National
Monday, April 20, 2026 · Kankakee County
Trump, Senate Republican Leader Thune to Meet Amid Party Disagreements
President Trump plans to meet with Senate Majority Leader John Thune as frustrations mount within Republican ranks over which issues should dominate the party's midterm election agenda.
Congress Approves Major Affordable Housing Legislation
Both chambers of Congress have passed sweeping affordable housing legislation, moving the bill toward presidential signature. The package marks the most comprehensive housing affordability effort lawmakers have approved in decades.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Trump nominates former Oklahoma trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE
President Trump announced his nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The nomination follows the May resignation of Todd Lyons.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Iranian drones strike Bahrain and ship in Persian Gulf after U.S. airstrikes
Iran launched drone attacks against Bahrain and a vessel in the Persian Gulf following U.S. airstrikes, marking an escalation in regional hostilities even as diplomats work toward a nuclear accord.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Congress Passes Largest Housing Bill in Decades
Congress has approved its most comprehensive housing affordability legislation in decades. In New York City, all three candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani advanced through primary elections.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court ruling clears path for ending protected status for Haitian and Syrian migrants
A Supreme Court decision this week removed legal barriers preventing the Trump administration from terminating temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians. Ohio, home to more than 10,000 Haitian migrants, stands to experience significant workforce disruption, according to Gov. Mike DeWine.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Satellite Images Document Widespread Damage From Two Venezuelan Earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving more than 900 dead. Satellite imagery now shows the extent of destruction across affected areas.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Rubio Says Iran Must Follow Through on Agreed Terms During Middle East Visit
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Abu Dhabi on June 23 that Iran faces a choice between following through on commitments or facing unspecified presidential action. Rubio is visiting three regional countries to discuss a preliminary Iran peace framework negotiated over the previous 72 hours.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court Says Religious Freedom Law Does Not Allow Inmate Damage Suits
The Supreme Court ruled that a federal law protecting inmate religious rights does not permit lawsuits seeking monetary damages, even when officials violate those rights. The decision arose from a Louisiana prisoner's case involving the removal of his dreadlocks.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court allows ExxonMobil to pursue lawsuit over Cuban property seizures
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that ExxonMobil can proceed with a lawsuit over property confiscated by Cuba's government more than 65 years ago. The decision represents the second favorable ruling in recent months for American owners of seized Cuban holdings.
Monday, April 20, 2026
3 Million Drop Health Coverage as Federal Subsidies End
Approximately 3 million people canceled their health insurance through the federal marketplace after subsidies expired on Jan. 1. The Department of Health and Human Services attributes the drop to fraud enforcement, while health policy analysts point to the end of financial assistance.
Monday, April 20, 2026
US and Iran Halt Military Operations After Weekend of Strikes
The United States and Iran stopped military operations following a weekend of attacks, with both sides indicating they would return to peace talks. Vice President JD Vance said last week that the countries had established groundwork for a potential agreement.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Strong aftershock strikes Venezuela as search efforts continue
A powerful aftershock rattled Venezuela as rescue teams worked to locate survivors. The government said more than 1,700 people died in the initial event.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court expands presidential power to fire agency heads, with Fed exception
The Supreme Court on Monday backed President Donald Trump's authority to fire leaders of independent federal agencies, carving out a narrow exception for the Federal Reserve. The ruling grants presidents broader power over executive branch personnel.
Monday, April 20, 2026
South Korean Tech Companies Plan $518 Billion Chip Investment
South Korea's largest technology companies announced plans to invest $518 billion in new semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Government officials said the nation has sufficient power and water resources to support the plants.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court upholds late-arriving mail ballot counting in majority of states
The Supreme Court declined to overturn state laws that permit mailed ballots to be counted days after Election Day if they carry an Election Day postmark. The decision rejected a Republican-backed legal challenge.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court blocks Trump's removal of Fed board member Cook
The Supreme Court rejected President Trump's effort to fire Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook but granted him expanded power over other independent federal agencies in a pair of decisions that divided the justices on executive authority.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Supreme Court Declines Dershowitz Defamation Appeal
The Supreme Court declined to hear former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz's appeal in a defamation case, preserving a landmark ruling that shields news organizations from liability when covering public figures.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Congress votes to direct Trump to withdraw forces from Iran conflict
Congress passed a symbolic measure calling for the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran, signaling frustration from lawmakers across party lines. The vote carries no legal weight and requires no presidential signature.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Nuclear Inspections Dispute Complicates U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have encountered friction over nuclear inspections as diplomats work toward a broader deal. Separately, discussions show signs of addressing shipping traffic through a strategic waterway.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tech Stocks Slide as Investors Question AI Investment Returns
Investors have begun selling AI-related stocks amid growing uncertainty about whether the billions spent on the technology will generate sufficient returns. The Nasdaq has experienced significant volatility as market participants reassess valuations.
Monday, April 20, 2026
U.S. and Iran trade military strikes as ceasefire frays
The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes over the weekend, threatening an interim deal brokered between the two countries. President Trump has tapped a former Oklahoma state trooper to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Bolton Pleads Guilty to Classified Retention; Texas Orders Bible Curriculum; Russia Claims Drone Interception
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty Friday to illegally retaining classified information. Texas education officials voted to require Bible selections in public school curricula, and Russia said it intercepted over 600 Ukrainian drones during a major attack.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Russian Strikes Target Kyiv, Killing Nine
Russian forces conducted air strikes on Kyiv for the second time in a week, resulting in nine deaths. Emergency responders are working to locate survivors beneath damaged structures.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Independent Review Calls for Reforms in Police Leadership and Recruitment
An independent report suggests the police service needs to reform its development and recruitment processes. The review highlights specific areas where leadership and hiring practices could be improved.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Heatwave Alters US 250th Independence Day Celebrations Nationwide
A significant heatwave impacted 250th Independence Day celebrations across the United States. Organizers canceled several events, including Washington D.C.'s main parade, and adjusted others to ensure public safety amid rising temperatures.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Fire Officials Warn of Increased Wildfire Risk for Fourth of July
Fire officials issued warnings regarding elevated wildfire risks for the upcoming Fourth of July. Dry conditions combined with fireworks use historically contribute to a spike in fire ignitions each year.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Government announces policy changes following death of toddler in abuse case
A 13-month-old boy died after months of sexual and physical abuse by Jamie Varley. Government officials say they will implement changes to prevent similar cases.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Former Northern Ireland Leader Begins Prison Sentence for Child Sex Crimes
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who led the Democratic Unionist Party, entered prison to begin serving a sentence for multiple child sex offenses. His incarceration marks a significant disruption in Northern Ireland politics.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Vance Claims Iran Talks Lay Groundwork for Deal as Trump Defends Oil Waiver
Vice President JD Vance said his initial round of talks with Iran established a foundation for a lasting peace agreement. The claim comes as President Donald Trump faces pushback over a 60-day waiver that allows Iran to sell oil without U.S. sanctions.
Monday, April 20, 2026