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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Driving test wait time target will not be met until autumn next year

Driving test wait time target will not be met until autumn next year

June 17, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The wait time for booking a driving test in the UK is currently about 22 weeks and is not expected to drop to the government’s target of seven weeks until autumn 2025. The government has introduced new rules to stop test reselling and fake bookings, but high demand and staffing shortages continue to cause delays.

Key Facts

  • In April, the average wait time to book a driving test was nearly 22 weeks.
  • Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the wait was about five weeks.
  • The target is to reduce waits to seven weeks by autumn 2025, later than originally planned.
  • New rules mean only learners can book tests themselves, limiting changes to booked slots and restricting test swaps to nearby centers.
  • Test swaps have dropped by 70% since the new rules started in May and June.
  • There were 147 more driving examiners employed in the year to May.
  • Some learners have paid high prices to get test slots from resellers, who sometimes use driving instructors’ login details illegally.
  • The government plans to publish more detailed wait time data broken down by test center location.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Kash Patel accused of directing $1m to ‘slush fund’ to pay bonuses to loyalist agents

Kash Patel accused of directing $1m to ‘slush fund’ to pay bonuses to loyalist agents

June 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel is accused of directing over $1 million in extra bonus payments to a small group of agents loyal to him, possibly breaking federal law. The payments were so large and frequent they depleted FBI bonus funds and raised questions about their purpose, including whether they were to keep witnesses quiet.

Key Facts

  • Kash Patel is accused of giving more than $1 million in taxpayer-funded bonuses to a few loyal FBI agents.
  • Some agents received nearly $8,000 every two weeks, on top of the federal salary limit.
  • Several agents got these payments for at least five pay periods, totaling about $40,000 each.
  • These payouts emptied the FBI’s bonus reserve accounts, causing some payments to bounce.
  • The main recipients were on Patel’s “Director’s Advisory Team,” formed in 2025 to target officials who investigated President Trump and allies.
  • Critics say some agents got bonuses for work outside their official duties or to stay silent about Patel’s personal behavior.
  • Patel sued the Atlantic and a reporter for $250 million over claims of erratic conduct and drinking.
  • Patel was asked by House Democrats to report details of all bonus payments by June 29.
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Guardian World Guardian US
3 important steps to reform hospital-based emergency care

3 important steps to reform hospital-based emergency care

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses the need to change how hospital emergency care works. Without these changes, emergency rooms might keep struggling with money and patients could face avoidable dangers.

Key Facts

  • Hospital emergency care is currently unstable financially.
  • Patients in emergency rooms face risks that could be prevented.
  • Reforming emergency care practices is necessary to improve safety.
  • The article suggests there are three important steps to fix emergency care.
  • Without changes, the current problems in emergency care will continue.
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The Hill
Survivors of violence could see debt erased as N.Y. law goes into effect

Survivors of violence could see debt erased as N.Y. law goes into effect

June 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

New York has started a new law that helps survivors of domestic violence erase debt they were forced to take on by abusers. This law aims to relieve financial burdens that survivors face, such as bad credit, which can make it hard to find housing or work. The law protects victims but includes limits to prevent misuse.

Key Facts

  • A new law in New York helps survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking erase coerced debt.
  • This law took effect recently and makes New York the eighth state to offer this type of relief.
  • Many survivors have debts up to $20,000 forced on them, which can hurt their credit and personal safety.
  • Juliette, a survivor, had $7,000 in debt on a credit card she never used, which damaged her credit score and housing options.
  • Banks previously required survivors and abusers to meet in person to close accounts, which posed safety risks.
  • The law was changed after banks raised concerns to limit potential abuse of the relief program.
  • The Center for Survivor Agency and Justice says that coerced debt affects survivors’ access to housing, jobs, and transportation.
  • The law aims to help survivors regain financial stability and move forward without unfair debt tied to abuse.
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CBS News
Trump’s pick to lead FEMA pledges to be ‘fair and reasonable’ in assessing disaster aid requests

Trump’s pick to lead FEMA pledges to be ‘fair and reasonable’ in assessing disaster aid requests

June 17, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump has nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hamilton promised senators that he will be fair and reasonable when reviewing disaster aid requests.

Key Facts

  • Cameron Hamilton was nominated by President Trump to be the head of FEMA.
  • Hamilton led FEMA briefly in 2025 but was fired after defending the agency’s importance.
  • President Trump had earlier suggested the idea of dismantling FEMA.
  • Hamilton is the first FEMA leader without experience as a state or local emergency management director.
  • He has publicly criticized FEMA in the past but said eliminating it is not in the public’s best interest.
  • Hamilton pledged to follow the law and be consistent when reviewing disaster aid requests.
  • His nomination was reviewed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
  • The committee considered 10 nominees at once, which some senators said limited careful review.
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AP News
How Supreme Court Move Could Upend Indefinite ICE Detentions

How Supreme Court Move Could Upend Indefinite ICE Detentions

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if immigrants with criminal records can be held in federal custody for long periods without a bond hearing. This case challenges whether the Constitution limits how long immigration authorities can detain someone without reviewing their case individually.

