State News
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Greenwood
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Hospitalized
Mitch McConnell, the former Republican Senate Majority Leader, entered a hospital on Sunday, according to his spokesman. McConnell has used a wheelchair in the Capitol in recent months.
Ebola outbreak disrupts daily life in eastern Congo
An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has altered routines across the region, with hospitals converting to containment centers and residents grappling with competing sources of information.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Names Jay Clayton as Intelligence Director Nominee
President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to lead the intelligence community. Clayton served in Trump's first administration and represents a more traditional choice for the position.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Samaritan's Purse Opens Two Ebola Treatment Centers in Congo
Samaritan's Purse has opened two treatment centers for Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facilities in Bunia and Nyankunde are equipped to provide specialized care during the outbreak.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Iran and Pakistan Say Deal With US Is Nearing Completion
Iran and Pakistan have stated that negotiations to end fighting with the United States have reached their closest point yet, mirroring comments made by President Donald Trump this week.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
DOJ Issues Warning to State Election Officials Regarding Noncitizen Voting
The Department of Justice has informed state election officials that noncitizen voting could lead to arrests. Officials received five days to outline their adherence to laws prohibiting such votes. This communication was part of a larger directive from the federal agency.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Immigration Court Leadership Changes Noted by Judges' Association
The Trump administration has dismissed additional immigration judges as it continues efforts to reorganize the court system overseeing deportations. Immigration judges operate under the Department of Justice, a branch of the executive administration. The president of the National Association of Immigration Judges commented on the developments.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Shaheen Discusses Trump's NATO Role, Iran Strikes
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire recently discussed President Trump's involvement at the NATO summit. She also commented on renewed military strikes against Iran. Shaheen offered her perspective during an interview with NPR's Michel Martin.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Aviation Mechanics Secure Employment Upon Graduation Amid Industry Demand
Aviation mechanics graduates are finding immediate employment opportunities, with many securing jobs before completing their training. The aviation industry anticipates a need for a significant number of maintenance technicians in the coming decades.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Federal Reserve Officials Discuss Economic Outlook, Monetary Policy at June Meeting
Federal Open Market Committee members met in mid-June to evaluate economic data and discuss the current monetary policy stance. Discussions covered persistent inflation, employment figures, and projections for potential future rate adjustments.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Importance Measured by Amicus Citation Frequency
A recent analysis proposes a new method for identifying the Supreme Court's most impactful cases. Researchers assess case importance by counting how often the Court cites specific organizations filing amicus curiae briefs. This approach aims to identify cases with substantial legal questions by focusing on the credibility of the briefs filed.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Announces Reinstatement of U.S. Blockade on Iran, Ships to Face Toll
Former President Donald Trump announced the United States will reinstate a blockade on Iran. He also stated that ships will incur a toll for passage. This development follows intermittent military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Colorado Law Addresses Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Costs
Recycling certain electric vehicle batteries currently costs more than the materials they yield. A new Colorado law seeks to resolve these financial imbalances. The legislation addresses issues surrounding the processing of end-of-life EV power sources.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Prisoners Face Challenges Pursuing Mistreatment Complaints
Prisoners encounter significant barriers when attempting to file complaints about mistreatment. An investigation by NPR and The Marshall Project found that inmates frequently face retaliation after reporting abuse.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Former South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
Former South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died Saturday night at age 71. His office announced the death, citing a brief and sudden illness. Graham served in Congress for 30 years.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Conducts Strikes in Iran, Iran Claims Strait of Hormuz Closure
The United States military has carried out multiple rounds of strikes in Iran. In response, Iran's military has claimed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. These developments occur as leaders from both nations issue warnings.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Lawsuit Allegies US Agencies Shared Iranian Asylum Seekers' Data with Iran
A lawsuit alleges U.S. immigration agencies shared confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers with the Iranian government. The complaint describes a campaign to identify Iranians in U.S. custody and pressure them to return to Iran.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Former Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
Former U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71 following a sudden illness. His office confirmed his death, attributing it to a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, served multiple terms in the Senate and House.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senator Graham's Evolving Relationship with Former President Trump Examined
Senator Lindsey Graham's engagement with former President Donald Trump has undergone notable changes since 2015. Their relationship evolved from early criticism to a period of pronounced alignment. Key moments illustrate these shifts over time.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
AI-Powered Texting Emerges in Political Campaign Strategies
Political campaigns now utilize AI-generated text messages to engage voters. These automated systems aim to simulate candidate communication, offering personalized outreach. The technology represents an evolving tool in political communication.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Cyclosporiasis Cases Rise Across 31 U.S. States
Federal health authorities report a rise in cyclosporiasis cases across 31 U.S. states. This intestinal illness causes symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Investigators have not yet identified a common source for these infections.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Strikes Iranian-Backed Targets After Ship Attack; Iran Responds in Gulf
The United States conducted airstrikes on facilities in Iran and Iraq, stating the action followed an attack on a commercial ship. Iran launched missiles and drones toward Gulf states in response. These events mark an escalation of regional tensions.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump, NATO Leaders Convene in Turkey for Summit
President Donald Trump will meet with NATO counterparts in Turkey for a two-day summit. Leaders plan to address foreign policy challenges, including Iran and Ukraine.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
ICE Plans New Family Holding Facility in Louisiana
The Trump administration intends to establish a new 528-bed holding facility for migrant families and unaccompanied children. This facility will be located adjacent to a Louisiana airfield, which currently serves as a major hub for deportation flights.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Descendants of Dred Scott, Chief Justice Taney Discuss 1857 Ruling
Descendants of Dred Scott and Chief Justice Roger Taney met to discuss the 1857 Supreme Court ruling. The gathering took place at a church near the Supreme Court building. Participants discussed the historical context and implications of the decision.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Sets New Term Docket, Reflects on Past Decisions Amid Public Discourse
The Supreme Court has announced its docket for the upcoming term, featuring cases on gun rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and voting restrictions. This development follows a period of significant rulings, including those affecting trans athletes and presidential powers.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Justice Department Subpoenas New York Times Journalists
The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to journalists at The New York Times. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. released a statement addressing the development. The subpoenas involve a news organization and individuals reporting for it.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Bipartisan Housing Act Enacted, APA Notes Planning-Led Solutions
A new housing law passed with cross-party support, incorporating what the American Planning Association calls planning-led solutions. The organization released a statement regarding the enactment of the '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.'
Thursday, June 18, 2026
New Federal Law Aims to Broaden Housing Options
A new federal law, enacted in June, introduces changes to housing policy in the United States. The legislation focuses on expanding financing options for accessory dwelling units and manufactured housing. Supporters state the changes represent significant federal housing reform.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Faster Walking Pace in Older Adults Linked to Reduced Cognitive Decline Risk
A new study indicates that older adults, specifically those aged 80 and above, who maintain a faster walking pace show a reduced risk of cognitive decline. Researchers found a correlation between physical mobility and brain health in this demographic.
Thursday, June 18, 2026