Account

  Login
  Sign Up For Free

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Republican senator criticizes Trump’s ‘holy war’ with Pope Leo

Republican senator criticizes Trump’s ‘holy war’ with Pope Leo

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Senator John Kennedy, a Republican and supporter of President Donald Trump, criticized the president’s conflict with Pope Leo XIV during a TV interview. The disagreement centers on Trump’s harsh comments about the pope amid tensions over US-Iran relations and nuclear weapons.

Key Facts

  • Senator John Kennedy is a Republican from Louisiana and supporter of President Trump.
  • Kennedy called Trump’s fight with Pope Leo XIV a “holy war” and said he disagrees with it.
  • Kennedy respects Catholicism but thinks arguing with the pope is a distraction.
  • The conflict began after Trump threatened Iran and the pope condemned those remarks as unacceptable.
  • Trump called the pope “weak on crime” and disagreed with his stance on Iran and nuclear weapons.
  • The pope opposed nuclear weapons and urged Americans to seek peace through Congress.
  • Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, which some Christians found offensive.
  • Others, like Republican JD Vance, defended Trump’s right to focus on US policies, not church matters.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World Guardian US
Rick Scott calls for ‘commonsense’ reforms to FISA

Rick Scott calls for ‘commonsense’ reforms to FISA

April 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Rick Scott wants changes to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). He said that Congress needs to update the law to make it more reasonable.

Key Facts

  • Senator Rick Scott represents Florida and is a Republican.
  • Section 702 of FISA lets the government collect foreign intelligence by monitoring electronic communications.
  • Some lawmakers in the Republican Party disagree about how the law should be handled.
  • Scott said the law needs “commonsense” reforms to protect privacy and security better.
  • He spoke about this during an interview on “Fox News Sunday” with Shannon Bream.
  • The debate is part of a larger discussion on surveillance and privacy rights.
  • FISA is a federal law that governs how intelligence is gathered within the United States and abroad.
  • Congress is responsible for reviewing and updating laws like Section 702.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Greene Urges Answers to Attempted Trump Assassination: 'Why The Cover Up?'

Greene Urges Answers to Attempted Trump Assassination: 'Why The Cover Up?'

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Marjorie Taylor Greene called for more answers about the 2024 attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. She questioned the Secret Service and urged for more information about the shooter and any possible conspirators.

Key Facts

  • The attempted assassination took place in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024.
  • President Donald Trump was injured in the ear during the attack.
  • A rally attendee named Corey Comperatore was killed by the gunman.
  • The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20, who was killed by a Secret Service countersniper.
  • Greene did not call the shooting a hoax but asked why there is a lack of transparency.
  • She questioned if Crooks acted alone or if others were involved.
  • Greene criticized President Trump for not releasing more information about the incident.
  • The attack resulted in a famous photo of Trump urging the crowd to "Fight! Fight! Fight!" after being shot.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Kash Patel Says Lawsuit Over Drinking Allegations 'Coming Tomorrow'

Kash Patel Says Lawsuit Over Drinking Allegations 'Coming Tomorrow'

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

FBI Director Kash Patel plans to sue The Atlantic magazine for publishing a report accusing him of having a drinking problem that affected his work. Patel and his lawyer say the claims are false and defamatory, and the lawsuit could be filed soon.

Key Facts

  • The Atlantic published a report alleging Kash Patel has a drinking problem and acted erratically at work.
  • The report said Patel appeared intoxicated on the job and his security team struggled to wake him on several occasions.
  • Patel said the allegations are false and announced he will file a lawsuit against The Atlantic.
  • Patel’s lawyer stated the magazine was warned before publication that the claims were false.
  • Acting Attorney General defended Patel, saying his achievements exceed those of the previous administration.
  • Senior Trump administration officials are reportedly considering replacements for Patel.
  • Patel spoke about suing The Atlantic on a Fox News program.
  • The Atlantic’s information came from interviews with over two dozen current and former officials.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
US Draft Update: Major Tech Company Urges Universal National Service

US Draft Update: Major Tech Company Urges Universal National Service

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Palantir Technologies, a major U.S. tech company, suggested that the U.S. government consider requiring all young adults to perform national service, moving away from the current volunteer military system. This proposal has sparked debate because it could lead to a mandatory military draft, especially during growing military tensions involving Iran.

