Breitbart

Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced on Monday that he will file his retirement from office when Congress returns on Tuesday, following his admission of an affair with a staff member who died by suicide. The announcement parallels Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell's earlier resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations. While core details are verified across sources, specifics like ethics probes and prior statements remain unconfirmed.

Pope Leo XIV, a U.S.-born pontiff, publicly opposed the war in Iran and stated he does not fear the Trump administration, prompting accusations from Donald Trump that the Pope is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. Trump refused to apologize for his remarks and for a now-deleted social media post depicting himself in a manner he later claimed showed him as a doctor. Multiple sources confirm key elements of the exchange, though many specific quotes remain unverified.

Lonna Drewes accused U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) of drugging her wine, raping her while incapacitated, and choking her during a 2018 hotel encounter, marking her as the fifth woman to level such claims against him. Drewes held a press conference on April 14 in Beverly Hills, announcing plans to file a police report with evidence including texts and journals, represented by attorney Lisa Bloom. Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign days after initial reports, amid his denials and a pending Manhattan DA probe into another allegation.

The U.S. Justice Department fired four prosecutors involved in FACE Act cases against anti-abortion activists, citing accusations of bias [Reuters (via FiveFilters) FACE Act, AP News, Newsmax]. Separately, the DOJ moved to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions for several January 6 Capitol attack defendants, including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders, following sentence commutations by President Trump [Reuters (via FiveFilters) Jan 6, The Guardian, Washington Examiner]. These actions have sparked debate over DOJ impartiality.

Pope Leo XIV, a U.S.-born former Cardinal Robert Prevost, arrived in Algiers on April 13, 2026, and criticized President Trump's threats toward Iran as 'truly unacceptable' while stating he has no fear of the Trump administration. Trump responded by calling the Pope 'weak' and captive to the 'Radical Left,' suggested the Pope owed his position to him, refused to apologize, and briefly posted then deleted a social media image depicting himself as a healer resembling Jesus. The incident occurs during the Pope's apostolic journey to Africa, with details on trip length disputed across reports.

Pope Leo XIV, the U.S.-born pontiff, opposed the war in Iran, citing Gospel-based appeals for peace, while President Donald Trump criticized him as 'weak on crime' in a Truth Social post featuring an AI-generated image of himself in a healer-like pose. Trump refused to apologize, and the Pope stated he does not fear the administration amid his ongoing apostolic journey to Africa. The exchange highlights tensions over foreign policy and national security.

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) faces accusations of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape by four women, as reported in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Swalwell has apologized for past mistakes in judgment while denying the most serious claims, and he suspended his campaign for California governor. Reports of his resignation from Congress are disputed.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Wednesday as the second leg of his African tour after Algeria, where he is set to meet President Paul Biya and call for peace in the English-speaking regions amid a decade-long separatist conflict. Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the Pope's opposition to the war in Iran, refusing to apologize for remarks labeling him weak on crime and foreign policy. Many details about the Pope's background, tour specifics, and Trump's statements remain unverified from single sources.

The first round of direct U.S.-Iran peace talks occurred over the weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ended without agreement, prompting the U.S. to impose a blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz. A war began on February 28, followed by a two-week ceasefire and U.S.-Israel airstrikes near Tehran. Negotiators may return to Islamabad this week amid unverified details on terms and internal Iranian dynamics.

A U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28, leading to a two-week ceasefire on April 7 and subsequent failed peace talks in Islamabad. The U.S. military initiated a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, with Central Command stating it would not impede vessels to non-Iranian ports. Reports of tanker maneuvers are disputed, amid rising tensions and unverified oil price spikes.

A two-week US-Iran truce announced on April 7, 2026, expires next week as of April 14, following high-level negotiations in Islamabad. Iran has imposed fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US naval blockade of Iranian ports aimed at curbing oil exports. Outcomes of the Islamabad talks remain disputed, with tensions ongoing.

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced his retirement from Congress on Monday, stating he will file paperwork upon return on Tuesday, amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into his admitted extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The announcement came hours after Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California revealed his own resignation amid similar sexual misconduct allegations. Both face scrutiny under House rules prohibiting sexual relationships with supervised employees.

