Zaini malik

News is fast-moving—especially on the Iran conflict and midterms. For the absolute latest, check major outlets like AP, Reuters, or PBS NewsHour.

AI concerns: Public skepticism about AI in schools; an AI researcher who quit is warning about risks; tech companies are influencing state chatbot regulations.
Crime/local: An impaired SUV driver was charged with murder in a Los Angeles bus crash that killed two (with a related helicopter crash).
Business/economy: Trade deficit figures, munitions production claims amid the Iran conflict, and various corporate transitions.
Obituaries: Musician Duncan Sheik (Tony/Grammy winner for Spring Awakening) died at 56; other figures noted in recent coverage.

Mullin, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The nomination had stalled amid Republican scrutiny (including from Sen. Rand Paul) over information related to ICE/Border Patrol operations. ICE has lacked a Senate-confirmed director for years.
Midterms and Politics
Early voting is underway in some states for the 2026 midterms, with campaigns focusing on cost of living, the Iran conflict, and other issues. Republicans are defending districts that Trump won strongly in 2024. Other items include congressional passage of new sanctions related to Russia (and Iran in some reporting), a Fed interest rate hike

Kennedy Center Dispute
A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide at least 30 days’ notice before any major physical changes or demolition steps. This follows earlier rulings blocking attempts to add Trump’s name to the facility (or related inscriptions) and a planned closure for renovations, citing the need for congressional authorization to alter the name established by statute.

Ongoing U.S.-Iran Conflict
The conflict continues with sporadic exchanges, impacts on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and elevated oil prices. A UN fact-finding mission reported “reasonable grounds” to believe the U.S. committed war crimes in two February strikes (one on a school in Minab that reportedly killed many civilians, including children, and another on a sports complex). The report also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity in a domestic crackdown. Trump has described the U.S. as “hopefully toward the end” of the war and claimed direct talks, while facing decisions on escalation; Iranian officials have set conditions for any negotiations. Related developments include U.S. approval of a potential $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia.

Here’s a roundup of the latest major U.S. news as of September 18, 2026.Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway ChairmanWarren Buffett, 96, is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (effective immediately) and becoming chairman emeritus while remaining on the board. His son Howard Buffett (a director since 1993) takes over as chairman. This follows Buffett handing the CEO role to Greg Abel at the start of 2026. Buffett wrote in a letter to shareholders that “Father Time always wins,” while expressing confidence in the company’s future under Abel and his son.

UN-backed human rights experts said they found "reasonable grounds" to believe the U.S. committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran, including one that hit a school in the southern city of Minab. NBC News

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in about three years (since 2023) to combat persistent inflation. President Trump has criticized the move and called for rate cuts. Stocks recovered some ground later as oil prices fell.

NYTimes