A recent poll shows that President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Catholic voters has fallen to 48%. This change happened after comments made by Pope Leo.
Key Facts
The poll was done late last month.
President Trump’s approval rating among Catholics is now 48%.
The drop in support is linked to remarks made by Pope Leo.
The poll focuses specifically on Catholic voters.
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A bipartisan bill called the Major Richard Star Act is being pushed in Congress to help thousands of veterans with combat-related injuries. The bill would allow these veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation without having to give one up for the other.
Key Facts
The Major Richard Star Act was reintroduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) and Representative Gus Bilirakis (Republican).
It targets veterans who were medically retired early due to combat injuries and could not reach the usual service requirement for full retirement pay.
Currently, many disabled veterans must reduce their military retirement pay to receive VA disability benefits.
About 54,000 wounded veterans nationwide could receive higher monthly payments if the bill passes.
The bill has bipartisan support but has faced delays because of its estimated $9.75 billion cost over 10 years.
Supporters want to add the bill to larger, must-pass government spending bills to increase chances of approval.
President Donald Trump’s proposed defense budget for 2027 is $1.5 trillion, which supporters say makes the cost of this bill manageable.
Congress still needs to find funding solutions before the bill can become law.
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A ground vehicle crossed in front of an American Airlines plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport said it is investigating the incident.
Key Facts
An American Airlines plane was involved in an incident on the ground at Charlotte airport.
A vehicle moved across the path of the plane.
The pilot described the event as "really bad."
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is looking into what happened.
No further details about damages or injuries were shared.
The investigation aims to find out how and why the vehicle crossed in front of the plane.
The airport has not announced any safety changes yet.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minnesota has been charged with felony assault after an incident involving a gun on a highway. This is a rare case where a federal immigration officer faces state criminal charges related to actions taken during a major ICE operation.
Key Facts
Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., 35, an ICE agent, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident happened near Highway 62 in Richfield, Minnesota, during Operation Metro Surge.
Morgan Jr. is charged by warrant and is not currently in custody.
The case is rare because it is the first state criminal charge against a federal immigration officer tied to this operation.
Hennepin County prosecutors are reviewing multiple incidents involving federal agents and have asked the public for evidence of misconduct.
At least 17 incidents involving federal immigration agents are under investigation in the county.
Minnesota officials dispute claims that ICE agents have total immunity from state laws when acting illegally.
Operation Metro Surge involved large numbers of federal agents and has been linked to protests and investigations into deaths during enforcement actions.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic candidates left in the race for governor. He also wondered if the Republican candidates might win the election.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom showed unhappiness with the Democratic options for governor in California.
The article discusses the possibility of Republicans winning the governor race.
The focus is on the upcoming California governor election.
Newsom is commenting on the quality of candidates in his party.
The situation raises questions about party support and electoral outcomes in California.
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The Trump administration is asking other countries to support a new global policy that favors trade led by private companies over direct aid to poor nations. American diplomats are promoting this idea ahead of a formal United Nations declaration planned for later this month.
Key Facts
The U.S. is pushing a “trade over aid” policy, focusing on trade instead of direct financial aid for global development.
The initiative sees free-market capitalism and trade as better ways to help poor countries grow economically.
The State Department wants foreign governments to officially back this policy before its UN introduction.
The policy encourages business reforms, private sector investment, and partnerships between developing nations and U.S. companies.
This change follows major cuts to USAID and broader reductions in global aid budgets by many donor countries.
Some experts warn that cutting aid could lead to millions of additional deaths by 2030 due to its impact on health and development.
The U.S. mission to the UN plans a signing event for the “trade over aid” declaration before the end of April.
Critics say the policy shifts responsibility from wealthy nations’ aid commitments to market-driven solutions.
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Utah is experiencing a large measles outbreak with over 600 cases, mostly among unvaccinated people. The outbreak began last year and has spread across many states, affecting mainly children and leading to hospitalizations.
Key Facts
Utah has reported 602 measles cases, with 405 occurring this year and 75 in the last three weeks.
About 85% of infected people were not vaccinated against measles.
One-third of patients had severe symptoms requiring emergency room visits.
49 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
The outbreak started in Texas more than a year ago and is now in most US states.
Utah has about 90% vaccination coverage but needs about 95% to stop measles spread.
A bill to make skipping school vaccinations easier was introduced but did not pass.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary and vaccine critic, has called measles vaccination a personal choice and promoted unproven treatments.
