National
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Ponchatoula
U.S. and Iran Reach Deal to End Conflict and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran announced an agreement to end their conflict and restore shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy markets. The deal addresses immediate hostilities but leaves several core disputes for future negotiations.
Britain will prohibit social media use for children under 16
The British government announced a ban on social media use for anyone under 16, affecting platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and X. The move positions the U.K. among countries implementing stricter online safety measures for minors.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump speaks with both Putin and Zelenskyy as Ukraine war intensifies
President Donald Trump held separate phone calls Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The conversations occurred as drone attacks claimed lives in Russia and British authorities detained a vessel carrying Iranian oil.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
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.
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
Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Senator, Dies at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, died at age 71 following a sudden illness. He held his Senate seat for two decades, focusing on defense and foreign policy issues.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senator Lindsey Graham Dead at 71
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican representing South Carolina, died Tuesday at the age of 71. Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 and previously in the House of Representatives.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senator Lindsey Graham Dies After Brief Illness, Office Announces
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died after experiencing a brief and sudden illness, his office announced. Family members requested privacy during the difficult period.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Conducts Strikes in Iran, Iran Reports Retaliation and Strait of Hormuz Closure
The United States military reported striking 140 targets in Iran overnight. Concurrently, Iran stated it closed the Strait of Hormuz and directed fire toward Jordan and other Gulf nations.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Congress Convenes as U.S. Conducts Strikes; Senator Graham Dies
Congress returned to session this week following U.S. military strikes in Iran. News also emerged of the death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71. Graham served as a foreign policy hawk and was campaigning for re-election at the time of his death.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Senator, Dies at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at 71 after a brief illness, his office announced. Graham, a Republican, held a Senate seat since 2003. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Responds to Iranian Funeral Rhetoric with Social Media Post
President Donald Trump posted on social media overnight regarding potential missile strikes against Iran. This came after attendees at the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly called for the U.S. leader's death. International mediators continue efforts to preserve a nuclear deal.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Proposed Legislation Aims to Combat Financial Fraud Against Older Americans
Incidents reported to the Federal Trade Commission reveal older Americans lost nearly $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024. A bill introduced in Congress intends to bolster efforts combating these scams. The legislation focuses on increased training and inter-agency cooperation.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Advocates Shift Focus After Recent Federal Court Rulings on Transgender Rights
Following recent Supreme Court decisions affecting LGBTQ rights, including a ruling on transgender athletes, advocates are re-evaluating their strategies. Legal teams are now focusing efforts on specific areas following these federal court outcomes.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Board Game Manufacturer Explores Domestic Production Amid Tariff Pressures
Jonathan Silva, head of WS Game Company, sought to produce a Monopoly edition in the United States. This came after tariffs impacted his imported board game products. The company explored domestic manufacturing options for the game.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Mississippi Teen's Death Prompts Family Call for Investigation
The family of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager found dead after going missing on a Mississippi island, has requested a thorough investigation. Wells' mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, publicly expressed a desire for answers regarding her son's death.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Campaigns Deploy AI for Personalized Text Messages
Political campaigns now utilize artificial intelligence to generate personalized text messages for voters. These bots aim to mimic a candidate's communication style, engaging recipients in tailored conversations. This strategy represents a new method for campaigns to connect with the electorate.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Colorado River Basin Farmers Confront Water Shortages After Dry Winter
Farmers in Colorado face increased water allocation challenges following a dry winter, which reduced snowpack feeding the Colorado River. This situation compounds an ongoing drought affecting communities across the Western U.S. and Mexico. Scientists attribute the drought's increasing severity to climate change.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Judge Vacates Remaining Jan. 6 Proud Boys Convictions
A federal judge has vacated the remaining convictions against four individuals associated with the Proud Boys. This action follows a request from the Department of Justice and impacts some of the last cases standing after presidential pardons issued in January 2025.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Justice Department Subpoenas New York Times Reporters Over Air Force One Coverage
Federal agents visited the homes of New York Times journalists. They sought grand jury testimony concerning the newspaper's reporting on an Air Force One plane. Qatar reportedly gave this plane to former President Donald Trump.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Designates Two Mexican Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
U.S. authorities designated two additional Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations in February 2025. This designation expands the government's ability to act against these groups and individuals aiding them. The measure targets Latin American cartels.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Intel Nominee Jay Clayton Faces Senate Committee
Jay Clayton, the nominee for a senior intelligence position, appeared before the Senate. Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns regarding potential interference in upcoming elections. This hearing occurs as the current intelligence chief prepares to conclude his term.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Pentagon Addresses Costs Amid Airstrikes in Iran
U.S. forces continued airstrikes against Iran for a fourth consecutive day. Lawmakers questioned the Pentagon regarding the financial resources allocated for these military operations. The discussions focused on the costs associated with the ongoing actions.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
UK Government Faces Scrutiny Over COVID-19 PPE Expenditures
The UK government spent an estimated £10 billion on personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of items remained unused or unsuitable, leading to questions about procurement and inventory management.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Buy Now, Pay Later Providers Face New Authorization Requirements
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lenders must now secure authorization to operate, marking a change in consumer credit regulation. This shift aims to establish increased protections for individuals using these payment options. The Financial Conduct Authority will oversee these firms.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Former White House Attorney Discusses Potential Emergency Declaration
A former White House attorney, Ty Cobb, discussed the possibility of President Trump declaring a national emergency. Cobb reviewed the limits of presidential authority and the potential consequences for future elections. His comments precede President Trump's speech given Thursday night.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
PolitiFact Monitors President's White House Address for Accuracy
PolitiFact conducted a live review of President Trump's July 16 White House address. The organization assessed statements for factual accuracy during the event. This initiative provided contemporaneous analysis of the president's remarks.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Ava DuVernay Announces Documentary on 14th Amendment
Ava DuVernay has announced '14th,' a new documentary focusing on the 14th Amendment. The film explores the amendment's provisions, including birthright citizenship. This project follows DuVernay's 2016 film '13th,' which analyzed the 13th Amendment.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Iran Announces Potential Trade Route Blockade Amid U.S. Statements
Iran has indicated it could block additional trade routes. This development follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump about potential targets in Iran.
Thursday, June 18, 2026