US News

Supreme Court will hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program

April 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Supreme Court will hear a case involving Catholic preschools in Colorado. These schools say the state broke their religious rights by not allowing them to join a taxpayer-funded program because of their student admission rules.

Key Facts

The case involves Catholic preschools in Colorado.
The schools claim their religious rights were violated.
The issue is about being excluded from a state-funded program.
The exclusion is due to the preschools’ admission policies.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.
The appeal comes from St. Mary Catholic Parish.
The Trump administration supports the Catholic preschools.

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PBS NewsHour AP News

Fetterman: Democrats’ response to Iran war ‘disappointing’

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator John Fetterman criticized some Democrats for their reaction to the conflict with Iran. He expressed surprise that some members of his party seem to support Iran because they dislike President Trump.

Key Facts

Senator John Fetterman is a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
He described the Democratic Party’s response to the Iran conflict as disappointing.
Fetterman suggested that some Democrats appear to support Iran.
He linked this support to their opposition to President Donald Trump.
Fetterman made these remarks in a video statement.
The comments focus on party reactions to an international military conflict.
No details were given about specific actions or policies regarding the conflict.

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The Hill

Supreme Court takes up religious liberty case over Colorado's preschool program

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving Catholic preschools in Colorado that say they were excluded from a state-funded preschool program because they want to admit only children from families who follow the church’s teachings on gender and sexual orientation. The case focuses on whether the state's nondiscrimination rules infringe on the preschools’ religious beliefs.

Key Facts

Colorado offers a universal preschool program funded by the state for all 4-year-old children.
The program requires preschools to admit children regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories.
Catholic preschools run by the Archdiocese of Denver asked for an exemption to admit only families following Catholic teachings on gender and sexual orientation.
The state denied the exemption, saying no provider can discriminate under the program’s rules.
The Archdiocese and others sued, arguing their religious freedom under the First Amendment is violated by the nondiscrimination rule.
The case is called St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and has recently sided with religious groups in similar cases.
The Court will not revisit the 1990 Employment Division v. Smith decision that limits free exercise claims if laws are neutral and generally applicable.

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CBS News

He survived 22 minutes with no heartbeat. Years later, this teen continues to persevere.

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Dylan Law was born without a heartbeat for 22 minutes but survived. Years later, he continues to face health challenges and shows strong determination.

Key Facts

Dylan Law was born with no heartbeat for 22 minutes.
Despite this, he survived after birth.
He has faced many health problems since then.
People call him "the comeback kid" because he keeps fighting.
His story was reported by CBS News correspondent David Begnaud.
The story highlights his perseverance over the years.

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CBS News

RFK Jr’s podcast has glimmers of his old show – will he address health issues differently?

April 20, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a new podcast called the Secretary Kennedy Podcast, which currently focuses more on supporting President Donald Trump's administration views than on specific health topics. His earlier podcast heavily questioned government health measures and vaccine safety, but his new show seems to mix some health talk with political themes.

Key Facts

Kennedy’s new podcast, Secretary Kennedy Podcast, began after his presidential campaign ended in August 2024.
The podcast appears to promote Trump administration ideas rather than detailed public health information.
Earlier, Kennedy’s first podcast focused on questioning COVID-19 vaccines and government health policies.
Kennedy is a senior government official in the Trump administration and endorsed President Trump after ending his presidential campaign.
The previous podcast was linked to Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group founded by Kennedy.
Early episodes included guests with controversial views on COVID-19 and vaccines that were factually incorrect.
During his 2023 campaign, Kennedy shifted focus toward topics like the economy and the war in Ukraine.
The first guest on the new podcast has no health background but worked for President Trump’s casino and discussed general diet-related health concerns.

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Guardian US Guardian World

Louisiana authorities identify eight children killed in ‘domestic incident’

April 20, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Eight children aged 3 to 11 were killed in a violent domestic incident in Shreveport, Louisiana. The gunman, Shamar Elkins, shot the children and two women before police fatally shot him.

Key Facts

Eight children, including seven of the gunman's own, died in the shootings at two homes in Shreveport.
The shooter, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, stole a car and was shot dead by police after a chase.
A total of 11 people were shot; two women, including Elkins’s wife, were critically injured.
The incident is described as a domestic violence case linked to a separation dispute.
Elkins had a prior firearms arrest in 2019 but no known history of domestic violence.
He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2013 to 2020 and later worked for UPS.
Relatives said Elkins was struggling emotionally and had expressed dark thoughts days before the shootings.
Authorities are still investigating the full details and motives behind the attack.

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Guardian US Guardian World

Supreme Court to hear Catholic preschools’ case involving same-sex parents

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving two Catholic churches in Colorado. The churches challenge a state rule that requires preschools receiving public money to accept children of same-sex couples.

Key Facts

The case involves two Catholic parishes in Colorado.
Colorado has a rule that preschools must enroll children of same-sex couples to get public funding.
The Catholic churches oppose this rule on religious grounds.
The Supreme Court will hear this case in the next term.
The case could change how a major 1990 religious rights ruling is applied.
The decision may affect religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.