Key Facts

  • Palantir called for universal national service, meaning everyone should share risks and costs of future wars.
  • The company’s post on social media caused public discussion about private defense firms influencing national policy.
  • Palantir is known for building large data software platforms used by U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.
  • The U.S. military is currently all-volunteer, but there is a recent federal move to automatically register men aged 18-25 for the draft.
  • The Selective Service System plans to shift to automatic draft registration by the end of the year to improve compliance with the law.
  • Universal national service can involve military or civilian work, like disaster relief, education, or environmental projects.
  • This topic arises amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict tensions and increased military activity in the region.
  • President Trump has issued strong warnings about Iran during the conflict escalation.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Widespread damage as storm spreads through midwestern US

Widespread damage as storm spreads through midwestern US

April 19, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A strong storm moved through the midwestern United States, causing damage to homes and blocking roads. No deaths were reported, but some rural areas are expected to face a long recovery.

Key Facts

  • The storm struck on a Friday, bringing strong winds.
  • Roofs were torn off houses in the affected areas.
  • Roads were blocked by debris from the storm.
  • In Wisconsin, some people were trapped in their basements due to damage.
  • At least 30 homes were damaged in Minnesota.
  • Officials warned residents to prepare for a lengthy recovery period in rural communities.
  • No fatalities were reported following the storm.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

BBC US BBC World
Civil resistance activists detained in Manchester over alleged plan to raid high-end stores

Civil resistance activists detained in Manchester over alleged plan to raid high-end stores

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Seven people linked to an activist group called Take Back Power were arrested by police in Greater Manchester for allegedly planning to steal from expensive shops. The police said the group was training for a mass shoplifting campaign to take goods and share them with others, while the group says the arrests target peaceful nonviolent protests.

Key Facts

  • Seven people (six women and one man) were arrested in Salford, Greater Manchester.
  • Police suspect the group planned coordinated thefts from high-end stores and supermarkets.
  • The activist group, Take Back Power, wants higher taxes on the super-rich and more citizen control.
  • Police said the group was training for mass shoplifting and called it organized crime.
  • Take Back Power says the arrests target nonviolent training sessions and peaceful protests.
  • Police have previously raided several of Take Back Power’s meetings and nonviolence sessions.
  • In March, 15 other members of the group were arrested in London for alleged mass shoplifting plans.
  • Nine members face charges related to disruptive actions at the Ritz Hotel and the Tower of London last December.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World
8 children fatally shot in Louisiana domestic violence incident: Police

8 children fatally shot in Louisiana domestic violence incident: Police

April 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Eight children were found dead from gunshot wounds in a home in Shreveport, Louisiana, after police responded to a domestic violence call early Sunday morning. The suspect was killed by police following a chase, and several other people were injured in the incident.

Key Facts

  • The shooting occurred around 6 a.m. in a south Shreveport neighborhood.
  • Police described the incident as a domestic violence call involving multiple homes.
  • The crime scene included four locations: two houses next to each other and one nearby home.
  • The suspect was shot and killed after a police chase.
  • Eight children died from gunshot wounds in the shooting.
  • Two other individuals survived with gunshot injuries.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed condolences and said his team is in contact with law enforcement.
  • The investigation is ongoing, and more updates are expected.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

ABC News
Police give early update on Shreveport, Louisiana mass shooting

Police give early update on Shreveport, Louisiana mass shooting

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Police in Shreveport, Louisiana, reported that 10 people were shot during a domestic disturbance. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight children. Local officials gave an early update on the situation during a news conference.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in Shreveport, Louisiana.
  • A total of 10 people were shot.
  • Eight children died in the incident.
  • The shooting was related to a domestic disturbance.
  • Police Corporal Chris Bordelon, Mayor Tom Arceneaux, and Chief Wayne Smith spoke publicly about the event.
  • The update was given on a Sunday afternoon.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

CBS News
Waltz defends Trump’s threat to bomb ‘every single power plant’ in Iran

Waltz defends Trump’s threat to bomb ‘every single power plant’ in Iran

April 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy all power plants and bridges in Iran if peace talks fail. Waltz said the threats are part of diplomatic efforts backed by military power and argued targeting infrastructure used for both military and civilian purposes is lawful in war.

