State News
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Montgomery
MP Plans New Push for Assisted Dying Bill in Parliament
Labour MP Lauren Edwards announced plans to bring forward the same assisted dying bill that cleared the House of Commons but ran out of time in the House of Lords. The move signals a renewed effort to advance the contentious end-of-life care legislation.
Georgia Faces July Deadline to Replace QR Code Ballot System
Georgia's legislature passed a law two years ago that prohibits the state from using QR codes on ballots after July 1, 2024. Lawmakers have not yet implemented a replacement system, prompting legislative action this week to address the deadline.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
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.
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
Trump and Pakistani Premier Announce U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement
President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Sunday that the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement. Iranian state media broadcast confirmation of the announcement.
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
Health Officials Issue Week-Long Heat Alert as Temperatures Approach 34C
A new heatwave is anticipated to bring temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius. Health officials have issued a week-long alert, advising the public on potential health risks associated with the extended period of high heat.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Khamenei's Sons Attend Funeral Amidst Speculation on Succession
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sons appeared at his funeral in Iran. Their presence occurs amid ongoing discussions regarding the choice of the next supreme leader. Iran has previously asserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Social Security Fund Depletion Projected by 2032, Benefits Face Reduction
Social Security benefits face a potential reduction of approximately 25% by 2032, according to a recent report. Trustees indicate an accelerated timeline for fund depletion. The projection moves the depletion date several months closer than earlier estimates.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
FDA Proposes Rule to Enhance Oversight of Foreign Tobacco Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed a new rule to strengthen its ability to identify and block illegally imported foreign tobacco products. This measure seeks to protect public health by preventing unauthorized tobacco from entering the U.S. market.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Gambling Disorder Diagnoses Rise in States with Legal Sports Betting
Researchers analyzed millions of electronic health records. They found a notable increase in gambling disorder diagnoses in states where sports betting became legal compared to those where it did not.
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
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
Supreme Court Justices Express Divergent Views on Asylum Policy Case
During a Supreme Court session, Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a dissenting opinion regarding a case on expedited asylum proceedings. Justice Samuel Alito visibly reacted during her delivery of the dissent.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Supreme Court Allows End to Protective Status for Haitian, Syrian Immigrants
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status for individuals from Haiti and Syria. This ruling could affect numerous immigrants who have lived in the United States for several years.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Heat Wave Expands Eastward, Increasing Discomfort for Millions
A persistent heat wave intensified across the Midwest, prompting cooling center openings and event cancellations. Forecasters predict the heat will extend to the Eastern United States, bringing elevated temperatures and humidity to populated areas.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Judge Blocks USPS Proposal Regarding Voter List Requirement
A federal judge has issued an order blocking proposals from the U.S. Postal Service. These proposals included not delivering ballots in states that did not provide voter lists to the federal government.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Oil Prices Return to Pre-Conflict Levels
Oil prices have fallen to levels observed before recent regional tensions, as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of normalization. The waterway is a critical passage for global oil shipments.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Adults Aged 18-34 Show Fastest Rise in Obesity Cases
Obesity cases are increasing most rapidly among young adults, according to recent analysis. Experts link this trend to economic pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in food consumption patterns. The 18-34 age group experienced the sharpest rise in obesity rates.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
House Conservatives Block Procedural Vote, Triggering Early Recess
A procedural vote failed on the House floor, initiated by a faction of Republican lawmakers. This action suspended legislative proceedings, leading to an early start to the July 4 recess. The vote specifically targeted a rule to advance the National Defense Authorization Act.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Delays Housing Bill Signing, Demands Vote on SAVE Act
President Trump has postponed signing a housing bill, despite its passage through Congress with veto-proof majorities. He aims to leverage the bill's signing to secure action on the SAVE Act. This move mirrors a previous strategy concerning intelligence legislation.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Proposed Housing Legislation Aims to Address Affordability
A bipartisan housing bill, characterized as a significant federal housing policy overhaul, aims to simplify construction processes and lower building costs. The legislation does not propose new government expenditures. Former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan discussed its potential impact.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Midwest Regions Experience Heat Index Over 100 Degrees
Parts of the Midwest are reporting heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. This measurement combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels outdoors. Forecasters continue to monitor these conditions.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
A Quarter of U.S. Workforce Occupies Jobs Not Requiring Formal Credentials
New findings show nearly one in four American workers hold jobs that typically require no formal educational credential. This category accounts for 37.4 million individuals in the U.S. workforce.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senate Republicans Alter Stance on Presidential War Powers
Senate Republicans reversed their position on limiting presidential war powers just hours after a meeting with President Donald Trump. This change occurred after the president had critiqued members of his party concerning the prior vote.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Proposed Legislation Targets Practices Aimed at Changing Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
Government officials announced a proposed Bill designed to address practices intended to modify an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The new legislation includes provisions for jail time and monetary fines without upper limits.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senate Republicans Reject War Powers Resolution Following White House Meeting
Senate Republicans voted against a war powers resolution Wednesday evening. This move followed a meeting where President Donald Trump addressed Republican senators regarding their support for the measure.
Thursday, June 18, 2026