NPR News Now – April 20, 2026, 10PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme: Quick, essential updates on major news stories from the U.S. and worldwide, covering politics, tragedy, government decisions, lawsuits, accessibility deadlines, and financial markets.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. Resignation of Labor Secretary Laurie Chavez Darimer

• Summary: Laurie Chavez Darimer quits as Labor Secretary amid a misconduct investigation, making her the third Cabinet exit in this Trump term.
• Reported by: Andrea Hsu ([00:01]–[01:02])
• Key Details:
  • White House Communications Director Stephen Chung announced the resignation on X, praising her performance but saying she was leaving for a private sector job.
  • Allegations against Chavez Darimer include having an affair with a subordinate, drinking at work, and misusing taxpayer-funded travel.
  • NPR has not independently confirmed the allegations.
  • Deputy Keith Sonderling becomes acting labor secretary.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Her short tenure was marked by controversy." – Andrea Hsu [00:34]

2. Shreveport Shooting Tragedy

• Summary: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry addresses the aftermath of a mass shooting in Shreveport where eight children were killed by a gunman.
• Reported by: Brooke Thorington ([01:02]–[01:54])
• Key Details:
  • 31-year-old Shemar Elkins is alleged to have shot at two homes, killing eight children—seven of whom were his own.
  • The funerals for the children will be covered by First Lady Sharon Landry’s nonprofit.
  • Elkins also shot his wife and girlfriend, both mothers of the children.
  • State police are investigating whether Elkins died by suicide or was killed by police.
• Notable Quote:
  • "We know that God has placed upon us eight new angels that are now looking over the city of Shreveport." – Gov. Jeff Landry [01:32]

3. Trump Administration's National Park Service Budget Cuts

• Summary: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defends substantial cuts to National Park Service funding on Capitol Hill.
• Reported by: Kirk Sigler ([01:54]–[02:55])
• Key Details:
  • The proposed budget slashes over $700 million, further reducing staff after a 25% decrease the previous year.
  • Burgum claims the cuts aim to enable more staffing inside parks versus regional offices, focusing on "citizen-facing roles."
  • Some funds are directed to a Wildland Fire Service Committee.
  • Democrats criticize the administration for lack of transparency and bypassing Congress.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "We had parks last year that had including some of our biggest like Yellowstone, where we had more people in the parks last summer than we'd had for years…" – Sec. Doug Burgum [02:23]
  • "Democrats blasted him for, as they put it, making decisions in secret while circumventing Congress." – Kirk Sigler [02:47]

4. FBI Director Kash Patel Files Defamation Suit

• Summary: FBI Director Kash Patel sues the Atlantic for $250 million over an article about his behavior.
• Reported by: Jeanine Herbst ([02:55]–[03:44])
• Key Details:
  • Patel denies the claims of excessive drinking, emotional outbursts, and frequent absences, calling the article defamatory.
  • The Atlantic stands behind its reporting, labeling the lawsuit "meritless."
  • The story illustrates rising tensions between media and public officials over reputation and reporting.

5. Web Accessibility Guidelines Deadline Delayed

• Summary: The Justice Department postpones new web accessibility compliance deadlines for public institutions.
• Reported by: Janaki Mehta ([03:44]–[04:26])
• Key Details:
  • The ADA has always mandated accessibility, but precise federal guidelines were only defined in 2024.
  • Schools and public bodies, previously required to meet detailed web and mobile accessibility standards by this week, now have until April 2027 (for larger institutions) and 2028 (for smaller ones) to comply.
  • Disability rights advocates are frustrated by the delay; some administrators feel relief at the extension.
• Notable Quote:
  • "This has left disability rights organizations frustrated, while some school administrators are relieved they have extra time to be compliant." – Janaki Mehta [04:16]

6. Financial Markets Update

• Reported by: Jeanine Herbst ([04:26])
• Key Details:
  • Major indices: Dow down 4 points; NASDAQ down 64; S&P 500 down 16

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• "Her short tenure was marked by controversy." – Andrea Hsu [00:34]
• "We know that God has placed upon us eight new angels that are now looking over the city of Shreveport." – Gov. Jeff Landry [01:32]
• "Democrats blasted him for, as they put it, making decisions in secret while circumventing Congress." – Kirk Sigler [02:47]
• "This has left disability rights organizations frustrated, while some school administrators are relieved they have extra time to be compliant." – Janaki Mehta [04:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01] Laurie Chavez Darimer resigns as Labor Secretary
• [01:02] Shreveport mass shooting coverage
• [01:54] Interior Secretary on Park Service cuts
• [02:55] FBI Director Kash Patel's lawsuit against The Atlantic
• [03:44] Justice Department delays web accessibility deadline
• [04:26] Stock market closing numbers

Tone:
Direct, factual, and balanced—typical of NPR’s concise and measured approach to rapid news delivery, providing both reporting and nuanced context behind headlines.