US-Iran talks occurred in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ended without any agreement, according to multiple sources. Numerous details about the delegations, duration, and specific demands are unverified and primarily reported by a few outlets. Ongoing mediation efforts and potential escalations, such as a naval blockade, are mentioned in lower-quality reports.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) faces sexual misconduct allegations from a former staffer detailed in a San Francisco Chronicle report and claims from four women in a CNN report, which he denies as 'absolutely false.' Reports indicate Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) plans to force a vote to expel him, with Democrats countering against Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), though these actions remain unverified. Expulsions require a two-thirds House majority amid low-confidence reports of Ethics Committee investigations.

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, agreed upon by both parties, is set to expire next week, with the White House denying reports of requesting an extension. Recent talks in Islamabad failed to yield a deal, but U.S. officials describe negotiations as productive and likely to resume in Pakistan. President Trump stated the conflict is very close to over, while a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.

Daniel Moreno-Gama, a 20-year-old man from Texas, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco home and later threatened to burn down the company's headquarters, leading to his arrest and charges including attempted murder and possession of an unregistered firearm. Authorities recovered a document outlining his intentions, which included aiming to kill Altman. While core facts are verified across sources, details like the exact date and injury reports remain unverified.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced on Monday that he will file paperwork to retire from Congress when it reconvenes on Tuesday, citing religious phrasing and expressing gratitude for his service. The announcement follows his admission of an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, and comes shortly after Democrat Eric Swalwell's own resignation news. Coverage spans multiple outlets, with consensus on key events but disputes over prior pressures and details.

Daniel Moreno-Gama faces state charges of attempted murder and arson after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's residence in San Francisco. The incident occurred early Friday, with surveillance capturing the event, and the suspect was arrested nearby. Additional details such as motives, a hit list, and a second attack remain unverified or disputed.

Donald Trump stated he is permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz for China and the world, claiming China agreed not to send weapons to Iran and predicting a future hug from President Xi. These verified remarks follow unverified reports of U.S. naval actions in the strait, including a disputed claim of a full blockade on Iranian trade. Evidence shows multiple vessels, including Iranian and Chinese tankers, transiting the strait without interruption.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lululemon regarding the potential presence of forever chemicals, known as PFAS, in its activewear products. The probe examines whether the company has misled consumers about product safety. Lululemon states it does not use PFAS in its products and is cooperating with the inquiry.

US President Donald Trump stated he would impose 50% tariffs on Chinese goods if China provides military aid to Iran, amid reports of disputed intelligence on such shipments and China's denial. The US is moving forward with a naval blockade of Iranian ports, including the Strait of Hormuz, as China urges restraint and vows countermeasures to tariff threats. Tensions escalate with unverified details on US-Iran talks and economic impacts.

U.S. naval forces operating from over a dozen warships directed six merchant vessels, including two sanctioned tankers linked to China, to turn back toward Iranian ports on April 14, 2026, after they crossed the Strait of Hormuz. This occurred amid a U.S.-Israeli war with Iran that began on February 28, 2026, during which Iran blocked most maritime traffic through the strait, reducing crossings from pre-war levels of about 130 ships daily to at least eight that day. Disputes persist over whether any sanctioned tankers fully evaded the blockade.

Democratic U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell from California has suspended his campaign for state governor following sexual assault allegations from a former staffer. While the suspension and allegations are confirmed across multiple sources, specifics of the claims and their impact remain unverified. Additional reports of media appearances, financial disputes, and potential resignation from Congress lack strong corroboration.

US-Israeli attacks on Iran occurred in late February, prompting concerns over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil and gas flows. Iran's ambassador to India denied charging tolls on Indian vessels, a claim corroborated by India's Ministry of External Affairs. Disputed reports of tolls on other ships circulate amid unverified escalations including traffic halts and US countermeasures.

