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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump faces fresh bipartisan criticism on Iran deal as Vance hails peace talks

Trump faces fresh bipartisan criticism on Iran deal as Vance hails peace talks

June 21, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump signed a preliminary agreement with Iran that has drawn criticism from politicians on both sides of the U.S. political spectrum. While some leaders warned the deal gives Iran too many benefits without sufficient conditions, Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about ongoing peace talks in Switzerland.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran last Wednesday in Paris.
  • Senator John Cornyn criticized the deal, saying economic sanctions have failed to stop Iran’s actions.
  • Susan Rice, a senior Democratic figure, called the agreement “flimsy” and criticized the early concessions to Iran.
  • The deal allows Iran to sell all its oil and use the money freely, before resolving nuclear issues.
  • Rice contrasted this deal with the previous Obama-era deal, which limited Iran’s access to funds and kept sanctions until full agreement.
  • Senator Cory Booker described the agreement as a "surrender" and criticized the administration’s approach.
  • President Trump threatened military action if Iran does not cooperate and reduce influence from Hezbollah.
  • Vice President JD Vance said the first round of direct peace talks in Switzerland showed progress.
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Guardian US Guardian World
Graham asks Trump to move forward with Clayton’s DNI nomination

Graham asks Trump to move forward with Clayton’s DNI nomination

June 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham asked President Donald Trump to continue moving forward with the nomination of Jay Clayton to be the head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). President Trump had announced he might delay the nomination, but Graham encouraged him to proceed.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham is from South Carolina and a member of the Republican Party.
  • Jay Clayton is the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
  • The nomination is for the position of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
  • President Donald Trump said he might delay Clayton’s nomination.
  • Graham publicly requested that President Trump proceed with the nomination.
  • Graham made his request during an interview on CBS News’s “Face the Nation” show.
  • The ODNI oversees the U.S. intelligence community.
  • The nomination process involves Senate approval after the President’s choice.
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The Hill
Chicago Mulls Renaming Street Outside Trump Tower After Obama Amid Feuds

Chicago Mulls Renaming Street Outside Trump Tower After Obama Amid Feuds

June 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Chicago is considering renaming the street outside Trump International Hotel & Tower after President Barack Obama. This idea follows the opening of the Obama Presidential Center and reflects ongoing political tensions between President Donald Trump and President Obama.

Key Facts

  • An online petition has gathered over 30,000 signatures to rename North Wabash Avenue to Barack Hussein Obama Avenue.
  • The street runs alongside the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago.
  • Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly proposed an honorary street designation, but city rules often limit such honors for living people.
  • The proposal is connected to the recent opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side.
  • President Trump criticized the Obama Presidential Center and the city, calling the design a "total disaster."
  • Trump frequently highlights crime in Chicago and has publicly claimed he could improve safety quickly.
  • Obama’s supporters emphasize the new center’s focus on community and education rather than political disputes.
  • The Obama Foundation has publicly invited President Trump to visit the new center.
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Newsweek
Trump admin’s coal investments assist plants with repeated violations

Trump admin’s coal investments assist plants with repeated violations

June 21, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The Trump administration gave $46 million to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to keep the Cumberland Fossil Plant, a coal-fired power plant, running longer despite its history of pollution violations. This funding is part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump to support older coal plants nationwide, even when some have repeatedly broken environmental rules.

Key Facts

  • The Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee was planned to close by 2028 due to pollution and equipment problems.
  • The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) faced a lawsuit in 2011 for not installing pollution controls earlier.
  • The plant had more air pollution violations in 2017 and 2023.
  • After President Trump replaced four TVA board members, the decision to close the plant was reversed in February 2023.
  • The Energy Department provided $46 million to extend the life of Cumberland and other coal plants.
  • At least three funded plants, including Cumberland, have repeatedly violated air and water pollution laws.
  • Experts say keeping coal plants open worsens pollution, climate change, and public health risks, causing thousands of deaths.
  • The Trump administration has also reduced environmental regulations and enforcement on the coal industry.
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Ars Technica
3 killed when private plane crashes into Maryland woods: Officials

3 killed when private plane crashes into Maryland woods: Officials

June 21, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A small private plane crashed into wooded land near a neighborhood in Bowie, Maryland, killing all three men on board. The plane had taken off from Ocean City, New Jersey, and was heading to Montgomery County Air Park when it crashed about 15 minutes after takeoff.

