Alfie Coleman, a teenager working at a Tesco in Essex, was convicted for planning a mass terrorist attack inspired by far-right extremist views. MI5 and the police stopped his plot after uncovering his online activities and possession of weapons and extremist materials.
Key Facts
Alfie Coleman worked at Tesco and was involved in far-right extremist activities.
He possessed a gun, 188 rounds of ammunition, knives, and extremist documents.
Coleman planned an attack targeting the Mayor of London's home and others.
He joined a far-right group called Patriotic Alternative and shared white supremacist views.
Police and MI5 discovered his online communications seeking automatic weapons.
He referenced previous mass killers like Dylann Roof and Anders Breivik in his messages.
Coleman was arrested and convicted for preparing terrorist acts after a retrial.
His attack plans included explosives, weapons, and a list of targeted individuals.
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Republican lawmakers are choosing to follow President Donald Trump's lead on the conflict with Iran, despite a legal 60-day deadline for Congress to approve the use of military force. While some Republicans want Congress to have more control eventually, most are supporting the president’s current approach during the fragile ceasefire.
Key Facts
The War Powers Resolution requires Congress to approve military action within 60 days or grant an extension.
The 60-day deadline falls on May 1, 2026, but Congress took no action and left for a break.
The Trump administration says the deadline does not apply because the war ended when a ceasefire started in April.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and many Republicans say they will not push for a vote on authorizing force now.
Some Republican senators, like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, want Congress to have a say and may push for limited authorization later.
Senator Kevin Cramer expressed doubts about the constitutionality of the War Powers Resolution.
Republicans face public frustration over the conflict and rising gas prices but mostly support the president’s wartime decisions so far.
The Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to halt the war for the sixth time on April 30, 2026.
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Each year, St Andrews University students take part in the May Dip, where they run into the cold sea for good luck. Recently, photographers have been taking many pictures of students, especially young women in bikinis, and publishing them without permission, causing distress among some students.
Key Facts
The May Dip is a St Andrews University tradition involving students running into the North Sea at dawn.
Photographers, including agencies and freelancers, often come to the event to take pictures of students.
Many photos focus on female students in bikinis and are published in newspapers and online without their consent.
Some photographers stay overnight on the beach dunes to capture early photos.
Students have expressed feeling upset and objectified after their images were shared publicly.
The university cannot stop photography at the event because it takes place on a public beach.
The university warns students beforehand about possible media presence and the risks of image circulation.
Negative and objectifying comments often appear online under these published photos, affecting students' mental health.
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A former Chick-fil-A worker in Texas was charged with stealing $80,000 by making fake refunds for large trays of mac-and-cheese to his own credit cards. Police caught him after several attempts and charged him with theft, money laundering, and evading arrest.
Key Facts
The employee allegedly stole money by refunding $80,000 for 800 trays of mac-and-cheese.
He had been fired a month before the theft but returned to the store and accessed the register behind the counter.
The stolen amount matches the cost of large catering trays, which sell for about $100 each.
Police arrested 23-year-old Keyshun Jones on April 17 following efforts by local authorities.
Jones faces charges including property theft, money laundering, and evading arrest.
Surveillance videos show him dressed casually, not in the Chick-fil-A uniform, while making the fraudulent refunds.
He is held at Green Bay prison in Fort Worth, Texas.
The reason for his firing before the theft is not known.
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Two employees at a U.S. Bank in Berea, Kentucky, were shot and killed during a robbery, and the suspect is still being searched for by police. Authorities are asking the public for help and have taken safety measures, including locking down nearby schools briefly.
Key Facts
The robbery happened at a U.S. Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky, about 36 miles south of Lexington.
Two bank employees, a man and a woman, were shot and killed. Their names have not been released.
The suspect is described as a tall man (about 6-foot-3) wearing a light-colored hoodie, mask, and gloves.
The suspect fled the scene on foot and it is unclear if anything was stolen.
Kentucky State Police, local police, the FBI, and other federal agencies are involved in the investigation.
Police shared a photo of the suspect on social media and urged people to report any suspicious activity.
Nearby schools were briefly locked down and students were only allowed to leave with their parents.
U.S. Bank expressed sadness and said it is cooperating with law enforcement and supporting the victims’ families and staff.
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus introduced a new plan called the “New Affordability Agenda” before the midterm elections. The plan aims to help the Democratic Party address rising living costs for many Americans, focusing on everyday expenses like food and housing.
Key Facts
The announcement happened on a Wednesday before the midterm elections.
The plan is named the “New Affordability Agenda.”
It is a set of proposed laws to lower common living expenses.
The focus is on making everyday costs like groceries and housing more affordable.
The agenda is meant to guide the Democratic Party’s approach to economic issues.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is a group within the Democratic Party.
