Community News
Thursday, June 18, 2026 · Vernal
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.
Trump announces agreement with Iran, orders naval blockade to lift from Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said he reached a deal with Iran and ordered the removal of naval forces blocking the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement will be signed Friday in Switzerland, though details remain undisclosed.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Israel's Defense Ministry Says Troops Will Remain in Lebanon Amid U.S.-Iran Agreement
President Trump announced the U.S. and Iran reached an initial agreement to end hostilities, a development that includes provisions for a ceasefire in Israeli strikes. Israel's defense minister stated forces would not withdraw from Lebanon.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump opposes Israeli strike on Beirut, says U.S. nearing Iran war deal
Donald Trump said an Israeli strike on Beirut on Sunday should not have occurred, though he indicated the U.S. remains close to reaching a deal to end the war with Iran.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
ICE Temporarily Suspends Most Vehicle Interceptions Following Fatal Shootings
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has suspended most vehicle stops nationwide, a direct order from the Trump administration. This policy change follows two separate incidents in which ICE agents fatally shot individuals during vehicle encounters.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Administration Considered, Then Dropped, Strait of Hormuz Toll Plan
A proposal during the Trump administration to impose a toll on ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz was considered and subsequently abandoned after a rapid internal pushback. The plan aimed to fund increased security for commercial shipping in the critical waterway. Officials worked for a full day to present concerns about the potential economic and geopolitical fallout.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Faces Confirmation Hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will undergo a confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill. Senators will question Blanche for his permanent appointment to head the Justice Department.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. House Passes Legislation to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
The United States House of Representatives voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the country. This legislation would eliminate the bi-annual clock change, establishing a year-round Daylight Saving schedule. The bill now awaits a vote in the Senate.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Housing Bill Advances to Law Without Presidential Signature
A new housing bill is set to become law without the president's signature after clearing Congress with bipartisan support. The measure introduces new housing regulations and incentives. President Trump withheld his signature in protest of a separate legislative matter.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. President Demands Iran Reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran publicly commit to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The demand follows what the United States identified as an Iranian violation of an existing ceasefire agreement. That alleged violation involved firing on commercial ships.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
ICE Temporarily Halts Vehicle Pursuits Nationwide
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a temporary, nationwide directive to its officers. The order instructs personnel to cease pursuing individuals in vehicles. This action comes after an ICE-involved shooting incident in Maine.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Replaces Election Commission Members Ahead of Midterms
President Trump has removed the remaining members of a bipartisan federal agency. This agency assists state and local officials with election administration and voting equipment certification. The dismissals occur as preparations for the upcoming midterm elections are underway.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Housing Affordability Legislation Enacted
A new housing affordability bill has become law in the United States. President Donald Trump did not sign the measure; however, he did not veto it. The legislation aims to increase housing access and reduce costs.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
U.S. Modifies Stance on Iran Sanctions Relief for Oil Transit
The United States reversed its position on ending waivers for countries importing Iranian oil via the Strait of Hormuz. The administration announced it would not sanction nations continuing these imports, despite an earlier stated goal to halt Iranian oil exports entirely. This development follows over four months of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
ICE Temporarily Suspends Most Vehicle Stops After Fatal Shootings
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has received an order from the Trump administration to suspend most vehicle stops. This directive follows recent incidents involving vehicle pursuits and fatalities. Exceptions to the suspension exist for specific law enforcement activities.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Ofcom Proposes New Rules for Tech Companies to Combat Fraudulent Online Ads
Ofcom is proposing new regulations that would require major online platforms to address fraudulent advertisements on their services. The communications regulator highlights that over 50% of UK adults have encountered potentially fraudulent ads online.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Trump Administration Reduces Utah National Monuments' Boundaries
President Donald Trump today signed proclamations reducing the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah. This action revises protections established by former presidents for landscapes with archaeological and historical significance.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Unclaimed Airstrikes Target Iran Following U.S. Operations
Airstrikes targeted Iran on Friday. No entity has claimed responsibility for these attacks. The incidents occurred after the United States stated it had concluded its own military actions in the region.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Families Voice Concerns Over Americans Detained in Iran Amid Diplomacy
Families of Americans imprisoned in Iran worry their loved ones' cases may receive less attention as U.S. and Iran diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. officials state these cases remain part of ongoing discussions.
Thursday, June 18, 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.
Thursday, June 18, 2026