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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
A man named John Ashby was sentenced to life in prison for raping a Sikh woman in her home and attacking her with religious hatred. During the attack, he called her anti-Muslim names, beat her with a stick, and committed several violent crimes.
Key Facts
John Ashby followed a woman in her 20s home in Walsall and entered without her permission.
He attacked her with a two-foot stick and shouted anti-Muslim abuse, wrongly believing she was Muslim.
Ashby admitted to rape, robbery, intentional strangulation, and religiously aggravated assault.
The attack lasted about 24 minutes and ended when Ashby ran away after hearing a noise.
He took the woman’s jewelry and mobile phone after the attack.
Ashby has 10 previous convictions for 18 offences and a history of drug abuse and mental health issues.
He was homeless and recently released from psychiatric care without support at the time of the attack.
The judge said Ashby must serve at least 14 years in prison before being considered for release.
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A flood warning is active for parts of western El Paso, Texas, and southern New Mexico because the Cement Lake Dam might break. If the earthen dam fails, it could cause sudden and dangerous flooding downstream, affecting over 200,000 people and possibly spreading razor wire mixed with debris in the floodwaters.
Key Facts
Cement Lake Dam, also called Portland Cement Reservoir, is at risk of failing.
Areas threatened include West El Paso, Mesilla Valley, Downtown El Paso, Upper Valley, Sunland Park, Las Cruces, and parts of Doña Ana County.
More than 200,000 residents live in the flood risk zone.
Floodwaters could cover major roads such as Loop 375, Paisano Drive, and Doniphan Drive.
Razor wire near the dam’s outlet could mix with flood debris, creating extra hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an urgent flood watch through Friday evening.
Emergency crews and local officials are warning residents about these risks.
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President Donald Trump’s second term focused on reducing government bureaucracy and cutting spending, promising to fight corruption in Washington. However, some actions, like delays in releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files and internal purges, have caused confusion and concerns among his supporters.
Key Facts
President Trump campaigned on “draining the swamp,” meaning reducing corruption in government.
His administration cut federal workforce numbers and closed USAID, saving an estimated $215 billion by targeting waste.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI removed officials linked to investigations against Trump and his supporters.
The Pentagon also targeted employees who opposed the administration’s views or supported liberal initiatives.
The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files was delayed and poorly managed, causing suspicion and criticism.
Trump’s name and photos appeared in the Epstein files, increasing controversy.
A Justice Department watchdog reviewed the handling of the Epstein file disclosures.
Some actions meant to reduce corruption have instead created confusion and distrust among Trump’s base.
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The U.S. Justice Department ended its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding renovations at the Federal Reserve. This decision may help Kevin Warsh, a former Fed board member, to be confirmed for a new role.
Key Facts
The Justice Department investigated Jerome Powell about Federal Reserve building renovations.
The investigation was criminal in nature but has now been dropped.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, announced the decision.
Jerome Powell is the current Chair of the Federal Reserve.
Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve board member, has been nominated for a position.
Dropping the probe may help Kevin Warsh’s confirmation process.
The Federal Reserve is America's central bank, responsible for managing money and interest rates.
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President Donald Trump has given the US Navy permission to target fast Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz. This order is similar to previous US operations in the Caribbean.
Key Facts
President Trump authorized the US Navy to target fast boats from Iran.
The location involved is the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the authorization.
The order was compared to past US naval operations in the Caribbean.
The move aims to address threats from these Iranian boats in the area.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stopped a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. This decision clears the way for President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Fed, after a senator had delayed confirmation until the probe ended.
Key Facts
The DOJ announced it will end the criminal investigation into Jerome Powell.
Powell is President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) had blocked Powell’s confirmation because of the investigation.
The investigation focused on multi-billion-dollar cost overruns in the Federal Reserve’s building renovations.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the case will move to the Federal Reserve Inspector General for further review.
The Inspector General will examine the building costs to ensure taxpayer money was spent properly.
Powell had previously disclosed that subpoenas were issued demanding documents about the building work.
The government was investigating whether Powell committed fraud or lied to Congress about the renovations.
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Senator John Kennedy expressed frustration during a late-night Senate session about the need for more time to discuss budget amendments. He also raised concern about lawmakers staying up all night and the impact this could have on their well-being.
Key Facts
The Senate was preparing for a late-night voting session.
Senator John Kennedy is from Louisiana and a Republican.
Kennedy wanted more time to debate changes to a budget that funds immigration enforcement.
He spoke about concerns for the health of senators due to long nights.
The late-night work is seen as a sign of problems in how Congress operates.
The debate took place around 9 p.m. but was expected to continue late into the night.
Lawmakers staying up all night is a recurring situation in Congress.
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President Donald Trump’s administration extended a 90-day waiver of the Jones Act, which normally requires ships moving goods between U.S. ports to be American-owned and operated. This extension aims to help lower fuel prices by allowing more supply to reach U.S. markets.
Key Facts
The Jones Act requires shipping between U.S. ports to use American ships.
The Trump administration granted a 90-day extension of the waiver.
The waiver allows foreign ships to carry goods between U.S. ports temporarily.
The goal is to increase fuel supply and reduce fuel prices.
New data showed that more fuel supply reached the U.S. after the original waiver.
The extension helps keep fuel costs lower for consumers.
This action is part of efforts to manage U.S. energy markets.
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The Justice Department has ended its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The probe is now being handed over to the Fed’s inspector general to look into possible cost issues with the central bank’s building renovations.
