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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Tornadoes and heavy winds destroy homes and roads across US midwest

Tornadoes and heavy winds destroy homes and roads across US midwest

April 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Strong winds and tornadoes hit parts of the US upper Midwest, damaging homes, buildings, and roads. While no deaths were reported, many communities are facing a tough recovery as officials and neighbors work together to clean up and restore power.

Key Facts

  • Tornadoes and heavy winds struck Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
  • There were no reported deaths or serious injuries from the storms.
  • Homes lost roofs, trees were uprooted, and roads were blocked by debris.
  • In Wisconsin, some residents were briefly trapped in basements due to tornado damage.
  • Emergency teams checked on people door to door and power restoration is underway.
  • Community groups are helping residents with damaged homes.
  • A high school music competition experienced power outages and building damage during the storm.
  • Lena, Illinois, a small village of about 3,000 people, was notably affected.
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Guardian US Guardian World
Oklahoma principal who disarmed gun-wielding intruder crowned prom king

Oklahoma principal who disarmed gun-wielding intruder crowned prom king

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

An Oklahoma high school principal, Kirk Moore, was voted prom king after he stopped an armed intruder at his school. Moore was shot in the leg while disarming the attacker, who was a former student carrying two handguns, and is credited with preventing a major tragedy.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma on April 7.
  • The intruder, Victor Lee Hawkins, was armed with two semi-automatic handguns and fired several shots.
  • Hawkins ordered people to get on the ground and aimed his guns at students before Moore intervened.
  • Principal Kirk Moore charged the intruder and wrestled him to disarm him, getting shot in the leg during the struggle.
  • Another school staff member helped Moore to stop the attacker.
  • Hawkins is a 20-year-old former student reportedly obsessed with the 1999 Columbine school shooting.
  • The principal was honored by students as prom king for his bravery in protecting them.
  • Police officials said Moore’s actions likely saved many lives.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Wintry US Weather Warnings in Place As Sub-Freezing Temperatures Bite

Wintry US Weather Warnings in Place As Sub-Freezing Temperatures Bite

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Parts of the Midwest and central United States are under freeze warnings due to a cold snap causing temperatures below freezing. Meanwhile, some areas like Atlanta are experiencing unusually warm weather, showing large temperature differences during spring.

Key Facts

  • Freeze warnings cover southeast Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma.
  • Temperatures in some places may drop as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The cold weather risks damaging crops, sensitive plants, and outdoor plumbing.
  • Freeze warnings in Ohio and Indiana are from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday.
  • Atlanta reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, its earliest 90-degree day on record since 1878.
  • Alaska has winter storm warnings with expected snow and blowing snow that could affect travel.
  • Such temperature swings are common in spring due to different air masses meeting.
  • Late-season freezes are especially harmful because plants have already started growing.
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Newsweek
Nancy Guthrie DNA Update Could 'Make the Case Solvable'—Genealogist

Nancy Guthrie DNA Update Could 'Make the Case Solvable'—Genealogist

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her Arizona home on January 31. The FBI is now reviewing DNA evidence, including hair found at her home, which experts say could help solve the case.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in Arizona on January 31 and reported missing the next day.
  • Authorities believe she was kidnapped; blood was found on her front porch.
  • The FBI recently received DNA evidence from her home, including hair samples.
  • Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore said hair DNA could be key to solving the case.
  • Surveillance showed a masked man with a large backpack at her home the night she disappeared.
  • Guthrie needs daily medication, raising concerns for her health.
  • A $1 million reward is offered for information leading to her recovery, with an additional $200,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction.
  • FBI and local sheriff’s department continue to work together on DNA analysis, which may take months.
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Newsweek
Former judges speak out on Trump admin's immigration court purges

Former judges speak out on Trump admin's immigration court purges

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration has removed more than 200 immigration judges in the last 14 months, aiming to increase deportations and detentions. Some former judges say they were dismissed without clear reasons, signaling intense pressure on immigration courts to meet the administration’s enforcement goals.