The goal is to help millions of Americans struggling with the cost of living.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen defended Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the Maine Senate, after Platner faced criticism for past controversial online posts and a tattoo that looked like a Nazi symbol. Van Hollen said people deserve second chances.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for the Maine Senate.
Platner has been criticized for old online posts that some find controversial.
Platner has a tattoo that some people say looks like a Nazi symbol.
Senator Chris Van Hollen spoke in support of Platner.
Van Hollen said that people should be allowed to learn from their past and have second chances.
The defense came during an interview with Punchbowl News.
The issue was discussed after a Punchbowl co-host mentioned the criticism Platner received.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to a new low in his second term, according to a recent Big Data Poll. About 40% of registered voters approve of his job, while 57% disapprove, marking his lowest rating with this pollster so far.
Key Facts
The Big Data Poll surveyed over 3,000 registered voters from April 25 to April 28, with a margin of error around 1.8%.
President Trump's net approval rating is -17, the lowest in his second term according to this pollster.
Previous polls from the same source showed approval ratings around 42% in February and March.
Falling approval ratings could hurt the Republican Party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump’s approval is especially low among key voting groups such as Gen Z, millennials, baby boomers, and independent voters.
The White House responded by highlighting President Trump's November 2024 election win and his work on jobs, inflation, and housing.
Other recent polls, like one from The Economist and YouGov, also show low approval ratings for Trump among certain age groups.
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Sharyn Alfonsi, a 60 Minutes journalist, spoke about pressure and fear within CBS News after she pushed back on changing a story about Venezuelans sent to a Salvadoran prison. She criticized corporate influence on news coverage and expressed uncertainty about her future at CBS.
Key Facts
Sharyn Alfonsi delayed airing a segment on Venezuelans detained in El Salvador after CBS editors asked for changes.
CBS editor Bari Weiss initially shelved the story, citing a lack of Trump administration perspective.
The segment aired about a month late, with little change but without a Trump official interview.
Alfonsi refused to alter the story because she believed it was factually correct.
She said the incident showed a wider problem of corporate interference and fear affecting editorial decisions.
Alfonsi received the Ridenhour prize for courage and shared her concerns during the award speech.
She faces uncertainty about returning to 60 Minutes for its next season starting in September.
Alfonsi revealed that after the story delay, a SWAT team was falsely sent to her home.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. He faced tough questions from Democratic senators about the Pentagon budget and the possibility of war with Iran.
Key Facts
The hearing took place before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the main person answering questions.
Democrats asked detailed and challenging questions.
Topics included the Pentagon’s budget plans.
Senators also discussed concerns about potential conflict with Iran.
The hearing was described as combative, meaning it involved strong exchanges.
CBS News covered the event and shared key moments.
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President Donald Trump announced a new website called TrumpIRA.gov that will launch next year. The site aims to help workers find and sign up for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Key Facts
The website is named TrumpIRA.gov.
It will launch by next year.
Its purpose is to assist workers in locating IRAs.
It will also help users enroll in IRAs.
The site focuses on retirement savings options for workers.
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The Trump administration plans a new national drug control strategy that includes using wastewater testing to monitor drug use in real time and applying artificial intelligence to catch illegal drugs at ports. The strategy also focuses on improving drug addiction treatment, involving faith leaders, and increasing access to medications that help with addiction and overdose prevention.
Key Facts
The strategy proposes using wastewater testing nationwide to track illegal drug use quickly.
Artificial intelligence will be used to screen cargo at ports and analyze health records to find people at risk of overdose.
Over 68,000 overdose deaths were reported in November 2023, though deaths are now declining.
More Americans used illicit drugs in 2024, mainly due to increased marijuana use.
The strategy criticizes high-potency marijuana marketing and pop culture for normalizing drug use.
Faith-based treatment is emphasized alongside secular methods for addiction recovery.
The plan supports easier access to drug treatment and integrating addiction care with medical care.
It calls for making naloxone, a life-saving overdose drug, widely available and supports fentanyl testing strips, though federal funding restrictions exist.
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CBS News political director Fin Gómez talked about the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He expressed pride in how the reporters responded during the attack.
Key Facts
Fin Gómez is the CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House coverage.
The incident happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
There was a shooting at the event.
Reporters showed a strong response during the attack.
Fin Gómez praised the journalists for their actions.
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Senate Republicans are asking the Trump administration to explain how it counts the 60-day limit under the War Powers Act for military action against Iran, which started on February 28. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the 60-day clock could pause during a ceasefire, but Democrats disagree and say military blockades still count as hostilities.
Key Facts
The War Powers Act requires the president to get Congress’s approval or end military actions after 60 days.
The first U.S. strikes against Iran occurred on February 28.
Defense Secretary Hegseth testified that the 60-day limit might pause during a ceasefire.
Senate Republicans seem open to the idea that the clock can pause.