Key Facts

  • President Trump posted a message threatening to knock out every power plant and bridge in Iran if Iran rejects a deal.
  • Ambassador Mike Waltz said all military options remain possible and that Iran’s air defenses have been heavily weakened.
  • Waltz argued that destroying dual-use infrastructure (used for both civilian and military purposes) is legal under international law.
  • Waltz compared the situation to World War II bombings of infrastructure that supported war efforts.
  • He claimed Iran hides military assets inside civilian locations like hospitals and schools.
  • Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna criticized the threats, calling them escalation toward devastation in Iran.
  • Khanna also said the administration should focus more on American domestic issues.
  • Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran will continue in Pakistan, with Vice President JD Vance initially expected to attend but possibly not participating this round.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

ABC News
Transcript: Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026

Transcript: Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General, discussed efforts to change voting district maps in Virginia to counter Republican actions in other states. He explained that these efforts aim to make elections fairer and allow people to have a say in who represents them.

Key Facts

  • Eric Holder is chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
  • Virginia voters are deciding on new voting district maps through a referendum.
  • The new maps are intended to balance out Republican changes in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina.
  • Holder said this effort is a temporary response, limited to the current election cycle.
  • The effort follows Republican lawmakers’ use of redistricting to gain more House seats.
  • Holder emphasized that this process involves direct voter input, unlike some Republican-led changes.
  • The aim is to ensure fair elections where Democrats can compete on an equal basis.
  • Holder denied any long-term plans to change the redistricting approach beyond this cycle.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

CBS News
Tapper, Stefanik spar over Trump’s ‘whole civilization will die’ message to Iran

Tapper, Stefanik spar over Trump’s ‘whole civilization will die’ message to Iran

April 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Representative Elise Stefanik argued about President Donald Trump’s recent statement that said a “whole civilization will die” in Iran. The discussion happened during a television interview on the show “State of the Union.”

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump made a statement saying a “whole civilization will die” in Iran.
  • The statement was made earlier in the month before the interview.
  • Jake Tapper, a CNN news anchor, discussed this statement during his show.
  • Representative Elise Stefanik from New York debated Tapper’s views on the statement.
  • The argument happened on the political news program “State of the Union.”
  • Tapper brought up college students chanting during protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  • The discussion highlighted differing opinions about President Trump’s comments concerning Iran.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
5 wounded in shooting near University of Iowa, including 3 students

5 wounded in shooting near University of Iowa, including 3 students

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Five people were shot near the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City during the early hours of Sunday. Three of the injured are university students, with one person in critical condition and the others in stable condition. Police are investigating and looking for five people connected to the shooting.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened around 1:46 a.m. on East College Street, near the University of Iowa pedestrian mall.
  • Five people were injured by gunfire; three of them are University of Iowa students.
  • One victim is in critical condition while the other four are stable.
  • Police responded after reports of a large fight and heard gunfire upon arrival.
  • No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
  • Police are searching for five "persons of interest" related to the shooting.
  • The pedestrian mall was closed for several hours but reopened Sunday afternoon.
  • Victims have not been publicly named.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

CBS News
Chris Wright Says Gas Prices May Not Fall Until Next Year—After Midterms

Chris Wright Says Gas Prices May Not Fall Until Next Year—After Midterms

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gas prices have likely reached their highest point but may not drop below $3 a gallon until next year or even 2027. He linked high prices to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, especially around Iran, which affect global energy supply.

Key Facts

  • Chris Wright is the U.S. Energy Secretary.
  • He said gas prices might not fall below $3 a gallon until 2027, depending on Middle East tensions.
  • Prices have probably peaked but relief could come later this year or next year.
  • The conflict with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are the main reasons for high prices.
  • U.S. domestic oil production is not the main cause of high gas prices.
  • Wright said the Trump administration managed energy supply well during past crises.
  • The U.S. is a net exporter of oil and the largest exporter of natural gas.
  • Gas prices remain a major political issue before the November midterm elections.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Eight children killed in Louisiana shooting, police say

Eight children killed in Louisiana shooting, police say

April 19, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Eight children aged 1 to 14 were killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. Police say the shooting was a domestic incident, and officers shot and killed the suspect as he tried to flee.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened around 5:00 a.m. local time in Shreveport, Louisiana.
  • Ten people were shot, and eight of them were children.
  • The children ranged in age from one to 14 years old.
  • Police described the situation as a domestic disturbance.
  • The gunman fled after the shooting but was chased and killed by police.
  • The shooting occurred at multiple locations within the same neighborhood.
  • Police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect yet.
  • The investigation is ongoing and involves several law enforcement agencies.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

BBC World BBC Top Stories BBC US
8 children, all younger than 15, dead following Louisiana mass shooting: Police

8 children, all younger than 15, dead following Louisiana mass shooting: Police

April 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Police reported that 8 children under the age of 15 died after a mass shooting in Louisiana. The shooting happened during a family dispute, and the suspect died after a police chase.

