The Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to false viral claims that they are confiscating guns. They affirmed there are no plans or legislative proposals for door-to-door firearm confiscation in Virginia.
Key Facts
The Virginia State Police addressed online rumors about gun confiscation, calling them false.
The rumors arose in a tense political environment in the U.S. around gun rights.
Approximately 45% of Virginia households own a gun.
VSP stated they are committed to public safety and protecting civil liberties.
Superintendent Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz clarified there is no proposal for door-to-door confiscation.
Gun removal by police only happens in cases involving crimes or illegal possession.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed legislation on firearms, but none involve mandatory confiscation.
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First Lady Melania Trump denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein, saying that claims connecting them should stop. She asked for Congress to hold hearings for Epstein's trafficking victims to share their stories. Melania also clarified she only briefly met Epstein in 2000 and dismissed rumors about her knowing Ghislaine Maxwell or being a victim.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
She called for congressional hearings for Epstein's trafficking victims.
Melania stated she only briefly met Epstein in 2000 and wasn't involved in his activities.
She dismissed online rumors claiming Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump.
Melania clarified she did not know Ghislaine Maxwell beyond a brief email exchange.
California Representative Robert Garcia supported Melania's call for public hearings.
President Trump previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but stated he banned him from Mar-a-Lago.
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A new poll shows that First Lady Melania Trump's favorability rating has dropped to the lowest point recorded for a modern first lady. CNN's data analyst, Harry Enten, notes that her unfavorable view is higher than past first ladies at similar times in their husbands' presidencies.
Key Facts
Melania Trump's net favorability rating is at its lowest ever for a modern first lady.
CNN's Harry Enten shared polling data showing her unfavorable views exceed favorable ones by at least 12 points.
Past first ladies had more positive favorability ratings during similar periods in their husbands' presidencies.
Melania Trump was previously viewed more favorably during President Donald Trump's first term, with her rating now significantly lower.
President Donald Trump's own favorability ratings have also decreased recently, with only 39% of respondents viewing him favorably.
The polling data highlights possible challenges for the Trump administration as midterm elections approach.
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First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise statement denying any links to Jeffrey Epstein, drawing widespread attention. She addressed what she called "lies" connecting her to Epstein and received mixed reactions from the public and media.
Key Facts
First Lady Melania Trump made a public statement about Jeffrey Epstein.
She denied any links to Epstein and called for the end of related "lies."
The statement was made from the White House and aired in a televised message.
The fertility rate in the United States has reached a record low, showing a continued decline over the past two decades. In 2025, the fertility rate was 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, a slight decrease from the previous year. Several factors, including economic concerns and changing family priorities, have influenced this trend.
Key Facts
The US fertility rate in 2025 was 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
Since 2007, births in the US have dropped by nearly 23%.
Economic factors like the high cost of childcare contribute to the decline in birth rates.
In California, the average annual cost of childcare is nearly $22,000; in Alabama, it's about $8,000.
The US administration under President Trump has proposed pro-birth policies to encourage higher birth rates.
President Trump suggested shifting social program responsibilities, like childcare, to individual states.
The number of babies born in the US in 2025 decreased by about 1% to 3.6 million.
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First Lady Melania Trump stated she has never been friends with Jeffrey Epstein and has no connection to his crimes. She addressed false claims about her through a speech from the White House and emphasized that Epstein did not introduce her to President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied having a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
She stated Epstein did not introduce her to President Donald Trump.
The first lady has dealt with rumors linking her to Epstein before, including legal actions that led publishers to apologize.
Melania mentioned an email she sent to Ghislaine Maxwell, which she described as casual correspondence.
Her legal team often addresses and combats rumors and false claims.
The Epstein files have caused ongoing challenges and scrutiny for the Trump administration.
Melania called for Epstein's victims to be allowed to testify before Congress.
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A group of ROTC cadets at Old Dominion University stopped a gunman who started shooting in a classroom. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, previously served time in prison for trying to support ISIS. The cadets acted together to subdue him, with one cadet and their instructor losing their lives during the struggle.
Key Facts
The incident took place at Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the shooter, was a former Army National Guard member.
Jalloh previously served eight years in prison for attempting to aid ISIS.
