U.S. Explainer Writer
Explainers editor making complex stories easier to understand.
Laura Collins writes explainers on politics, business, technology, markets, and global events. Her work breaks down complicated topics into clear, accessible guides for readers who want context without unnecessary jargon.
The United States plays Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, at 10 p.m. ET in its final World Cup Group D match. The USMNT has already won the group and is set for a Round of 32 match on July 1.
USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf on June 3, and state and federal agencies are urging fast reporting of suspicious animal wounds. CDC says no locally acquired human infestations have been reported in the United States, but people and animal owners should know the symptoms and reporting steps.
CDC says multistate Salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry remain open, with 513 reported illnesses, 134 hospitalizations and one death. Families and flock owners are urged to wash hands, keep birds outside the home and keep young children away from chicks and ducklings.
Belgium and Iran meet Sunday in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match at Los Angeles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, with English-language coverage listed on FS1 and streaming options through FOX One and FOX Sports.
Aldon Smith’s cause of death has not been publicly released. His family is donating his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center as attorneys look into whether repeated head trauma may be relevant.
Fans at Houston Stadium were told to shelter in place after the Netherlands-Sweden World Cup match because of lightning in the area. The match had already ended, while weather also disrupted FIFA Fan Festival Houston.
Iran’s World Cup team remains based in Tijuana under U.S. travel restrictions tied to its Group G matches. Officials say the rules remain in place for now, but arrangements for Iran’s final group match in Seattle may still be reviewed.
CDC says no Andes virus cases tied to the M/V Hondius cruise-ship outbreak have been confirmed in the United States. The agency says the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low while exposed passengers complete monitoring.
Three hikers died after apparent heat-related illness on the South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails, the National Park Service said. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for lower elevations of the Grand Canyon from Monday morning through Tuesday evening.
The FAA is investigating after Delta Air Lines Flight 2351 executed a go-around at Boston Logan while another aircraft was departing from an intersecting runway. Delta said the flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally.
CDC reported 2,104 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026 as of its June 18 update, with resident cases reported by 41 jurisdictions. Most confirmed cases are linked to outbreaks, and state health departments may post local exposure updates before CDC’s national page changes.
The Capital Pride Parade steps off Saturday, June 20, with closures affecting 14th Street NW, Pennsylvania Avenue NW and downtown routes. Here is what drivers, residents and Metro riders need to know before heading out.
Today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup slate includes Netherlands vs. Sweden, Germany vs. Ivory Coast, Ecuador vs. Curaçao and a late Tunisia vs. Japan kickoff. Here are the ET start times, U.S. TV channels and streaming options.
The FAA’s current operations plan lists several airports where weather or event volume could trigger ground stops or ground delay programs today. Travelers should check airline apps and official airport or FAA status pages before heading to the airport.
The U.S. men's national team plays Türkiye next on June 25 in Los Angeles after beating Australia and clinching a knockout-round place. The Americans are also set for a July 1 Round-of-32 match in Santa Clara, with the opponent still to be determined.
The Obama Presidential Center is open to the public in Chicago, with timed tickets required for the museum only. Here are the current ticket prices, hours, opening-weekend availability and visitor details to check before going.
The FAA has extended flight limits affecting JFK, LaGuardia and Newark to manage congestion and air traffic control constraints. Travelers should know the airport timelines, how airline schedules may change and what to check before booking or flying.
Wyndham Clark leads the 2026 U.S. Open as Round 1 resumes Friday at Shinnecock Hills. Here are the latest leaderboard notes, adjusted Round 2 tee times and TV and streaming details.
The NYSE and Nasdaq are closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth 2026. USPS and many banks are also closed or on holiday schedules, while UPS and FedEx list services as open.
The FAA has barred unauthorized drone flights near U.S. World Cup stadiums and selected fan events. Operators can face steep fines, criminal charges and drone seizures, and federal officials have announced seizures near tournament sites.
The U.S. men’s national team plays Australia on Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET at Seattle Stadium. Here is the TV channel, streaming information and Group D schedule for the World Cup match.
The FAA listed possible or probable ground stops or ground delay programs at several major U.S. airports Thursday as storms, wind, low clouds and staffing constraints affected planning. Travelers should check airline apps and official airport status before leaving for the airport.
Use official Spokane County evacuation resources to check current Upriver Fire evacuation levels by address. Level 3 areas remain the highest-risk zones and residents should follow Alert Spokane and incident-command updates.
Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, but he did not break Miroslav Klose’s men’s World Cup goals record. Messi is now tied with Klose at 16 goals.