National
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · Osceola County
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
Cyberattack Targets Metro Atlanta Water System
A cyberattack recently targeted a water utility in metro Atlanta. The incident affected operational technology systems. Investigators are examining potential links to a group identified as 'Cyber Av3ngers'.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Romania Blasts Rock to Secure Danube Water for Nuclear Plant Amid Drought
Romanian authorities used explosives to clear rock from the Danube River, aiming to deepen a channel supplying water to the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. This action comes as a severe drought has significantly lowered the river's water levels, impacting energy infrastructure in several Eastern European nations.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Idaho In-N-Out Shooting Victim Identified as Stockton Manager
Authorities identified Ashley Garibay, a 26-year-old In-N-Out manager from Stockton, California, as one of two people killed in a recent shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho, restaurant. The incident also resulted in injuries to others and led to the arrest of a former College of Southern Idaho student.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Teads Sues Google Following Antitrust Ruling
Teads Holding Co. has filed a lawsuit against Google LLC and Alphabet Inc. in New York federal court. The action follows a ruling by a Virginia federal court that found Google engaged in anticompetitive practices in digital advertising technology markets. Teads seeks financial damages and other legal remedies.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
NBA Play-In Tournament Heats Up, MLB Season Continues
The NBA Play-In Tournament continued with two critical games, while Major League Baseball presented a full slate of contests. Teams battled for playoff positioning and early-season victories.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
White House Confirms Continuation of ICE Traffic Stops
The White House confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) traffic stops will continue. This announcement follows earlier reports suggesting a suspension of these operations. Two individuals died in early July during encounters with ICE agents.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Wildfire Smoke Impacts Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Air Quality
Wildfire smoke has led to air quality advisories in 17 states, potentially exposing over 115 million people to unhealthy air. This development has prompted flight delays, facility closures, and event cancellations.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Reaches Boston, Northeast
Smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires has drifted into the Boston area and other parts of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. This atmospheric event has prompted air quality advisories for millions of residents, with forecasters predicting continued hazy conditions.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Heating Oil Customers to Receive Compensation After Price Increase
Customers who purchased heating oil recently will receive compensation. The decision follows a period of increased crude oil prices. This program aims to address the impact on consumers.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Reverses Proposed Hormuz Fee Amid Iran Blockade Efforts
President Trump withdrew a proposal to charge cargo ships for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision came within 24 hours of its announcement. The US maintains its operations aimed at disrupting Iran's influence over the waterway.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Administration Promotes New Nuclear Reactor Development
President Donald Trump convened a meeting with nuclear power industry leaders to discuss the development of new reactor technology. The discussion focused on efforts to accelerate nuclear power growth in the United States.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Oklahoma Woman Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide Following Online Allegations
An Owasso, Oklahoma woman died in an apparent murder-suicide weeks after posting online allegations about her husband. Authorities have linked the incident to an ongoing federal investigation into child sexual abuse material.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
U.S. Officials Deny Imminent Negotiations with Iran Despite Trump Remarks
Despite President Trump's recent comments, U.S. officials state no new negotiations with Iran are currently scheduled. Tehran has also denied that talks will commence, contradicting earlier speculation.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Simon Levy Convicted in Double Murder, Rape Case
A jury has convicted Simon Levy of Tottenham in the murders of two women and the rape of a third. The court proceedings concluded with the verdict today.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
New York Times Challenges White House Actions in Court
The New York Times plans to present arguments in court today concerning the White House's use of the legal system. The newspaper states these actions relate to a story it published that focused on President Trump.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, Wells Autopsy Raises Questions
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement. Separately, an independent autopsy report on Nolan Wells has prompted further inquiries into his death.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Richard Engel to Discuss U.S.-Iran Hostilities
Richard Engel, NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, has reported on developments between the United States and Iran for five months. He will now answer questions regarding the situation.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Hegseth Seeks Iran Funding; Zelenskyy Replaces Commander-in-Chief
Lawmakers are considering a $37 billion emergency funding request from the Pentagon for current operations involving Iran. The request comes as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed his commander-in-chief.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Rubio Discusses US-Iran Relations, Regional Stability
Senator Marco Rubio stated the United States remains open to negotiations with Iran. He also commented on Iran's role in regional dynamics and its internal challenges. Rubio addressed Iran's demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump-Endorsed Candidates Secure Nominations in Arizona Primaries
Candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump won several key Arizona primary elections. These victories set the stage for November's general election, with races for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general seeing Trump-backed nominees.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
United States Conducts Airstrikes, Pentagon Requests $67 Billion for Conflict
The United States conducted new airstrikes against Iranian targets on Tuesday. This action occurred hours after the Pentagon asked Congress for an additional $67 billion to fund the conflict. President Donald Trump indicated the operations would continue.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Trump Administration Announces 50% Tariffs on Canadian Imports
The Trump administration has announced new 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. These tariffs will apply to approximately $20 billion worth of goods, ranging from automobiles to dairy products and alcohol.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Pentagon Officials Seek $67 Billion in Supplemental Funding
Senior Pentagon officials recently briefed Congress, stating the conflict in Iran has incurred $37.5 billion in costs. They requested an additional $67 billion for military resupply.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Americans Report Increased Impact of Extreme Heat
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll reveals a growing awareness among Americans regarding the effects of extreme heat on their daily lives. Respondents specifically identified the West and Midwest as areas experiencing notable changes.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
New Method Stabilizes Vaccines at Room Temperature for One Year
Researchers have successfully stabilized vaccines at room temperature for up to a year, a development that could significantly alter vaccine distribution. This innovation aims to reduce the spoilage of temperature-sensitive medical supplies.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Oil Refineries
Ukrainian forces reportedly launched drone attacks against two oil refineries located deep inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated these strikes aim to limit Russia's revenue streams. The incidents occurred hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Health Secretary Calls for NHS Heatwave Preparedness Plans
The UK Health Secretary has urged the NHS to develop specific strategies for managing patient care during heatwaves, mirroring existing winter plans. This directive follows observed increases in patient admissions and equipment issues during periods of high temperatures.
Thursday, August 20, 2026