US News

College sports bill headed to Senate for full vote...

June 18, 2026 • ESPN

Summary

The Senate Commerce Committee voted 19-9 to advance the Protect College Sports Act. This means the bill will now be considered by the full Senate.

Key Facts

The committee vote took place on a Thursday morning.
The vote result was 19 in favor and 9 against.
The bill is called the Protect College Sports Act.
The bill aims to address issues related to college sports.
Moving the bill forward means the entire Senate will now vote on it.

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ESPN

Whole life order given to UK teacher who sexually abused and murdered adopted baby

June 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A UK court sentenced Jamie Varley to life in prison without parole for sexually abusing and killing the 13-month-old baby he was adopting. His partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, received a 25-year sentence for related child abuse offenses. The baby, Preston Davey, was taken from his biological mother and had suffered many injuries before his death.

Key Facts

Jamie Varley, 37, received a whole life order, meaning he will never be released from prison.
John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for sexual abuse, cruelty, and allowing Preston’s death.
Preston Davey was adopted at nine months old after being placed with foster parents from birth.
Preston suffered about 40 injuries before dying from airway obstruction caused by smothering or foreign objects in his mouth.
Medical and police investigations found no evidence supporting Varley’s claims of accidental drowning.
Authorities had multiple chances to intervene but Preston was returned home after hospital visits and injuries were explained away.
A child safeguarding review by local council is examining how agencies handled Preston’s protection before his death.
Preston’s biological mother was in prison, and his grandmother wanted to care for him but was unable due to illness.

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Guardian World

Republicans actually do have a healthcare plan, and it’s a good one

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans have proposed a healthcare plan aiming to offer an alternative to current policies in the United States. The plan is designed to address issues in healthcare and provide solutions that differ from existing government programs.

Key Facts

Republicans have introduced a new healthcare plan.
The plan aims to change the current healthcare system.
It offers different solutions compared to existing government healthcare programs.
The goal is to present an alternative story about the Republican approach to healthcare.
The plan targets healthcare challenges faced by Americans.
It reflects the Republican Party's priorities and ideas for health policy.
The article suggests the plan is considered effective by its supporters.

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The Hill

Guardian Australia’s Matilda Boseley wins major award at 2026 Walkley mid-year media prizes

June 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Matilda Boseley from Guardian Australia won a top prize at the 2026 Walkley mid-year media awards for her innovative political storytelling series. Several journalists from major Australian news outlets also received awards for their investigative reporting and coverage on topics like crime, violence against women, science, and social issues.

Key Facts

Matilda Boseley won the award for innovative storytelling for her political explainer series "Parliamen-Tea."
Her work used fast-paced commentary and clear graphics to explain complex Australian politics to younger audiences.
Riley Walter from Sydney Morning Herald won the young Australian journalist of the year award and two other awards for crime investigation stories, including a $150 million fraud case involving NAB.
The ABC Four Corners team won the women’s leadership in media prize for investigating institutional failures affecting women.
ABC journalists also won awards for reporting on violence against women and a vitamin B6 investigation.
Nina Funnell won freelance journalist of the year for her campaign defending assault survivors’ legal privacy.
The media diversity prize was awarded to ABC journalists for reporting on racism in the trucking industry and cultural issues in aged care.
Other winners included SBS, Reuters Australia, and student journalists recognized for investigative and feature stories.

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Guardian World

Americans are spending $800 just to cool their homes. We are at a breaking point | Mark Wolfe

June 18, 2026 • Guardian Business

Summary

Many American families are facing rising costs for essential things like cooling their homes, gas, and groceries, even though the stock market has done very well. While wealthy people benefit from high stock prices, many ordinary families struggle to pay bills, with many living paycheck to paycheck and falling behind on utilities.

