News for June 19, 2026

Cuba has approved sweeping free-market reforms as President Donald Trump’s tougher embargo and sanctions deepen the island’s economic crisis.

Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old on vacation with his family, died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, renewing debate over whether the rides should be banned.

A flu outbreak at a Texas Air Force base sickened scores of troops, prompting the Air Force to seek an exception to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s end to the military flu vaccine requirement.

Actor Paul Avery, known for “All My Children” and “Superman,” died with his wife in a New Jersey house fire.

Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni traded insults after Trump said she begged for a photo at the G7 summit, and Meloni called the claim “totally fabricated.”

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, but strikes reportedly continued soon after the deadline, raising doubts about whether the truce will hold.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson is facing a primary challenge from Bobby LaPin after breaking with Democrats over redistricting, turning the race into a fight over experience versus insurgent change.

U.S.-Iran peace talks were postponed after Israel’s heavy strikes in Lebanon raised tensions and led Vice President JD Vance to cancel his trip.

California’s billionaire tax plan has qualified for the ballot, but the union backing it cut the proposal and failed to win Governor Gavin Newsom’s support.

Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith was found dead at 29 in Nashville, and police said no foul play is suspected.