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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

Justin Fairfax, ex-lieutenant governor of Virginia, kills wife and himself

Justin Fairfax, ex-lieutenant governor of Virginia, kills wife and himself

April 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Justin Fairfax, former lieutenant governor of Virginia, shot and killed his wife Cerina Fairfax and then himself during a domestic dispute amid a difficult divorce. Police found the incident occurred at their home while their teenage children were present.

Key Facts

  • Justin Fairfax served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022.
  • Fairfax and his wife were going through a complicated divorce and still lived together.
  • The shooting happened at their home in Annandale, Virginia, after a 911 call from one of their teenage children.
  • Fairfax had faced sexual assault allegations in 2019, which he denied, and later ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2021.
  • Court records describe Fairfax as having emotional and psychological struggles affecting his life and family role.
  • Police had previously investigated an assault claim by Fairfax against his wife, but found no evidence.
  • Fairfax had purchased a gun in 2022 and experienced periods of heavy alcohol use and isolation.
  • A judge recently ordered Fairfax to leave the family home and gave primary custody of the children to Cerina Fairfax.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz for new CDC director

Trump nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz for new CDC director

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to be the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Schwartz is a retired Coast Guard rear admiral and served as a deputy surgeon general.

Key Facts

  • President Trump made the nomination on a Thursday.
  • Dr. Erica Schwartz has experience as a deputy surgeon general.
  • She held the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring.
  • The CDC leads public health efforts and disease control in the U.S.
  • Dr. Schwartz’s background is in health and military service.
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CBS News
Trump on public hearings with Epstein survivors: ‘I’m OK with that’

Trump on public hearings with Epstein survivors: ‘I’m OK with that’

April 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump said he is open to Congress holding public hearings with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. He made this statement while speaking to reporters before traveling to Las Vegas.

Key Facts

  • President Trump expressed approval for public hearings involving Jeffrey Epstein survivors.
  • The hearings would be conducted by Congress.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
  • The comments were made shortly before President Trump left the White House.
  • At the time, President Trump was heading to Las Vegas.
  • The purpose of the Las Vegas visit was to promote a “no tax on tips” policy.
  • The statement came during a press interaction.
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The Hill
Police say Virginia politician killed his wife and himself with teenagers home

Police say Virginia politician killed his wife and himself with teenagers home

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Police in Virginia reported that a politician, Justin Fairfax, shot and killed his wife before shooting himself while teenagers were at home. Authorities confirmed his death following the incident.

Key Facts

  • Justin Fairfax was a politician and former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
  • He killed his wife with a gun inside their home.
  • After shooting his wife, he shot himself.
  • Teenagers were present in the home at the time.
  • Police confirmed that Justin Fairfax died from his injuries.
  • The incident took place in Virginia.
  • Authorities are handling the investigation.
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CBS News
Trump officials negotiating access to Anthropic's Mythos despite blacklist

Trump officials negotiating access to Anthropic's Mythos despite blacklist

April 16, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The White House is discussing with the AI company Anthropic about allowing federal agencies to use its new AI model, Mythos Preview, despite ongoing efforts to blacklist the company as a security risk. Some government agencies want to use Mythos to protect against cyber threats, even though the Pentagon has banned Anthropic from military contracts.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic is developing an AI model called Mythos Preview with strong cybersecurity features.
  • The Pentagon declared Anthropic a "supply chain risk" and barred it from military contracts.
  • Other federal agencies, like the Departments of Energy and Treasury, want to use Mythos to defend against cyberattacks.
  • The White House and Anthropic are negotiating access for these government agencies to use Mythos.
  • Anthropic limits the use of its AI to avoid mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons.
  • The Pentagon wants fewer restrictions to use AI systems for all legal purposes.
  • The ongoing legal dispute affects Anthropic’s business with the military but not with other government parts.
  • Officials recognize Anthropic’s AI as high-quality and potentially helpful for national security.
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Axios
Trump tries to change conversation from war to the economy

Trump tries to change conversation from war to the economy

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump visited Las Vegas to shift public attention from war issues to the economy. During his visit, he said rising gas prices were not as big a problem as some might think.