Key Facts

The average family will spend nearly $800 this summer just to keep their home cool, up 40% since 2020.
Americans have over $1.2 trillion in credit card debt.
Almost 60% of Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck.
One in six households is behind on utility bills, with over 13 million electric disconnections annually.
Nearly 40% of lower-income households have trouble paying their energy bills.
Recent oil market disruptions have cost the average family about $450.
Rising costs for gas, electricity, healthcare, and groceries are making it harder for families to manage expenses.
Government spending prioritizes military conflict and fossil fuels over investments in affordable energy and family support.

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Guardian Business Guardian US

WATCH: Good Samaritans race towards fiery plane on Texas highway to rescue survivors

June 18, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A private plane caught fire on a highway in Texas. Six people were on the plane, and at least one person died. Good Samaritans quickly ran to help rescue survivors from the fire.

Key Facts

The incident happened on a Texas highway.
A private plane was involved in the accident.
Six people were on board the plane.
At least one person lost their life in the crash.
Good Samaritans rushed towards the burning plane to help.
Rescuers were trying to save the survivors from the fire.
The event was reported on June 17, 2026.

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ABC News

Where Redistricting Battles Stand Across US As Georgia Declines Redraw

June 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Georgia Republicans decided not to redraw congressional and legislative maps during a special session in June, meaning the 2023 court-ordered districts will stay in place at least until the 2026 elections. This pause follows recent court rulings that affect how race can be considered when drawing district lines, a process known as redistricting.

Key Facts

Georgia Republicans chose not to change voting maps during a special legislative session in June 2024.
The current maps were ordered by a federal court in 2023 to add majority-Black districts and protect Black voting power.
These court-ordered maps aim to better match Georgia’s population and remain effective through the 2026 election cycle.
More than 10 states have updated their congressional maps since 2025, which is unusual in the middle of a decade.
A 2026 Supreme Court ruling called Louisiana v. Callais limited how race can be used in redistricting decisions.
This ruling makes it harder to require districts that are majority-minority, changing how states draw voting lines.
Georgia’s pause means at least one Democratic-leaning seat is likely preserved under the current map.
Lawmakers said they want more public input and legal clarity before making any changes.

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Newsweek

Oxfordshire council seeks injunction over flags tied to lamp-posts across county

June 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Oxfordshire county council is asking a court to stop the Raise the Colours group from putting England flags on lamp-posts across the area. The council says the flag displays have caused safety problems and upset local people, while the group says it is showing pride in England.

Key Facts

Raise the Colours has been tying England flags to lamp-posts in Oxfordshire since August last year.
The council has spent £15,000 to remove over 300 flags from public places.
The flag displays have been linked to anti-immigration protests and have caused complaints from residents.
The leader of Raise the Colours was arrested in April, suspected of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.
The council issued a legal notice in April to stop the flag-raising but the group continued, so the council is now seeking an injunction.
The flags have caused issues like trespassing, blocking roads, and harassment against council workers and residents.
An injunction could legally stop the group from putting up flags on public property and allow the council to take action if they do.
Some local politicians question the timing of the court case, as it coincides with the World Cup when many want to display flags.

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Guardian World

Newsom brushes off DOJ probe, as Democrats worry it could hurt him in 2028

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Some Democrats are concerned these investigations could harm Newsom’s chances if he runs for president in 2028.

Key Facts

The DOJ is currently investigating Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife.
The investigations are in their early stages.
Newsom is the Governor of California and a Democrat.
Some Democrats worry the probes might hurt Newsom’s reputation.
These concerns focus on Newsom’s potential presidential run in 2028.
Newsom has dismissed or downplayed the significance of the investigations.
The outcome and details of the DOJ probes are not yet public.

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The Hill

House members flailing in primaries for higher office

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Many current House members who ran for higher office instead of trying to keep their seats have lost in their party primary elections this year. This trend shows that having experience in Congress and a public profile does not guarantee winning a higher office.

Key Facts

Some House members chose to run for higher office instead of reelection.
Many of these members lost in their party primaries.
The loss rate this year may be higher than in recent election cycles.
Candidates had advantages such as national recognition and political networks.
Experience in Congress did not ensure success in the primaries.
These results reflect challenges in moving from the House to higher political positions.
The article discusses trends among House members in primary elections.