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The U.S. government has built about 50 miles of the main border wall and additional barriers along the southern border. Customs and Border Protection says the project is ahead of schedule and under budget despite past delays and local opposition.
Key Facts
About 50 miles of primary border wall, 5.5 miles of water buoy barriers, and 13.2 miles of secondary barriers have been built.
The border wall project costs $46 billion and faced delays due to contracting issues and community resistance.
Construction pace is around 3.5 miles per week since early February, less than the 10 miles per week initially expected.
Congress provided a major funding boost last summer, but contract approvals delayed construction on about 200 miles.
Local residents and officials, especially in the Big Bend area, oppose the wall because of concerns over private land, parks, and archaeological sites.
Officials say border crossings dropped without new Wall construction, attributing the decrease to policies and cooperation with partners.
Concerns raised about construction impacts, including flood risks, water supply, and public lands.
Customs and Border Protection sees the wall as a long-term investment to improve border security and reduce reliance on personnel.
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The US House of Representatives narrowly voted down a resolution that would have limited further military action against Iran. Most Democrats supported the resolution due to concerns about the ongoing conflict, while some Republicans opposed it. Peace talks between the US and Iran continue during a temporary ceasefire.
Key Facts
The House vote was 213 against and 214 in favor, failing by just one vote.
The resolution aimed to stop more US military involvement in Iran.
It was introduced by Greg Meeks, a top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee.
Some Democrats changed their minds to support the resolution because they were unhappy with how President Trump handled the conflict.
Jared Golden was the only Democrat who opposed the resolution, and Thomas Massie was the only Republican who supported it.
US-Iran peace talks are happening during a temporary ceasefire that lasts until April 22.
Negotiations in Pakistan between a US official and Iran did not extend the ceasefire.
Pakistan’s army chief traveled to Iran to keep working on the peace talks.
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A man named Glyn Razzell, who was convicted in 2003 for murdering his wife Linda and has never said where her body is, has been granted parole. The Parole Board decided he does not pose a risk to the public despite his refusal to reveal the location of Linda's remains.
Key Facts
Glyn Razzell was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 for murdering his estranged wife, Linda.
Linda disappeared in 2002 while on her way to work; her body has never been found.
Helen's Law requires the Parole Board to consider the pain caused when killers do not say where their victims are buried.
The Parole Board said they focused only on the risk to public safety when deciding on parole.
Razzell’s refusal to say where Linda’s body is was called "continuing cruelty" by the board.
The board found Razzell posed minimal risk and had followed prison rules and controls.
Razzell’s parole was previously denied three times, including once under Helen’s Law.
The Ministry of Justice is reviewing whether to challenge the parole decision.
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An ICE agent named Gregory Morgan Jr. faces assault charges for pointing a gun at two people on a Minnesota highway in February. He was driving illegally on the shoulder and pulled alongside the victims, pointing a handgun at them after they moved in front of him.
Key Facts
The incident happened on February 5 on Highway 62 near Interstate 35W in the Twin Cities area.
Gregory Morgan Jr., 35, from Maryland, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault.
Morgan drove an unmarked black Ford Expedition rented to his partner, who was also in the car.
The victims called 911, not knowing Morgan was an ICE agent, and shared video footage with police.
Morgan said in an interview that he was doing surveillance for ICE and felt threatened when cut off.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office says this case is the first of its kind nationally.
The office is investigating other incidents related to Operation Metro Surge involving ICE and federal agents.
Prosecutors say federal authorities have obstructed investigations, but charges were possible because state police located Morgan and got a statement.
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Steve Bannon, who once worked in the White House, told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to avoid focusing too much on religion during briefings about the conflict with Iran. Bannon said that talking about religion can distract from the important military details explained by generals.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon used to be a White House strategist.
He spoke on his show called “War Room.”
Bannon advised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reduce religious talk in Iran conflict briefings.
Bannon said the briefings should focus on precise military information.
He praised General Dan Caine, who chaired the briefing.
The goal is to keep briefings clear and focused on operational details.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will stop funding a shelter run by Catholic Charities that cares for migrant children. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), part of HHS, ended an $11 million contract with the Archdiocese of Miami’s shelter after several years.
Key Facts
HHS is ending an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities.
The contract was with a shelter run by the Archdiocese of Miami.
This shelter provides care for migrant children.
The decision comes after several years of funding.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is the HHS sub-agency managing this contract.
The end of the contract will affect how migrant children are cared for in that shelter.