Key Facts

  • Eight children, all younger than 15, were killed in the shooting.
  • The incident took place in Louisiana.
  • The shooting occurred during a domestic disturbance, meaning it involved family members.
  • Authorities identified one suspect.
  • The suspect died following a police pursuit.
  • Police responded to the scene after the shooting.
  • The event is considered a mass shooting because it involved multiple victims.
  • Investigations are ongoing to understand the full circumstances.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
5 people shot during fight in nightlife district near the University of Iowa, police say

5 people shot during fight in nightlife district near the University of Iowa, police say

April 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Five people were wounded in a shooting during a fight early Sunday in a busy nightlife area near the University of Iowa campus. Three of those injured were students, with one in critical condition and four stable, while police continue to investigate without having made any arrests.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in downtown Iowa City near a popular area with bars and restaurants.
  • Police responded to reports of a large fight and then heard gunshots.
  • Five people were shot; three were University of Iowa students.
  • One victim is in critical condition; the other four are stable.
  • No arrests had been made as of Sunday morning.
  • Police released photos of individuals they want to talk to about the incident.
  • University officials offered support for students and warned them to avoid the area.
  • Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said the state will help with the investigation.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

PBS NewsHour
A permit should mean something. CERTAIN Act guards projects from political meddling.

A permit should mean something. CERTAIN Act guards projects from political meddling.

April 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The CERTAIN Act is a new bipartisan bill designed to protect legally issued permits from political changes. It also aims to make the review process more accountable and help projects proceed on schedule to support building U.S. infrastructure for growing energy needs.

Key Facts

  • The CERTAIN Act is supported by members of both political parties.
  • The bill protects permits that have been legally issued from being undone by political actions.
  • It increases accountability during the review of permits.
  • The law aims to prevent delays in project timelines.
  • The goal is to support the construction of infrastructure in the United States.
  • This infrastructure is meant to meet rising energy demands.
  • The act helps ensure that important projects are not slowed down by politics.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Mass shooting rampage in Louisiana leaves eight children dead and others wounded

Mass shooting rampage in Louisiana leaves eight children dead and others wounded

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, killed at least eight children and wounded others, including two women and a boy. The suspected shooter was killed by police after a carjacking, and the investigation is ongoing, with police saying the violence appears domestic. Another shooting near the University of Iowa injured five people, including students.

Key Facts

  • At least eight people, all children aged 18 months to 14 years, died in the Shreveport shooting.
  • Two women were shot in the head but survived; a boy was injured jumping from a roof.
  • The suspected shooter was killed by police after committing a carjacking.
  • The violence happened early Sunday morning in four nearby locations in the Cedar Grove neighborhood.
  • Police have not released the names of the shooter or victims and are still investigating.
  • Shreveport mayor called the event one of the worst tragedies in the city’s recent history.
  • Another shooting in Iowa City injured five people during a fight near the University of Iowa.
  • The US has experienced over 110 mass shootings so far in 2026, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World Guardian US
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says

New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While she is highly qualified, some officials warn she may face pressure from vaccine-skeptical leaders within the Health and Human Services Department.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Erica Schwartz was nominated by President Trump to be the new CDC director.
  • Schwartz was previously deputy Surgeon General under former Surgeon General Jerome Adams.
  • She has medical and law degrees and 24 years of service in the U.S. Public Health Service.
  • Schwartz currently oversees health and safety for Coast Guard facilities.
  • Former Surgeon General Adams praised her qualifications but warned she may face pressure to follow ideology over science.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading the Health and Human Services Department, is known for vaccine skepticism.
  • The previous CDC director was removed after conflicts with Kennedy, and several CDC officials resigned over vaccine policies.
  • There is concern about mixed messages on vaccines during rising measles cases and falling vaccination rates.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

CBS News