Vatican shares statement after Vance meets with top leaders in ‘exchange of opinions’
Vice President JD Vance met with the Vatican’s No. 2 official Saturday in Rome, and the pair had an “exchange of opinions” on international issues, including migrants and deportations under the Trump administration.
“There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees and prisoners,” a statement from the Vatican said after the meeting.
“Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged.”
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister.
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He and Parolin “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace,” Vance’s office said.
Pope Francis has cut back his official meetings since a bout with double pneumonia.
The Vatican has clashed with the Trump administration over its deportation push, but the Holy See affirmed its good relations with the United States after the meeting.
The vice president’s Vatican meeting Saturday is part of an official trip to Italy and India.
Vance, with second lady Usha Vance and their two young children, arrived in Rome Friday, and he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“I’m grateful every day for this job, but particularly today, where my official duties have brought me to Rome on Good Friday,” the 40-year-old wrote on his X account Friday. “I had a great meeting with Prime Minister Meloni and her team, and will head to church soon with my family in this beautiful city. I wish all Christians all over the world, but particularly those back home in the US, a blessed Good Friday. He died so that we might live.”
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The meeting came a day after President Trump met with Meloni at the White House to discuss a trade deal.
U.S. Bishop Robert Barron, who, along with being bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, is also an online evangelist and founder of Word on Fire Ministries, told Fox News Digital he “was pleased to hear that Vice President JD Vance met with Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Gallagher at the Vatican.
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“American Catholics will appreciate that our Catholic Vice President was received with such a warm welcome. I’m sure that among the many topics they addressed were immigration and the war in the Ukraine, both of which are top of mind for both the Holy See and the United States.
“The Vice President, as a Catholic, shares a common faith with his Vatican interlocutors, but also a common language in Catholic social teaching, which brings to bear into political and cultural realities moral and theological principles, insights and recommendations.”
The vice president is expected to leave Italy for India, the second leg of his trip, on Monday, where he’ll meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Retail giant plans to eliminate checkout lanes completely with new in-store experience
Sam’s Club, the Walmart-owned membership warehouse, is rolling out a major change to its grocery payment system and embracing artificial intelligence (AI).
The retail giant plans to phase out traditional checkouts across its 600 stores and create a friction-free shopping experience which will include customers scanning goods on the go with an app and then having and AI scanner verify the goods as customers leave. The technology would eliminate the need for receipt checks at the door.
The system, known as “Scan & Go,” was initially launched in April 2024 and allows members to use the Sam’s Club mobile app to scan their products.
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The latest announcement adds the AI check, known as “Just Walk”/”Just Go” exit, to the process and will see the option of traditional checkouts being eliminated.
The new plans were announced by Chris Nicholas, Sam’s Club president and CEO, who outlined the company’s growth ambitions at its 2025 Investment Community Meeting last week.
“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today,” Nicholas said. “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.”
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The company said its newly opened store in Grapevine, Texas, already has the “Just Walk”/”Just Go” system in place and that store will be “setting the standard” for the club for the future. The new store has designed to make shopping faster, smoother and more enjoyable.
That store is also designed with AI in mind to create a better work environment for workers with upgrades like a vertical tire carousel, automated forklifts and a pizza robot in the café.
“It’s a place where human-centered design and technology meet convenience and discovery, offering a glimpse into the future of retail,” the company wrote in a December press release.
Walmart, meanwhile, is in the middle of experimenting with AI technology and monitoring the risks and benefits.
Costco, the company’s main rival, is taking the opposite approach and sticking with traditional checkout lanes only.
Sam’s Club said its 100,000 associates remain central to the company’s momentum.
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The company said that the adoption of AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks has improved both operational efficiency and associate engagement, while there have also been investments in wages and career progression opportunities.
Sam’s Club said that the new technology will allow more time to enhance the member experience.
“When a member has a meaningful, positive interaction with an associate, they’re more likely to renew — and stay loyal,” Nicholas said. “We’re building a culture that supports our associates as much as our members, because that’s how we win.”
‘American Pickers’ star makes tough decision to shutter his storefront after co-star’s death
After nearly a decade-and-a-half of giving vintage finds a second life in the heart of Music City, “American Pickers” star Mike Wolfe is closing a beloved chapter — and a storefront.
Wolfe shared an emotional announcement that the doors of the Antique Archaeology store in Nashville will officially close after 15 years.
“Well, Nashville … it’s time,” he began his lengthy post.
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“After nearly 15 amazing years, we’ve made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community.”
He added, “The visitors from all over the world who came through those doors, shared their stories, and reminded me every day why I started this journey in the first place.”
Nestled inside the historic Marathon Motor Works building, the Nashville shop has long been more than just a retail space — it’s been a place where vintage has been honored.