Key Facts

  • President Trump launched a large deportation program at the start of his second term.
  • Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who supported aggressive deportations, was fired, but the administration’s mission stayed the same.
  • The immigration courts are controlled by the Department of Justice, not the independent judiciary.
  • Over 200 immigration judges have been fired, retired, or forced out during the current administration.
  • Former judges report being removed suddenly, sometimes while hearing cases, without explanation.
  • Some dismissed judges say their backgrounds supporting immigrants may have contributed to their firing.
  • A Department of Homeland Security recruitment ad encouraging “deportation judges” reflects the administration’s hardline stance.
  • Former judges describe unusual and sudden dismissals during the past year that were never seen before.
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CBS News
Web exclusive: Daniel Caudillo on immigration judges and due process

Web exclusive: Daniel Caudillo on immigration judges and due process

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Professor Daniel Caudillo, who leads an immigration law clinic and has experience as an immigration judge, discussed changes affecting immigration judges and the significance of ensuring fair legal procedures. He shared his views in a CBS News web interview with Ted Koppel.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Caudillo is the director of an immigration law clinic at Texas Tech University School of Law.
  • He has worked as an immigration judge in Laredo, Texas.
  • Caudillo appeared on CBS News in a web exclusive interview.
  • He spoke about challenges immigration judges face today.
  • He emphasized the importance of protecting due process, which means fair treatment through the legal system.
  • The interview was conducted by Ted Koppel, a senior contributor for “Sunday Morning.”
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CBS News
The red state gold rush: Why some lawmakers are pushing precious metals

The red state gold rush: Why some lawmakers are pushing precious metals

April 19, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Some lawmakers in several U.S. states are proposing laws to make it easier for people to use gold and silver as money and to allow states to hold gold as part of their savings. These laws aim to give people more options to protect their wealth from inflation, but no one is required to use precious metals instead of dollars.

Key Facts

  • Lawmakers in Georgia, Arizona, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Utah have introduced or passed bills allowing gold and silver to be used in payments.
  • Georgia’s bill would have allowed gold and silver payments through mechanisms like prepaid debit cards, but it did not pass.
  • Utah passed a law letting the state invest up to 10% of its emergency fund in gold.
  • These laws do not replace the U.S. dollar or a return to the gold standard; they provide additional payment choices.
  • The price of gold has risen recently due to easier buying options like gold ETFs, higher demand from investors, and central bank purchases.
  • Gold is currently about $4,800 per troy ounce, which is higher than it was in 2025.
  • Experts say gold has not worked well as money for many years and can be very unstable in price.
  • Interest in gold partly comes because it is seen as less controlled by the government.
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Axios
1,000 animal-rights activists try to storm Wisconsin beagle breeding facility

1,000 animal-rights activists try to storm Wisconsin beagle breeding facility

April 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

About 1,000 animal rights activists tried to enter a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin but were stopped by police using rubber bullets and pepper spray. The protest followed a previous attempt last month, and several arrests were made, including the group's leader.

Key Facts

  • Around 1,000 protesters gathered at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, to try to free beagles.
  • Police used rubber bullets and pepper spray to control the crowd and made multiple arrests.
  • Protesters tried to break through barricades like a manure-filled trench and barbed-wire fence.
  • The facility houses about 2,000 beagles used for breeding and research.
  • This was the second attempt in two months by activists to enter the property.
  • The group's leader, Wayne Hsiung, was arrested during the protest.
  • Ridglan Farms denies animal mistreatment but agreed to stop breeding animals in the state by July 1.
  • The sheriff said protesters aggressively tried to break in and blocked roads for emergency vehicles.
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CBS News
A major US court case could help fix the ills of Citizens United | David Sirota

A major US court case could help fix the ills of Citizens United | David Sirota

April 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A court case in Maine may challenge rules allowing anonymous, large political donations through Super PACs, a system that grew after the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United. This legal challenge could impact how money influences U.S. elections and government policy.

