikes targeting Iran. These actions followed Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration also revoked a waiver allowing Iranian oil sales.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Trump Addresses NATO Allies on Defense Spending, Iran Conflict
President Trump expressed concerns about European defense spending at the NATO summit in Ankara. He also discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran and allies' positions.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Trump Meets Zelenskyy at NATO Summit to Discuss Russia Conflict
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting during the NATO summit in Turkey. They discussed efforts to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The face-to-face discussion took place on the sidelines of the international gathering.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Trump Addresses Iran Ceasefire Status Amid Escalation
President Trump stated his belief that the current ceasefire with Iran has concluded. His remarks came after an exchange of attacks involving U.S. and Iranian forces. These events occurred amidst existing tensions regarding an agreement to end ongoing conflict.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Supreme Court Cases Examine Federal Spending Programs as Contracts
The Supreme Court has issued several rulings treating federal spending programs as contracts, which observers say has altered how some federal laws are enforced and where challenges to grant terminations can be brought. These decisions include limiting lawsuits against individual officials and diverting challenges to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Monday, July 20, 2026
U.S. Revokes License for Iranian Oil Sales Following Strait of Hormuz Incidents
The United States government revoked a license authorizing the sale of Iranian oil, an action announced after three tankers reportedly experienced incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents marked the highest number in a single day for the waterway since late April, according to the U.N. International Maritime Organization.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Election Lawsuits Increase Ahead of Midterm Elections
Numerous legal disputes over election procedures are unfolding nationwide. These cases may alter how states conduct elections later this year, as former President Trump asserts influence over election administration.
Monday, July 20, 2026
DOJ Challenges Longstanding EEOC Enforcement Framework
The Department of Justice has initiated a challenge to a legal framework central to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. This framework has guided EEOC operations for over 60 years. Former EEOC Chair Jenny Yang discussed the shift.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Trump's rhetoric shifts during NATO summit
President Donald Trump exhibited shifting tones regarding international relations during the recent NATO summit. His public statements ranged from criticism of allies to expressions of positive sentiment. The summit concluded with reported arms deals and praise for the alliance.
Monday, July 20, 2026