Key Facts

  • The Court agreed to hear an appeal from President Donald Trump’s administration on June 15, 2026.
  • The case involves immigrants with criminal histories detained without bond hearings during deportation proceedings.
  • Current federal law requires detention of certain immigrants with specified criminal records while their removal cases proceed.
  • The legal issue is whether constitutional due process limits how long these immigrants can be held without a hearing.
  • One immigrant was held for seven months, another for 21 months without bond hearings.
  • The Supreme Court did not settle this constitutional question in its 2018 Jennings v. Rodriguez ruling.
  • The dispute reflects a balance between immigrant rights to challenge detention and public safety concerns.
  • Possible outcomes include reaffirming current detention rules, imposing new limits, or setting a compromise approach.
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Newsweek
Thune: ‘The votes currently aren’t there’ to get rid of filibuster, pass Save America Act

Thune: ‘The votes currently aren’t there’ to get rid of filibuster, pass Save America Act

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there are not enough votes in the Senate to remove the filibuster rule to pass the SAVE America Act. He explained that ending the filibuster is currently not supported by most senators in his party.

Key Facts

  • John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a Republican from South Dakota.
  • The SAVE America Act aims to change voting rules, but details were not provided in the article.
  • The filibuster is a Senate rule that requires most bills to get 60 votes to pass.
  • Removing or "nuking" the filibuster means changing this rule to allow bills to pass with fewer votes.
  • Thune said his party does not have enough senators to remove the filibuster for this bill.
  • Without ending the filibuster, the SAVE America Act cannot currently pass in the Senate.
  • The filibuster is a key point in ongoing debates about voting laws in the U.S.
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The Hill
Billionaire Rick Jackson beats Trump-endorsed Burt Jones in Georgia Senate runoff race

Billionaire Rick Jackson beats Trump-endorsed Burt Jones in Georgia Senate runoff race

June 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Billionaire Rick Jackson won the Republican runoff race for Georgia governor, defeating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was supported by President Trump. Jackson will compete against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election.

Key Facts

  • Rick Jackson is a billionaire and healthcare executive.
  • Burt Jones is the current Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.
  • Burt Jones was endorsed by President Donald Trump in the runoff race.
  • Rick Jackson won the Republican runoff for Georgia governor.
  • The runoff race was to decide the Republican candidate for governor.
  • Jackson will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election this November.
  • The result was projected by CBS News.
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CBS News
WATCH LIVE: New Fed chair Kevin Warsh holds first news conference after interest rate decision

WATCH LIVE: New Fed chair Kevin Warsh holds first news conference after interest rate decision

June 17, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump’s pick, Kevin Warsh, is leading his first Federal Reserve meeting and holding his first news conference as Fed chair. The central bank is expected to keep interest rates steady at about 3.6% and may signal no immediate plans to lower rates.

Key Facts

  • Kevin Warsh is the new chair of the Federal Reserve, appointed by President Donald Trump.
  • Warsh held his first policy meeting and news conference on Wednesday.
  • The Fed is expected to keep its key interest rate at 3.6%, unchanged for the fourth meeting in a row.
  • The Fed’s statement may no longer suggest that interest rates will be lowered soon.
  • This could mean rates stay steady for a longer time or even rise if inflation remains high.
  • Warsh has a background as an investment banker and was a Fed board member from 2006 to 2011.
  • He is also a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, a conservative think tank.
  • Wall Street, economists, and the White House are closely watching Warsh’s leadership style and decisions.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump seeks to slow confirming his pick for spy chief and delay hearing

Trump seeks to slow confirming his pick for spy chief and delay hearing

June 17, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

President Donald Trump wants to delay the Senate hearing to confirm his nominee, Jay Clayton, as the country’s top intelligence officer. Trump links this delay to his demand that lawmakers pass a new voting law alongside surveillance legislation, which is currently stalled in Congress.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton is nominated to become the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the top U.S. spy chief.
  • Clayton’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before the Senate intelligence committee.
  • President Trump wants to delay the hearing until the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the SAVE America Act (voting law) are passed together.
  • The SAVE America Act would require ID and citizenship proof to vote, a measure opposed by many Democrats.
  • Senate committee Chair Tom Cotton says the hearing will go on unless Trump cancels it or withdraws Clayton’s nomination.
  • Vice-chair Mark Warner criticized Trump for mixing national security with political issues via social media.
  • Bill Pulte, the current acting DNI without a national security background, will remain in charge until Clayton is confirmed and his replacement at the Southern District of New York is approved.
  • The DNI oversees 18 intelligence agencies and advises the president on intelligence and national security.
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BBC US
WATCH LIVE: Senate holds confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton despite Trump pressure to delay

WATCH LIVE: Senate holds confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton despite Trump pressure to delay

June 17, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump said he is delaying the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead U.S. intelligence in order to push Congress to act on a voter ID bill. Despite this, the Senate Intelligence Committee planned to go ahead with Clayton’s confirmation hearing.