Key Facts

  • Super PACs and PACs spent more money in recent federal elections than the candidates themselves.
  • One in every five dollars given to Super PACs comes from groups that do not reveal their donors, called "dark money."
  • Much of the recent Super PAC spending comes from industries like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
  • The 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United removed limits on corporate spending in elections, leading to more big-money involvement.
  • Another important legal ruling from 2010, SpeechNow v FEC, allowed unlimited donations to Super PACs, but it has never been reviewed by the Supreme Court.
  • The Obama administration chose not to challenge SpeechNow in court when it had the chance.
  • The new Maine court case could test this part of election law for the first time and potentially reduce anonymous political spending.
  • Polls show many Americans dislike the current system where elections are heavily influenced by big-money donations.
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Guardian US
‘It was constant chaos’: ex-Infowars producer on life under Alex Jones

‘It was constant chaos’: ex-Infowars producer on life under Alex Jones

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Josh Owens, a former producer for Alex Jones’s Infowars, wrote a book about his experiences working in a media environment filled with conspiracy theories and chaos. Owens describes the difficult and stressful work and how he eventually changed his beliefs with outside help.

Key Facts

  • Josh Owens worked for Alex Jones’s Infowars from 2013 to 2017 as a video editor and field producer.
  • Owens covered controversial events and created content promoting conspiracy theories.
  • Alex Jones is known for spreading false claims, including that the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax.
  • Jones faces a $1.5 billion defamation judgment and was ordered to sell Infowars, but the sale is still unresolved.
  • Owens’s book is called The Madness of Believing and shares his personal journey in and out of the conspiracy media world.
  • Owens says working for Jones was chaotic, stressful, and harmful due to the false messages spread.
  • Owens hopes his story offers hope that some people can change their views and leave extremist beliefs.
  • Despite legal troubles, Jones continues broadcasting and remains influential in right-wing media.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump wants to stop states from regulating AI. This Utah Republican isn’t listening

Trump wants to stop states from regulating AI. This Utah Republican isn’t listening

April 19, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration opposes states creating their own rules to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), preferring one national standard. However, some state lawmakers like Utah Republican Doug Fiefia are pushing for local laws to address AI safety and ethical concerns.

Key Facts

  • Utah State Rep. Doug Fiefia, with a tech background, is campaigning on AI regulation and running for state senate.
  • President Trump’s White House issued an executive order discouraging states from making their own AI rules.
  • The administration wants one national AI policy to avoid confusing, conflicting rules across states.
  • Over 1,000 AI-related legislative proposals have been introduced at the state level nationwide.
  • States including Florida and New York have started adopting their own AI regulations focused on safety and transparency.
  • Fiefia’s state proposal to require child safety measures in AI was blocked with help from the Trump administration.
  • Many state lawmakers feel federal efforts are too slow or weak, prompting them to take local action.
  • Proposed state rules include requiring chatbots to identify themselves and banning AI for nonconsensual altered images.
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AP News
Resignations and firings have depleted the FBI and Justice Department. They’re scrambling to rebuild

Resignations and firings have depleted the FBI and Justice Department. They’re scrambling to rebuild

April 19, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The FBI and the Justice Department are working to rebuild their teams after many employees left recently. They have changed hiring rules, sped up training, and used social media to find new workers. Some officials worry these changes lower the usual high standards.

Key Facts

  • Many workers left the FBI and Justice Department last year.
  • The FBI is using social media to find job applicants.
  • Training has been shortened for candidates transferring from other federal agencies.
  • The Justice Department is hiring new prosecutors directly from law school.
  • Some FBI leaders are promoting employees with less experience than usual.
  • The changes aim to fix staffing problems caused partly by politics during President Trump’s term.
  • Critics say these shifts reduce professional quality in law enforcement.
  • The FBI says it is modernizing hiring, not lowering standards, and still carefully checks candidates.
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AP News
Trump tests his luck with the religious right amid feud with pope and AI Jesus posts

Trump tests his luck with the religious right amid feud with pope and AI Jesus posts

