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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV have had disagreements, especially over issues like war and immigration. This has caused some confusion and division among American Catholics, who make up a large part of the U.S. population and have mixed political views.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV criticized war and said God does not support those who wage war, speaking out against U.S. attacks in Iran.
The pope also criticized the U.S. treatment of refugees, which American church leaders have echoed in opposition to government policies.
President Trump responded to the pope’s criticism by calling him “weak on crime” and sparking a public feud.
Taylor Marshall, a Catholic conservative commentator, said this conflict is difficult for Catholics who support both Trump and the pope.
About 53 million Americans are Catholic, the largest Christian group in the country.
Catholic voters tend to be split politically and have supported different parties in past presidential elections.
Trump won 52% of the Catholic vote in 2016 and 55% in 2024, narrowly beating Kamala Harris among Catholics.
White and Hispanic Catholics show different voting patterns, with white Catholics becoming more Republican over time.
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President Donald Trump will not attend the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) annual meeting in Houston this year, marking his second year in a row missing the event. The NRA has been a major supporter of the Republican Party, and Trump’s absence raises questions about the group's influence within the party.
Key Facts
President Trump is skipping the NRA’s annual convention in Houston, Texas, held April 16-19.
This is the second year in a row that President Trump will not attend the NRA’s meeting.
The NRA has long been a key political ally for the Republican Party.
The NRA’s events have traditionally attracted top Republican leaders, including Presidents.
Trump’s choice to skip the event leads to questions about the NRA’s current influence over the GOP.
The absence could signal a shift in the political relationship between President Trump and the NRA.
The NRA convention offers a platform to discuss gun rights and related policy issues important to conservatives.
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Virginia voters are deciding on a referendum about a new congressional map. The map could give Democrats up to four more seats before the November midterm elections. Large amounts of money are being spent by groups supporting different sides of this issue.
Key Facts
Virginia is holding a referendum on a new congressional map on Tuesday.
The new map could give Democrats up to four additional seats.
The referendum is happening before the November midterm elections.
Both sides of the issue are receiving tens of millions of dollars in funding.
Democratic lawmakers support the new map and are asking voters to approve it.
The redistricting process affects how congressional districts are drawn.
The outcome will influence the balance of power in Congress from Virginia.
Voters are being asked to temporarily approve the new district boundaries through this referendum.
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President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV had a public disagreement this week, which is an unusual event in modern history. Pope Leo XIV is the first American to become leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Key Facts
President Trump and Pope Leo XIV publicly disagreed this week.
This is the first time in modern history a U.S. president has had a public conflict with the pope.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope ever.
The disagreement between the two leaders has attracted significant attention.
Their conflict involves important issues related to the U.S. and the Catholic Church.
This event is seen as unprecedented given the pope’s unique background and the president’s position.
Details of the specific issues causing the feud were not provided in the article excerpt.
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President Trump chose Erica Schwartz, a public health expert and former deputy surgeon general, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This move shows the administration is moving away from previous doubts about vaccines as the midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Erica Schwartz is a longtime civil servant with experience in public health.
She served as deputy surgeon general during President Trump’s first term.
President Trump made the selection on a Thursday.
The choice indicates a change in the administration’s tone about vaccines.
This shift comes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The CDC is a key agency that focuses on disease control and prevention.
Vaccine skepticism refers to doubts or mistrust about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines.
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is a popular Democrat who won statewide office twice in a state that strongly supports President Donald Trump. Despite his success and high approval ratings, Beshear has very low support and recognition among Democrats as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
Key Facts
Andy Beshear won two terms as governor in Kentucky, a state where President Trump won by about 30 points.
Beshear has a 65 percent approval rating, the highest among Democratic governors in the U.S.
In recent polls, only about 2 percent of Democratic primary voters supported Beshear for president in 2028.
A poll found 70 percent of Democrats had never heard of Beshear.
Experts say early popularity in polls does not always predict who will win presidential primaries.
Beshear won close elections in 2019 and 2023, improving his margin in the second race significantly.
He vetoed controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bills, showing willingness to take unpopular stands for his values.
Analysts say a winning Democratic presidential candidate needs to appeal to about 60 percent of moderate voters nationwide.
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The Trump administration is investigating a series of deaths and disappearances involving scientists, but a former colleague of two of the scientists said there is no evidence of a linked or coordinated plot. Dr. Joe Masiero, who worked with the deceased scientists, described their deaths as unfortunate but unrelated incidents.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has called the investigation into missing and dead scientists “serious.”
Dr. Joe Masiero worked with two of the scientists who died: Michael David Hicks and Carl Grillmair.
Michael Hicks, a NASA scientist focused on asteroids and comets, died in July 2023; no cause of death was disclosed.
Carl Grillmair, an astronomer at Caltech, died in February 2023 from a shooting outside his home.
Masiero said both scientists were respected colleagues who cared about mentoring and their work.
Masiero and others reject claims that the deaths are connected or part of a conspiracy.
Law enforcement has not presented proof linking the cases.
The investigation has followed many online rumors suggesting foul play without evidence.