“After nearly 15 amazing years, we’ve made the tough decision to close the doors of our Antique Archaeology store here in Music City. This place has meant the world to me — not just the brick and mortar, but the people. The community. “
For Wolfe, its meaning runs deep, but he continued to explain that even good things sometimes require letting go.
“I’ve been so proud to be a part of this neighborhood, this city, and this chapter of life,” he added. “But sometimes, even when something is good, you have to pause and ask yourself where your time is going — and where your heart is calling you next.”
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Wolfe continued to explain his Nashville exit and why he has chosen to reside in Iowa for the time being.
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“For me, that’s family. It’s slowing down a little, staying rooted, and focusing on the new projects … I’m not disappearing — not even close,” Wolfe reassured fans. “I’ll still be picking, sharing, and selling online and at our original LeClaire, Iowa store.”
The “American Pickers” star revealed that the store will remain open until April 27. He shared with his fans that he’d be at the store on April 26.
“This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a new rhythm,” Wolfe concluded. “I’ll forever be grateful for every moment in that Nashville space, and for all of you who made it more than just a shop. You made it home.”
Wolfe additionally revealed that his decision to close his store was to spend more time in his hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, where his 81-year-old mom still resides.
“Everything I’ve ever known is there,” he previously told The Tennessean. “I want to drive on roads I’ve driven on my whole life. I want to be around things that are familiar. And I want to be back there more with my little girl and with my mom.”
Wolfe’s decision to shutter his Nashville store comes after the death of his late “America Pickers” co-star and dear friend Frank Fritz.
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Last month, Wolfe remembered Fritz at the “Day of Reckoning” red carpet premiere, as he made his film debut in the Western movie.
The “American Pickers” dynamic duo had a special friendship and starred on the hit show together for over a decade.
“Every day we think about Frank on set. He was such a big part of the show. He was my friend since 8th grade. And a lot of times when we are traveling through a property there are so many things that capture our attention that connect us to him,” Wolfe said in an interview with the New York Post.
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Wolfe, who has helmed the show for years, grappled with the absence of someone who was more than just a colleague, but a lifelong friend.
“It’s kind of hard to talk about because it’s so fresh, but he is with us in spirit every single day,” Wolfe said.
In September 2024, Fritz died of complications from a stroke while in hospice care.
College football coach took six figures in loans from booster, investigation says
Former Kent State coach Kenni Burns took over $100,000 in loans from a booster, according to an investigation.
That booster was also a school vendor. Burns was placed on administrative leave in March and was fired on April 11.
Kent State never publicly gave a reason as to why Burns was placed on administrative leave or fired.
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An independent investigation by an outside law firm found that Burns had received six figures in loans from Michael Awad, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
The loans began in 2023, after Burns said his house had flooded, and was struggling financially because he hadn’t sold his home in Minnesota. Burns began to pay the $109,000 in loans he had borrowed on Halloween 2023, and paid them off with nine checks over 14 months, according to the investigation.
There was no evidence that Burns paid interest on the loans.
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While Burns received the loans from Awad, Awad helped him open a credit card with Hometown Bank. In 2024, Burns failed to make the minimum payments and exceeded the credit card’s limit and was sued by the bank, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
The bank’s suit against Burns was settled once the former Kent State coach had paid off what he owed.
The loans that Burns received might have violated the state’s ethics laws, which prevent state employees from receiving benefits from boosters.
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Burns was hired by Kent State prior to the 2023 season and saw little success as head coach. The team went 1-23 during his tenure, and they did not have a win over an FBS team.
Kent State has the longest active losing streak in NCAA Division I football.
Hollywood star pays unexpected visit to Trump’s Oval Office
President Donald Trump and Vince Vaughn teamed up for a lighthearted spoof of the Hollywood actor’s iconic 2005 film “Wedding Crashers.”
The White House posted a photo, Friday, of Vaughn, 55, visiting Trump in the Oval Office, accompanied by a playful caption: “White House Crashers.”
The image, styled like a movie poster, featured Vaughn standing behind a seated Trump, both all smiles in front of the presidential seal.
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“President Donald J. Trump & Vince Vaughn in the Oval Office,” the official White House Instagram account shared with an American flag emoji.
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The White House’s social media post has sparked mixed reactions from fans.
Some fans have embraced the humorous nod to “Wedding Crashers,” while others have questioned the pairing.
“Love to see bold celebs supporting President Trump!” one fan wrote.
“President Donald J. Trump & Vince Vaughn in the Oval Office.”
Another comment read, “This White House social media account is GOLD! Love this.”
Others disapproved of the comical post.
“Vince Vaughn canceled,” one Instagram comment read.
One fan reacted, “Vince Vaughn is about to be the most hated man in Hollywood now.”