Key Facts

  • President Trump traveled to Las Vegas on Thursday.
  • His goal was to focus the conversation on the economy.
  • He wanted to move attention away from discussions about war.
  • President Trump downplayed the importance of rising gas prices.
  • The event was reported by CBS News correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
  • The report appeared on CBS News platforms including their app and website.
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CBS News
Department of Justice investigating Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations

Department of Justice investigating Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations

April 16, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The U.S. Department of Justice has started investigating Congressman Eric Swalwell following his resignation amid several sexual assault allegations. Swalwell denies the accusations, while local law enforcement and district attorney offices are also looking into related claims.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Justice opened a federal investigation into Eric Swalwell after he resigned from Congress.
  • Swalwell resigned after allegations of sexual misconduct were reported by multiple women.
  • One alleged victim, Lonna Drewes, publicly accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018.
  • Other women have claimed Swalwell sent unwanted sexual messages and assaulted a former staffer.
  • Swalwell denies all allegations through his lawyer.
  • The Los Angeles sheriff’s office and district attorney’s sex crimes division are investigating the 2018 allegations.
  • The Manhattan district attorney’s office is also investigating a sexual assault claim against Swalwell.
  • Swalwell was facing possible expulsion from Congress before he resigned and had been considering a run for California governor.
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Guardian World Guardian US
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring, sources say

ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring, sources say

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), plans to leave the agency this spring to spend more time with his family. Lyons has led ICE during President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally since March 2025.

Key Facts

  • Todd Lyons has been acting director of ICE since March 2025.
  • He plans to leave ICE in June to be with his family in Massachusetts.
  • Lyons is a 20-year ICE veteran who started as an agent in Dallas in 2007.
  • ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since early 2017.
  • Lyons supported President Trump’s deportation crackdown but sometimes disagreed with other administration decisions.
  • After Lyons leaves, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will choose a new ICE leader.
  • Under Lyons, ICE pushed to hire thousands of new deportation agents with $7.5 billion in funding.
  • Lyons signed a memo allowing ICE agents to enter homes without warrants in some cases, a change in policy.
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CBS News
Republican Criticizes RFK Jr. Over Autism Announcement, Says Wife Was Hurt

Republican Criticizes RFK Jr. Over Autism Announcement, Says Wife Was Hurt

April 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Utah Representative Blake Moore criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for not clearly identifying the causes of autism during a House hearing, following statements linking autism to pregnant women’s use of Tylenol. Kennedy defended his focus on chronic disease prevention and supported proposed budget cuts to HHS despite concerns about their impact on nutrition and public health programs.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Blake Moore, whose son is autistic, expressed dissatisfaction with Kennedy’s autism testimony.
  • Kennedy and President Donald Trump previously suggested a possible link between autism and prenatal Tylenol use.
  • Kennedy described a shift in health policy to focus on preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
  • Proposed budget cuts to the Health and Human Services department were discussed, with Kennedy acknowledging political difficulty but citing national debt concerns.
  • Democrats worried that cuts to nutrition programs might hurt low-income families trying to eat healthier.
  • Kennedy criticized processed foods like Froot Loops, calling them “poison,” highlighting a debate on diet and nutrition affordability.
  • The hearing included critiques of the administration’s public health messaging, especially during vaccine-preventable outbreaks.
  • Republican lawmakers generally supported Kennedy’s prevention-focused health agenda.
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Newsweek
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony

RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a proposed 12% cut to the Health and Human Services budget during a House hearing. He faced tough questions from Democrats about rolling back vaccine messaging and budget cuts, while Republicans praised his efforts to reform the department and reduce waste.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about the HHS budget.
  • He proposed cutting the department’s budget by over 12%.
  • Republicans supported Kennedy’s reforms and efforts to fight waste and fraud.
  • Democrats criticized him for reducing vaccine promotion, linking it to measles outbreaks.
  • Kennedy refused to say if President Trump approved ending CDC’s pro-vaccine messaging.
  • Kennedy acknowledged that vaccination could have saved a child who died of measles.
  • He denied making statements about "re-parenting" Black children, though recordings show otherwise.
  • HHS said Kennedy’s "re-parenting" comment referred to therapy programs for youth facing mental health issues.
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CBS News
GOP Scrutiny Grows Over Hegseth’s Ouster of Army Chief General Randy George

GOP Scrutiny Grows Over Hegseth’s Ouster of Army Chief General Randy George

April 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Several Republican lawmakers have expressed concern about the sudden removal of General Randy George as Army Chief of Staff. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed George to retire immediately, but Republicans worry this decision was made without a clear explanation and could harm military morale and leadership.