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The Hill

Supreme Court turns away parental rights case over child's gender transition

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Supreme Court declined to hear a case from Massachusetts parents who sued their child's school for supporting the child's gender transition without the parents' consent. The high court left in place lower court decisions that ruled against the parents, but it may review similar cases in the future.

Key Facts

Massachusetts parents sued their child's public school for encouraging their child's gender transition without telling them.
The child, identified as B.F., began exploring their gender identity and seeing a therapist after school involvement.
The school started using a different name and pronouns for B.F. and allowed bathroom use aligning with their gender identity.
The parents claim the school has a secret policy allowing students to transition socially without parent approval.
The school says it acted after B.F. requested new pronouns and name in an email.
Lower courts dismissed the parents' case, ruling parents don't have a constitutional right to control public school education in this way.
The Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal but may consider other related cases soon.
This issue involves a conflict between parents' rights and schools' efforts to protect student privacy and support transgender students.

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CBS News

How a Green-Card Holder Becomes a Naturalized US Citizen

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

This article explains the steps for green-card holders to become naturalized U.S. citizens. It describes the eligibility rules, application process, testing, and final ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Key Facts

Most green-card holders must wait five years before applying for citizenship; those married to U.S. citizens may apply after three years.
Applicants must show continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., meet good moral character standards, and pass background checks.
The application starts with filing Form N-400 and paying a fee (around $710-$760, lower for some).
Applicants give biometrics (fingerprints, photo) and attend an interview to review their history and test English and civics knowledge.
Starting in October 2025, the civics test will include up to 20 questions from a pool of 128; applicants must answer at least 12 correctly.
Spouses of U.S. service members stationed abroad may be eligible for faster naturalization without usual residency rules.
After approval, applicants attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens.
U.S. citizenship grants rights like voting and applying for a passport, and responsibilities like loyalty to the U.S.

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Newsweek

Democratic, Republican strategists on fundraising before midterm elections

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

New information is coming out about the money being raised for the 2026 midterm elections. Political experts Chuck Rocha and Carrie Lukas spoke with CBS News about the fundraising efforts.

Key Facts

The article discusses fundraising for the 2026 midterm elections.
New data on campaign fundraising has recently become available.
Chuck Rocha, a Democratic strategist, and Carrie Lukas, a Republican strategist, shared their views.
They appeared on CBS News to talk about fundraising trends.
Midterm elections occur halfway through a president’s term and affect control of Congress.
Fundraising is important because it helps candidates pay for campaign activities.
The discussion includes both Democratic and Republican perspectives.

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CBS News

Democrats urged to link clean energy to affordability as Iran war hikes up prices

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Democrats are being urged to promote clean energy as a way to lower consumer costs and reduce reliance on volatile global oil markets amid rising prices due to the Iran war. While President Trump opposes alternatives to fossil fuels, some Democratic leaders believe clean energy can provide energy independence and economic security for Americans.

Key Facts

The Iran war has caused oil and gas prices to increase worldwide, pushing U.S. gasoline prices above $4.10 per gallon.
The strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, was closed after a U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran.
President Trump aims to maintain fossil fuel reliance and opposes clean energy alternatives.
Democrats have been cautious about linking the Iran conflict to climate action and energy policy.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse advocates for clean energy as a stable and affordable energy source independent of global conflicts.
The rising fuel prices highlight the need for energy independence through renewable sources like solar and wind power.
Democrats passed climate legislation to boost clean energy jobs, but much of it was blocked by Republicans in Congress.
Some Democrats believe the Iran war is a chance to connect clean energy promotion to economic and national security benefits.

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Guardian World Guardian US

Man killed 8 children in "execution-style" shooting, police says

April 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Shamar Elkins, a former member of the Louisiana Army National Guard, shot and killed eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. The incident started as a family dispute and ended in a mass shooting.

Key Facts

The shooting happened in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Eight children were killed in the shooting.
The shooter was Shamar Elkins, a former Louisiana Army National Guard member.
Elkins served in the Guard from 2013 to 2020.
The shooting began as a domestic (family) dispute.
Authorities described the killing as "execution-style."
The event occurred on a Sunday.
Police are handling the investigation.

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CBS News

Trump tells PBS News that 'lots of bombs start going off' if Iran ceasefire expires

April 20, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump said on PBS News that if the ceasefire with Iran ends on Tuesday, there will be many explosions. He made this comment during a phone call with a White House correspondent while the U.S. is getting ready for more peace talks with Iran.

Key Facts

President Trump spoke on PBS News on Monday morning.
He warned that if the ceasefire with Iran expires on Tuesday, many bombs will go off.
His comment was made during a phone call with White House correspondent Liz Landers.
The topic of the call was the ongoing situation and peace talks with Iran.
A U.S. delegation is preparing to hold more discussions to try and maintain peace with Iran.
The ceasefire is a temporary agreement to stop fighting between the U.S. and Iran.

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PBS NewsHour

WATCH: Hot air balloon makes surprise landing in SoCal back yard

April 20, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A hot air balloon unexpectedly landed in a backyard in Southern California, surprising the residents. The balloon was carrying passengers when it made the surprise landing.

