President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing the FDA to issue research guidance on ibogaine, a Schedule I substance prohibited in the U.S. but used abroad for conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while committing $50 million to federal studies and expanding Right to Try access for desperately ill patients. The order does not reclassify ibogaine and emphasizes treatments in advanced clinical trials. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., confirmed as Health Secretary, was present at related events.
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A domestic-related shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, early Sunday killed eight children aged 1 to 14 and wounded two adults across three locations, with the lone suspect—who was related to some victims—fatally shot by police after a vehicle chase. No officers were injured, and Louisiana State Police are investigating. The incident drew quotes from local officials describing it as unprecedented in scale.
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The United States and Iran have jointly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping, following temporary ceasefires in conflicts involving Iran, the US, Israel, and a separate Israel-Lebanon truce. France and the UK hosted a meeting of nonbelligerent states in Paris and expressed readiness to lead a multinational mission to secure navigation once peace is achieved. The US maintains its blockade of Iranian ports pending a full peace deal.
U.S. naval forces intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after its crew refused warnings to halt amid a U.S. naval blockade near the Strait of Oman. The USS Spruance disabled the vessel by blowing a hole in its engine room, allowing U.S. Marines to take custody for inspection. President Trump commented on the incident via Truth Social, while broader context including the blockade's targets and ship history remains disputed.
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An earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast on April 20, 2026, at around 4:53 p.m. local time, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures with potential waves up to 3 meters. An 80-centimeter tsunami was observed near Kuji port in Iwate, and evacuations were urged amid suspensions of Shinkansen services. Magnitude reports remain disputed between 7.4 and 7.5.
Commercial ships, including Indian-flagged vessels, came under fire from Iran's military while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as verified by multiple sources. This occurred against the backdrop of a continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports in the strait. India summoned Iran's ambassador to convey concerns over the incidents.
Iran briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz before reversing course and firing on ships attempting transit, including Indian-flagged vessels that turned back, amid a US blockade of Iranian ports. Multiple sources confirm the reversal and firing incidents, though details of a two-week ceasefire remain unverified. The standoff persists with both sides citing the other's actions as violations.
Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, was arrested Saturday at Los Angeles International Airport on federal charges of brokering the sale of Iranian-manufactured drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to Sudan. She allegedly operated through an Oman-based company, Atlas International Business, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case involves U.S. sanctions violations amid Sudan's ongoing civil war.
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Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that talks with the United States made progress but remain far from agreement, amid verified reversal of Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran conditions the strait's access on the US lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Washington refuses to do. Trump described conversations as 'very good' while warning against 'blackmail.'
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A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, described as fragile, is set to expire this Wednesday, coinciding with a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship on Sunday. The US Navy fired on the ship Touska after it attempted to evade the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Details of ongoing negotiations remain unverified amid conflicting reports.