Key Facts

  • General Randy George became the Army’s top uniformed leader in 2023.
  • On April 2, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to retire immediately.
  • The Pentagon described the change as a retirement but gave no detailed public reason.
  • Some Republican lawmakers, including Austin Scott and Don Bacon, have questioned the decision, emphasizing transparency and military morale.
  • Concerns focus on the possible negative effect on senior officers’ willingness to give honest advice.
  • The timing is notable because U.S. forces are still active in the Middle East.
  • GOP lawmakers have praised George’s service and called for explanations to the public.
  • Retired generals, including Jack Keane, have also criticized the removal, citing George’s qualifications.
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Newsweek
US panel approves Trump’s design for massive arch in Washington, DC

US panel approves Trump’s design for massive arch in Washington, DC

April 16, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump’s plan to build a large arch in Washington, DC, has been approved by the US Commission of Fine Arts, a group appointed by him. The arch would be 76 meters (250 feet) tall and built near important landmarks, but it faces criticism and legal challenges over its size and location.

Key Facts

  • The proposed arch would be 76 meters (250 feet) tall, taller than the Lincoln Memorial and twice the height of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.
  • The US Commission of Fine Arts approved the design but still needs to vote on final approval.
  • The arch would be built on Memorial Circle, between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
  • Veterans, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, are suing, arguing that Congress must approve the project.
  • The arch’s design includes phrases “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” written in gold.
  • Some commission members and the public have criticized parts of the design and its large size.
  • This arch is one of several projects by President Trump to change Washington, DC landmarks, including plans to renovate the Kennedy Center and build a White House ballroom.
  • A federal judge recently blocked ballroom construction but allowed some underground work to continue due to national security exceptions.
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Al Jazeera
How much of Project 2025 has Trump enacted?

How much of Project 2025 has Trump enacted?

April 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Russ Vought, the White House budget director, helped put President Donald Trump’s plans into action. Before joining the government, Vought helped create Project 2025, a plan by the Heritage Foundation that outlined major policy changes a Republican president might make. The article looks at which parts of that plan have been turned into real policies under President Trump.

Key Facts

  • Russ Vought is the White House budget director for President Trump.
  • Vought was involved in writing Project 2025 before joining the administration.
  • Project 2025 is a policy plan made by the Heritage Foundation.
  • The plan suggests big policy changes for a Republican president to follow.
  • The article reviews how many Project 2025 ideas have become official government policies under President Trump.
  • The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank that influences Republican policies.
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PBS NewsHour
Hampshire College closure highlights financial strain on small liberal arts schools

Hampshire College closure highlights financial strain on small liberal arts schools

April 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Hampshire College in Massachusetts will close at the end of the year due to financial problems. Nearly 450 private, nonprofit colleges in the United States may face closure or mergers in the next ten years.

Key Facts

  • Hampshire College is a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts.
  • The college has experienced financial decline for several years.
  • Hampshire College announced it will close by the end of this year.
  • There are about 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in the U.S.
  • An estimate says nearly 450 of these schools are at risk of closing or merging in the next decade.
  • Financial challenges are putting many small colleges in danger.
  • This trend affects mainly small liberal arts schools.
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PBS NewsHour
Social Security Benefits Could Change for Hundreds of Thousands in New Bill

Social Security Benefits Could Change for Hundreds of Thousands in New Bill

April 16, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new bill introduced by two Democratic Representatives aims to stop reducing Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits when recipients get non-cash help like meals or housing from family or friends. If passed, the change could increase monthly payments for many low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

Key Facts

  • The bill was introduced by Representatives Sharice Davids (Kansas) and Mary Gay Scanlon (Pennsylvania).
  • Current SSI rules lower benefits if recipients receive in-kind support, such as food or housing help, from others.
  • The proposed law would let SSI recipients keep full benefits even if they get non-cash help.
  • SSI is a federal program giving monthly payments to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
  • The change aims to reduce financial stress for people relying on informal help amid rising living costs.
  • The bill must pass committee review, then be approved by both the House and Senate.
  • Some experts worry increased payments could strain Social Security’s budget and trust fund.
  • Supporters say the current rule unfairly penalizes those getting basic care from their communities.
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Newsweek
Tracking the Trump family's business deals and profits in his 2nd term