The shooter opened fire inside a military science class.
Cadet Louis Ancheta used a pocketknife to help subdue the shooter.
Cadets Jeremy Rawlinson and Wesley Myers were involved in stopping the gunman and received awards for their bravery.
The instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was shot and killed during the incident.
Jalloh had a history of expressing interest in violent acts inspired by past terrorist events in the U.S.
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Melania Trump stated she never had any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and clarified that Epstein did not introduce her to President Donald Trump. She mentioned that she met her husband at a New York party in 1998.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied having any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
She clarified she is not a victim of Epstein.
Melania stated Epstein did not introduce her to President Trump.
She met Donald Trump at a New York City party in 1998.
Melania Trump is the First Lady of the United States as of this report.
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California Representative Ro Khanna and former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have shown support for creating a populist coalition. This coalition aims to unify people from both political parties to address issues important to working-class Americans. They both criticized the war in Iran and expressed a desire to create a movement that bridges the political divide.
Key Facts
Ro Khanna is a Democrat, and Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican.
Both politicians support forming a coalition to help working-class Americans.
They criticized the war in Iran and acknowledged the ceasefire.
Greene and Khanna communicated these ideas through the social media platform X.
Greene, once a strong supporter of President Trump, has become critical of his administration.
Khanna is the vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and may run for president in 2028.
Forming a new coalition is challenging due to long-standing political divisions.
They want a coalition free from big money interests and focused on ordinary Americans.
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First Lady Melania Trump has publicly stated that she has no connections to Jeffrey Epstein. She also asked for a congressional hearing to listen to survivors.
Key Facts
First Lady Melania Trump made a statement at the White House.
She denied having any ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was known for his criminal activities related to human trafficking and other crimes.
Melania Trump called for a congressional hearing for survivors of Epstein's crimes.
She emphasized that allegations against her are false and damaging to her reputation.
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Melania Trump made a public statement denying any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex trafficker. She rejected claims linking her to Epstein and called for a congressional hearing for survivors of his crimes to share their stories.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied ties to Jeffrey Epstein or knowledge of his crimes.
She described reports linking her to Epstein as false and damaging to her reputation.
Melania Trump stated that she and her lawyers have legally challenged these claims.
She urged Congress to hold hearings allowing Epstein's victims to testify publicly.
Melania Trump admitted to minor social overlap with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell but denied any significant relationship.
No public evidence connects Melania Trump to Epstein's criminal activities.
A 2000 party photograph shows Melania, Donald Trump, Epstein, and Maxwell together.
President Donald Trump has also denied knowing about Epstein's crimes and claimed their relationship ended years before Epstein's arrest.
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In recent elections in Wisconsin, Democrats won key races, concerning Republicans. This included victories in the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a mayoral race in Waukesha.
Key Facts
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican, described the election outcomes as a significant loss for the party.
Democrats won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
Democrats also secured the mayor's office in Waukesha, a traditionally conservative area.
In Georgia, a special election showed a narrower win for the Republican candidate compared to previous elections.
This election performance has caused concern among Republicans about Democratic momentum.
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A campaign event at the University of Michigan showed interest among young voters. The event featured U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and online streamer Hasan Piker, with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell observing.
Key Facts
The event took place at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Abdul El-Sayed is a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Hasan Piker, a well-known online streamer, joined El-Sayed at the event.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was present at the rally.
Dingell has been known to accurately predict political shifts, including President Trump's wins in Michigan.
The focus was on young voters and their political interests.
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New York City's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, discussed various topics after completing 100 days in office. He talked about issues like childcare, housing, discrimination, relations with Iran, and the direction of the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City.
The mayor has completed 100 days in office.
He discussed childcare policies in New York City.
Housing issues were also addressed by the mayor.
Mamdani spoke about combating bigotry.
He mentioned relations with Iran.
The future of the Democratic Party was another topic he covered.
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President Trump has taken steps to support coal power plants, reversing trends toward renewable energy. This change could delay the shutdown of coal plants and might result in higher electricity costs and increased air pollution.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is supporting coal power plants.
Before Trump's return to office, there was a shift towards renewable energy by the previous administration.
