State News
Saturday, June 20, 2026 · Hartsville
Judge to Rule on Contempt Charges Against Prosecutors in Kirk Case
A judge will decide Friday whether to hold prosecutors in contempt for comments made about the case on Fox News, as the trial of Tyler Robinson continues.
FISA surveillance authority set to expire as Congress and Trump clash over intelligence chief
A warrantless surveillance power known as FISA Section 702 is scheduled to expire as the House departs Washington without voting to extend it. The delay comes amid a dispute between Congress and President Donald Trump over his choice for acting Director of National Intelligence.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
UK Defence Secretary John Healey Resigns
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned Tuesday, citing personal reasons. His departure follows other recent exits from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Social Security shifts to electronic payments, ends paper checks
The Social Security Administration will stop mailing paper checks to beneficiaries, requiring all payments to flow through electronic accounts. The shift aligns with a federal mandate and executive order aimed at improving payment efficiency.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Congress Allows Surveillance Authority to Expire
The House failed to advance legislation renewing a major surveillance tool before departing for recess, allowing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to lapse. The provision has permitted intelligence agencies to monitor foreign targets without individual warrants.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Housing Affordability Bill Becomes Law Without Presidential Signature
A housing affordability bill has become law without the signature of President Trump. The President had indicated he would not sign the measure without the passage of a voter identification bill.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Trump Administration Modifies Endangered Species Act Enforcement
The Trump administration finalized a rule Friday that changes how federal agencies enforce the Endangered Species Act. The new regulation modifies the definition of 'harm' within the landmark legislation.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Courts Address Second Amendment Limits on Sensitive Places, Felons, and Mental Illness
Federal appeals courts across the United States are grappling with the scope of Second Amendment rights concerning firearm possession in 'sensitive places' and by individuals with felony convictions or mental health commitments. These cases aim to define the amendment's full reach following Supreme Court rulings.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
White House Removes Election Assistance Commission Members
The White House confirmed Friday its executive action against members of the Election Assistance Commission. This commission distributes federal grants to states, tests voting systems, and maintains the national voter registration form.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Forecasters Project Strong El Niño Event
A significant El Niño event is developing, with forecasters projecting its strength will rank among the most intense recorded since 1950. This weather phenomenon typically influences global weather patterns.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Jobs for the Future Secures $40 Million for Apprenticeship Expansion
Jobs for the Future (JFF) received a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding aims to expand registered apprenticeship programs nationwide. The initiative focuses on critical roles in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and nuclear energy.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Peter Canellos Discusses Biography of Justice Samuel Alito and Conservative Legal Movement
Peter Canellos, author of "Revenge for the Sixties: Sam Alito and the Triumph of the Conservative Legal Movement," discusses Justice Alito's background and judicial philosophy. He notes how Alito's experiences shaped his conservative views and connection to the Federalist Society.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
New Video Shows U.S. Strikes as U.S.-Iran Tensions Continue
New video footage shows U.S. strikes. President Trump expressed skepticism regarding a deal with Iran following escalated incidents. The President also changed planes for security reasons after the NATO summit.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Nationwide Illness Outbreak Prompts Focus on Leafy Greens
A foodborne illness has spread across 31 states, resulting in 86 hospitalizations. Health officials in Michigan identified lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for the gastrointestinal illness.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Cyclosporiasis Cases Reported Across 31 States
Thirty-one states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. The number of cases this summer exceeds typical levels, prompting public health officials to monitor the situation.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Medicare Expands Access for Weight Loss Drugs to Some Beneficiaries
Medicare has created a pathway for certain beneficiaries to access weight loss medications. This development follows a notable increase in the number of adults reporting GLP-1 drug usage for weight loss.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
State Department Initiates Campaign Targeting International Criminal Court
The U.S. State Department has announced a campaign to counter the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over American personnel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the initiative would involve diplomatic efforts and other measures. The campaign aims to prevent the ICC from prosecuting U.S. servicemen and officials.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
US Sanctions Entities Supporting Ransomware Operations
The United States has sanctioned a VPN service and two individuals for allegedly providing critical support to ransomware groups. These groups have reportedly targeted American hospitals, schools, businesses, and local governments. The sanctions represent a coordinated international effort to disrupt cybercrime networks.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
HHS Drops Plan to Withhold Funding Over Gender-Affirming Care
The Department of Health and Human Services has decided against a directive that would have allowed the agency to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding. This decision affects hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors nationwide.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Oil Prices Rise Following US Statement on Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices experienced a noticeable increase after President Trump's social media announcement concerning compensation for US assistance in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement outlined a US expectation for reimbursement related to shipping security.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Trump Says U.S. Will Impose 'Iranian Blockade' in Strait of Hormuz
President Trump stated the United States will reinstate a naval 'blockade' on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement follows reports of ongoing incidents between the U.S. and Iran. The strait represents a key waterway for global oil shipments.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Report: Free School Meal Students Face Widening Academic Gap
A new report from the Education Policy Institute indicates students eligible for free school meals are experiencing a growing academic achievement gap compared to their peers. The organization recommends the incoming prime minister prioritize addressing these educational disparities.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Trump Recommends Graham's Sister for Interim Senate Appointment
Donald Trump has publicly urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Darla Graham, Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, as a temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate. This recommendation follows Senator Graham's death at age 71 over the weekend.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
US Seeks Iranian Pledge on Strait of Hormuz Shipping
US officials seek a commitment from Iran to cease attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President JD Vance will participate in the upcoming talks in Oman.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Consumers Find Switching Providers Simpler for Banking, Energy, and Internet
Individuals now face fewer hurdles when changing their broadband, energy suppliers, or banking institutions. Reports suggest the process has become less complicated, reflecting developments in consumer services.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Trump Declines to Sign Bipartisan Housing Affordability Legislation
President Donald Trump announced he would not sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill. The legislation will become law Friday without his signature. Presidents have 10 days to veto a bill before it automatically enacts.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
FCC Chairman Calls for Review of E-Rate Program
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has requested a review of the E-Rate program, a federal initiative that assists public and some private schools, as well as libraries, in covering their monthly internet expenses. The program relies on consumer fees for its funding. Carr previously advocated for ending the program.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
U.S.-Iran Hostilities Reportedly Pause Amid Ceasefire; Israel Expands Gaza Control Zones
A ceasefire has reportedly paused direct conflict between the United States and Iran following two days of hostilities. Meanwhile, reports detail life inside Israel's expanding zones of control across Gaza.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
ACLU Legal Director Discusses Supreme Court Work at SCOTUSblog Event
Cecillia Wang, National Legal Director of the ACLU, discussed her work on cases before the Supreme Court at a recent SCOTUSblog event. She addressed the organization's involvement in a birthright citizenship challenge and forthcoming litigation regarding a Texas Ten Commandments law. Wang also reflected on the organization's increasing caseload.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Mexico Seeks Criminal Charges Following Deaths Tied to ICE Actions
Mexico announced its intention to pursue criminal charges related to deaths involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The move follows criticism from the Mexican government regarding the treatment of its citizens.
Saturday, June 20, 2026