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The Trump administration has extended a one-month waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded onto ships at sea. This decision aims to ease rising global energy prices following disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The waiver allows sales of Russian oil loaded on vessels as of April 18 until May 16, 2026.
The waiver extends an earlier sanctions easing that expired on April 11.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had announced just two days earlier that the waiver would not be renewed.
The move comes amid global energy price spikes caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Iran retaliated to the conflict by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Rising oil prices have increased gasoline costs in the US, affecting households before midterm elections.
The waiver may complicate efforts to cut off Russian oil revenue used in its war against Ukraine.
International leaders stress that Russia should not benefit from the situation in Iran and emphasize the importance of protecting Ukraine.
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As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, new attention is being given to the roles that Black and Indigenous people played in the fight for independence. Museums, reenactments, and exhibits are highlighting figures like Prince Estabrook, an enslaved Black soldier who fought at the Battle of Lexington.
Key Facts
Prince Estabrook was an enslaved Black man who fought alongside white soldiers at the Battle of Lexington in 1775.
Charles Price, a 95-year-old Black veteran, portrayed Estabrook in reenactments for over 50 years.
The Lexington Minutemen reenactment group honors the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington every year.
Historically, stories of the American Revolution have focused mainly on white leaders like George Washington and Paul Revere.
Recent efforts aim to tell a fuller story that includes the contributions of Black and Indigenous patriots.
Museums and exhibitions, such as the “Patriots of Color” at the American Ancestors museum in Boston, display artifacts and tell these expanded stories.
Historians note that the traditional narrative of the Revolution was simplified and idealized, but newer research shows a more diverse group of people played important roles.
These efforts help the public learn about lesser-known participants in America’s fight for independence.
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The U.S. Treasury Department extended a 30-day break on sanctions against Russian oil shipments to help ease shortages caused by the war in Iran. This decision came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. would not extend the break.
Key Facts
The U.S. paused sanctions on Russian oil shipments for 30 more days starting Friday.
This pause applies to Russian oil loaded on tankers as of the new deadline.
A similar 30-day pause was given in March for oil loaded by March 11.
The extension helps Russia continue selling energy despite previous limits from the Ukraine conflict.
The move aims to ease energy shortages linked to the ongoing Iran war.
Secretary Scott Bessent had recently said the sanctions break would not be renewed.
The U.S. government has not clearly explained why it changed its decision.
The pause affects sanctions related to both Russian and Iranian oil.
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A lead prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan has been removed from the case after expressing doubts about the strength of the evidence for a criminal prosecution. The Justice Department confirmed the change but said reassigning attorneys is normal practice.
Key Facts
Maria Medetis Long was the lead prosecutor in the investigation of John Brennan and has been removed from the case.
Medetis Long reportedly doubted there was enough evidence to bring criminal charges against Brennan.
The Justice Department said moving attorneys on cases is routine and helps allocate resources effectively.
The investigation is connected to claims that Brennan gave false testimony about a 2016 intelligence report on Russian interference in the presidential election.
John Brennan was CIA director under President Barack Obama during the 2016 Russia election interference investigation.
The inquiry began after a referral from Republican Rep. Jim Jordan alleging Brennan lied about the intelligence assessment.
President Donald Trump replaced Attorney General Pam Bondi partly due to frustration over slow progress in cases against his political opponents.
Todd Blanche is now acting attorney general and supports Trump’s involvement in seeking investigations against people Trump has had disputes with.
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Carfentanil, a chemical much stronger than fentanyl and morphine, is becoming more common in the U.S. drug supply. This has led to many deaths, as some users accidentally take the drug thinking it is something else like cocaine.
Key Facts
Carfentanil is about 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
It has caused hundreds of deaths among drug users who did not know they took it.
The rise in carfentanil use is related to China cracking down on chemicals used to make fentanyl, which has reduced fentanyl's purity.
Drug traffickers in Mexico may be adding carfentanil to fentanyl to increase its strength.
In 2025, U.S. drug seizures found carfentanil 1,400 times, up from 145 in 2023 and 54 in 2022.
Even a tiny amount of carfentanil, smaller than a grain of salt, can be fatal.
Narcan, a medicine used to reverse opioid overdose, may not save someone who takes carfentanil because it is so strong.
Authorities warn that carfentanil's return creates new dangers for people who use drugs.
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President Donald Trump said the United States will start bombing again if a deal with Iran is not reached by Wednesday. He also stated that the US will keep blocking Iranian ports if no long-term agreement is made.
Key Facts
President Trump warned the US might use military force against Iran if no deal is reached by Wednesday.
He said the current US blockade on Iranian ports will continue without an agreement.
The statement highlights rising tensions between the US and Iran.
The deadline for reaching a US-Iran deal is set for Wednesday.
The blockade is part of US efforts to pressure Iran on unspecified issues.
No detailed terms of the proposed deal were mentioned in the statement.
President Trump emphasized a strong stance toward Iran in his remarks.
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A Green party MP, Hannah Spencer, criticized Labour for suggesting working-class people oppose a ban on greyhound racing, calling it an unfair stereotype. Labour and the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, support keeping greyhound racing legal in England due to its cultural and economic importance, despite concerns about animal welfare.
