US News

Wins and challenges: Zohran Mamdani's first 100 days in office

April 13, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, highlighted his achievements during his first 100 days in office, such as fixing potholes and securing funding for child care. He has also managed a relationship with President Trump, leading to no federal funding cutbacks. Despite progress, some campaign promises like free child care for all remain incomplete.

Key Facts

Zohran Mamdani is the youngest mayor of New York City in over a century.
He reported fixing 100,000 potholes and acquiring $1.2 billion for child care.
Mamdani aims to provide universal free childcare by 2031, starting with 2,000 spots by 2026.
His relationship with President Trump has been unexpectedly cordial, avoiding federal funding cuts for New York City.
Trump and Mamdani discussed the affordability crisis in New York City after Mamdani took office.
During Mamdani's term, two severe snowstorms hit New York City, leading to criticism and emergency actions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has agreed to fund the initial years of the childcare program, but future funding is uncertain.
Mamdani faced challenges with homelessness during harsh weather, placing people in shelters and hotels.

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Democrats Within Striking Distance of Flipping Trump's Home State—Poll

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A recent poll shows Democrats are gaining support in Florida, President Trump’s home state, as his approval ratings drop significantly among independent voters. This shift is affecting Republican candidates, making key races more competitive. The poll highlights declining Republican support due to Trump's low approval on major issues.

Key Facts

A new poll shows Democrats leading Republicans in the 2026 generic congressional ballot in Florida.
President Trump's net approval rating in Florida is -6, and -39 among independent voters.
The poll was conducted with 1,834 likely Florida voters and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.
Democrats lead significantly among independent (no-party-affiliated) voters, with a 52 to 23 percent advantage.
Republican party loyalty in Florida has slipped, with a 6.4 percent defection rate.
Florida’s key races, such as the governor and Senate contests, are closely contested.
Economic issues remain a top concern for voters, but Republicans are not benefiting from this concern as they have in the past.
Corruption is identified as the most important issue by 21 percent of voters, more than any economic issue.

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Newsweek

The U.S. is short 10 million houses. A new White House report lays out a blueprint to fix that

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A White House report states that there is a shortage of 10 million houses in the U.S. The report suggests that reducing regulations might help build more homes and improve the economy.

Key Facts

The U.S. has a shortage of 10 million houses.
White House economists released the report, which is part of the Economic Report of the President.
The report recommends cutting regulations to help increase the construction of homes.
More housing could stabilize prices and increase home ownership.
The report also addresses economic growth and political risks for President Donald Trump.
President Trump's approval has declined due to issues like tariffs, the Iran war, and inflation promises.

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PBS NewsHour

Bernie Sanders vows to push resolution to block US weapons to Israel

April 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders is planning to introduce a resolution to stop the sale of weapons to Israel. This move aims to test the level of Congressional support for Israel, especially among Democrats, amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Iran. The resolution is not expected to pass due to a Republican-controlled Senate but highlights changing opinions on U.S. support for Israel.

Key Facts

Senator Bernie Sanders plans to push a resolution to block U.S. weapons sales to Israel.
The resolution targets bombs and bulldozers worth nearly half a billion dollars.
Sanders aims to bring the resolution to a vote without the Senate majority leader's approval.
The resolution is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Sanders' actions will measure Democratic support for Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
A previous similar resolution by Sanders failed in the Senate last year.
Public support for Israel has decreased in the U.S., particularly among younger people and Democrats.
The liberal Zionist group J Street has called for reevaluating U.S. military aid to Israel.

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Al Jazeera

WATCH: Trump says he doesn't owe Pope Leo an apology after attacking him for comments on Iran

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump stated he would not apologize to Pope Leo XIV after criticizing the Pope's stance on the U.S. actions in Iran. Trump also explained that a social media post that showed him as Jesus was misunderstood; he thought it was of him as a doctor.

Key Facts

President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for opposing the U.S. actions in Iran.
Trump stated that the Pope is weak on crime and other issues.
Trump declined to apologize to the Pope for his comments.
A social media post showed Trump depicted as Jesus, which Trump said he thought was portraying him as a doctor.
Trump addressed these issues during a question-and-answer session at the White House.

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PBS NewsHour

Stepbrother charged in sexual assault and killing during family cruise, officials say

April 13, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A 16-year-old boy is charged with the sexual assault and murder of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival cruise ship. Authorities say the incident occurred while the ship was in international waters, and the boy faces charges as an adult.

Key Facts

A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult for the crimes.
The victim, Anna Kepner, was 18 years old.
The incident happened on a Carnival cruise ship named Carnival Horizon.
Anna Kepner's body was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket, and covered by life vests.
The cause of death was determined to be "mechanical asphyxia".
Anna had been on the cruise with her father, stepmother, and other family members.
Prosecutors say the boy originally faced juvenile charges, but was later indicted as an adult.
If convicted, the stepbrother could face a life sentence.

