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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Firefighters from across U.S. joining Georgia wildfire battle with blazes entering second week

Firefighters from across U.S. joining Georgia wildfire battle with blazes entering second week

Summary

Wildfires in Georgia have been burning for more than a week. Firefighters from many states are coming to Georgia to help fight the fires.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires in Georgia have lasted for over one week.
  • The fires are record-breaking in size or intensity.
  • Firefighters from across the United States are joining the effort in Georgia.
  • The goal is to control and stop the wildfires from spreading further.
  • The situation is ongoing and emergency teams are actively working on it.
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Secret Service director questioned by lawmakers about security after correspondents' dinner attack

Secret Service director questioned by lawmakers about security after correspondents' dinner attack

Summary

The director of the Secret Service was questioned by lawmakers about security after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The Trump administration has ordered a review of security rules, while politicians from both parties are blaming each other for harsh political language before the attack.

Key Facts

  • A shooting took place at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • The Secret Service director answered questions from lawmakers about security at the event.
  • President Trump’s administration asked for a review of security procedures.
  • Republicans and Democrats are accusing each other of using harmful political words before the attack.
  • The incident raised concerns about safety at major political events.
  • Lawmakers want better security to prevent similar incidents in the future.
  • The security review will look at how to improve protection for guests and officials.
  • This event has prompted a broader conversation about political rhetoric and violence.
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Actor Nathan Chasing Horse sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault

Actor Nathan Chasing Horse sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault

Summary

Nathan Chasing Horse, an actor known for "Dances With Wolves," was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. The court convicted him on multiple charges after victims said he abused his role as a spiritual leader. Additional legal cases against him in Canada and Alberta remain open.

Key Facts

  • Nathan Chasing Horse was sentenced to life in prison in Nevada for sexual assault.
  • A jury found him guilty of 13 charges, mostly involving sexual assault.
  • Three women accused him, including one who was 14 years old when the abuse started.
  • Victims said he used his position as a Lakota medicine man to exploit and harm them.
  • He denied the charges and called the verdict a miscarriage of justice.
  • Charges against him in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, are still pending.
  • He acted in the film "Dances With Wolves" and was known in Indigenous communities for healing ceremonies.
  • His attorney unsuccessfully requested a new trial based on witness qualifications and legal deadlines.
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Trump Admin Vetting Green Card, Citizenship Applicants Over Political Views

Trump Admin Vetting Green Card, Citizenship Applicants Over Political Views

Summary

The Trump administration has introduced stricter checks on green card and citizenship applicants, potentially denying them based on their political views or statements made on social media. The policy focuses on applicants expressing hatred for American values, extremist views, or support for violence against the U.S., raising concerns about free speech rights.

Key Facts

  • The new policy allows immigration officials to reject applications from people expressing hatred for American values or extremist opinions.
  • Applicants who advocate violent overthrow of the U.S. government or support terrorist groups may be denied.
  • Social media accounts of applicants are monitored for political views, including posts critical of foreign governments.
  • An example given includes posts opposing Israeli actions in Palestine being seen as "overwhelmingly negative."
  • The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enforces these rules as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • Civil rights groups and some lawmakers have criticized the policy as an attack on free speech and constitutional rights.
  • The policy was reportedly put into effect in late 2025 and builds on prior measures to check social media for antisemitism and anti-American views.
  • Officials argue the changes are aimed at protecting national security by preventing harmful or violent ideologies from entering the country.
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82nd Airborne soldiers train on drone-countering maneuvers used in Ukraine

82nd Airborne soldiers train on drone-countering maneuvers used in Ukraine

Summary

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division trained at Fort Bragg to use small drones called Bumblebees to combat other drones, a tactic seen in the Ukraine conflict. The training focuses on operating inexpensive, hand-held drones designed to destroy enemy drones quickly and efficiently.

