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Peace Talks Fail, Artemis II Returns & Tax Refund Boost - Monday, April 13, 2026
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Today is Monday, April 13th. What to know about President Trump's latest action in Iran now that peace talks have failed. Also, Congress returns from recess with a full agenda and a couple of new controversies. Plus, what the Artemis 2 astronauts had to say about their return to Earth, how refunds this year have changed from last tax season in which famous golfer achieved something that hasn't been done in 25 years. Those stories and even more news to know coming up. Welcome to the Newsworthy. All the day's news in less than 15 minutes. I'm Erica. Mandy, thanks so much for being here. Let's do this. The highly anticipated peace talks between the US And Iran ended without a breakthrough. To be clear, the current ceasefire is still in effect for the next week, but it's now considered especially fragile. And starting later this morning, the US Navy is set to start blocking any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports or coastal areas. That's a reversal from the US Approach so far since, remember, American officials have taken steps to actually help Iranian oil flow to alleviate some of the pressure on energy prices. Now, this blockade is expected to be a big setback for Iran's economy and possibly other countries. But the US Military now says it will let other ships go through the Strait of Hormuz. That's, of course, where a major portion of the world's seaborne oil and natural gas typically passes when there's not a major war happening. Though how many ships actually will pass is unclear at this point in the face of conflicting messages. In just one example of contradictory statements for that update from the US Military, just yesterday, President Trump said the waterway would be effectively closed. Iran also seems to have something planned. An advisor to the new supreme leader warned Iran had, quote, large untouched levers to counter any naval blockade. And Iran's top negotiator addressed Americans directly, saying soon you'll wish gas prices were as low as they are now, which as you know, are much higher than they were just a few weeks ago. Before this weekend, there had actually been some hope that this conflict might wind down soon since American and Iranian leaders met in Pakistan for the highest level face to face talk since Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979. The negotiations lasted for more than 20 hours. Vice President J.D. vance led the negotiating team for the U.S. vance said he gave the Iranians a very simple proposal, but that talks ended with Iran choosing not to accept the terms. On the other side, Iran's chief negotiator said the US had been unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation. Reports say there were actually quite a few issues the US and Iran could not agree upon. For example, what to do with nearly 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, frozen Iranian revenues held abroad, and the Strait of Hormuz. Neither side has totally ruled out future negotiations, so it's possible more talks happen again soon. But last night President Trump said he didn't care either way, and the negotiators have left Pakistan. Meanwhile, Israel has kept up its attacks on Lebanon ahead of a key meeting. The Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. are expected to meet in Washington, D.C. tomorrow for rare direct talks. Hopes aren't high though, in part because the Lebanese government really has no direct control over the Iranian backed militant group Hezbollah that Israel is actually targeting. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he's looking for a real peace agreement that will last for generations. To be continued. One of President Trump's biggest allies in NATO has been defeated, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded in a major election loss, bringing an end to a 16 year rule. And it could have worldwide implications. Much like President Trump, Orban held a hard line on immigration, had a hostility toward global institutions, and butted heads with the media and universities. US Vice President J.D. vance even went to Hungary to campaign for Orban while President Trump offered his support through calls, video messages and social media posts. Besides being an ally of President Trump, Orban had closer ties to Russia and China than most Western leaders. In fact, his challenger framed this election as a choice between east and West. Now the new Hungarian government is expected to align more clearly with Europe and NATO, and this could end up altering the course of the war in Hungary's neighbor Ukraine. Here in the U.S. some Democrats described Orban's loss as a sign of things to come for America's November midterms, saying similar political movements and populist strategies are on the way out. But Republicans mostly blamed Russia's President Putin for saying Orban's connection to him is what cost him the vote. Now Orban's main opposition leader is taking over. He's promised to restore ties with the EU and NATO, crack down on corruption and restore democracy. A Democratic congressman from California is now under investigation for sexual misconduct. A woman who once worked as an intern for Congressman Eric Swalwell says he sexually assaulted her. Now the Manhattan district attorney's office is investigating the allegations and is asking any other survivors to