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BBC US

Kate Hudson Reveals What Would Make Her Feel Like a 'Failure' as a Mom

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Actress Kate Hudson discussed her feelings on parenting and her hopes that her children will look for a meaningful life beyond fame and success. She shared her belief that fame and success do not create a fulfilling life and emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic.

Key Facts

Kate Hudson is an actress who has three children named Ryder, Bingham, and Rani.
Hudson wants her children to seek purpose in life beyond just fame and success.
She believes fame and success alone do not lead to a fulfilling life.
Hudson emphasizes the importance of self-worth and understanding personal values.
She shares Ryder with Chris Robinson, Bingham with Matt Bellamy, and Rani with Danny Fujikawa.
Hudson grew up with famous parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, but was taught to work hard for her own success.
She stresses the importance of a strong work ethic and kindness in achieving success.

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Newsweek

Trump deletes image of himself as Jesus-like savior after backlash

April 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump faced criticism after posting and then removing an AI-created image that presented him as a Jesus-like figure. The image and remarks about Pope Leo XIV led to backlash from both religious leaders and some political figures in the US and abroad.

Key Facts

President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure on Truth Social.
He removed the image after facing backlash from the Christian political community.
Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him "weak on crime" and criticizing his foreign policy.
Pope Leo XIV responded by promoting peace and dialogue while visiting African countries.
U.S. Catholic leaders and international figures, including Italy's Prime Minister, condemned Trump's comments.
Conservative commentators also criticized the AI image, calling it disrespectful and blasphemous.

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Al Jazeera

Project 2025 author Paul Dans drops primary challenge to Lindsey Graham in South Carolina

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Paul Dans, who was running as a Republican candidate against Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, has withdrawn from the race. Dans ended his campaign on the last day allowed to take his name off the ballots before the upcoming primary election.

Key Facts

Paul Dans was running in the Republican primary against Senator Lindsey Graham.
He is associated with Project 2025.
Dans ended his campaign on a Friday.
His withdrawal happened just before the deadline to remove names from the primary ballots.
The primary election in South Carolina is on June 9.
This race is connected to testing the support of President Donald Trump and his movement.

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PBS NewsHour

WATCH: Trump speaks about 'no tax on tips' with a 'DoorDash grandma'

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump discussed his policy of not taxing tips at a news conference. A delivery worker thanked him at the event, saying the policy helped her family. Trump gave her a tip during the meeting.

Key Facts

President Trump talked about his "no tax on tips" policy.
The event took place at the White House.
A delivery worker named Sharon Simmons participated, wearing a "DoorDash grandma" T-shirt.
President Trump and Simmons spoke about how the policy helped her and her family.
Simmons delivered food to the Oval Office during the event.
President Trump tipped Simmons after she hesitated about White House tipping habits.

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PBS NewsHour

Who Is ChongLy Thao? ICE Raid on US Citizen Investigated as Kidnapping

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Authorities in Minnesota are investigating the arrest of ChongLy "Scott" Thao, a U.S. citizen, by federal immigration agents as a potential kidnapping case. Thao was detained without a warrant and later released when agents learned he was not who they were looking for. State officials are looking into this and other related incidents involving federal officers in the state.

Key Facts

ChongLy "Scott" Thao is a U.S. citizen living in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He was detained by ICE agents in January without a warrant and released after being mistakenly identified.
Agents allegedly entered Thao's home by force and without presenting a warrant.
The incident occurred in front of his family, including his young grandson.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed they were targeting two other individuals mistakenly linked to Thao's address.
Minnesota officials are investigating this and other cases related to recent federal operations in the state.
The Trump administration argues that state officials do not have the jurisdiction to investigate federal officers.

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Newsweek

US drivers head to Native American lands for cheaper gas

April 13, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

As gas prices go up, drivers in the U.S. are visiting Native American lands where gas is cheaper. These areas can sell gas for less because they don’t have to pay state fuel taxes, making them popular stops for travelers.

Key Facts

Some of the cheapest gas in the U.S. is found on Native American lands.
These lands are exempt from state fuel taxes.
Areas like California, New Mexico, and New York have many tribally-owned gas stations.
These stations are often located in busy areas, making them accessible to travelers.
Lower gas prices attract more drivers to these stations.

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Trump's pope spat risks feud with crucial Catholic swing voters

April 13, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV and posted a controversial AI image of himself resembling Jesus, which may upset Catholic swing voters who supported him in 2024. Trump's comments come during a time when some Catholics are already distancing themselves from him. This conflict could affect his support among this important voting group.

Key Facts

President Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV during Holy Week and posted an AI image of himself as a Jesus-like figure.
Catholics are the largest swing religious group in the U.S., and their vote can significantly impact elections.
In 2024, Catholics largely supported Trump, but his recent actions might change their support.
The conflict with the Pope, who is the first American pontiff, worsened when Trump called him "weak on crime."
Donald Trump’s previous support among white Catholics dropped from 59% in early 2025 to 52% by January 2026.
No significant Catholic leaders have defended Trump's actions, and Trump's remarks challenge beliefs about the Pope's selection.
Pew data shows that Catholic voters can change sides and are crucial in deciding close elections.