He partnered with fellow Hollywood actor Owen Wilson for the raunchy comedy, “Wedding Crashers.”
Vaughn and Wilson worked as divorce mediators who went around crashing wedding receptions in their free time.
In January, Vaughn was spotted taking photos with fans at Trump’s Inaugural Starlight Ball.
Last year, Vaughn acknowledged he’s a libertarian and described himself as a “believer more in allowing individuals to make choices.”
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“I’d rather say let people make their choices, and they can make different choices and have the consequences of their choices,” he told The New York Times.
Meanwhile, in 2020, Vaughn received backlash after he was seen chatting and shaking hands with Trump at the College Football Playoff national championship.
The “Swingers” actor addressed the criticism at the time.
“In my career I’ve met a lot of politicians who I’ve always been cordial to; I’ve met Nancy Pelosi and was cordial to her as well,” Vaughn previously told the Los Angeles Times.
Vaughn additionally noted that at that same football game he also greeted Democratic strategist James Carville, who had a cameo in “Old School.”
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“It was the only time I’ve ever met him. We said hello. He was very personable,” quipped Vaughn. “I didn’t get into policies.”
He continued, “I think people are more charged than ever about these things. But I don’t think most people take that stuff as seriously as the small percentage that’s making noise about it.”
Putin announces temporary ceasefire in war with Ukraine — Zelenskyy responds
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in his country’s war with Ukraine, the Kremlin said Saturday.
The war has raged for more than three years and cost the lives of tens of thousands of people on both sides.
“Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce,’” Putin said in a video posted by the Russian ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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“I order that all military actions be stopped for this period.”
In the video, Putin is joined by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
The move appeared to be scoffed at by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who said shortly after the announcement that air raid alerts were ringing out across Ukraine.
“As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives—at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote on X while giving an update on troop positions. It wasn’t entirely clear if he was addressing the truce.
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“At 17:15, Russian attack drones were detected in our skies. Ukrainian air defense and aviation have already begun working to protect us. Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life.”
Zelenskyy wrote that Ukrainian forces were battling in the Kursk region and holding their positions.
“In the Belgorod region, our warriors have advanced and expanded our zone of control,” he wrote.
Russia’s Defense Ministry, however, said its forces pushed Ukrainian troops from one of their last remaining footholds in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops staged a surprise incursion last year.
He later added that Russia had “ignored” the United States’ proposal for a 30-day truce after Ukraine “responded positively.”
“If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions,” Zelenskyy said. “Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks.”
He said if an Easter ceasefire actually takes hold, he proposes extending it longer. “That is what will reveal Russia’s true intentions — because 30 hours is enough to make headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures,” he said. “Thirty days could give peace a chance.”
He added, “As of now, according to the Commander-in-Chief reports, Russian assault operations continue on several frontline sectors, and Russian artillery fire has not subsided. Therefore, there is no trust in words coming from Moscow. We know all too well how Moscow manipulates, and we are prepared for anything. Ukraine’s Defense Forces will act rationally — responding in kind. Every Russian strike will be met with an appropriate response.”
The temporary ceasefire comes after President Donald Trump on Thursday said an 80-page minerals deal will be signed with Ukraine in one week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later amended that it would likely be signed on April 26.
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Details on the agreement still remain relatively unknown, though recent reporting by Bloomberg has suggested the U.S. has eased back its demands of repayment for its aid in Ukraine’s fight against Russia from $300 billion to $100 billion.
On Friday, Trump said the U.S. will “just take a pass” at peace efforts for Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to ceasefire terms.
“If for some reason, one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say ‘you’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people,’ and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump told reporters. “But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
All you need to know about the new identification required for travel in the US
Due to a security law passed 20 years ago, many Americans are now required to update their driver’s license or identification cards to become REAL ID-compliant — or they won’t be able to board U.S. flights.
With the deadline fast approaching on May 7, some conservatives have called on President Donald Trump to do away with the inconvenient requirement that they say violates civil liberties.
What is REAL ID, and why does it matter?
On May 7, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will no longer accept driver’s licenses or ID cards that do not have a star in one of the upper corners to represent their REAL ID verification. To become REAL ID-verified, applicants have to provide additional verifying information like Social Security numbers.
Flyers who don’t have REAL ID verification on their license should plan to use a passport, a passport card, a permanent resident card, military ID or an enhanced driver’s license offered by some states.
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Will travelers get turned away at the airport without a REAL ID?
The TSA says it will begin “phased enforcement” on May 7, but it’s unclear whether that means turning away travelers without proper documentation or subjecting them to additional security screening.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in an FAQ on its website that travelers without “a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.”
In a federal rule established this year, the TSA says its “phased approach” could last two years, with the potential to issue warnings to people without REAL ID verification.