come forward. And since then, at least four other women have, with stories that range from sexual assault to inappropriate messages. Swalwell says the allegations are not true, that none of it ever happened. He cited his career as a public servant and a prosecutor who went to court for sexual assault victims. But he did admit to some mistakes in judgment. Swalwell had been running for California governor but decided to suspend his campaign yesterday. And now many lawmakers from both parties are also calling on him to resign from Congress. And some say he should leave alongside other lawmakers. For example, Tony Gonzalez from Texas. He dropped his reelection bid earlier this year after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Also, Congressman Corey Mills, who's facing allegations of sexual misconduct, misuse of congressional resources, and more. The House could move within days to consider expelling all of them, and that's a pretty big deal, since in the 237 year history of the U.S. house, only six lawmakers have ever been expelled by a vote of their peers. But it's hardly the only thing Congress has to consider now that it's finally back from a two week recess. Also on the agenda, funding for the Homeland Security Department that's been shut down for roughly two months now. And Democrats again plan to try limiting President Trump's war powers in Iran, despite Republicans blocking the move multiple times already. Plus, all of Congress has to start digging into the White House budget request for next year that includes a historic increase in defense spending. So stay tuned. Before Artemis 2 astronauts got a hero's welcome as they splashed down to Earth, completing the first successful moon mission in half a century. Already they had set a new distance record for humanity, gotten never before seen glimpses of the moon's far side, viewed a total solar eclipse from space, and more. Then on their return, the crew traveled at speeds up to 25,000 miles an hour, possibly the fastest humans have ever traveled. And they made what's being called a flawless splashdown. When they arrived at Space Center Houston, they received cheers, a standing ovation and plenty of hugs. Then the astronauts reflected on their historic 10 day journey around the moon. They spoke about how special it was to be part of the mission, to see what they saw and to go through it together, saying they're bonded for life. But they also said there's no place like planet Earth and nothing quite like being human. And they seemed thrilled to learn it was also special for everyone on Earth who followed the mission. Now NASA will look at all the data they gather. The crew tested life support, navigation and propulsion systems all in deep space. Then NASA will set its sights on Artemis 3, with plans to launch next year. That mission won't go as far, but it will allow the astronauts to practice docking their capsule with a lunar lander OR 2, then Artemis 4 is expected to be the next moon landing on tap for 2028. We have much more news still ahead, but first thanks to our sponsors that help keep the newsworthy free to you. Spring feels like that time that plans start becoming real and to do lists actually start getting done? Trips get booked, calendars start filling up. So if you're looking to learn a new language, starting now means that by summer you'll already feel more confident speaking and understanding that new language. And Rosetta Stone makes it simple to get started. For me, getting started is sometimes the hardest part, but thinking of myself confidently speaking another language by this summer is great motivation to get going. Rosetta Stone has been a trusted leader in language learning for over 30 years. They have millions of users and offer 25 languages to choose from. Their immersive, intuitive method helps you naturally absorb your new language. So no memorizing random vocabulary lists and no relying on translations. Instead, you learn by connecting words, visuals and meaning in context, the way language is meant to be learned. Ready to start learning a new language this spring? Visit Rosetta Stone.com Newsworthy today to explore Rosetta Stone and choose the language that's right for you. Go to rosettastone.com newsworthy and begin your language learning journey now. This episode is also brought to you by Gainbridge. There's a lot in life that feels unpredictable, and for a lot of people, money is right at the top of that list. Markets go up and down, advice is everywhere, and it can be hard to know what's actually worth your time. That's part of why platforms like Gainbridge are getting more attention. Gainbridge is designed to make saving feel simpler and more transparent. They offer financial products with a guaranteed rate for a term you choose, so instead of guessing or constantly checking in, you know what your money is doing from the start. There are no hidden fees or commissions and the process is straightforward. You decide how much to deposit, choose your time frame, and from there it's a set it and forget it approach. They offer two main options, so there's one for shorter term goals like saving for a big purchase or a milestone, and another designed for longer term planning like retirement. It's built for people who want steady, predictable growth and beyond their financial products. Gainbridge is also investing in communities, including supporting women's sports through partnerships with athletes and teams. If you want to explore a simpler way to plan ahead, you