Key Facts
Greyhound racing is traditionally linked to working-class culture and popular in some Labour-supporting areas.
Scotland and Wales have recently banned greyhound racing, but England has no plans to do so.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said gambling and greyhound racing bring joy and economic benefits.
Green MP Hannah Spencer, who rescues greyhounds, argues Labour unfairly portrays working-class people as uncaring about dogs.
Thousands of greyhounds have been injured or died while racing from 2018 to 2023.
Animal charities face challenges rehoming retired racing greyhounds, many of which suffer anxiety and other issues.
Labour has accepted significant donations from the gambling industry and hosted events sponsored by betting lobbyists.
Some Greens, including Spencer, want to discuss banning horse racing due to animal welfare concerns after recent horse deaths.
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President Donald Trump is facing growing criticism from voters and political allies after recent actions, including starting a war with Iran and insulting Pope Leo XIV. His approval ratings have dropped, with many Americans unhappy about rising fuel prices and his handling of foreign policy.
Key Facts
President Trump has started a war with Iran, which has caused fuel prices to rise.
A recent poll shows 38% of voters approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while 55% disapprove.
Only 36% approve of how President Trump is managing the situation with Iran, and 58% disapprove.
Trump insulted Pope Leo XIV after the pope criticized his threats toward Iran, drawing backlash from Catholic leaders.
Trump posted an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus Christ, which caused controversy.
His lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal related to Jeffrey Epstein files was dismissed in court.
Trump’s political coalition is weakening as he loses support from MAGA influencers, religious conservatives, anti-war voters, and those frustrated by inflation.
Despite surviving an assassination attempt in 2024, Trump's presidency shows signs of increasing challenges and declining support.
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A British man named Tyler Buchanan pleaded guilty to helping steal at least $8 million in virtual money by hacking into company computers and tricking employees in the US. He used fake text messages to get login information and is set to be sentenced in August with a possible 22-year prison term.
Key Facts
Tyler Buchanan is 24 years old and from Dundee, UK.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and identity theft crimes related to stealing virtual currency.
The theft happened between September 2021 and April 2023.
Buchanan and others sent fake text messages (phishing) to employees of various companies to steal login details.
They targeted entertainment, telecom, technology, and virtual currency firms.
At least $8 million worth of virtual currency was stolen from US individuals.
Buchanan has been in US custody since April 2025 and will be sentenced on August 21.
The case is linked to a cybercriminal group called Scattered Spider, with more suspects in the US facing charges.
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A South Florida man named Maikel Rojas was held for nearly five months in a remote immigration detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz." He described poor living conditions and limited legal access before being released after a legal petition called habeas corpus.
Key Facts
Maikel Rojas was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in October 2025 after a routine check-in.
He was held at a remote facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" for about four and a half months.
Rojas reported overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with inadequate privacy and spoiled food.
Detainees were not allowed visits from family and had little access to legal help.
His wife, Roxana Torres, protested outside the facility and learned about habeas corpus, a legal action to challenge detention.
Habeas corpus helped secure Rojas’ release in March 2026.
Rojas must wear an ankle monitor and attend future hearings to determine his legal status.
He must still check in with immigration authorities and has a scheduled report date at the Miramar detention center.
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The Trump administration changed its decision and extended permission for some countries to buy Russian oil, despite earlier saying it would not. This extension lasts until May 16 and was announced during tensions related to the Iran war.
Key Facts
The Trump administration extended a waiver on Russian oil sanctions.
The waiver allows certain countries to keep buying Russian oil until May 16.
A high-ranking official had recently said the U.S. would not extend this permission.
The change was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department.
The extension came amid ongoing tensions related to the Iran war.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom wants Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to explain his 2024 comments about Black children taking certain ADHD medicines. Newsom criticized Kennedy’s remarks about those children being “re-parented” through medication.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom is from California and is a Democrat.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
Kennedy made comments in 2024 regarding Black children on ADHD medications.
He described these children as being “re-parented” by the medication.
Newsom publicly demanded that Kennedy provide answers about these remarks.
Newsom questioned Kennedy’s fitness to serve in his current role.
The issue involves ADHD, a condition that affects attention and behavior in children.
The controversy focuses on race and medication use in children.
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The US Congress voted to temporarily extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 10 days after failing to approve a longer extension. The law allows intelligence agencies to gather foreign intelligence from US telecom companies, but some lawmakers oppose it due to concerns about warrantless surveillance of Americans.
Key Facts
FISA is a law from 1978 that controls how intelligence agencies collect foreign information and involves telecom companies.
Section 702 of FISA, added in 2008, lets agencies collect communications of non-US persons outside the US without a warrant.
This section can also collect data on Americans who communicate with those foreign targets.
Some lawmakers from both parties want to reform the law to stop warrantless searches of Americans’ data.
President Trump wants an 18-month extension of FISA without any changes.
Critics argue that Section 702 allows mass surveillance without court approval, which raises privacy concerns.
National security officials say Section 702 is essential for preventing terrorism, espionage, and other threats.
The law was due to expire but was extended temporarily by unanimous votes in the House and Senate to allow more time for negotiations.
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