High-level U.S. and Iranian delegations held direct negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, which ended abruptly after approximately 21 hours without a peace agreement. Reports indicate possible return of negotiators this week, amid unverified claims of threats prompting the Iranian team's circuitous return journey. The talks occurred during a fragile two-week ceasefire in a conflict that has reportedly entered its seventh week.

Iran's ambassador to India denied charging tolls on Indian oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a claim supported by India's foreign ministry, amid reports of a temporary US-Iran ceasefire following late February attacks. US President Donald Trump criticized Iran for alleged tolls labeled as 'world extortion' and threatened to block compliant vessels, while a report of crypto fees remains disputed. The strait handles about half of India's crude oil and LPG supplies, highlighting risks to global energy flows.

The United States initiated a blockade targeting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, following the failure of US-Iran peace talks mediated by Pakistan over the weekend. President Trump posted on social media claiming Iran's navy largely destroyed and threatening elimination of approaching ships, amid Iran's threats to retaliate against Gulf neighbors' ports. Many details on prior events, ship transits, and economic impacts remain unverified across sources.

The US-Iran war, initiated by US and Israeli strikes on February 28, entered a ceasefire last week following intensive peace talks in Islamabad hosted by Pakistan. The US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on Monday amid plans for a second round of discussions, prompting threats from Iran and criticism from China. Oil prices showed volatility, while unverified details surround blockade scope and negotiation specifics.

The United States initiated a military blockade of ships leaving Iranian ports on Monday following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend. Regional tensions persist amid scheduled Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington and statements from US President Donald Trump on Iran's navy. Oil prices have reportedly surged, while Iran has threatened retaliation against Gulf neighbors.

The House Ethics Committee announced a probe into Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) on Monday regarding sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women, including a former staffer and reports involving four accusers. Swalwell denies the claims and suspended his California gubernatorial campaign on Sunday. A resurfaced interview clip shows him criticizing ICE agents, though many details remain unverified.

Iran has barred tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stranding ships including 15 India-flagged vessels, while weekend peace talks in Islamabad collapsed. The U.S. announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and the strait, with conflicting reports on whether it has begun, as oil prices exceed $100 per barrel. India's nine LPG tankers passed without tolls, per Iranian and Indian statements.

The United States implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, following the failure of US-Iran peace talks mediated by Pakistan over the weekend. President Trump announced the blockade on Sunday and warned that breaching Iranian vessels would be eliminated, prompting Iran to accuse the US of piracy. Multiple sources confirm the core events, though details like specific ship movements and oil price surges remain unverified.

The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, effective Monday, targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian coastal areas or those that paid tolls to Iran. This follows failed US-Iran peace talks over the weekend amid a two-week ceasefire set to expire next week, with Iran condemning the action and Trump signaling openness to a deal. Oil tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, while market reactions remain disputed.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has criticized the U.S. war in Iran and plans to continue speaking out, prompting President Donald Trump to refuse an apology and call the pope weak on crime. Multiple sources verify these core positions, though specific quotes and actions remain unverified or supported by fewer outlets. The exchange highlights tensions between Vatican peace appeals and U.S. foreign policy.

Pope Leo XIV, the U.S.-born pontiff, stated he will persist in opposing the war in Iran despite criticisms from President-elect Donald Trump, who accused him of weakness on crime and poor foreign policy. Verified exchanges include Trump's broadside against the pope's anti-war stance, while the pope expressed no fear of the Trump administration. Reactions include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deeming Trump's remarks unacceptable.

The United States initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz on Monday following the collapse of peace talks mediated by Pakistan. President Trump warned that any Iranian vessels breaching the blockade would be immediately eliminated. While core elements are verified across multiple outlets, details on prior actions and specifics remain unconfirmed.

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced on Sunday the suspension of his California gubernatorial campaign following sexual misconduct accusations from four women, including a former staffer alleging assault. Swalwell denied the assault claims as false while apologizing for past mistakes in judgment and stated he would fight the allegations privately. A House Ethics Committee investigation into potential misconduct toward an employee is supported by reports, though plans for Swalwell to resign his House seat remain disputed.