Democrats argue that blockades and other actions still count as hostilities, so the clock should continue.
Senators expect the administration to provide a formal explanation of their position soon.
This situation is similar to a 2011 dispute during the Libya conflict about what counts as hostilities.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker is not very worried about the 60-day deadline.
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President Donald Trump criticized Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz for focusing on issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and Iran, telling him to fix Germany instead. Trump also suggested the U.S. might reduce or withdraw troops from bases in Germany, Spain, and Italy due to their lack of support on Iran issues.
Key Facts
President Trump told Chancellor Merz to focus on fixing Germany and stopping the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump said Germany should spend less time interfering in Iran matters.
The President is considering reducing U.S. military presence in Germany and possibly other European countries.
Trump criticized Spain and Italy for not supporting U.S. efforts related to Iran.
German officials said threats to withdraw troops are not new and remain prepared.
Merz had earlier called U.S. policy on Iran humiliating and lacking an exit strategy.
Trump signed a bipartisan bill to end the longest shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Other political issues mentioned include voting rights changes, FCC license review, EPA budget cuts, and a defamation case involving Trump.
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Fourteen FEMA employees who were put on leave after signing a letter criticizing President Trump’s administration have returned to work after eight months. The letter warned about cuts and problems that could weaken the United States’ ability to respond to natural disasters.
Key Facts
The employees signed a public letter called the “Katrina declaration” in August 2023.
The letter criticized cuts and changes made under President Trump that hurt disaster response efforts.
More than 190 current and former FEMA workers signed the letter; 36 were active employees.
Those active workers were put on indefinite paid leave one day after the letter was sent.
New Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has reversed some policies and allowed the employees to return.
FEMA lost about a third of its full-time staff and saw big funding cuts in 2025.
Delays in disaster aid happened recently after storms and floods, showing ongoing problems.
The letter also called for FEMA to be removed from the Department of Homeland Security and made a cabinet-level agency again.
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Six transgender people in Idaho filed a lawsuit to challenge a new state law that stops them from using public restrooms matching their gender identity. They want a federal judge to cancel the law. The lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups including the ACLU and Lambda Legal.
Key Facts
Six transgender Idaho residents are suing the state.
The law bans transgender people from using public restrooms based on their gender identity.
The law affects restrooms in public buildings and private businesses.
The lawsuit asks a federal judge to remove the law.
Lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Lambda Legal filed the case.
Lambda Legal is an organization that works for LGBTQ rights.
The case is part of ongoing legal fights about transgender rights and bathroom access.
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President Donald Trump signed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ending a 76-day shutdown. The bill passed the House of Representatives on the same day and had already passed the Senate the previous month.
Key Facts
The DHS shutdown lasted 76 days, the longest in its history.
President Trump signed a funding bill to reopen most of the DHS.
The bill passed the Senate before the House vote.
The House approved the bill on the day the President signed it.
The shutdown affected many DHS operations during this period.
The funding bill will restore normal work at DHS.
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Many people in England are having trouble getting important medicines due to shortages and rising costs. Pharmacies are losing money when medicine prices go up but government payments do not keep pace, making it harder to keep enough stock for patients.
Key Facts
People with epilepsy, heart conditions, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other illnesses are finding it difficult to get their medicines in England.
Pharmacies are paid a fixed price by the NHS for each medicine, but when market prices rise, pharmacies lose money.
When drug prices increase, the government adds the medicine to a price concessions list to reimburse pharmacies at a higher cost, but sudden price jumps sometimes exceed these amounts.
Pharmacy owners stock less medicine to reduce losses, which means patients often face shortages or delays.
Since 2017, 1,500 pharmacies have closed in England; this year alone, 27 have shut, reaching a 20-year low in numbers.
Global factors like higher energy and transport costs and expensive raw materials have pushed drug prices up.
Some drug makers say prices in the UK are too low for them to keep supplying certain medicines, causing shortages.
The Epilepsy Society has linked a lack of medication in the last two years to three deaths.
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The 60-day War Powers deadline for President Trump’s military actions in the Middle East ends on Friday. The White House has not said if it will ask Congress for permission to continue the operations or explain why more time is needed. Congress is currently in recess and has debated options but has not passed any resolution to limit or support the military actions.
Key Facts
The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of starting military action.
After notification, the president has 60 days to continue without Congress’s approval.
Once the 60 days are up, the president must seek congressional approval or explain why more time is needed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the 60-day clock stops during a ceasefire, which some senators dispute.
The White House said it is talking with Congress but did not clarify if it will request formal authorization.
The military campaign in the Middle East has cost $25 billion so far.
Congress is on recess until mid-May and has not agreed on a War Powers Resolution or new authorization.
Republicans argue President Trump has authority to act due to threats from Iran, while Democrats have sought to limit his war powers.
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