Tracking the Trump family's business deals and profits in his 2nd term

April 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

During President Donald Trump’s second term, his family members, including Jared Kushner and his sons Eric and Don Jr., are growing their business activities. They have made hundreds of millions of dollars, which has raised new questions about possible conflicts of interest and influence in government.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is serving his second term in office.
  • Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, is involved in these business ventures.
  • Eric Trump and Don Jr., the president’s sons, are also expanding their businesses.
  • The family has earned hundreds of millions of dollars during this time.
  • These business activities have caused concerns about influence peddling (using a political position for personal business gain).
  • There are worries about conflicts of interest between government duties and private business.
  • This information was reported by journalist Liz Landers.
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PBS NewsHour
Looking beyond the Supreme Court's 6-3 ideological split

Looking beyond the Supreme Court's 6-3 ideological split

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A new book called "Last Branch Standing" says that the Supreme Court is not just divided into a simple 6-3 conservative majority. The author, Sarah Isgur, explains that the court is better understood as three groups of three justices each. She discussed this idea on a CBS News show called "The Takeout."

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court is often seen as having six conservative justices and three liberal justices.
  • Sarah Isgur is the author of the book "Last Branch Standing."
  • She is also the editor of SCOTUSblog, a site focused on the Supreme Court.
  • Isgur says the court’s real split is three groups of three justices, not just two.
  • The book aims to help people understand the court beyond just the 6-3 split.
  • Isgur spoke about her book in an interview on CBS News’ "The Takeout" program.
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CBS News
Top Foreign Office official to leave post after Mandelson vetting row

Top Foreign Office official to leave post after Mandelson vetting row

April 16, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The top official at the UK's Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, is leaving his job after a dispute about security checks on Lord Mandelson, who was appointed as the UK ambassador to the US. Lord Mandelson failed the security vetting but was still allowed to take the role, which has caused political controversy and calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign.

Key Facts

  • Sir Olly Robbins, the most senior official at the UK Foreign Office, is leaving his post.
  • Lord Mandelson was named UK ambassador to the US in December 2024 and started in February 2025.
  • Lord Mandelson failed the official security vetting but still took the ambassador role.
  • The UK government said neither Prime Minister Keir Starmer nor ministers knew about the failed vetting until recently.
  • Lord Mandelson was removed from his ambassador position seven months after starting, linked to his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Keir Starmer denied misleading Parliament about the vetting process, stating full checks were done.
  • Several political parties have called for Starmer’s resignation, accusing him of lying or incompetence.
  • The Scottish National Party requested an investigation into whether the Prime Minister purposely misled the public.
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BBC Top Stories
Erica Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general, nominated to be next CDC director by Trump

Erica Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general, nominated to be next CDC director by Trump

April 16, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump has chosen Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has seen several temporary leaders in the past year, and the agency faces challenges related to vaccine policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Key Facts

  • President Trump nominated Erica Schwartz to be the next CDC director.
  • Schwartz previously served as a deputy surgeon general.
  • The CDC is responsible for protecting Americans from preventable health threats.
  • The CDC has had several temporary leaders since President Trump returned to office.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. oversees the CDC and had promised not to change childhood vaccine schedules.
  • Kennedy later said he would review and possibly revise the childhood vaccine recommendations.
  • Some of Kennedy’s changes to vaccine plans were paused by a federal judge.
  • The administration’s first CDC nominee, Dr. David Weldon, withdrew after his Senate confirmation hearing was canceled.
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PBS NewsHour
Dozens of safety violations found at Tenn. munitions factory after deadly blast

Dozens of safety violations found at Tenn. munitions factory after deadly blast

April 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A munitions factory in Tennessee experienced a deadly explosion in October that killed 16 workers. State investigators found over 100 safety violations at the site and fined the company more than $3 million for unsafe practices.

Key Facts

  • The explosion happened on October 10 at Accurate Energetic Systems’ facility in McEwen, Tennessee.
  • All 16 employees inside Building 602 died in the blast.
  • Investigators found more than 100 safety violations, including 44 serious violations.
  • The company failed to prevent ignition of dangerous vapors and did not keep proper safety records.
  • Officials said the company ignored safety rules by allowing too many workers and explosive materials in the building.
  • Accurate Energetic Systems’ CEO disagreed with the findings and said they are investigating the explosion.
  • Families of two victims plan to file wrongful death lawsuits and have requested $150 million in damages.
  • The $3.13 million fine is the largest ever issued by Tennessee’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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CBS News