Illinois universal lead testing for children began Wednesday, July 1, 2026, replacing the state’s previous ZIP code-based approach. Under the new standard, children across Illinois are to receive automatic blood lead tests at 12 and 24 months, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Illinois Universal Lead Testing Replaces ZIP Code Limits IDPH announced the change on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Previously, automatic testing requirements foc

President Donald Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure shows more than $2.2 billion in reported revenue and income from cryptocurrency ventures, golf properties, licensing agreements, investments and legal settlements. The U.S. Office of Government Ethics released Trump’s certified annual financial disclosure on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The nearly 1,000-page filing provides an extensive but incomplete picture of his businesses, assets and incom

If an overseas absentee ballot has not arrived, the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot can serve as an emergency backup for eligible U.S. voters abroad. The FWAB is intended for voters covered by UOCAVA who requested a regular ballot on time but may not receive it early enough to return it by their state’s deadline. Related overview: Read how Americans abroad ca

FPCA 2026 applications allow eligible Americans abroad to register and request an absentee ballot for the U.S. midterm elections. The federal general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Related overview: Read how Americans abroad can vote in the 2026 midterm elections

About 2.2 million Americans living abroad are eligible to vote absentee, but overseas participation remains far below the U.S. voting rate. For the 2026 midterm elections, citizens abroad should start early because registration and ballot deadlines vary by state. Overseas Voting in the 2026 Midterm Elections The federal general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All 435 U.S. House seats and approximately one-third of Se

US Eases Restrictions on Advanced AI Models The United States government has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic’s most advanced artificial intelligence systems, reversing limitations imposed just weeks earlier over national security concerns. The decision allows the company to restore global access to its flagship AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, marking a nota

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, June 29, 2026, upheld the Mississippi mail ballot grace period, ruling that absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day may be counted if they arrive within five business days. The 5-4 decision overturned a federal appeals court ruling and preserved similar post-election ballot receipt rules in other states. What the Mississippi Mail Ballot Grace Period Ruling Means

US unveils commemorative passport design for 250th anniversary US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new rendering of a special edition American passport created to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The design, presented on his social media platform, features a commemorative layout that incorporates historical imagery alongside a presidential portrait

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed the Ohio absentee ballot ID bill and a separate electric submetering measure on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026, blocking changes that would have affected mail voters and renters across the state. The Republican governor announced the vetoes in Columbus after the Ohio General Assembly ended its latest work period. No additional legislative sessions were scheduled until after the November election. Why DeWine vetoed the Ohio absentee bal

Global crude benchmarks have softened in recent sessions, driven by easing supply concerns and improved shipping conditions across key routes. Despite this decline, retail gasoline prices in the United States have not adjusted downward at the same pace, creating a widening gap between wholesale and consumer fuel costs. Market data indicates Brent crude has eased compared to earlier highs, yet pump prices remain relatively sticky. This lag has triggered renewed scrutiny of how quickl

Senate challenges executive war authority The US Senate has approved a resolution opposing continued military involvement tied to Iran, signaling widening friction between Congress and the executive branch over war powers. The measure passed narrowly at 50–48 and had already cleared the House, reflecting rare bipartisan concern over the direction of US military engagement in the region. Although the resol

A fresh dispute has emerged after Donald Trump signaled possible legal action against ABC News over its coverage of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC. The disagreement centers on how recent reporting framed repair work, vandalism incidents, and historical maintenance spending tied to the landmark. The issue has added another layer of friction between the former president and major media organizations, with Trump accusing the network of presenting an incomplete narrative.

Senate approves housing affordability bill The US Senate on Monday, June 22, approved a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering housing costs by encouraging new construction, easing permitting rules and limiting the role of large investors in the single-family housing market. The measure, called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, passed in an 85 to 5 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives. If approved there, it will be sent t

Trump post draws online attention US President Donald Trump sparked widespread discussion online after sharing a photograph of an unidentified woman with the caption, “Great daughter. My Honour!!! President DJT.” The post drew quick attention because Trump did not explain who the woman was, why he shared the image or what he meant by the phrase. The lack of context turned the post into a social media talking point, with users trying to un

Columbus residents should expect Juneteenth 2026 closures and service changes on Friday, June 19, affecting mail, trash pickup, COTA buses, libraries, banks and city parking. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. The holiday became a federal observance in 2021. Columbus Juneteenth 2026 Closures for Mail and Banks USPS post offices will

Historic Opening of Obama Presidential Centre Barack Obama marked the official opening of his presidential centre in Chicago on Thursday, drawing a star-studded audience that included former US presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden. The $850 million facility hosted political leaders, celebrities, and musicians, offering a platform to celebrate Obama’s legacy of “hope.” Notably absent

Hollister is launching a Target dorm collection featuring nearly 60 bedding, home decor and apparel products for college and back-to-school shoppers. The collection arrives online and in most Target stores June 28, with prices starting at $19.95. Hollister Target Dorm Collection Includes Bedding and Decor Called “The Hollister Collection at Target,” the line marks Hollister’s first expansion into home and decor merchandise. The teen-focused retaile

US Restores Pacific Command Name in Symbolic Military Rebranding The United States Department of War has officially renamed its largest military command, reverting the Indo-Pacific Command back to its original designation, US Pacific Command. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 16,2026 with officials confirming that the change is symbolic and will not alter operational responsibilities, deployment st