Key Facts

  • The training used Bumblebee V1 and V2 drones, with V1 requiring manual control and V2 featuring automatic target tracking.
  • Bumblebee drones are small, portable, and designed to take down smaller drones, not large ones like the Iranian Shaheds.
  • Training is expanding to multiple U.S. bases and a U.S. Central Command center in the Middle East.
  • The Defense Department formed a task force to develop and coordinate counter-drone technologies due to threats from drone attacks near U.S. bases and conflicts like in Ukraine and with Iran.
  • Bumblebee drones cost significantly less than traditional missile interceptors, making them more affordable for widespread use.
  • The drones have cameras and propellers on four legs, with V2 having upgraded sensors and a movable camera.
  • The drones are produced by Perennial Autonomy, a U.S. defense company supported by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
  • The military aims to avoid producing large numbers of ineffective systems by closely working with developers during training.
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Trump asked about conspiracy theory that shooting was staged

Trump asked about conspiracy theory that shooting was staged

Summary

President Donald Trump was asked in an interview about conspiracy theories claiming that a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner was staged. These false claims have been spreading online even as the Justice Department continues to investigate the attack.

Key Facts

  • A shooting happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • Some people on the internet have created false stories that the shooting was staged and not real.
  • The Justice Department is actively investigating the shooting and collecting evidence.
  • President Trump was questioned about these conspiracy theories during a "60 Minutes" interview.
  • The interview was conducted by Norah O'Donnell, a correspondent for "60 Minutes."
  • These false claims continue to spread on various online platforms despite ongoing investigations.
  • Media outlets like CBS News are reporting on both the attack and the false conspiracy theories.
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Correspondents' dinner shooting suspect charged with trying to assassinate the president

Correspondents' dinner shooting suspect charged with trying to assassinate the president

Summary

Cole Allen was charged by the Department of Justice for allegedly trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He appeared in federal court two days after the incident.

Key Facts

  • Cole Allen is accused of trying to attack President Donald Trump.
  • The incident happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • The event took place on a Saturday night.
  • Allen allegedly tried to enter the dinner with a gun.
  • Formal charges were filed by the Department of Justice.
  • Allen appeared in federal court on Monday.
  • The case is being handled at the federal level.
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Ex-Secret Service deputy director breaks down security response to correspondents' dinner shooting

Ex-Secret Service deputy director breaks down security response to correspondents' dinner shooting

Summary

The Trump administration has ordered a review of security measures following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A. T. Smith, who used to be deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service, explained how security responded to the incident on CBS News.

Key Facts

  • A shooting happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday.
  • The Trump administration has asked for a review of security protocols after the incident.
  • A. T. Smith is the former deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service.
  • Smith provided expert analysis about the security response on CBS News.
  • The review aims to improve safety at future events connected to the White House.
  • The incident raised new concerns about protecting officials and guests at important gatherings.
  • CBS News covered the story and featured the former Secret Service official’s insights.
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Why the planned White House ballroom couldn't host correspondents' dinner

Why the planned White House ballroom couldn't host correspondents' dinner

Summary

President Donald Trump has highlighted the recent shooting to support his plan to build a new presidential ballroom and make changes to the East Wing of the White House. Some experts say the White House may not be the best place to hold the annual White House correspondents' dinner.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wants to renovate the White House, including adding a presidential ballroom.
  • The renovations would also involve changes to the East Wing of the White House.
  • A recent shooting incident has renewed attention to security and space at the White House.
  • The White House correspondents' dinner is a yearly event for journalists and the president.
  • Some believe the White House lacks enough space or safety for this dinner to take place there.
  • Historically, the correspondents' dinner has been held outside the White House for these reasons.
  • President Trump is using the situation to push for approval of the renovations.
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Man pleads guilty to murder 2 decades after death of Run DMC's Jam Master Jay

Man pleads guilty to murder 2 decades after death of Run DMC's Jam Master Jay

Summary

A man named Jay Bryant pleaded guilty to murder for his role in the 2002 killing of Run-DMC’s DJ Jam Master Jay. Bryant admitted he helped others enter the recording studio where the rapper was shot but did not name who else was involved.

Key Facts

  • Jam Master Jay (real name Jam Master Jay Mizell) was shot and killed in 2002 inside his recording studio in Queens, New York.
  • Jay Bryant, 52 years old, pleaded guilty to murder after initially denying involvement.
  • Bryant said he helped two others, Karl Jordan Jr and Ronald Washington, enter the building to ambush Jam Master Jay.
  • Jordan and Washington were convicted in 2024, but Jordan’s conviction was later overturned due to lack of proof about motive.
  • Prosecutors said the killing was related to a drug deal worth around $200,000 and motivated by greed and revenge.
  • Bryant faces 15 to 20 years in prison, also related to other drug and gun charges.
  • The case remained unsolved for about 20 years before charges were filed.
  • Jam Master Jay was part of Run-DMC, a famous 1980s hip-hop group that ended after his death.
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CBS News analyst describes security concerns he had prior to correspondents' dinner shooting

CBS News analyst describes security concerns he had prior to correspondents' dinner shooting

Summary

A man was arrested for trying to attack President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean, who was at the event, shared his thoughts about security before the incident happened.