Key Facts

A hot air balloon landed unexpectedly in a backyard in Southern California (SoCal).
The balloon was carrying passengers at the time of landing.
The landing surprised the people living in the yard where it touched down.
The event took place recently, reported on April 20, 2026.
No information was given about injuries or damage from the landing.
The article focuses on this unusual and unexpected balloon landing event.

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ABC News

Woman Sparks Debate Over Who's Responsible for Relationships With Grandkids

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A grandmother named Helen Green said grandparents should be responsible for keeping close relationships with their grandchildren. She shared her experience that grandparents who make the effort build strong bonds, unlike those who do not.

Key Facts

Helen Green is a grandmother of two young children.
She believes grandparents should actively offer help and visit, rather than waiting for parents or children to arrange contact.
Green’s own parents did not stay close to her children, causing a distant relationship.
Her in-laws made time and effort, resulting in a strong bond with their grandchildren.
Her TikTok video about this view has over 2 million views and sparked mixed reactions.
Some people agree both grandparents and parents share responsibility; others think parents should lead.
Green said grandparents are not being asked to raise grandchildren, just to stay involved and supportive.
The debate highlights different opinions on family roles and boundaries between generations.

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Newsweek

Book bans mired at record high

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The American Library Association (ALA) reported that book bans remained very high in 2025, with 4,235 unique book titles being challenged. This number is just slightly below the record high of 4,240 challenges seen in 2023.

Key Facts

In 2025, there were 4,235 unique book titles challenged across the United States.
This is the second-highest number of book challenges recorded by the ALA.
The record highest number was 4,240 challenges in 2023.
The ALA publishes an annual report called the State of America’s Libraries Report.
A “challenge” means someone tried to remove or restrict a book.
The trend shows that efforts to ban or limit books in libraries and schools are still very active.
The issue reflects ongoing debates about what books should be available to readers, especially children and teens.

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The Hill

Greens ‘have welcomed’ people expelled by Labour for antisemitism, Steve Reed claims

April 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Steve Reed, a senior Labour minister, criticized the Green Party for accepting members expelled from Labour for antisemitism and warned voters to be cautious in upcoming elections. He also accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of ignoring local meetings tied to a government funding scheme in his constituency.

Key Facts

Steve Reed said some people expelled from Labour for antisemitism have joined the Green Party and are now candidates.
Reed warned voters that Green Party candidates might have views voters do not expect.
The Green Party's membership has grown nearly four times since Zack Polanski became leader seven months ago.
The Greens have been gaining ground in polls compared to Labour.
Reed accused the Greens of not properly checking the backgrounds of council candidates.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and MP for Clacton, has missed over ten local meetings linked to a £20 million government community fund.
The Pride in Place fund supports small local projects and involves local boards and the MP’s participation.
Farage is a known supporter of President Donald Trump and has visited the US often after winning his seat.

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Guardian World

Dad Plays With His Kids in the Park—Two Hours Later Life Changes Forever

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

David Cromie, a fit father of three from Northern Ireland, suffered a sudden brain bleed after spending a normal morning playing with his children. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage but has since recovered, though the family’s life has changed significantly.

Key Facts

On April 13, 2025, David Cromie and his wife took their three children to a local park.
David was active and healthy, with no signs of illness during the outing.
Later, David showed confusion and disorientation at home and collapsed while walking.
He was taken to the hospital where scans revealed a non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a brain bleed).
David spent five days in the hospital and was later allowed home.
A later medical procedure caused a ministroke, but he fully recovered.
The family has since adjusted their lifestyle, focusing more on slowing down and spending quality time together.
Sophie, David’s wife, shared a video about the incident on TikTok to raise awareness.

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Newsweek

Tax Fraud Is Surging in These States

April 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Tax fraud is increasing quickly in several U.S. states, with scammers stealing personal information to claim tax refunds or trick people into paying fake debts. New technology like generative AI has made these scams easier for criminals to carry out.

Key Facts

Tax fraud means stealing personal or financial information to file fake tax returns or get money illegally.
Common scams include filing a tax return for someone else, pretending to be IRS agents, and sending fake emails from tax preparers.
Fraud reports rose a lot from 2023 to 2024 according to U.S. Federal Trade Commission data.
The 10 states with the fastest growth in tax fraud include Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey.
Florida had the highest fraud rate per 100,000 people in 2024.
Louisiana moved from 17th to 9th place in fraud reports per 100,000 residents between 2023 and 2024.
New Jersey rose from 12th to 8th place in fraud rate rankings.
The increase in fraud shows the need for people to be careful and aware during tax season.

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Newsweek

Hasan Piker’s influence on Democrats questioned before the midterms

April 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Hasan Piker is a popular left-wing streamer who speaks to many young progressive viewers. Some people worry that his critical views about Israel and other controversial opinions might hurt the Democratic Party's chances in upcoming elections.

Key Facts

Hasan Piker streams on the platform Twitch.
He is known for his left-wing political views.
He has a large audience of young progressive people.
Piker has made critical comments about Israel.
Some Democrats are concerned his statements could hurt their party.
The concerns relate to the upcoming midterm elections.
The Democratic Party is worried about winning future votes.

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