US AND CANADA

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Erika Kirk stepped back from a scheduled appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia, after concerns arose over threats directed at her, according to remarks made by Vice President JD Vance during the gathering.

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US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the Iran war, describing him as “WEAK” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy, in a late-night post which also saw him uploading an A.I.-generated image of himself dressed as Jesus.

This comes days after Pope Leo said Trump’s warning that an “entire civilisation will die tonight,” in reference to Iran, was “unacceptable.” The pope has also suggested that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fuelling the war between the United States and Iran.

In his lengthy Truth Social post, the president said he does not “want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States”. He claimed that the Catholic Church’s leadership had been “arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggested that he preferred the pope’s brother.

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A Florida federal judge has dismissed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the Wall Street Journal and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch. Trump sued last summer over a July 17 report that alleged his name appeared in a 2003 "birthday book" given to Jeffrey Epstein. The report claimed that Trump’s entry included a message with a drawing of a woman’s body.

Trump's lawyer said that the president will refile the "powerhouse" suit.

US District Judge Darrin Gayles said Trump came "nowhere close" to showing the WSJ acted with actual malice towards him. The case was dismissed without prejudice, though Trump will be allowed to file a new, amended lawsuit. He has until 27 April to do so.

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The United States is preparing for a potential naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, after high-stakes negotiations with Iran ended without agreement in Islamabad.

President Donald Trump said the US Navy could block all maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, a move that could disrupt global energy supplies and escalate regional tensions.

In remarks following the talks, Trump said Washington had secured progress on several issues but claimed Tehran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions, a central demand of the US delegation.

Iranian officials, however, accused the US of failing to build trust during more than twenty hours of discussions, insisting their position on nuclear development remains non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that any foreign military presence near the strait would be treated as a violation of the current ceasefire, signalling the risk of direct confrontation at sea.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil exports, making any disruption a concern for international markets.

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JD Vance has spoken out amid the growing back-and-forth between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, making it clear he believes the Vatican should stay focused on religious matters.

Speaking in a Fox News interview, Vance said disagreements between political leaders and the Catholic Church are bound to happen, but suggested the Church should avoid stepping into policy debates.

"I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality," he said. He added that the Church should concentrate on its own affairs and "let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy."

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Donald Trump is proposing a controversial renovation plan involving the exterior of a historic building near the White House, despite concerns raised by preservation experts.

According to reports, Trump wants to apply what he describes as "magic paint with silicate" to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a landmark structure located next to the West Wing that houses many White House staff offices. The building, completed in 1888 during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

The proposal is part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape the White House complex during his second term. His vision includes transforming the building's gray granite exterior into a bright white finish. He has previously shared the idea publicly, including during a television appearance in late 2025, where he said he was still considering whether to proceed.

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Pope Leo has responded after Donald Trump called him “weak” for criticising the war in Iran.

The Catholic Pontiff said on Monday, April 13, that he plans to continue speaking out against war after U.S. President Donald Trump's direct attack on the him.

In comments aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where the first U.S. pope is starting a 10-day tour to four African countries, the pontiff also said the Christian message was being "abused".

"I don't want to get into a debate with ⁠him," Leo said as he greeted journalists on the plane. "I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing

." Speaking to other reporters, Pope Leo added: "I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for."

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Christina Koch has shared her first public reflections following the successful completion of the Artemis II mission.

Just hours after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, Koch spoke about the deeply personal moments that defined the historic journey. She returned to Earth alongside fellow astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen.

Speaking at an event in Houston on April 11, Koch reflected on how the mission began and ended with simple, human interactions. She recalled being awakened for launch by her mission manager, who quietly confirmed they were ready to proceed. At the other end of the journey, she described a tender moment when a nurse asked her for a hug after her return, highlighting how even the most extraordinary experiences are grounded in human connection.