Key Facts

  • The plane was a single-engine Piper Cherokee aircraft.
  • Three adult men—the pilot and two passengers—died in the crash.
  • The crash site was close to homes in Bowie, Maryland.
  • The aircraft is believed to belong to a local flight school and may have been on a training flight.
  • The plane took off around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and crashed near the intersection of routes 50 and 301.
  • An iPhone crash alert helped authorities locate the crash quickly.
  • No one on the ground was injured in the crash.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause.
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ABC News
Rep. Jason Crow says he's worried "Americans are at risk" with Pulte as acting DNI

Rep. Jason Crow says he's worried "Americans are at risk" with Pulte as acting DNI

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Rep. Jason Crow expressed concern that Americans are at risk with Bill Pulte serving as the acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Trump due to Pulte's lack of experience in national security. Democrats opposed extending a surveillance law, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), partly because of worries about Pulte's appointment and the program's privacy implications.

Key Facts

  • Bill Pulte was appointed acting DNI by President Trump after Tulsi Gabbard resigned.
  • Pulte has no national security experience and previously worked in housing finance.
  • Democrats and some Republicans questioned Pulte's qualifications and loyalty to President Trump.
  • Democrats blocked the extension of Section 702, a surveillance law allowing intelligence agencies to monitor overseas targets, which expired recently.
  • Rep. Jason Crow is on the House Intelligence Committee and said the DNI position requires significant intelligence experience to keep Americans safe.
  • Senate Republicans wanted to quickly confirm Jay Clayton as the long-term DNI to resolve the issue.
  • President Trump canceled Clayton’s confirmation hearing after conflict over the FISA reauthorization.
  • Sen. Lindsey Graham encouraged President Trump to allow Clayton to testify and warned that shutting down FISA puts U.S. security at risk.
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CBS News
Trump says beleaguered reflecting pool will ‘probably’ be drained for repairs

Trump says beleaguered reflecting pool will ‘probably’ be drained for repairs

June 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington will probably be drained for repairs due to problems like algae and peeling paint after a recent $14.2 million renovation. He also said several people were arrested for vandalism related to damage around the pool, but details about these arrests are unclear.

Key Facts

  • The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool had algae blooms and peeling paint after a costly renovation.
  • The renovation cost $14.2 million and was done quickly before America’s 250th anniversary.
  • President Trump announced the pool will likely be drained to fix the issues.
  • Trump blamed vandals for many problems, including damage and chemical contamination.
  • Several people were reportedly arrested for vandalism, but details are limited.
  • An Olympic athlete was arrested on a minor charge after touching peeling paint at the pool.
  • Trump said the pool looked better than it had since 1922 after the renovation.
  • There was earlier vandalism that included a large cut in the pool’s facade and damage to the surrounding grass.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Booker says ‘Iran gets all of the benefits’ in Trump deal

Booker says ‘Iran gets all of the benefits’ in Trump deal

June 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Cory Booker said that Iran is getting all the benefits from a deal related to ending the conflict in Iran. He mentioned that leaders from both political parties are criticizing the deal.

Key Facts

  • Senator Cory Booker is from New Jersey and is a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Booker spoke about a deal aimed at ending the war in Iran.
  • He said Iran is receiving all the benefits from this deal.
  • Politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed concerns.
  • The deal has been described by critics as involving surrender and catastrophe.
  • Booker made these comments during an interview on NBC News.
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The Hill
6/21: Face The Nation

6/21: Face The Nation

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The TV show "Face the Nation" featured a discussion about sensitive diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Guests included U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Representative Jason Crow.

Key Facts

  • "Face the Nation" is a CBS News program.
  • The episode aired on June 21.
  • The main topic was diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran.
  • U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz was a guest on the show.
  • Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, participated in the discussion.
  • Representative Jason Crow, a Democrat, also joined the conversation.
  • The talk focused on current U.S. foreign relations with Iran.
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CBS News
Starmer considers political future as pressure to quit mounts

Starmer considers political future as pressure to quit mounts

June 21, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is thinking about his future after winning a recent election by Andy Burnham raised pressure on him to step down. Some ministers and MPs want Starmer to announce when he will leave, while Burnham prepares to challenge him for leadership.