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump posted AI images showing himself as Jesus Christ, which upset some Christian groups and leaders. Despite criticism, many white evangelical supporters are still likely to support him and the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump shared AI-generated images portraying himself as Jesus, causing backlash among some Christians.
  • Some Christian leaders called the images blasphemous and inappropriate.
  • Trump removed the initial post but then shared another image showing Jesus hugging him.
  • Experts say many Christian supporters of Trump have tolerated more serious controversies before.
  • Some Christian leaders' criticism seemed partly performative, not leading to withdrawn support.
  • White evangelicals and Christian nationalists remain mostly supportive of Trump and the “Make America Great Again” movement.
  • Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV received mixed reactions but are less important to key evangelical voters.
  • White evangelical voters are mainly concentrated in safe Republican areas and may not impact close midterm races significantly.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump’s profane crusade is taking America down a dark path

Trump’s profane crusade is taking America down a dark path

April 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump often uses strong and offensive language in his speeches. He combines this language with ideas that promote Christian nationalism and make negative comments about racial and religious groups. His message suggests that "real" Americans are only those who are white, Christian, and have European roots.

Key Facts

  • President Trump frequently uses profanity in his public talks.
  • He links his speech to Christian nationalism, a belief that America should be defined by Christian values.
  • Trump makes insults based on race and religion.
  • His message implies that true Americans are white, Christian, and of European descent.
  • These combined messages can influence people’s views on who belongs in the country.
  • The article discusses concerns about the social impact of this rhetoric.
  • The focus is on how this style of communication affects American society and unity.
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The Hill
Watch: Obama and Mamdani sing with children in New York

Watch: Obama and Mamdani sing with children in New York

April 19, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met at a childcare center in the Bronx. They sang songs with preschool children and talked about supporting early childhood development in the city.

Key Facts

  • Obama and Mamdani met for the first time at a Bronx childcare center.
  • They sang “Wheels on the Bus” with preschoolers.
  • The children taught them a K-pop song called “Soda Pop” from the film Demon Hunters.
  • Obama made a light joke about feeling old, which made the children laugh.
  • Mamdani said their meeting focused on giving New York’s children a strong start in life.
  • The event was shared on Instagram by Mayor Mamdani.
  • The location was in New York City’s Bronx borough.
  • The focus was on early childhood education and support.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World BBC US
Video Shows Cory Mills' Near-Arrest After 911 Call: Report

Video Shows Cory Mills' Near-Arrest After 911 Call: Report

April 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Republican Representative Cory Mills of Florida was nearly arrested in February 2025 after a woman accused him of physical assault at his Washington, D.C. home, but the woman later changed her statement. Mills denies the assault, and the House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into multiple allegations against him, including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.

Key Facts

  • In February 2025, a woman called police accusing Representative Mills of assault, prompting an investigation.
  • Body camera footage shows police almost arrested Mills, with an officer warning of handcuffs.
  • The woman initially showed bruises but later changed her story after contact with Mills.
  • Mills denies the assault and says no crime was committed.
  • The House Ethics Committee is investigating Mills for sexual misconduct, campaign finance issues, misuse of resources, and other claims.
  • A restraining order was issued against Mills in October 2024 for protection against dating violence, based on accusations by his ex-girlfriend.
  • Some lawmakers are calling for Mills to resign, which could impact the Republican majority in the House before the 2025 midterm elections.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson said he will review the ongoing House investigation into Mills.
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Newsweek
Falling fertility, debt and AI: is the US headed toward a population crisis?

Falling fertility, debt and AI: is the US headed toward a population crisis?

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The United States is experiencing a decline in fertility rates, which are projected to hit a record low in 2025. This low birth rate, combined with an aging population, is expected to strain government programs like Medicare and Social Security and increase public debt.

