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Did Pentagon threaten Pope Leo XIV and Vatican? We inspected

A rumor that senior U.S. defense officials summoned a top Vatican diplomat to the Pentagon and threatened the Catholic Church in January — reportedly saying the U.S. has the military power to "do whatever it wants" and that the "Church had better take its side" — spread widely online.

We found the claim stemmed from an article published earlier this week that the Department of Defense disputed. Reporter Taija PerryCook unpacked the facts behind the claim.

What to know about automatic US military draft registration planned by December 2026

In the past, eligible men have had to self-register for the draft by law. A change will make it so they are automatically registered.

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Did Connecticut congressman file articles of impeachment against Trump?

Rep. John Larson filed 13 articles of impeachment against the president. He also called for the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment.

Did Chick-fil-A respond to backlash about not celebrating Pride month? Don't bite

The company's X account hasn't posted since 2022.

Were Roman helmets found on North Carolina golf course?

Users discussed an alleged "wild" archaeological find in the Tar Heel State, with one person saying the discovery would rewrite American history.

Staff pick

Ohio bill aims to ban public drag shows, but it hasn't become law yet

Rumors Ohio passed a law effectively banning drag performances in public spaces have spread online.

The bill is real, but it hasn't been signed into law as posts claimed. Reporter Joey Esposito has the full story.

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