can learn more@gainbridge.com Gainbridge Let yout Money Work for You now back to the News Official plans are now out for the arch President Trump wants in Washington, D.C. president the plan is for it to be built in a traffic circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac river between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The proposal calls for it to be roughly 250ft tall. That's more than twice as high as the 99 foot tall Lincoln Memorial. The words One Nation Under God would be inscribed on one side and Liberty and Justice for all would be on the other. Gold colored statues of Lady Liberty and two eagles would sit on top of the structure with four gold lion statues around the base. And the plan is for American taxpayers to help fund the construction. The Commission of Fine Arts is set to hear a presentation about the arch later this week, and since the panel is now composed entirely of President Trump's appointees, it's expected to favor the project. Of course, this is just the president's latest effort to leave a permanent mark on Washington. The most dramatic step was demolishing the east wing of the White House to make way for a planned ballroom. A man was arrested for attacking OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home. Police say the man threw a Molotov cocktail at the house, then ran away. They caught him an hour later, threatening to burn down OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters. It caused a fire, but only a gate was damaged and no one was hurt. Still, Altman was shaken. He wrote online that he, quote, underestimated the power of words and narratives. Altman spoke about the criticism of the AI industry and said it's valid, but also that he believes technological advancement can make the world better for everyone, and he called for de escalation. He also shared a photo of his husband and his one year old son, saying he hoped it might dissuade the next person from trying to attack his home, no matter what they thought about him. Pop star Britney Spears has checked herself into a treatment facility for substance abuse. That's what TMZ first reported yesterday. Then her representative confirmed the news, telling reporters Spears made the decision to enter rehab voluntarily. This comes just over a month after she was arrested for driving under the influence. At the time, her representative said, quote, hopefully she can get the help and support she needs. The singer also thanked her supporters in the caption of one of her dancing videos on social media, but otherwise did not address the charges. Spears is due for her next court appearance next month. Golfer Rory McIlroy has made history, becoming only the fourth player in history to win two straight Masters, and he's the first since Tiger woods in 2001 and 2002. This time, McIlroy just barely came out on top over the world's number one, Scottie Scheffler. With that, he was able to take home a second iconic green jacket, along with $4.5 million, a replica of the Masters Champions trophy, and a whole lot of congratulations. He received messages from some of the greatest stars in baseball, basketball, soccer and, of course, golf. The next major tournament, the PGA Championship, is coming up next month. Well, that's it for the main news. So now it's time for Money Monday when we talk about one interesting money related news story. Tax day is now just two days away and if you haven't filed yet, you could be in for a pleasant surprise. The latest data from the IRS shows the average tax refund has so far been more than 11% higher from this same time last year. For individual filers, the average amount has been almost $3,500, up from about 3,100 a year ago. It's mostly because of the changes enacted under the so called Big Beautiful bill. It expanded the standard deduction, increased the child tax credit, and gave deductions for tips and overtime, among other things. For filers expecting a refund, surveys show about a quarter of them are planning to use the money to pay down credit card debt and the same share will save at least some of it. Of course, there are still some who plan to use the money for fun expenses like vacations, home improvements or shopping sprees. And there's the debate about whether it's better to get a tax refund or just adjust your withholdings and get larger paychecks throughout the year. If you want to hear more about the changes to this year's tax season, check out our special edition Saturday episode from the end of February. We'll link to it in today's Episode notes on thenewsworthy.com thank you so much for joining us today. But before you go, a quick note about Friday's episode. We've seen several comments and have gotten some questions from you about whether the guest host was actually artificial intelligence. I wanted to clarify that was not AI, it was a real human. Another journalist who filled in for me on Friday. Perhaps some of the confusion happened because the audio was a bit over processed in post production. That was an error and we've now updated the episode and discussed it with our team so it shouldn't happen again. I also want to reassure you that if we use an AI voice for any reason, we will always share that with you and be upfront about it. But thank you so much for the feedback and for asking us questions. If you're concerned. We appreciate you caring about the show and listening each day. And with that, we'll be back with the news you need to know tomorrow. For now, have a great day.