Access to other federal facilities and nuclear power plants will also require a REAL ID, according to DHS.
How do you get a REAL ID?
Drivers who have recently renewed their driver’s license may already have a REAL ID. Check for the star in the upper right or left corner. Otherwise, check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles office on how to get a REAL ID or make an appointment to get a new license.
You’ll need documentation to show your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and lawful status, as well as two proofs of address. If you don’t have your Social Security card, you can provide a W-2 or pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it.
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Why is this happening?
Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission warned that it was too easy for bad actors to obtain a driver’s license.
Implementation of the law has been marred by delays in getting all 50 states and U.S. territories to implement the new requirements and start issuing advanced identification, which the federal government estimated would cost $11 billion in 2007.
The 2020 deadline was pushed back multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TSA senior official Adam Stahl said recently in an announcement that REAL ID “bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists.”
What’s the backlash?
Some on the right have cried foul, and questioned why, if previous administrations have delayed the implementation, it is necessary now.
When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a video reminding Americans of the May 7 deadline, former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin responded: “Or what?? Evidently, existing ID requirements for American citizens just aren’t adequate now, so Big Brother is forcing us through more hoops for the ‘right’ to travel within our own country.”
Palin continued: “Other administrations delayed this newfangled, burdensome REAL ID requirement. Are you curious why its implementation is imperative now?? And who came up with this?”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., argued in an X post, “As long as the pilot’s door is locked and no one has weapons, why do you care that someone who flies has government permission? REAL ID provides no benefit, yet presents a serious risk to freedom. If a person can’t be trusted to fly without weapons, why are they roaming free?”
Massie took shots at Trump in a follow-up post: “REAL ID is a 2005 George Bush-era Patriot Act overreach that went completely unenforced until Trump got into office. Let me guess: he’s playing 4D chess and I should just go along with it?”
Trump ally Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., rebuked REAL ID critics in his own public statement.
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“The REAL ID Act was passed way back in 2005, 20 years ago!!!! It’s about time everyone stop dragging their feet. Quit scrolling through social media, quit complaining, get your info together, and get down to the DMV to get your REAL ID,” Alford said Wednesday.
The White House could not immediately be reached for comment on the criticisms of REAL ID.
Researchers uncover strange inscriptions at site of Jesus’ Last Supper in Jerusalem
Archaeologists recently unveiled a series of strange, centuries-old inscriptions at the site believed to be the location of the Last Supper – just in time for Easter.
The Room of the Last Supper, also known as the Cenacle, is located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The hall was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, though pilgrims have venerated the site as early as the 4th century.
The recent discovery was announced by the Austrian Academy of Science (OeAW) on April 16, with the help of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Archaeologists identified some 40 elements of graffiti, including five coats of arms.
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Most of the inscriptions date back to the late Middle Ages.
Researchers found that the site attracted numerous international tourists – and several pilgrims left messages in their native language.
Pictures from the site show various coats of arms and writings in ancient languages.
A drawing of a scorpion was also found — presumably when Suleiman the Magnificent took over the Cenacle in 1523 and turned it into a mosque.
One interesting depiction of the Last Supper was found above a German coat of arms.
The inscriptions were written by pilgrims from Serbia, the modern-day Czech Republic and Germany, as well as Armenia and Syria.
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Most of the graffiti, though, was left by Arabic-speaking Christians.
One interesting depiction of the Last Supper was found above a German coat of arms, which depicted a goblet, a platter, and a round piece of bread with a hole in it, similar to a Jerusalem bagel.
Researchers also found an Armenian inscription reading “Christmas 1300,” as well as an Arabic inscription reading “ya al-Ḥalabīya.”
“Based on the double use of the feminine suffix ‘ya’, the researchers concluded that this is a graffito of a female Christian pilgrim from the Syrian city of Aleppo, making it a rare material trace of pre-modern female pilgrimage,” the statement noted.
Researchers first documented the inscriptions using multispectral photography and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), before analyzing the images in a lab.
Analysts then “digitally merged” the two photographic techniques to make the inscriptions readable.
In the press release, historian Ilya Berkovich said the graffiti was surprisingly diverse, with multiple countries being represented on the walls of the hall.
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“When put together, the inscriptions provide a unique insight into the geographical origins of the pilgrims,” Berkovich said in the release. “This was far more diverse than current Western-dominated research perspective led us to believe.”
Christianity-related finds
The latest discovery is one of many Christianity-related finds in recent months.
Earlier in April, an archaeologist excavating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre found proof of an ancient garden at the site, consistent with biblical scripture.
In December, archaeologists unveiled the known evidence of Christianity north of Italy.
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It consisted of a silver inscription dating back to between 230 and 260 A.D.