Community News
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Fort Smith
Israel's Defense Ministry Says Troops Will Remain in Lebanon Amid U.S.-Iran Agreement
President Trump announced the U.S. and Iran reached an initial agreement to end hostilities, a development that includes provisions for a ceasefire in Israeli strikes. Israel's defense minister stated forces would not withdraw from Lebanon.
Trump announces agreement with Iran, orders naval blockade to lift from Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said he reached a deal with Iran and ordered the removal of naval forces blocking the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement will be signed Friday in Switzerland, though details remain undisclosed.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
NBC News Poll Shows 57% Disapprove of Trump's Job Performance
An NBC News poll found 57% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump's job performance during his second term. The survey was released amid ongoing tensions in Iran and questions about the administration's economic record.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Cancels Iran Strikes, Says Diplomatic Resolution Possible
President Trump announced he has canceled planned military strikes against Iran, stating that diplomatic negotiations could resolve current tensions. The decision represents a shift in his approach to the ongoing conflict.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Restricts Presidential Removal Power Over FTC, Upholds Fed Independence
The Supreme Court recently issued decisions impacting the President's ability to remove commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission and governors from the Federal Reserve. These rulings revisit a 1935 precedent concerning agency independence, potentially influencing future administrative operations and challenges to regulatory powers.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Decides Birthright Citizenship, Campaign Finance Cases
The Supreme Court concluded its term with decisions on matters including birthright citizenship and campaign finance. One ruling addressed a presidential executive order regarding citizenship. Supreme Court analyst Amy Howe discussed these outcomes.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Republicans Plan Midterm Convention in Dallas
Republicans will host their first national convention before midterm elections in September, President Donald Trump announced. The Dallas event aims to increase voter participation in races determining control of Congress.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Overturns Campaign Finance Limit on Party Spending
The Supreme Court struck down a federal law limiting financial coordination between political parties and candidates. The 6-3 ruling stated these limits violate the First Amendment. This decision reverses a 2001 precedent.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Adds Six Cases to Docket, Declines Trump's Carroll Appeal
The Supreme Court accepted six new cases for its 2026-27 term, addressing topics from trademark law to immigration. Concurrently, the court denied former President Donald Trump's request to appeal a $5 million award in a defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Modifies Campaign Finance Regulations
The Supreme Court has issued a ruling that changes existing campaign finance regulations. This decision affects the amount political parties and candidates can spend in elections, modifying rules established decades ago.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Rules on Presidential Authority Over Federal Reserve Board
The Supreme Court found President Trump lacked the authority to remove Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. This 5-4 ruling impacts the president's powers over certain independent agencies. Cook's lead counsel, Abbe Lowell, discussed the decision.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
International Talks Resume, Supreme Court Considers Citizenship Case, Colorado Voters Head to Polls
Diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran will recommence on Tuesday. Concurrently, the Supreme Court anticipates issuing a decision on birthright citizenship, and residents of Colorado are preparing to cast their ballots.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Authorities Warn Parents on Sharing Children's Images Online Amid AI Concerns
The National Crime Agency has issued a warning to parents about publicly sharing images of children online. Authorities cite an increasing threat that AI technology poses in generating child abuse material from these images.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Comments on Supreme Court Mail-In Ballot Ruling
President Trump commented on the Supreme Court's ruling concerning mail-in ballots. The ruling allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive after. Trump also advocated for congressional action on election legislation.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Rules on Geofence Warrants, Citing Fourth Amendment
The Supreme Court has restricted the use of geofence warrants, determining the technique violates constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. This decision clarifies parameters for law enforcement's use of location data.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senator Marshall Describes Recent Strikes as 'Mop-Up Operation,' Calls Major Conflict Over
Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, characterized recent military actions between the U.S. and Iran as a 'mop-up operation.' He stated that while the conflict was not 'over,' he believed its 'major' phase had concluded.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Immigration Experience Changes for Spouses of Citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens historically held a distinct status within immigration policy. The current administration and immigration attorneys state that this designation has changed. Individuals seeking citizenship through marriage now encounter different administrative processes.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump's Fourth of July Speech and Housing Legislation Reviewed
President Trump delivered a speech on July 4th. He also approached a bipartisan housing bill designed to address housing affordability concerns.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Addresses SAVE America Act During Salute to America 250 Event
Former President Donald Trump spoke about the SAVE America Act during his Salute to America 250 speech. He outlined proposals to require photo identification for voting and restrict the use of mail-in ballots.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Nation Observes 250th Anniversary Amidst Heatwave and Political Tensions
Cities nationwide marked the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring fireworks displays and community events. A significant heatwave impacted numerous areas, leading to event cancellations and public health advisories.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Iran Considers Toll for Strait of Hormuz Transit, U.S. Negotiations Continue
Iran has expressed its intent to levy a transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal remains an unresolved issue within broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Nominates Former Oklahoma Trooper Lance Schroyer for ICE Director
President Trump has put forward Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This nomination could fill a position vacant since the Obama administration.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Democrats Target Affordability in Weekend Events
The Democratic National Committee plans a series of local events this weekend. These events aim to highlight voter concerns regarding rising costs, attributing current economic pressures to former President Donald Trump.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
President Trump Comments on U.S. Response to Iran
President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that continued reciprocal strikes with Iran could force the United States to return to war. These remarks cap a weekend of escalating tensions threatening peace efforts between the countries.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump's Loyalty Appeals Prompt Discussion Among Republicans, International Allies
President Trump has emphasized loyalty among his supporters and allies. This emphasis has led to discussions within the Republican Party and among international partners.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Container Ship Struck in Strait of Hormuz Amid Diplomatic Visit
A drone struck a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a U.S. official. The incident coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Persian Gulf, where he aimed to address security concerns among Arab allies regarding potential agreements with Iran. Shipping traffic in the strait subsequently experienced widespread disruptions.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
UN Agency Halts Ship Evacuations in Strait of Hormuz After Vessel Attack
A United Nations agency paused ship evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This decision followed a report from the British military indicating a vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman's coast. Several tankers had recently used a UN-backed route.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Poll Indicates Divided Perspectives on National Identity Ahead of 250th Anniversary
A new poll reveals a perception among many Americans that the nation has moved away from its founding ideals. The survey also indicates some respondents consider violence potentially necessary for national course correction.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Allows Revival of Trump-Era Asylum Restriction
The Supreme Court has acted in a 6-3 vote, overturning a lower court's decision. This action permits the re-implementation of an immigration policy from the Trump administration that restricts the number of asylum seekers processed daily.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Prepares to Issue Key Decisions by Term's End
The Supreme Court will deliver several significant rulings before the conclusion of its 2026 term. These decisions include cases concerning birthright citizenship and the President's power to dismiss Federal Reserve governors.
Thursday, June 18, 2026