This Week in Historyby Dianne Hermann“In the summer of 1776 our Founding Fathers sought tosecure our independence and our liberties that remain thefoundation of our nation today.” Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA)Apr 20-26, 2026   April 201853 – Harriet Tubman starts the Underground Railroad. She made 19 trips to the South over 10 years, escorting over 300 slaves to the North.1871 – The 3rd Enforcement Act allows the President to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to combat the Ku Klux Klan. President Grant received the legislation within a month of his request and used it to dismantle the KKK. The KKK was started by six Confederate Civil War veterans in December 1865, with Nathan Bedford Forrest serving as its first national leader.1961 – Harold Graham makes the first untethered flight of the rocket belt. The 108-foot flight lasted 13 seconds. Graham also made a special flight for President Kennedy. Watch a report about the flight, including interviews with Graham. 1962 – NASA civilian pilot Neil Armstrong makes his first X-15 flight. In 1969, Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong died in 2012 at age 82.1999 – Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold kill 13 people and wound 24 others at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, before committing suicide.2008 – Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first female driver in history to win an Indy car race. In 2005, Patrick became the first woman to lead at the Indy 500 in Indianapolis. Patrick is 44 years old.2010 – The Supreme Court rules that a law which makes it illegal to sell videos of animals being tortured violates the right to free speech. Chief Justice John Roberts said that the law was too broad and invalid to be used under the First Amendment.April 211789 – John Adams is sworn in as the first vice president. George Washington was sworn in as president 9 days later.1836 – During the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texas militia under Sam Houston captures Mexican General Santa Anna. In exchange for his freedom Santa Anna recognized Texas’ independence from Mexico.1904 – Ty Cobb makes his professional baseball debut for Augusta in the South Atlantic League. Cobb spent most of his baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. He still holds the record for career batting average at .367 and was in the first group of Baseball Hall of Fame’s inductees. Cobb died in 1961 at age 74.1956 – Elvis Presley has his first number one hit when “Heartbreak Hotel” tops the Billboard charts.1986 – Geraldo Rivera opens Al Capone’s vault during a two-hour special on live TV and finds nothing inside. Watch Geraldo’s own commentary 20 years after the non-event. 1997 – The ashes of the late Gene Roddenberry, the “Star Trek” creator, are launched aboard the Celestis Earthview 01 for a space burial. A sample of his ashes was carried on the Space Shuttle Columbia mission in 1992, but his remains were returned to Earth with the shuttle.2000 – The 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act goes into effect to protect children’s privacy and increase safety online, including restrictions on the marketing to those under age 13.April 221864 – The United States mints a 2-cent coin. It has the first appearance of “In God We Trust.” On this date in 1955, Congress ordered all U.S. coins to bear the motto “In God We Trust.”1931 – James G. Ray lands an autogyro on the lawn of the White House. President Hoover presented pilot Ray and autogyro builder Harold Pitcairn with the National Aeronatic Association’s Collier Trophy, awarded “for the greatest achievement in aviation in America, the value of which has been demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.” Watch a silent video of the landing. 1970 – The first “Earth Day” is observed by millions of Americans. Twenty million Americans participated in various events coordinated by Denis Hayes. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI), the founder of Earth Day, died in 2005 at age 89. 1972 – Apollo 16 astronauts John Young and Charles Duke ride on the moon in the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Apollo 17 in December 1972 was the last manned mission to the moon. Watch the historic moon ride. 2000 – In a pre-dawn raid, federal agents seize six-year-old Elián González from his uncle’s home in Miami, Florida. González was among Cuban boat people rescued on Thanksgiving Day when 12 members of his family died. He was released to his uncle but his father in Cuba demanded custody. Attorney General Janet Reno approved the plan to forcibly remove González from the home. He returned to Cuba on June 28th. In 2023, González was elected to the Cuban National Assembly (Congress). González is now 32 years old.2005 – Zacarias Moussaoui (a French citizen of Moroccan descent) pleads guilty to conspiring with other al-Qaeda members in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He is now serving a life sentence at the Federal ADX Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado.2014 – The Supreme Court rules 6 to 2 in favor of a University of Michigan ban on affirmative action.April 231635 – The oldest U.S. public institution still in operation, Boston Latin School, is founded.1908 – President Theodore Roosevelt signs an act creating the U.S. Army Reserve.1924 – The U.S. Senate passes the Soldiers Bonus Bill for World War I vets. President Coolidge vetoed the bill in May, but Congress overrode the presidential veto. President Harding vetoed a similar bill in 1922. Veterans marched on Washington in 1932 to forced Congress to pay the promised bonuses.1954 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits the first of his 755 homers. Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record with 715 during a home game for the Atlanta Braves on April 8, 1974. He hit his final home run as a Milwaukee Brewer on July 20, 1976. Aaron died in 2021 at the age of 86.1985 – The Coca-Cola Company announces that it is changing its 99-year-old secret formula. New Coke was not successful, which resulted in the resumption of the selling the original version. Watch the mea culpa announcement of Coca-Cola returning to the original formula. 1988 – A federal ban on smoking during domestic airline flights of 2 hours or less takes effect.2005 – The first video is uploaded to YouTube.com. Watch the first YouTube video, which now has over 226 million views. April 241704 – The “Boston News-Letter” is established. It was the first successful newspaper in the U.S.1800 – The Library of Congress is established when President John Adams signs a bill that also moves the capital from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. The bill included a $5,000 allocation for a reference library for Congressional use.1898 – Spain declares war after rejecting the U.S. ultimatum to withdraw from Cuba. The U.S. won the 10-week-long war.1907 – Hersheypark, founded by Milton S. Hershey for the exclusive use of his employees, is opened to the public.1917 – The U.S. Congress passes the Liberty Loan Act, authorizing the Treasury to issue a public subscription for $2 billion in bonds for the war.1962 – MIT sends a TV signal by satellite for the first time. The signal traveled from California to Massachusetts.1980 – The U.S. military operation Eagle Claw, ordered by President Jimmy Carter to rescue 52 hostages in Iran, fails. Eight servicemen died during a refueling stop in bad weather. All the hostages were released moments after President Reagan completed his inauguration speech on January 20, 1981.1990 – The space shuttle Discovery blasts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida carrying the $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope was launched the following day. Discovery flew 39 missions spanning 26 years, more than any other Shuttle. It is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Watch a brief report on the Hubble and its 1993 repair. 1997 – The U.S. Senate ratifies the Chemical Weapons Convention. The global treaty banned the development, production, storage and use of chemical weapons.2015 – Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner announces during a Diane Sawyer interview that he is now a woman. He changed his name to Caitlyn. Watch excerpts from the interview. Bruce Jenner InterviewApril 251846 – A military skirmish known as the Thornton Affair begins over the disputed border of Texas, triggering the Mexican-American War.1928 – Morris Frank becomes the first American to use a guide dog. Buddy, a German shepherd, is the first guide dog. Watch a touching video of Morris, in his own words, and Buddy. 1945 – Delegates from about 50 countries meet in San Francisco to organize the United Nations. There are now 193 UN member nations.1954 – Bell Laboratories announces the first solar battery made from silicon. It had about 6 percent efficiency.1967 – Colorado Governor John Love signs the first law in the U.S. legalizing abortion. The law was limited to therapeutic abortions when agreed to unanimously by a panel of three physicians.1984 – David Anthony Kennedy, son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is found dead in a hotel room of a drug overdose.1998 – First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is questioned by Whitewater prosecutors on videotape about her work as a private lawyer for the failed savings and loan at the center of the investigation. Watch the entire 1998 interview on Good Morning America. 2007 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 13,000 for the first time. The Dow is now about 49,000.April 261607 – The British establish an American colony at Cape Henry near Jamestown, Virginia. It was the first permanent English establishment in the Western Hemisphere.1859 – New York politician Dan Sickles is acquitted of murdering his wife’s lover on grounds of temporary insanity. It was the first time the insanity defense was used successfully.1865 – John Wilkes Booth is killed by the U.S. Federal Cavalry at the Garrett Farm in Virginia. Booth assassinated President Lincoln on April 15th at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.1941 – A tradition of playing organ music during a baseball game begins when the Chicago Cubs use an organ as a one-time gimmick. It was so popular that the Cubs management kept the instrument. Gary Pressy ended his 33 year stint as organist at Wrigley Field at the end of the 2019 season. Watch an interview with Pressy. 1954 – A nationwide test of Salk anti-polio vaccine begins.1962 – NASA’s Ranger 4 spacecraft makes a crash landing on the backside of the moon when its onboard computer fails to deploy the solar panels and navigation system.1993 – NBC announces that Conan O’Brien will replace David Letterman on late night TV. O’Brien was replaced by Jay Leno. Jimmy Fallon is the current host. Steve Allen was the first.2000 – Vermont Gov. Howard Dean signs the nation’s first bill allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions. Dean ran unsuccessfully for president in 2004.2009 – American health officials declare a public health emergency after 20 cases of swine flu (H1N1) were confirmed.Image from: nasa.famdom.com The post This Week in History: Apr 20-26, 2026 appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Iran International reported that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sharply criticized opponents of a potential agreement with the United States during a meeting with advisers, the news agency has learned. Ghalibaf, who also led Iran’s team in the latest negotiations with Washington, described figures including Saeed Jalili, a member of Iran’s