Key Facts

  • Sir Keir Starmer is considering his future as Labour leader amid growing calls for him to resign.
  • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, increasing Labour’s chances to challenge Starmer’s leadership.
  • Some senior ministers want Starmer to set a timetable for his departure.
  • US President Donald Trump said Starmer “will resign as prime minister” and criticized his record on immigration and energy.
  • Starmer has said he will fight any formal leadership challenge, which would involve a vote by Labour members and trade unions.
  • Business Secretary Peter Kyle said Starmer is thinking carefully about the political situation and that any decisions will consider the country's best interests.
  • There are concerns that a leadership contest could hurt the party and create uncertainty for markets.
  • Andy Burnham is expected to take up his seat in Parliament soon and may challenge Starmer for Labour leadership.
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BBC Top Stories
Face the Nation: Crow, Book, Hochstein, Salvanto

Face the Nation: Crow, Book, Hochstein, Salvanto

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Democratic Representative Jason Crow talks about national security. Experts Kevin Book and Amos Hochstein explain how the U.S.-Iran deal affects energy. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto reviews new polls about the Iran war.

Key Facts

  • Jason Crow is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • He discussed topics related to national security on the TV show Face the Nation.
  • Kevin Book and Amos Hochstein talked about the effects of the U.S.-Iran agreement on energy.
  • The U.S.-Iran deal has implications for energy markets or supplies.
  • Anthony Salvanto shared new polling information about the ongoing situation with the Iran war.
  • The information was presented on the CBS News program Face the Nation.
  • The discussion combined politics, energy issues, and public opinion polls.
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CBS News
Susan Rice slams ‘flimsy’ Trump Iran MOU amid ‘stupid war’: ‘This is a very bad outcome’

Susan Rice slams ‘flimsy’ Trump Iran MOU amid ‘stupid war’: ‘This is a very bad outcome’

June 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Susan Rice criticized President Donald Trump’s memo of understanding (MOU) with Iran, calling it weak and a bad result. She said the deal gave too many concessions to Iran too quickly and is worried about its effects.

Key Facts

  • Susan Rice is a former U.S. national security adviser.
  • She spoke to ABC News about the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran.
  • The deal is a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU).
  • Rice described the MOU as “flimsy” and poorly made.
  • She said the agreement gave Iran many concessions upfront.
  • Rice called the situation a “very bad outcome.”
  • She also referred to the ongoing conflict connected to this deal as a “stupid war.”
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The Hill
New Book Alleges Treasury Secretary Called Zelensky ‘Special-Needs Child’

New Book Alleges Treasury Secretary Called Zelensky ‘Special-Needs Child’

June 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new book about President Donald Trump’s second term claims Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made disrespectful remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before Zelensky’s visit to the White House in early 2023. The visit included a tense meeting and a cancelled minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • The book "Regime Change" by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan uses many interviews from inside the Trump administration.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allegedly called Zelensky insulting names, including “special-needs child” and “Mr. Bean on crack.”
  • Zelensky visited the White House on February 28, 2023, for a planned minerals deal and joint press conference.
  • The meeting turned into a shouting match involving President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky.
  • The press conference and minerals deal were cancelled after the meeting.
  • A minerals agreement was eventually signed in April 2023 between the two countries.
  • Bessent urged President Trump not to invite Zelensky before Ukraine agreed to U.S. terms on minerals.
  • Bessent described the White House meeting as a major diplomatic failure due to Zelensky’s behavior.
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Newsweek
Transcript: Lindsey Graham on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026

Transcript: Lindsey Graham on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Democratic Representative Jason Crow expressed concerns about Bill Pulte, the acting Director of National Intelligence, saying he lacks the proper experience and loyalty to President Trump might make him use his position for political purposes. Crow also opposed renewing the surveillance law known as FISA because he believes it risks Americans' privacy and civil rights.

Key Facts

  • Jason Crow is a Democratic congressman from Colorado serving on Armed Services and the Intelligence Committee.
  • Bill Pulte is currently the acting Director of National Intelligence.
  • Pulte is under investigation by the Government Accountability Office for allegedly using mortgage information against President Trump's political opponents.
  • Crow worries that Pulte lacks the necessary intelligence experience required by law for this role.
  • Crow opposes renewing the FISA surveillance law without proper safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties.
  • Crow has voted against the recent FISA reauthorization and calls for a short-term extension with stronger checks.
  • Public reports claim the Trump administration may have bypassed legal privacy protections using certain tools, but the administration has not responded.
  • Crow says he and Democratic Intelligence Committee Chair Jim Himes are aligned on concerns about privacy violations.
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CBS News
Trump Late-Night Post Sparks Scramble to ID Mystery Woman in Photo

Trump Late-Night Post Sparks Scramble to ID Mystery Woman in Photo

June 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump posted a photo of an unidentified woman on Truth Social, calling her a "Great daughter" without explaining who she is. Investigations suggest the woman might be Margo Catsimatidis, a businesswoman with ties to New York and connections to the Republican Party through her daughter.