Key Facts

  • The US fertility rate is projected to fall to 1.57 children per woman in 2025, below the 2.1 needed to keep the population stable.
  • Since 2008, the US population has aged, with more people over 65 compared to working-age adults.
  • By 2050, there will be about 43 Americans aged 65+ for every 100 working-age adults, nearly double the ratio in 2000.
  • Government spending on programs for older adults is expected to grow from 6% of the economy (GDP) in 2000 to 12.7% by 2055.
  • The federal budget deficit, excluding interest on debt, is projected to reach about 2% of GDP by the 2040s due to aging-related costs.
  • Falling fertility is a worldwide issue affecting both rich and poor countries, with two-thirds of people living in countries below replacement fertility.
  • Other countries like China and those in the OECD also face similar demographic and economic challenges caused by aging populations.
  • Lower fertility and aging populations will not significantly reduce global warming; innovation and clean energy are key to addressing climate change.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
Harmeet Dhillon: DoJ lawyer a top contender for Trump’s retribution mission

Harmeet Dhillon: DoJ lawyer a top contender for Trump’s retribution mission

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump fired Justice Department official Pam Bondi after being unhappy with the department’s progress in prosecuting his political rivals. Harmeet Dhillon, who changed the civil rights division’s focus and oversaw many attorney departures, is now a leading candidate for a higher role in the Justice Department.

Key Facts

  • President Trump pressured the Justice Department to prosecute several of his political opponents.
  • Pam Bondi was fired by President Trump on April 2 due to slow prosecution progress.
  • Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, said Trump has the right to direct Justice Department investigations.
  • Harmeet Dhillon currently leads the civil rights division, which enforces federal civil rights laws.
  • Dhillon shifted the division’s focus from protecting minorities to prioritizing discrimination claims by white Americans.
  • Hundreds of attorneys left the civil rights division under Dhillon’s leadership.
  • Dhillon is being considered for the associate attorney general position, and possibly for attorney general.
  • The civil rights division under Dhillon is handling investigations related to the January 6 committee testimony and high-profile prosecutions.
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Guardian World Guardian US
‘Beloved daughter, sister, cousin, friend’: will D4vd’s arrest for murder bring justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

‘Beloved daughter, sister, cousin, friend’: will D4vd’s arrest for murder bring justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez?

April 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

David Anthony Burke, known as the singer D4vd, was arrested by Los Angeles police on suspicion of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in a Tesla registered to him. Burke is held without bail, but no formal charges have been filed yet, and his lawyers say he is innocent.

Key Facts

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old, was found dead in September 2025 in a Tesla Model Y owned by David Burke.
  • Burke, 21, was arrested in Los Angeles for her murder and remains in custody without bail.
  • Celeste had been reported missing in 2024 and was believed to have lived with Burke during that period.
  • The medical examiner’s report on her cause of death has been withheld at police request.
  • Burke’s lawyers say no grand jury indictment or criminal complaint has been made, and they deny his involvement.
  • A grand jury investigation has been underway since late 2024.
  • Police searched Burke’s home and sought testimony from his family and friends during the investigation.
  • The case will be submitted to the district attorney for possible charges soon.
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Guardian US
Virginia’s redistricting vote ‘a critical step’ for the swing state

Virginia’s redistricting vote ‘a critical step’ for the swing state

April 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Virginia held a special election on whether to change its congressional district maps. The new maps would likely favor Democrats, while the current maps are designed to be fair to both parties. The vote reflects a sharp political fight influenced by efforts nationwide, including those led by President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Virginia voters decided on a referendum to replace current congressional maps with new ones favoring Democrats.
  • The current maps aim to be neutral between Republicans and Democrats.
  • Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin opposed the new maps, calling them the most partisan in the country.
  • President Donald Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redraw maps to keep Republican control of Congress.
  • Democrats support the Virginia referendum as a way to counter Republican map changes in other states.
  • Polls showed a close race on the referendum, with about 52% supporting the new maps and 47% opposing.
  • Virginia’s congressional delegation currently has six Democrats and five Republicans.
  • The referendum is part of a larger national battle over how voting maps are drawn before the midterm elections.
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Guardian World Guardian US