Key Facts

  • President Trump delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination for intelligence director to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill.
  • The voter ID bill currently does not have enough support to pass in Congress.
  • The Senate Intelligence Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton.
  • Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the committee, said the hearing would continue unless Trump withdrew Clayton or told him not to appear.
  • Trump announced he will keep Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
  • Lawmakers from both parties opposed Pulte due to his lack of intelligence experience and political actions.
  • Opposition to Pulte led Trump to choose Jay Clayton instead.
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PBS NewsHour
Donald Trump’s Love of McDonald’s and the Apple Pie Revival

Donald Trump’s Love of McDonald’s and the Apple Pie Revival

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

McDonald’s is bringing back its original fried apple pie in the U.S. for a limited time, tied to America’s 250th anniversary. The White House highlighted this return, showing President Donald Trump with McDonald’s bags, reinforcing his long-known connection with the fast-food chain.

Key Facts

  • McDonald’s original fried apple pie was first introduced in 1968 and mostly replaced by a baked version in 1992.
  • The fried apple pie is returning starting June 23 at many U.S. McDonald’s locations for a limited time.
  • The revival is linked to America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
  • President Donald Trump has a longstanding connection to McDonald’s, including a 2002 commercial and serving it to guests during his presidency.
  • The White House social media account shared a photo of President Trump with McDonald’s bags to promote the pie’s return.
  • The fried apple pie’s return contrasts with Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which promotes healthier lifestyles.
  • The U.S. Oil & Gas Association humorously commented on the fried pie return, referencing petroleum jelly’s use for minor burns.
  • The pie’s filling uses 100% American-grown apples and keeps the original fried crust recipe.
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Newsweek
Pauline Hanson’s speech ‘shameful’ and echoed ‘rubbish’ from rightwing figures in UK and US, critics say

Pauline Hanson’s speech ‘shameful’ and echoed ‘rubbish’ from rightwing figures in UK and US, critics say

June 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, gave a speech criticizing transgender rights and multiculturalism in Australia, which drew strong criticism from advocacy groups and political opponents. Critics said her comments could increase hate and violence against transgender people and promote racist views.

Key Facts

  • Pauline Hanson spoke at the National Press Club about transgender issues and multiculturalism.
  • Hanson claimed transgender ideology affects many government areas but gave no evidence.
  • She said schoolchildren are being forced to accept dangerous ideas about gender.
  • Hanson opposed transwomen competing in women’s sports and wants to remove the sex discrimination commissioner.
  • Advocacy groups warn her speech could increase violence against LGBTIQ+ people.
  • Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Hanson’s speech copied right-wing views from the UK and US and was full of hate.
  • Hanson said Australia should be “monocultural,” which refugee groups and ethnic councils rejected as false and divisive.
  • Critics linked Hanson’s words to a rise in racism and attacks on multicultural communities in Australia.
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Guardian World
Scott Bessent’s most important speech wasn’t about tariffs

Scott Bessent’s most important speech wasn’t about tariffs

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Scott Bessent calls for the United States to create a strong industrial policy. He says Washington has avoided this for many years, but now it is necessary.

Key Facts

  • Scott Bessent made a speech about U.S. industrial policy.
  • He argues for serious government action to support American industries.
  • Washington has avoided making industrial policy for decades.
  • Industrial policy means the government helps guide and support key industries.
  • Bessent believes this is important for the U.S. economy and competitiveness.
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The Hill
Luigi Mangione will assert psychiatric defense in murder case in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

Luigi Mangione will assert psychiatric defense in murder case in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

June 17, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Luigi Mangione will use a psychiatric defense in his state murder trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This defense means Mangione admits to the killing but claims he was under extreme emotional distress when it happened, which could result in a lesser charge like manslaughter instead of murder.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
  • Mangione’s lawyers say he had "extreme emotional disturbance" at the time of the killing.
  • If the jury accepts this defense, he could be convicted of manslaughter, which carries a lighter sentence than murder.
  • This psychiatric defense is different from a "not guilty by reason of insanity" defense.
  • A secret hearing about the defense was held and recently unsealed by Judge Gregory Carro.
  • Mangione is also facing federal charges, including stalking, which do not allow this psychiatric defense.
  • His state trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026; the federal trial is set for October 13, 2026.
  • Brian Thompson was killed on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan as he walked to a UnitedHealth investor event.
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AP News
Trump delays Clayton’s nomination for intelligence director, but committee chairman promises hearing

Trump delays Clayton’s nomination for intelligence director, but committee chairman promises hearing

June 17, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination to lead U.S. intelligence to pressure Congress to pass a voter ID law. Despite the delay, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton promised to hold a hearing for Clayton’s nomination.