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The Hill

Senate GOP frustrations grow as Trump blocks Republican victories

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republican senators are frustrated because President Trump is blocking some of their goals. One issue is a surveillance law that lets intelligence agencies watch foreign threats; it has expired, and Republicans want to renew it but need help from Democrats to pass it through the Senate.

Key Facts

Republican senators want to reauthorize a surveillance law that has expired.
The law allows intelligence agencies to monitor foreign threats.
Renewing the law requires support from Democrats because of a Senate filibuster rule.
President Trump is blocking some Republican efforts in the Senate.
Senators feel frustrated with surprises from the White House that hinder their plans.

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The Hill

Senate Republicans raise alarm over Trump’s deal with Iran

June 18, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senate Republicans are strongly opposing President Trump’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by lifting sanctions on Iran. They worry that allowing Iran’s government access to billions of dollars could cause serious problems.

Key Facts

President Trump made a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments.
The deal involves lifting sanctions on Iran in exchange for Iran allowing free passage through the Strait.
Senate Republicans are concerned about the consequences of lifting sanctions on Iran’s theocratic government.
Republicans warn that the deal could give Iran access to billions of dollars in economic relief.
Some Senate Republicans call this move a major mistake.
The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important for global trade and oil transport.
The debate is happening on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers review and respond to the deal.

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The Hill

Chicago man faces arson, hate crime charges after cross burning in Grant Park

June 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A 21-year-old man from Chicago named Merlin Lu was charged for burning a cross in Grant Park. He faces several felony and misdemeanor charges including arson and hate crimes related to the incident.

Key Facts

Merlin Lu is 21 years old and lives in Chicago.
He is charged with felony arson and damage to property between $500 and $10,000.
Lu faces two felony hate crime charges connected to the cross burning.
He also has four misdemeanor charges including disorderly conduct and reckless conduct.
The incident happened on June 9 at South Columbus Drive near Grant Park.
Police identified Lu after releasing a surveillance image of the suspect fleeing the scene.
Lu is scheduled for a detention hearing on the Thursday following the incident.
No further details about the case have been provided by police.

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CBS News

Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones

June 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

In Greystones, Ireland, parents and schools work together to raise children without smartphones to reduce anxiety and improve focus and sleep. The community created a program called "It Takes a Village" that encourages delaying smartphone use until middle school and offers alternative activities and education on responsible phone use.

Key Facts

Greystones is a wealthy town in Ireland known for its scenic views and close community.
Many children in Greystones do not have smartphones until they are older, with some parents delaying until age 22.
A local school principal noticed rising anxiety in students after the COVID-19 pandemic and found online use was a factor.
"It Takes a Village" is a community effort encouraging parents to delay giving smartphones to children and provide other activities instead.
The program includes game nights, pet lambs for entertainment, and mentoring by older students on responsible phone use.
Older students at the local high school keep their phones locked away during school hours to improve focus.
Teachers report students are more focused in class, and parents say children sleep better.
Children say they enjoy talking more with friends and playing outside instead of using screens.

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CBS News

Long Island serial killer sentenced to life in prison

June 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

A Long Island man was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for killing a number of young women over more than ten years. The victims were mostly women in their 20s who worked as online escorts.

Key Facts

The man is called the "Gilgo Killer."
He targeted young women, mostly in their 20s.
The victims worked as online escorts.
The crimes took place on Long Island, New York.
The sentence was given on June 17, 2026.
The man will spend the rest of his life in prison.
There is no possibility of parole (early release).
The case was a mystery for more than ten years before it was solved.

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France24

Iran deal "worst policy blunder in decades": criticism spreads across US political spectrum

June 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

President Donald Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a 14-point agreement aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East. The deal has faced strong criticism from many people in the United States, including members of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Key Facts

The agreement is called a memorandum of understanding and includes 14 key points.
The full details of the agreement have not yet been made public.
President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian both signed the deal.
The goal of the agreement is to bring peace to the Middle East region.
Politicians from both major U.S. parties have strongly criticized the deal.
The controversy shows disagreement across the political spectrum in the United States.
The news was reported around June 18, 2026.
The agreement has prompted discussions on U.S. foreign policy and Middle East security.