National Security Council, and hardline Iranian MP Amirhossein Sabeti as extremist militia-like actors who would destroy Iran. He said the camp was using state television and mobilizing hardline supporters to intensify opposition to negotiations and a possible deal with the United States. Ghalibaf also voiced concern about being removed from the speakership and about Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi being pushed out of office. IRGC-affiliated accounts are now publicly attacking Ghalibaf for entering direct negotiations with the US, even though none of his “preconditions” were met. He is unpopular. IRGC Commander and terrorist Ahmad Vahidi is not pleased with MB Ghlaibaf after he shook hands with the enemy: BREAKING – Ahmad Vahidi: “We haven’t buried Khamenei yet, and Ghalibaf is already shaking hands with those who killed him.” Source: Channel 14’s @DBalazada pic.twitter.com/Sjd0tmNIYJ — Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) April 12, 2026 Drop Site News reports [left-wing]: MB Ghalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and head of the negotiating delegation: We are not stronger than the United States in military power, that is basic math; it is clear that they have more money, equipment, and resources, and because they have invaded many countries and committed crimes around the world, they have more experience than us. The Zionist regime, which is the servant and agent of the U.S. in the region, also possesses great power. Sometimes we hear our dear people say that we destroyed them! We did not destroy them. But we are the winners on the battlefield in this war. Certainly, equipment, resources, and money are effective in war and victory, but it is not always the case. We fought an asymmetric war in such a way that, through our own planning and preparedness, we repelled the enemy. The enemy had money and resources but did not act with proper planning. They make strategic mistakes; they err in understanding our people just as they do in their military planning. The U.S. government claims that America comes first, but in practice, it has shown that Israel comes first because it makes decisions based on Israel’s misinformation. Sometimes I hear from our dear citizens and even national media that we have destroyed all their military power, so we should advance and destroy the rest and not negotiate. Here we need to pay attention: we have an advantage on the battlefield, and that is why Trump is requesting a ceasefire. MB Ghalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and head of negotiating delegation: We are not stronger than the United States in military power, that is basic math; it is clear that they have more money, equipment, and resources, and because they have invaded many countries and… pic.twitter.com/YP3EXMWEl1 — Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) April 18, 2026 The post Iran Negotiator Wants an Agreement with the United States appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Secretary Duffy reiterated what he said recently: after an audit, the federal transportation department found that 53% of commercial driver’s licenses issued to foreigners in New York were issued illegally. He said, “We gave them four months to comply with the law. They refused, so we had no choice but to pull funding—and if they still refuse, we can pull their ability to issue CDLs. They usually give a state 30 days to comply. DOT gave them four months. New York said “pound sand.” As a result, DOT withheld $73 million in federal funds, and there is more funding they can withhold. DOT also found fake CDL schools with no curriculum, no teachers, and no drivers. The applicant pays and gets a certificate. These are great jobs for Americans, and they are being given to illegal aliens and foreigners. The federal government doesn’t have the power to revoke CDLs, but if some states continue to make these bad decisions, they will lose their ability to issue them. .@SecDuffy: 53% of Commercial Driver’s Licenses issued to foreigners in New York were issued illegally. We gave them FOUR MONTHS to comply with the law. They refused, so we had no choice but to pull funding — and if they still refuse, we can pull their ability to issue CDLs. pic.twitter.com/Y34iGN0U2Z — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 19, 2026 Original Story, Aprill 18 The Bolshevik states of New York and California have disregarded safety to give CDLs to foreigners who don’t necessarily have the ability to read road signs. They refuse to follow the law. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will withhold highway funds from New York and is threatening to do the same to California. Over $73 million in federal highway funds are being withheld from New York State after an audit found more than half of the state’s commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) were issued to foreigners illegally. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced yesterday that the state failed to revoke “illegally issued nondomiciled commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses.” New York defaulted to eight-year licenses to foreign drivers for non-REAL ID licenses, regardless of when the legal status of the individuals expired. In a Dec. 12 release, the federal agency ordered the state to begin revocations; on March 13, the Motor Carrier Administration said the state again failed to complete the required corrective actions. Gov. Hochul is too busy helping Zohran turn us into communists to do the right thing on any issue. Having foreigners who will vote for Bolshevik Democrats is one of their goals. They don’t care about safety. I’m pulling $73 MILLION in federal highway grants from New York until the state follows OUR RULES and makes sure foreign truckers are VETTED and QUALIFIED @USDOT will not fund Governor Hochul’s dangerous anti-American policies. Full stop.https://t.co/HhIvF39Qj6 — Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) April 16, 2026 California has delayed canceling 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses held by immigrants until March. Gov. Newsom said it is due to a class-action lawsuit filed by immigrant advocacy groups. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy responded: “Gavin Newsom is lying. The deadline to revoke illegally issued, unvetted foreign trucker licenses is still January 5.” “California does NOT have an ‘extension’ to keep breaking the law and putting Americans at risk on the roads.” “Miss the deadline, Gavin, and the US DOT will act—including cutting nearly $160 million in federal funding.” CDLs for foreigners are all part of the globalist agenda, which includes a one-world government. NEW: California has delayed its CANCELLATION of 17K commercial driver’s licenses held by immigrants until March, following a class-action lawsuit filed by immigrant advocacy groups, according to the New York Post. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy responded: “Gavin Newsom is lying. The… pic.twitter.com/FaBBUxdaBw — RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) December 31, 2025 The post NY Gave 53% of CDLs to Aliens: Sec. Duffy Could Revoke Their Power to Issue CDLs appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters: “Iran’s defensive capabilities, including its missile program, are not up for negotiation.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they have no plans for another round of talks. Iran will not go to Islamabad. Since the spokesperson’s remarks, Iran said no decision has been made. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei: We have no plans for the next round of negotiations pic.twitter.com/aNjyThEpO7 — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 20, 2026 However, despite the public bluster, according to The New York Times, the U.S. and Iran have made progress toward a deal since the April 12th talks, U.S. officials say. Nuclear enrichment and the Strait of Hormuz remain in dispute. According to ISNA, Iran is examining the U.S. proposal submitted through Pakistan. Yesterday, the sanctioned Iranian cargo ship Touska attempted to break the blockade and refused to halt. The U.S. blew a hole in their engine room and seized the vessel. That has led to Iran’s confusion over peace talks, as they also threaten to attack “terrorist US soldiers. U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s… pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026 Iran’s Theat At about 5:00 A.M. ET, Islamic regime Spokesman of the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said: “Following the blatant aggression by U.S. terrorist commandos against an Iranian commercial vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran were prepared for a decisive response against the invading American forces. “However, due to the presence of some families of the crew members of the aforementioned ship, they faced restrictions in order to preserve the lives and safety of those who were in danger every moment. “In light of the prevailing circumstances, following confirmation of the safety of the families and crew of the ship violated by America, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will carry out the necessary action against the terrorist army of America.” Lebanon Peace Talks As for Lebanon, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, “Lebanon faces two options: the continuation of the war with all its humanitarian, social, economic and sovereign consequences, or negotiations to end the war and achieve lasting stability. I chose negotiations, and I hope we will be able to save Lebanon.” Aoun announced bilateral talks will be led by Ambassador Simon Karam, aimed at ending hostilities and deploying the Lebanese army to the internationally recognized southern border. Trump reassured Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during Thursday’s phone call about the possibility of extending the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire if needed, per Lebanese MTV. Trump also expressed understanding of the need to set conditions before a direct meeting with Netanyahu, a… https://t.co/5CD03GSjIe — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 20, 2026 The post Iran Peace Talks Off, No They’re On, & They Will Kill US Soldiers appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

According to Channel 12 in Israel, there is a new peace deal under discussion. Iran agrees to a 15-year suspension of enrichment, except for research reactors producing medical isotopes. Iran’s stockpile of 60% and 20% uranium would be partially converted to reactor fuel, and partially ‘down-blended’ to a lower enrichment level. However, it won’t leave Iran. Full IAEA supervision on Iran’s nuclear sites. Opening the Strait of Hormuz, with the possibility of collecting tolls. The U.S. will; offer Iran phased sanctions relief. unfreeze all Iranian assets currently frozen abroad, amounting to $20 Billion or more. commit to a non-aggression pact with Iran, ensured by a UN Security Council resolution and a treaty ratified by Congress. withdraw all its military forces from the Persian Gulf. This has not been agreed to yet, and I doubt they will. This is the outline currently under discussion between the United States and Iran. I am sharing this with caution, as it hasn’t been agreed upon yet, but based on recent developments, these are the points they have been discussing: A 15-year suspension of uranium enrichment. The… pic.twitter.com/uQiXZxJmVF — Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) April 19, 2026 Source: Amit Segal, Israel Channel 12 The post New Iran Peace Deal Under Discussion appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.