Key Facts

  • President Trump postponed Jay Clayton’s nomination for director of national intelligence.
  • Trump wants Congress to act on a voter ID bill before the nomination proceeds.
  • Tom Cotton, Republican senator and committee chairman, plans to hold the hearing regardless.
  • The move creates uncertainty about who will lead the 18-agency U.S. intelligence community.
  • A key government surveillance program recently expired amid political disagreements.
  • Trump had previously appointed Bill Pulte as acting director, which faced bipartisan opposition due to his lack of intelligence experience.
  • Senate Democrats and Republicans have expressed frustration with the White House’s handling of the situation.
  • The controversy is connected to the renewal of the surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
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AP News
D.C. Democratic primary for mayor results still undetermined in city's first ranked-choice election

D.C. Democratic primary for mayor results still undetermined in city's first ranked-choice election

June 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Democratic primary for mayor in Washington, D.C., remains undecided with Janeese Lewis George leading. This is the first time D.C. used ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates and the lowest are eliminated until one gets over 50%. Both main candidates want to maintain D.C.'s local control despite efforts by President Trump to increase federal influence.

Key Facts

  • Janeese Lewis George leads the Democratic primary with 64% of votes counted, but no winner declared yet.
  • Kenyan McDuffie is the other leading candidate, urging patience during vote counting.
  • Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates, and candidates are eliminated until someone wins over 50%.
  • D.C. mails ballots automatically to all registered voters, so many vote by mail.
  • The Democratic primary is the key race because D.C. is heavily Democratic.
  • Both candidates want to keep D.C.'s home rule, limiting federal control over local decisions.
  • President Trump has increased federal presence in D.C., including using federal law enforcement and National Guard.
  • Trump said he would not like Lewis George as mayor and suggested possibly taking over D.C. governance federally.
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CBS News
A look at recent deadly aviation accidents in the US

A look at recent deadly aviation accidents in the US

June 17, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Three different aircraft crashed recently in the U.S., killing 21 people in Missouri, California, and Texas. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are looking into the causes of these accidents.

Key Facts

  • A Cessna Citation Latitude business jet crashed near Laredo, Texas, killing one person and injuring others.
  • The Texas jet was traveling from Mexico to Austin and crashed on a highway close to Laredo International Airport.
  • A B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people on board during a test mission.
  • The B-52 crash involved military personnel and Boeing employees and was related to a radar modernization program.
  • A small plane with skydivers crashed in Butler, Missouri, killing 12 people.
  • The causes of all three crashes are still under investigation by the NTSB.
  • Witnesses reported chaotic scenes at the Texas crash, with people trying to rescue those trapped inside the burning jet.
  • The B-52 is a long-serving bomber used by the U.S. military since 1955 and is being updated to stay operational through 2050.
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ABC News
Trump's DNI fight turns into Senate cliffhanger

Trump's DNI fight turns into Senate cliffhanger

June 17, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Senator Tom Cotton said the confirmation hearing for President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, is still planned for Wednesday, despite President Trump's statement that the hearing was canceled. The situation is unclear as President Trump linked the nomination to another approval and suggested an acting director will stay in place for now.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton is President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence.
  • The Senate confirmation hearing for Clayton is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
  • Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the hearing would continue unless the president cancels it or withdraws the nomination.
  • President Trump tweeted early Wednesday that the hearing was canceled and would wait until James McDonald, his pick for U.S. attorney, was approved.
  • Bill Pulte is currently serving as the acting director of national intelligence and is a close ally of the president.
  • The White House referred questions about the hearing to President Trump's social media posts.
  • The nomination is seen as an attempt to reduce tensions between the White House and Republican senators.
  • President Trump connected the confirmation process to other political decisions, including his voting bill.
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Axios
Sen. John Kennedy not ruling out White House bid

Sen. John Kennedy not ruling out White House bid

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana said he is not ruling out running for president after his current Senate term ends in 2029. For now, he plans to run again for the Senate but is open to other possibilities.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Kennedy represents Louisiana.
  • He is currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate.
  • His current term will end in January 2029.
  • Kennedy plans to run for the Senate again in the next election.
  • He has not ruled out the possibility of running for president.
  • Kennedy made these remarks during an interview on Tuesday.
  • He mentioned many people might run for president, implying competition.
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The Hill
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