Key Facts

  • President Trump shared a photo of a smiling blonde woman holding a landline phone, captioned "Great daughter. My Honor!!!"
  • The woman is not one of President Trump’s daughters and no details were given about her identity.
  • Newsweek’s analysis suggests the photo was taken inside Camp David, the presidential retreat.
  • The furniture and decor in the photo hint it dates back to President Bill Clinton’s time in office.
  • Journalists and online users speculate the woman is Margo Catsimatidis, a business and community leader.
  • Margo Catsimatidis founded a major advertising agency and is active in philanthropy and Greek-American causes.
  • Her daughter, Andrea Catsimatidis, is a known GOP supporter who has publicly met and supported President Trump.
  • The White House did not provide a comment about the post as of the article’s publication.
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Newsweek
Graham on Iran deal: ‘I think it’s going to fail’

Graham on Iran deal: ‘I think it’s going to fail’

June 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham said he believes the tentative deal between the U.S. and Iran will not succeed. He warned that without a clear diplomatic agreement, the U.S. might have to consider war or other strong actions.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina and is a Republican.
  • He spoke about the U.S.-Iran tentative agreement during an interview on “Face the Nation.”
  • Graham referred to the “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) in the discussion.
  • He expressed doubt that the deal would work.
  • Graham suggested that if diplomacy fails, the U.S. could resort to war or other forms of coercion.
  • The interview was given to Margaret Brennan, the host of “Face the Nation.”
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The Hill
Pilot reports passenger bit fellow flyer on plane approaching Philadelphia

Pilot reports passenger bit fellow flyer on plane approaching Philadelphia

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A passenger became aggressive and bit another passenger on an American Airlines flight approaching Philadelphia. The pilot requested medical and police help at the airport as a precaution upon landing.

Key Facts

  • The American Airlines flight left Charlotte, North Carolina, and landed near 10 a.m. in Philadelphia.
  • The passenger was described as combative and biting a fellow flyer.
  • The pilot told air traffic control the passenger was "trying to fight everybody."
  • Emergency medical teams and law enforcement were asked to meet the plane on arrival.
  • It is unclear if the aggressive passenger was arrested or detained.
  • Recently, there have been several incidents of unruly passengers on other U.S. flights.
  • Other flights were forced to land early due to passengers trying to open exit doors or having mental health crises.
  • The FBI is investigating some of these recent airline disturbances.
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CBS News
CBS News poll finds most Americans want Iran war to end but don't think U.S. got better end of deal

CBS News poll finds most Americans want Iran war to end but don't think U.S. got better end of deal

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A CBS News poll shows that most Americans want the war involving Iran to end. However, many people do not think the United States gained a good outcome from the conflict.

Key Facts

  • The poll was conducted by CBS News.
  • Most Americans want the war with Iran to come to an end.
  • Few Americans believe that the U.S. got a better deal or advantage from the war.
  • The poll results were discussed by CBS News Executive Director of Elections and Surveys Anthony Salvanto.
  • The discussion took place on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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CBS News
Obama urges resiliency and unity during speech at Obama Presidential Center opening

Obama urges resiliency and unity during speech at Obama Presidential Center opening

June 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attended the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Barack Obama spoke about the importance of staying strong and united. The center opened to the public on Juneteenth.

Key Facts

  • The Obama Presidential Center is located on the South Side of Chicago.
  • The opening ceremony took place one day before the center opened to the public.
  • Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attended the event with their daughters.
  • Barack Obama encouraged people to be resilient, meaning to stay strong during tough times.
  • He also called for unity, which means working together and supporting each other.
  • The center opened on Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.
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CBS News
Burnham ally to unveil ambitious plan to reverse decades of privatisation

Burnham ally to unveil ambitious plan to reverse decades of privatisation

June 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham’s plan proposes reversing decades of privatisation by bringing essential utilities like water and energy under more public control through a long-term process. The plan suggests ways for the government to step in when private companies fail, aiming to make basic services more affordable and reliable for people.

Key Facts

  • The policy is called The Productive State and aims to reverse 40 years of privatisation.
  • It focuses on taking control of failing private utility companies through legal and financial tools like “bonds for shares.”
  • The plan targets essential services such as water, energy, and transport to reduce costs for households.
  • It argues that privatisation has increased everyday bills by adding a “privatisation premium.”
  • The plan seeks to create public competitors and increase state ownership without full nationalisation of all utilities.
  • The author, Mathew Lawrence, worked closely with Andy Burnham and the Labour group Mainstream.
  • Burnham may seek wider political leadership in Westminster soon.
  • The approach aims to protect the public from rising costs and risks of private company failures.
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Guardian World
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