Key Facts

  • A man at the White House Correspondents' Dinner carried a shotgun, a pistol, and three knives.
  • He has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
  • CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean attended the dinner.
  • MacLean spoke about his concerns regarding security before the shooting.
  • The incident took place during a high-profile event attended by journalists and officials.
  • Law enforcement responded to stop the attacker at the scene.
  • The charges show the seriousness of the threat to the President’s safety.
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New details on suspect's movements ahead of correspondents' dinner shooting

New details on suspect's movements ahead of correspondents' dinner shooting

Summary

New information has come out about the person suspected of trying to harm President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. Reports focus on the movements of the suspect before the event.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • The suspect is accused of attempting to harm President Donald Trump.
  • Authorities have tracked the suspect’s movements leading up to the event.
  • Details were shared by CBS News reporter Anna Schecter.
  • The event took place on Saturday night.
  • The attack is described as an alleged assassination attempt.
  • CBS News is providing ongoing coverage of the situation.
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Trump administration blames heightened political rhetoric for correspondents' dinner shooting

Trump administration blames heightened political rhetoric for correspondents' dinner shooting

Summary

The Trump administration said that the rise in heated political talk contributed to the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. They criticized Democrats and the media for increasing tensions in the country.

Key Facts

  • There was a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • The Trump administration linked the shooting to more intense political language in the U.S.
  • Officials from President Trump's team blamed Democrats and the media for contributing to this tension.
  • The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual event attended by journalists and political figures.
  • The shooting raised concerns about political violence and safety at public events.
  • CBS News covered the story and offered analysis through their political director, Fin Gómez.
  • The incident showed growing divisions and conflict in U.S. politics.
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GOP leaders duke it out over DHS funding

GOP leaders duke it out over DHS funding

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are disagreeing on how to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making it harder to end a 72-day government shutdown. Johnson wants to change the Senate’s DHS funding bill to get more support in the House, while Thune is cautious but open to working on changes.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. government has been partly shut down for 72 days due to a dispute over DHS funding.
  • Senate Republicans had passed a DHS funding bill twice, but the House has not approved it yet.
  • Johnson wants to revise the Senate bill to secure House votes, calling the original bill "haphazardly drafted."
  • Senate Majority Leader Thune said the Senate did what it could to fund DHS properly and is willing to work with the House.
  • The main disagreement is over funding for ICE and Border Patrol, which the Senate bill cuts off, causing concern among House members.
  • Some House members want to remove the part that cuts funding for ICE and Border Patrol to avoid voting against law enforcement.
  • Waiting to approve all funding until a reconciliation bill passes may keep DHS shut down until mid-May.
  • Even small changes to the bill must be re-approved by the Senate, possibly delaying the deal further.
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Legal teams for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to meet ahead of trial

Legal teams for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to meet ahead of trial

Summary

Attorneys for actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will meet with a judge to discuss details of their upcoming trial, which starts jury selection on May 18, 2026. The trial involves legal claims including sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and reputation damage related to their film "It Ends with Us."

Key Facts

  • Blake Lively filed a complaint in December 2024 accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment during the making of "It Ends with Us."
  • Both Lively and Baldoni have sued each other in New York, with Lively seeking $500 million in damages.
  • Baldoni countersued Lively and others for $400 million, accusing them of extortion and defamation, but a federal judge dismissed his suit in 2025.
  • Much of Lively’s sexual harassment claims were dismissed in a recent court ruling, but some claims related to retaliation remain.
  • Jury questionnaire includes questions on sexual harassment and whether potential jurors know certain celebrities like Taylor Swift or Ryan Reynolds.
  • Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 18, with opening statements possibly the same day.
  • Previous court efforts to settle the dispute in February 2026 were unsuccessful.
  • The trial will be overseen by New York Southern District Judge Lewis Liman, who will address trial procedures such as witnesses and evidence.
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Charlie Crist running to be St. Petersburg’s mayor