Coal plants are major sources of greenhouse gases, similar to emissions from 27 million cars.
The anticipated shutdown of many coal plants may not happen during Trump's current term.
Experts say these actions could increase electricity prices and pollution.
The Associated Press used government data and expert opinions to analyze the situation.
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Tensions between the White House and Pope Leo XIV have coincided with a decline in support for President Donald Trump among U.S. Catholics. Recent polls show a drop in approval for Trump, especially among white and Hispanic Catholics, while Pope Leo XIV’s popularity is rising.
Key Facts
Recent surveys indicate U.S. Catholics are increasingly turning away from President Trump.
A Pew Research Center poll shows Trump's approval is down among white and Hispanic Catholics.
Trump’s overall favorability has decreased, with specific concerns over his ethical conduct.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, is gaining popularity in the U.S.
An NBC poll found Pope Leo XIV is viewed more positively than President Trump among U.S. voters.
The poll data was collected during the early months of the Middle East conflict.
Trump still received the majority of the Catholic vote in the 2024 election, especially from white Catholics.
The research has a margin of error of around 1.4 to 3.1 percentage points, depending on the poll.
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A new rule proposed by the Selective Service System (SSS) would automatically register eligible men for the U.S. military draft. This change would shift the responsibility of registration from individuals to the SSS by using federal data sources. The rule is set to be implemented by December 2026.
Key Facts
The Selective Service System filed a proposal for automatic draft registration in late March.
Currently, men must sign up for the draft when they turn 18, but the new rule would automate this process.
The proposal follows President Trump's signing of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes automatic registration.
The new system aims to streamline the registration process and adjust the workforce accordingly.
Men, aged 18 to 25, are required to register with the Selective Service if they meet certain conditions.
There are specific rules for exemptions, deferments, and conscientious objectors under the draft laws.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill to abolish the draft, arguing it is no longer necessary.
The draft was last used over 50 years ago, and Congress has the power to raise armed forces through conscription.
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A group of U.S. Democrats criticized Israel's attacks on Lebanon, which they fear could disrupt a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. They urged President Trump to push Israel to stop. Pakistan, which helped mediate the ceasefire, said it includes Lebanon, but Israel and Trump’s administration disagree.
Key Facts
U.S. Democrats are worried that Israel's attacks on Lebanon could damage the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
The attacks killed at least 254 people in Lebanon.
President Donald Trump is being pressured by U.S. lawmakers to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the attacks.
Pakistan says the ceasefire includes Lebanon, but the U.S. and Israel do not agree.
Some U.S. Congress members believe the ceasefire should include Lebanon to prevent further conflict.
Vice President JD Vance mentioned a possible misunderstanding about Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire.
Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution to stop U.S. involvement in Israel's actions in Lebanon.
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Democratic politicians are gathering in New York to connect with African American activists and begin forming strategies for the 2028 presidential race. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke, criticizing President Donald Trump’s impact on safety and increasing discrimination in the country.
Key Facts
Democratic politicians are meeting at a conference led by Rev. Al Sharpton in New York.
The meeting is seen as the start of the 2028 presidential race for Democrats.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at the conference.
Shapiro criticized President Trump, saying his leadership makes the U.S. less safe.
Shapiro blamed President Trump for increased antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and bigotry.
Shapiro emphasized the need for an honorable president and disagreed with Trump’s actions.
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Representative Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee supported by President Donald Trump, blamed oil companies and government policies for high gas prices. He criticized both political parties for being influenced by Big Oil, and questioned why prices rose since the U.S. doesn't buy oil from Iran. This comes amid conflict with Iran and its impact on oil prices and American household budgets.
Key Facts
Tim Burchett is a Tennessee Republican and has President Trump’s endorsement.
Burchett claims high gas prices are due to greed from oil companies and government support of the industry.
He made these remarks in a video at a gas station during rising gas prices in the U.S.
Gas prices increased by more than $1 per gallon since the conflict with Iran began.
The conflict in Iran disrupted oil shipping routes, impacting global oil supplies.
Burchett criticized both political parties for being influenced by the oil industry.
He noted the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, questioning the direct cause of price increases.
President Trump has promised that gas prices will eventually lower as shipping resumes.
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