National
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Columbus
States Urge Supreme Court to Maintain Limits on Mail-in Voting Executive Order
A coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia asked the Supreme Court to uphold a lower court's block on specific provisions of a presidential executive order concerning mail-in voting. They argued that implementing these provisions would create an 'unprecedented, legally indefensible voter-verification and ballot-interception program.'
Concepts of Equality and Liberty in U.S. Founding Documents Traced in New Column
A new column for SCOTUSblog examines the phrase 'born free and equal' as a core tenet of American constitutionalism. The author traces its origins in the Declaration of Independence and early state constitutions, highlighting its evolution and interpretations over time. The column also addresses instances where this principle was challenged or reasserted throughout U.S. history.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Hundreds of Buildings Destroyed, Thousands Evacuated in Washington Wildfires
Wildfires in Washington's Spokane County have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced up to 65,000 residents to evacuate. Authorities have made an arrest in connection with one of the blazes.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Executive Order Addresses Childhood Vaccine Policy
President Trump recently issued an executive order concerning childhood vaccines. This action has led some parents to question the immediate implications for their children's vaccination status. Officials state that no immediate changes to current vaccine protocols will occur.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Federal Judge Broadens Injunction Against Mail-in Voting Restrictions
A federal judge expanded an existing block on a key component of President Trump's order concerning mail-in voting. The ruling prevents the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out related directives across all states.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Ukraine Reports North Korean Missile Use in Zaporizhzhia Strike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that ballistic missiles from North Korea struck Zaporizhzhia, resulting in at least six deaths and 19 injuries. The accusation marks a new development in the ongoing conflict.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Switched Planes in Turkey Amid Iran Missile Threat
Former President Donald Trump reportedly changed planes in Turkey in January 2020, during a period of heightened tensions with Iran. This action, confirmed by officials, occurred after intelligence indicated a potential missile threat. The shift aimed to obscure his travel plans following the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Switched Planes in Turkey Amid Reported Threat
Following a NATO summit in Turkey, former President Donald Trump reportedly boarded a decoy Air Force One. He then transferred to a different aircraft via a catering truck. News outlets reported the maneuver aimed to conceal his movements due to a perceived threat.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
National Guard Presence Continues in Washington D.C.
Thousands of National Guard troops remain deployed in Washington D.C., nearly a year after their initial activation. Their ongoing presence has become a regular feature of the city's environment. This extended deployment prompts discussion about its long-term implications for the nation's capital.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Midwife Addresses Maternal Care Gaps in Alabama
A Black midwife provides maternal care services in Alabama, a state where many counties do not have labor and delivery hospitals. This effort occurs as new data highlights widespread access issues in maternal health.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C. Continues
National Guard personnel have maintained a presence in Washington D.C. for one year. Their deployment now extends through Inauguration Day in 2029. Officials project the costs associated with this continued presence to reach billions of dollars.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Threats Against Secretary of State Rubio
A Miami resident pleaded guilty last week to three counts of transmitting interstate threats after posting messages on social media platform X against government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Diplomatic Security spearheaded the investigation, identifying and responding to the threats.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Signs Order Regarding Childhood Vaccine Administration
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order concerning childhood vaccine administration. The order outlined recommendations related to vaccine schedules and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot. A medical organization issued a statement in response to the order's provisions on MMR shots.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump's Birthright Citizenship Challenge, Hunter Biden Interviewed on Pardons and Father's Health
Former President Donald Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship draws attention. Separately, Hunter Biden discussed his pardon and father's health in a BBC interview.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Disabled Individuals Report Heatwave Advice Creates Risks
Disabled campaigners claim standard heatwave safety recommendations may increase their risks. They describe navigating survival during periods of extreme heat. The groups highlight a discrepancy between general public health advice and their specific needs.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
U.S. Records Hottest July in 132 Years
The United States experienced its warmest July on record, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This marks the highest monthly temperature in the agency's 132 years of record-keeping. The report details temperature anomalies across the nation.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
RFK Jr. Proposes Food Additive Regulation Changes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced a plan aimed at modifying how the Food and Drug Administration regulates certain food additives. The proposal seeks to change the process for substances categorized as 'Generally Recognized As Safe.' However, some critics state the plan leaves gaps in oversight.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Medicare Part D Subsidy Expiration Raises Enrollee Concerns
A Trump administration decision to end a subsidy for Medicare Part D enrollees has prompted questions about future drug coverage expenses. Beneficiaries are assessing how this change will affect their out-of-pocket costs.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
CISA Holds Election Security Briefing with State Officials
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) held a conference call with state election officials. The discussion focused on cybersecurity measures for the upcoming midterm elections, now 85 days away. This event marked one of CISA's initial broad outreach efforts.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Tasia Fortune's Death Under Investigation in Mississippi
Authorities in Mississippi are investigating the death of Tasia Fortune, found hanging outside a vacant residence. Her death marks the third such incident reported in the area within a year. The community awaits further information from officials.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Wildfires Burn Across Western North America, Prompting Evacuations
Wildfires are burning across parts of the western United States and Canada, displacing thousands of residents. Authorities have issued evacuation orders in multiple areas as crews work to contain the blazes.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bayern Munich Secures 2-1 Advantage Over Real Madrid in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg
Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. Luis Diaz scored the opening goal. This marks Bayern's first win against Real Madrid in the last ten encounters.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Family Expresses Concern for U.S. Veteran Imprisoned in Russia
The family of U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman reports his health is declining in a Russian prison. Russian authorities arrested Gilman in 2022. His sentence, initially four and a half years, increased to ten years.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Administration Issues Executive Order on Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
The Trump administration issued an executive order today concerning childhood vaccine recommendations. The directive suggests evaluating the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for potential separation into three individual doses. It also mandates federal health officials to enhance vaccine research efforts.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Ukraine Details Drone Strike Potential in Crimea with Increased Western Funding
Ukraine's drone forces could increase their strike capacity against targets in Crimea by sevenfold with accelerated Western funding, according to the commander of Ukraine's drone war. This statement highlights the role of financial support in expanding military operations.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Oil Prices Rise Amid U.S.-Iran Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz Concerns
U.S. oil prices have reached $80 per barrel. This surge coincides with statements from President Trump regarding ongoing negotiations with Iran, which Iran links to sanctions relief and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Flock Safety Camera Use Spurs Debate on Surveillance and Public Safety
License plate reader cameras from Flock Safety have become a fixture in many U.S. communities. While police departments champion their crime-fighting potential, some residents voice concerns about privacy implications and widespread data collection.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Former Gang Leader Charged in 1996 Tupac Shakur Killing
A Nevada grand jury has indicted Duane Davis, known as 'Keffe D,' on a murder charge related to the 1996 shooting death of Tupac Shakur. Authorities arrested Davis in Las Vegas 27 years after the rapper's fatal drive-by shooting.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Minnesota Primary Elections Highlight Intra-Party Divides
Primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin are shaping up as key indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the November general elections. These contests reveal significant differences in priorities and approaches within the Democratic Party.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trial Set for Man Accused in Tupac Shakur Killing Nearly 30 Years Ago
Duane 'Keefe D' Davis, accused of planning the murder of Tupac Shakur, will stand trial. The case reopens a nearly 30-year-old investigation into the hip-hop artist's death. Davis has previously discussed his involvement in the shooting.
Thursday, August 20, 2026