Charlie Crist running to be St. Petersburg’s mayor

Summary

Charlie Crist, former governor of Florida, has officially announced he is running for mayor of St. Petersburg. He shared the news on the social media platform X by posting a video and paperwork confirming his candidacy.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Crist is a former governor of Florida.
  • He filed paperwork to run for mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida.
  • Crist announced his run on the social media platform X.
  • In the video, he said, “Well it’s official. I’m now a candidate for mayor of St. Pete.”
  • This is not Crist’s first time running for public office.
  • St. Petersburg is a city in Florida where this election will take place.
  • The announcement was made recently, on a Monday.
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Senator Calls for Hearing Over Trump's Security as Ballroom Pressure Grows

Senator Calls for Hearing Over Trump's Security as Ballroom Pressure Grows

Summary

Senator Josh Hawley wants Congress to hold a hearing about President Donald Trump’s security after a man was charged with trying to assassinate him at a recent event. The shooting incident increased debate over Trump’s plan to build a new, secure White House ballroom designed to improve protection for presidential events.

Key Facts

  • A man fired gunshots near the White House Correspondents Dinner; he was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
  • Secret Service agents evacuated Trump and other officials from the event.
  • Senator Hawley requested a congressional hearing to review presidential security and agency coordination.
  • The new White House ballroom, proposed by President Trump, would cost $400 million and is designed to be more secure, including bulletproof glass and drone-proof features.
  • Hawley said the American public deserves transparency about the security situation after the assassination attempt.
  • Some senators support building the ballroom, while others have concerns about its cost, size, and security benefits.
  • President Trump has been making large changes to the White House, which have raised questions about preservation and funding.
  • Senator Rand Paul plans to introduce a bill supporting the ballroom construction.
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Half of England’s schools unfit due to leaks, mould and faulty toilets, poll finds

Half of England’s schools unfit due to leaks, mould and faulty toilets, poll finds

Summary

A survey of headteachers in England found that half of schools have parts that are unusable or in poor condition because of leaks, mold, broken toilets, and other problems. Many schools also lack proper facilities for children with special needs, and most headteachers say they don’t get enough money to fix these issues.

Key Facts

  • 50% of headteachers say parts of their schools are out of use or unfit due to damage like leaks, mold, or asbestos.
  • 73% report problems with school toilets, with 8% closed and 65% not working properly.
  • 41% say facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are unfit.
  • Nearly two-thirds (64%) say their playgrounds are unsuitable or closed.
  • Many schools have safety issues, including faulty fire doors and broken boilers.
  • 96% of headteachers say they don’t get enough money to maintain school buildings.
  • The National Audit Office estimates it will cost £14 billion to fix England’s school buildings.
  • The UK government plans to spend nearly £3 billion per year over the next decade to improve schools.
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First teenage suicide linked to domestic abuse recorded in England and Wales

First teenage suicide linked to domestic abuse recorded in England and Wales

Summary

The first teenage suicide linked to domestic abuse has been recorded in England and Wales. Police say violent online content and harmful social media influencers may be increasing abuse among young people, especially teenagers.

Key Facts

  • Last year, 347 deaths in England and Wales involved domestic abuse, including 150 suicides and 125 homicides.
  • Most victims (73%) were female; most suspects (79%) were male over a five-year period.
  • The Domestic Homicide Project recorded 1,452 deaths linked to domestic abuse from various causes in five years.
  • 88% of suicide victims had a known history of domestic abuse reported to the police.
  • Domestic abuse incidents grew fastest among 16- to 19-year-olds, with this year including the first teenage suicide linked to abuse.
  • Police say violent pornography and “toxic” online influencers are normalizing abuse and influencing young people’s behavior.
  • Convictions for causing suicide through domestic abuse are rare, and experts want it to be a separate offense to raise awareness.
  • The justice system finds it hard to convict abusers because victims cannot testify, and abusers often appear trustworthy to others.
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Accused Correspondents' Dinner gunman charged with attempted assassination of Trump

Accused Correspondents' Dinner gunman charged with attempted assassination of Trump

Summary

A man tried to attack President Donald Trump at a press event in Washington. He has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president and other weapons offenses, facing possible life in prison.

Key Facts

  • The incident took place at a press gala in Washington.
  • The suspect tried to storm the event where President Trump was present.
  • He faces charges including attempted assassination of President Trump.
  • Other federal weapons charges were also filed against him.
  • If found guilty, the suspect could be sentenced to life in prison.
  • White House correspondent Liz Landers was at the event and reported on the situation.
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