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California suspended his gubernatorial campaign and faces multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, which he denies, while Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas admitted to an affair with a staffer and announced his retirement from Congress. The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Swalwell, and lawmakers have discussed potential expulsion for both. Specific details of allegations against Swalwell remain unverified, with one claim of his House resignation contradicted by reporting.

Pope Leo XIV, verified as U.S.-born, opposes the war in Iran involving U.S.-Israel interests and responded to Donald Trump's supported criticisms labeling him 'weak on crime' and sharing an AI-generated image of himself in a beatific pose. Trump refused to apologize, while the Pope stated he has no fear of the Trump administration and rooted his peace appeals in the Gospel. Many details of the Pope's trip and specific quotes remain unverified or disputed.

Democratic U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell from California, who entered the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, suspended his gubernatorial campaign following reports of sexual assault and misconduct allegations from a former staffer. While the suspension and candidacy are verified across multiple outlets, details of the accusations, investigations, and political reactions remain unverified or low-confidence. The development occurs in an early-stage 2026 Democratic primary with over 20 candidates.

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a leading contender in the California governor's race, suspended his campaign over the weekend and announced plans to resign from Congress following sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women, including a claim by Lonna Drewes of being drugged and raped in 2018. Drewes held a press conference on Tuesday detailing her account, while investigations by the Manhattan District Attorney's office and House Ethics Committee are underway. Swalwell has denied serious allegations but acknowledged past mistakes.

US President Donald Trump has publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church, calling him weak on crime and criticizing his opposition to the Iran war. The Pope, on an apostolic journey to African nations including Cameroon, plans to appeal for peace in conflict zones. Multiple sources confirm the attacks and the Pope's anti-war position, though details like the Pope's background and war timeline remain unverified.

Multiple outlets report that Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for opposing the US war with Iran, while the Pope condemned the US-Israel actions and emphasized peace rooted in the Gospel. Trump described the Pope as weak on crime and poor at foreign policy, prompting a swift rebuttal from the pontiff. Many details surrounding the conflict and additional statements remain unverified or disputed.

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, suspended his campaign for governor on Sunday amid sexual misconduct allegations published the previous Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Swalwell denied the allegations and stated he would address them separately from his campaign. The incident occurred ahead of California's gubernatorial primary, which features over 50 candidates and mail ballots starting in early May.

Lonna Drewes held a news conference on April 14, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California, accusing Rep. Eric Swalwell of raping her in 2018 at a Southern California hotel after she consumed one glass of wine, which she believes was drugged. Swalwell has denied the allegation and others, while dropping out of the California governor's race. Additional claims and investigations remain unverified or disputed.

The U.S. and Iran conducted direct negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend, which ended without agreement, leading the U.S. to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz. A two-week ceasefire is scheduled to end on April 21, with President Trump indicating potential for additional talks soon. Numerous details about the talks, blockade enforcement, and related events remain unverified by multiple sources.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran occurred in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ended without a peace deal, prompting a US blockade on Iranian ports. Multiple sources indicate potential for resumed talks soon, amid a conflict in its seventh week. Many details, including participant involvement and duration, remain unverified from single outlets.

The U.S. has begun a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by multiple outlets, coinciding with the last pre-conflict oil and LNG tankers reaching their destinations. Energy markets show volatility with Brent crude reaching $102 per barrel before falling to $98, alongside rises in European gas prices and U.S. fuel costs. Several claims about a full closure or direct causal links to prior attacks remain disputed.

Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington on Tuesday, described by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a historic opportunity with no immediate breakthrough expected. The session excluded Hezbollah and focused on steps toward negotiations between the two governments. Ongoing hostilities persisted, including Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon targeting over 200 Hezbollah sites and Hezbollah rocket launches into northern Israel.

US and Iranian negotiators met in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by US Vice President JD Vance, in talks that concluded without a peace deal amid a seven-week war. The discussions, mediated by Pakistan, lasted approximately 21 hours and followed a fragile two-week ceasefire. President Trump indicated potential additional talks within days, with negotiators possibly returning to Islamabad.