Community News
Saturday, June 13, 2026 · Lafayette & Columbia Region
Strong El Niño Expected to Bring Extreme Weather Across Globe
A powerful El Niño pattern is developing this year, with scientists predicting widespread disruptions to weather patterns worldwide. Heavy rainfall and severe droughts could affect multiple regions simultaneously.
House Votes to Expand Ukraine Aid and New Russia Sanctions
The House passed legislation providing additional Ukraine assistance and imposing fresh sanctions on Russia. The vote totaled 226-195, with supporters citing concerns about the administration's approach to the conflict.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Republican Congressman Joins Democrats on Iran War Vote
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick voted with Democrats to end the war in Iran, joining three other Republicans in crossing party lines on the measure. Fitzpatrick discussed his reasoning in an interview with NPR.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
House passes war powers resolution to end military action against Iran
The House voted to approve a war powers resolution that would stop U.S. military operations against Iran. The measure passed with support from some Republicans alongside the Democratic majority.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Senate Intelligence Committee's Top Democrat Questions Pulte's Intelligence Director Role
Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, has expressed concerns about Bill Pulte's appointment as acting director of national intelligence. Warner, in an interview with NPR, questioned aspects of the move.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Republicans gain redistricting advantage heading into midterm elections
Republicans secured favorable outcomes in the post-2020 redistricting process, positioning the party to gain approximately 10 House seats when voters head to the polls this fall.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Data Centers' Energy Footprint Rivals Major Nations
Data centers consume electricity and water at rates comparable to entire countries, according to new analysis. If grouped as a single nation, computing facilities would rank sixth globally in power consumption by 2030.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Supreme Court Faces Questions on When Voting Rights Act Compliance Became Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court's recent rulings on electoral districts have raised questions about whether compliance with the Voting Rights Act now violates the Equal Protection Clause. Legal experts point to conflicting standards the Court applied in consecutive cases.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Federal Judge Declines to Block Trump's Mail-In Voting Executive Order
A federal judge in Washington declined to halt an executive order from President Trump that restricts mail-in voting, turning aside an emergency request from Democratic challengers. The decision leaves the policy in effect while litigation continues.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Texas Senate Race Could Determine Control of Congress
The Texas Senate race has emerged as a potential deciding factor in which party controls Congress. Both Democrats and Republicans are investing significant resources in the state.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Trump Begins State Visit to China Amid Trade and Security Tensions
President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a state visit. Discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to focus on trade disputes and geopolitical issues.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
President Trump Issued Pardons to Fifteen Individuals with Public Corruption Convictions
President Trump issued pardons to fifteen individuals convicted of public corruption offenses during his term. The pardons covered a range of charges. The actions have drawn attention to the executive's clemency power.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Russian Attack on Kyiv Kills One, Injures Dozens
A Russian drone and missile attack struck Kyiv, Ukraine, resulting in at least one fatality and multiple injuries. Damage occurred in six districts of the city, according to local authorities.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Scholars Examine 'Competitive Authoritarianism' as a Government Model
The phrase 'competitive authoritarianism' is gaining attention among political scientists. It describes regimes that hold elections, but in which the playing field is tilted in favor of the ruling party. Scholars are debating its applicability to various nations.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
U.S. Military Announces 'Project Freedom' in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. military has launched 'Project Freedom,' a mission focused on the Strait of Hormuz. The operation intends to maintain the flow of international shipping and oil through the strategic waterway.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Supreme Court Temporarily Pauses Restrictions on Abortion Pill Access
The Supreme Court has issued a temporary order maintaining access to the abortion pill mifepristone by mail. The order pauses a lower court ruling reinstating requirements for in-person dispensing.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
U.S. to Facilitate Further Israel-Lebanon Talks
The United States will host a second round of talks between Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15. Discussions aim to build upon prior dialogues to foster peace and security.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Supreme Court Ruling Addresses Voting Rights Act in Louisiana Case
The Supreme Court issued a ruling in *Louisiana v. Callais*, addressing the state's congressional map and its compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The decision examined the role of race in redistricting and its impact on minority voters. The ruling's interpretation of Section 2 differs from that of the dissent.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
White House Considers Suspending Federal Gas Tax Amid Price Surge
The White House is weighing the possibility of suspending the federal gas tax as a way to alleviate rising fuel costs. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated the administration is exploring various measures to provide relief to consumers.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
U.S. Military Engages Iranian Vessels Amid Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. fighter jets engaged Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The action occurred during Secretary of State Rubio's visit to Rome, where he addressed the Strait's status.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Midterm Elections Focus on Economic Concerns, Foreign Policy
This year's midterm elections are shaped by debates over high oil prices and immigration policy. Concerns about international conflicts are also influencing voters.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Trump's China Visit Expected to Address International Security and Technology
President Trump is scheduled to visit China this week. The agenda is expected to cover topics ranging from international security concerns to emerging technologies.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Trump Endorses Challengers to Kentucky, Indiana Republicans
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed primary challengers against Republican incumbents in Kentucky and Indiana. The endorsements target lawmakers who have, at times, opposed Trump's positions. The moves signal Trump's continued influence within the Republican party.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Israel strikes Lebanon as military tensions persist despite Trump de-escalation claims
The Israeli military launched strikes in Lebanon on Tuesday after accusing Hezbollah of overnight attacks. The operations contradicted statements from President Donald Trump that both sides had committed to de-escalation.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Trump's Plan to Revoke Citizenship Encounters Legal Barriers
President Trump has pledged to revoke the citizenship of hundreds of individuals, but legal experts say the process involves substantial constitutional and procedural hurdles that complicate swift implementation.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Appeals Court Finds Trump Administration Transgender Military Ban Violated Law
A federal appeals court determined that a Trump administration policy barring transgender individuals from military service violated applicable law. The court found the ban lacked adequate legal grounding.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Trump Rejects Iranian Response to Ceasefire Proposal
Former President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal. The response was delivered to Pakistani mediators. Further details have not been released.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
House Passes War Powers Resolution to Block Further Military Action Against Iran
The House voted to prevent the Trump administration from conducting additional military strikes on Iran without congressional approval. The measure represents a significant assertion of legislative authority over military decisions.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Satellite imagery shows Iranian attacks struck 20 U.S. military locations, analysts say
Satellite imagery analysts told BBC Verify that Iranian military strikes hit 20 U.S. military sites since the war began. U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed this figure or provided their own damage assessments.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Medicaid Work Requirements Take Effect Under New Trump Administration Policy
The Trump administration has implemented work requirements for Medicaid recipients, mandating 80 hours of monthly work or approved activity. Adults claiming medical inability to work must provide documentation to qualify for exemptions.
Saturday, June 13, 2026