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Axios

Trump administration agrees to return Pride flag to Stonewall National Monument in New York

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Trump administration agreed to return and keep the Pride flag flying at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. This decision reverses the removal of the flag in February following a lawsuit by LGBTQ+ and historic preservation groups. A court still needs to approve this settlement agreement.

Key Facts

The Trump administration will resume flying the rainbow Pride flag at Stonewall National Monument.
The decision follows a lawsuit filed by LGBTQ+ and historic preservation groups.
A judge must approve the settlement for it to take full effect.
The Pride flag will be below the U.S. flag and above the park service flag on the flagpole.
The Stonewall site remains significant as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Stonewall National Monument was created in 2016 by President Barack Obama.
The Pride flag removal in February was explained by the park service as following federal guidance on flag displays.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump Gold Card Visa Program Faces New Lawsuit

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A government watchdog group filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for not releasing documents about the Gold Card visa program. This program allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency by paying $1 million. The lawsuit claims the public deserves to know more about how the program works.

Key Facts

A lawsuit was filed by a group called Democracy Defenders Fund.
The lawsuit targets the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, State, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Gold Card visa program lets wealthy foreigners get U.S. residency for $1 million.
Critics say the program may bypass traditional visa routes and displace other applicants.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for details about the program were not fulfilled.
The plaintiffs argue the public needs to know the program's impact on the immigration system.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

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Newsweek

Student Loan Update: Trump Admin Changes Math to Calculate Forgiveness

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Trump administration has changed how the Education Department calculates repayments for public service workers seeking student loan forgiveness. This change affects the cost of buybacks for borrowers using the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program by making them more expensive.

Key Facts

The change was made by President Trump's administration.
It impacts the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback program.
Borrowers will no longer use the SAVE plan to calculate buyback payments.
The new calculations use older repayment plans like Income-Based Repayment (IBR).
IBR usually requires higher payments than the SAVE plan.
This affects over 88,000 borrowers who used or considered the PSLF program.
Borrowers might have to pay more to qualify for loan forgiveness.
The change applies to deferments or forbearances starting on or after July 1, 2024.

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Newsweek

Eric Swalwell Faces New Investigation

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The House Ethics Committee has started an investigation into allegations that Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, engaged in sexual misconduct with a former employee. Swalwell recently paused his campaign for California governor after the allegations arose. He has denied the accusations and plans to contest them.

Key Facts

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Eric Swalwell for alleged sexual misconduct.
The allegations claim Swalwell assaulted a woman twice, including when she was his employee.
Swalwell has denied all allegations against him.
Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor one day before the investigation was announced.
The allegations were initially reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.
The Ethics Committee states that starting an investigation does not imply any wrongdoing has been confirmed.

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Newsweek

House Ethics Committee investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell

April 13, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The House Ethics Committee is looking into claims that Rep. Eric Swalwell behaved inappropriately with an employee. This action comes shortly after he paused his run for California governor due to these allegations, which he denies.

Key Facts

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Eric Swalwell for alleged sexual misconduct.
Swalwell, who is a Democrat from California, denies these allegations.
He suspended his campaign for California governor after the accusations surfaced.
Allegations include sexual assault of a woman who worked for him.
Democrats stopped supporting Swalwell following these claims.
The investigation does not imply guilt, as stated by the Ethics Committee.

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PBS NewsHour

MAGA allies say Trump is going soft on deportations, demand "Phase 2"

April 13, 2026 • Axios

Summary

A group of conservatives, known as the Mass Deportation Coalition, is pressing President Donald Trump to stick to his campaign promise of mass deportations. They want him to adopt a more aggressive approach, called Phase 2, which aims for at least one million deportations each year. The coalition feels that the administration is easing up on its stance ahead of the midterm elections.

Key Facts

The Mass Deportation Coalition is made up of conservative groups and think tanks, including the Heritage Foundation.
President Trump had promised mass deportations during his campaign.
The coalition is unhappy with what it sees as a softening of deportation policies.
They propose a plan called Phase 2, aiming for a million deportations per year.
There is division among top Republicans and White House staffers on the deportation issue.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson states the administration is unified in its immigration enforcement plan.
ICE reportedly removed about 350,000 people in fiscal year 2025.
There are no official figures available for deportations in Trump's first year.

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Axios

Did Donald Trump Add Demon to AI Jesus Image? What We Know

April 13, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

An AI-generated image showing President Donald Trump as Jesus, posted on his social media, sparked discussion online due to a new addition—a figure resembling a demon that wasn't in the original image. The altered photo appeared on Trump's Truth Social page and later was deleted, with social media users discussing the implications of this change.

Key Facts

The AI image depicted President Trump as Jesus Christ, shared on Truth Social.
President Trump did not write a comment with the image.
The image originally appeared similar to one by Nick Adams without the demon figure.
The demon-like figure was added in the version posted on Trump’s account.
The modified image appeared briefly before being deleted.
President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on the same day.
The image caused further debate among Trump supporters, including Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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Newsweek

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