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France24

I Got My Dream of Becoming a Mom—Months Later, One Call Changed Everything

June 18, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A woman who had recently become a mother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer. Initially, doctors thought she had an infection and treated her with antibiotics, but a biopsy confirmed the cancer diagnosis at stage 3 with possible spread to her pelvis.

Key Facts

The woman gave birth to her daughter in June 2024 after a difficult pregnancy.
She noticed her left breast stayed enlarged and felt heavy months after weaning.
Her midwife referred her to a breast surgeon after noticing changes in her breast.
Initial ultrasounds suggested mastitis (breast infection), and she was prescribed three rounds of antibiotics.
Symptoms worsened, including pain and redness in the breast.
A biopsy revealed stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, specifically inflammatory breast cancer.
A PET scan found a suspicious area on her pelvis, which was confirmed cancerous by another biopsy.
The diagnosis came when her daughter was 11 months old, shortly after she left her finance job to start a wedding planning business.

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Newsweek

Inside the White House's AI power center

June 18, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The Trump administration is reorganizing its team that handles artificial intelligence (AI) policy amid rapid technology changes and staff departures. Key officials like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are taking bigger roles in managing AI issues both in the U.S. and internationally.

Key Facts

David Sacks and Siriam Krishnan, early leaders on AI policy, are stepping back or leaving the White House.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick imposed export controls on AI company Anthropic, affecting its products.
Lutnick leads discussions about AI policy at the G7 summit and works with White House officials on AI standards.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is involved in AI safety concerns, particularly related to financial systems.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles helped ease communication between the administration and Anthropic.
Ryan Baasch from the National Economic Council continues to push AI policy efforts in Congress.
National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross and Treasury Secretary Bessent have disagreements on managing AI policy.
Some top AI technical experts are leaving the administration, reducing its technical knowledge.

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Axios

Trump's SAVE Act obsession ties Senate in knots

June 18, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump is demanding that the Senate pass the SAVE America Act, a voting bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, before renewing a key surveillance law. Senate leaders say the bill lacks enough votes and are struggling to balance Trump's demands with legislative realities.

Key Facts

President Trump refuses to support renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) unless the SAVE America Act passes.
The SAVE America Act requires voters to show documents like passports or birth certificates to register for federal elections.
Critics say the bill could make voting harder for millions of eligible people, including some women with changed names.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says there are no easy solutions and their options have been carefully explored.
The Senate postponed confirmation hearings for Trump's nominee for acting director of national intelligence due to the bill's controversy.
Trump has added unrelated proposals to the SAVE America Act, such as banning transgender women from women’s sports and limiting gender-affirming care for minors.
White House officials say the bill is a key priority and claim it is supported by most Americans.
Noncitizens are already banned from voting in federal elections under a 1996 law.

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Axios

Trump's shadow AI policy

June 18, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The Trump administration has avoided formal AI regulations but shapes the AI industry through specific actions and voluntary guidelines. This approach creates uncertainty for AI companies because there are no clear, consistent national rules. The administration is using executive actions and federal guidelines to influence how AI develops in the U.S.

Key Facts

The Trump administration opposes formal AI regulation and rescinded earlier rules from the Biden era.
Instead of clear rules, the administration uses company-specific interventions, voluntary frameworks, and executive orders.
Congress has not passed AI laws yet, so the administration is leading AI policy through executive actions.
The administration focuses on overriding state AI laws, national security, government use of AI, and economic impacts.
Export controls and voluntary testing guidelines are part of the "shadow AI policy" shaping the industry.
AI company leaders met President Trump at the G7 summit to discuss possible global AI standards.
Companies like Anthropic are negotiating with the administration over export controls and compliance.
New federal rules may set privacy and security standards for AI systems used by the government.

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