Catholic Charities has been involved in migrant child care through this contract.
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Utah Valley University removed Sharon McMahon as the 2026 commencement speaker after conservatives criticized her past comments about Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on the campus in September 2026. The university cited safety concerns and consultation with public safety officials for the decision.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2026.
Sharon McMahon, an author and educator, was initially chosen to be the university's commencement speaker.
Some conservatives criticized McMahon for remarks questioning Kirk's approach to debates following his death.
Utah Valley University said they canceled the speaker due to safety concerns for McMahon and the event.
Senator Mike Lee publicly opposed the choice of McMahon, questioning if the university's decision would differ if political roles were reversed.
Turning Point USA’s Utah Valley chapter also condemned McMahon, saying she treated Kirk's assassination as a chance to create content, not to grieve.
Sharon McMahon is known for educating people about the government through social media.
Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged with Kirk’s murder; prosecutors seek the death penalty.
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The House of Representatives did not pass a resolution that would limit President Trump's power to start a war with Iran. The resolution failed by one vote, showing divisions among lawmakers on how to handle war powers related to Iran.
Key Facts
House Democrats tried for the third time to pass a war powers resolution on Iran but failed.
The vote was very close: 213 in favor and 214 against.
The resolution aimed to restrict President Trump's ability to wage war without Congress's approval.
Some Democrats voted against the resolution, while a few Republicans supported it.
Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine) sided with Republicans to oppose the resolution.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) joined Democrats to support the resolution.
Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) voted "present," neither for nor against.
Some lawmakers changed their votes compared to previous attempts, showing shifting opinions.
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Many Americans are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT to get health advice quickly. A recent poll found about one-quarter of U.S. adults used AI for health information in the past month, often to decide if they need to see a doctor or to understand medical details.
Key Facts
About 25% of U.S. adults used AI tools for health information in the last 30 days.
Users often want fast answers or extra information before or after doctor visits.
AI tools are seen as improved versions of web searches, giving summaries instead of many links.
Around 80% of adults still seek help from health professionals despite using AI.
Some use AI because health care is too expensive, inconvenient, or hard to access.
Many want help outside normal business hours or want to avoid paying for a doctor’s visit.
Younger adults and people with lower incomes are more likely to use AI for health advice.
Some users feel ignored by doctors or feel embarrassed to talk about health issues in person.
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A 14-month-old boy named Noah Sibanda died at a nursery in Dudley after staff restrained him by placing him face down with a leg on his back to make him sleep. The nursery worker, owner, and the nursery face court sentencing for manslaughter and health and safety offences.
Key Facts
Noah Sibanda died on December 9, 2022, at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley.
Nursery worker Kimberley Cookson placed Noah face down on a soft cushion and used her left leg on his back to keep him still.
Noah was wrapped tightly in a sleeping bag and had a blanket over his head, which the nursery used to block light and help children sleep.
CCTV showed Noah struggling before being restrained, and Cookson left him alone for about two hours without checking.
The nursery worker is being sentenced for gross negligence manslaughter.
The nursery owner is being sentenced for a health and safety offence.
The nursery itself faces charges of corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences.
Noah’s mother expressed deep grief and guilt in a court statement, describing how Noah was "alone, scared and in pain" in his final moments.
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A Texas court ordered Theodore Knox to pay over $2.8 million after finding him responsible for a 2024 street racing crash in Dallas. Knox is a co-defendant in a civil lawsuit involving Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice.
Key Facts
The court entered a default judgment against Theodore Knox.
Knox was found negligent in a 2024 street racing crash.
The crash happened in Dallas, Texas.
Knox must pay more than $2.8 million.
Rashee Rice, a Chiefs football player, is involved as a co-defendant in the related lawsuit.
The judgment was issued on a Wednesday.
The lawsuit is a civil case, which means it is about money damages, not criminal charges.
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A federal judge limited construction on President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom. The ruling allows underground security work to continue but stops most above-ground building until Congress approves the project.
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon made the ruling on Thursday.
Underground work for security features like bunkers can continue.
Above-ground construction of the ballroom must stop unless Congress says yes.
The administration argued the project has important security features against threats like drones and missiles.
Judge Leon said national security does not justify ignoring legal requirements.
Enforcement of the ruling is paused for one week to allow time to ask the Supreme Court for review.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, saying demolition and construction need Congress’s okay.
The project is estimated to cost $400 million, with private donations funding the ballroom and public money paying for security upgrades underground.
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