Key Facts
Federal prosecutors are closing their criminal investigation into Jerome Powell.
The investigation was related to the Federal Reserve’s Washington, D.C. headquarters renovation.
The Fed’s inspector general will take over looking into potential cost overruns.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the investigation could restart if new evidence appears.
The inspector general is expected to provide a detailed report on findings.
The probe’s end clears a major hurdle for President Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
The original investigation involved subpoenas issued as part of the inquiry.
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David Wilcock, a well-known author and YouTuber focused on spirituality and paranormal topics, died by suicide in Colorado on April 20, 2026. His family said he struggled with depression and financial problems and hopes his death raises awareness about mental health care access.
Key Facts
David Wilcock was a New York Times bestselling author and YouTuber with over 500,000 subscribers.
He focused on topics like spirituality, consciousness, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena.
Wilcock died by suicide near his home in Nederland, Colorado, after deputies responded to a 911 call.
Police confirmed there was no foul play in his death after searching the area.
Wilcock had untreated depression and significant financial debt before his death.
His family emphasized the need for better mental health support and denied any conspiracy theories.
Before his death, Wilcock livestreamed discussing health issues and current events including President Trump.
Some US lawmakers expressed condolences following the news of his passing.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press briefing about “Operation Epic Fury,” a U.S. military operation related to Iran. During the briefing, he allowed reporters from the entertainment channel TMZ to ask two questions.
Key Facts
The press briefing took place on a Friday.
The topic was “Operation Epic Fury,” a U.S. military operation involving Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led the briefing.
Hegseth praised the timeline and progress of the operation.
Reporters from TMZ, an entertainment news outlet, participated by asking two questions.
The briefing highlighted contrast with other long military efforts.
The event focused on U.S. defense and military actions.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to stop its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This decision comes after pressure from senators and aims to avoid delaying the confirmation of Powell’s successor, President Trump’s nominee Kevin Warsh.
Key Facts
The DOJ is preparing to drop the criminal probe into Jerome Powell related to alleged cost overruns on the Fed's building renovation.
Senators, including Republican Thom Tillis, were informed about the plan to end the probe and refer the issue to the Fed's internal watchdog.
Powell’s term ends soon, but he will stay in position until Warsh is confirmed.
The investigation was led by D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who opposed ending the probe and appealed a judge’s ruling limiting her subpoenas.
Senator Tillis criticized the investigation for potentially delaying Warsh’s confirmation and urged the DOJ to stop pursuing it.
Powell previously said the investigation was an attempt to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates.
The DOJ has not confirmed officially if it will drop its appeal of the judge’s decision.
The federal inspector general of the Fed had already audited the renovation project before.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez disagree on how to handle property tax reform. Perez says DeSantis has promised to abolish property taxes for over a year but has not provided a clear plan, while DeSantis wants the issue to be decided by voters in November 2026.
Key Facts
House Speaker Daniel Perez is frustrated that Governor DeSantis has not presented a property tax reform plan despite promises.
The Florida House proposed a bill to phase out non-school property taxes on primary homes over 10 years starting in 2027.
The Florida Senate did not support the House’s proposal and plans to develop its own version.
Governor DeSantis supports eliminating property taxes but has not backed the House bill.
A special legislative session starting April 28 does not include property tax reform on its agenda.
DeSantis said the property tax reform should be put to a voter ballot in November 2026.
Perez believes Florida voters should have the chance to vote on abolishing property taxes sooner.
Polls show most Florida midterm voters support phasing out property taxes.
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The U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard are searching for six crew members of a U.S.-flagged cargo ship, the Mariana, which capsized after losing an engine during Super Typhoon Sinlaku near the Northern Mariana Islands. Search efforts involve elite rescue teams, underwater drones, and international partners, but so far only one crew member’s body has been found.
Key Facts
The Mariana is a 145-foot U.S.-registered cargo ship that lost its starboard engine during a powerful typhoon on April 15, 2026.
The ship capsized about 100 miles north-northwest of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force pararescuemen are conducting the rescue mission, including diving operations and underwater drone searches.
One crew member’s body was recovered on April 21; five crew members remain missing.
Search crews have covered over 100,000 square nautical miles and continued for more than 71 hours as of April 24.
The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating with Japanese Coast Guard and New Zealand Air Force in the search.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku had winds of up to 150 miles per hour and caused significant damage on Saipan and Tinian.
The Coast Guard's search and rescue coordinator expressed support for the families and emphasized continued efforts using all available resources.
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Representative Anna Paulina Luna asked President Donald Trump to pardon a U.S. Army soldier named Gannon Ken Van Dyke. Van Dyke is accused of making over $400,000 by betting on the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Facts
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is a Republican from Florida.
She made the call for a pardon on Thursday.
The soldier involved is Gannon Ken Van Dyke.
Van Dyke is a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He is accused of earning more than $400,000 by placing bets related to Maduro’s capture.
Nicolás Maduro is the former president of Venezuela.
Van Dyke was involved in planning related to the situation with Maduro.
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A U.S. Army special forces soldier named Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke is under investigation. Officials say he may have made bets on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being removed from power before such information was public.
Key Facts
Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a U.S. special forces soldier.
He is being investigated for allegedly betting on Maduro’s removal from office.
The bets reportedly happened before the public knew about a raid related to Maduro.
Nicolás Maduro is the president of Venezuela.
The investigation relates to possible misuse of inside information.
News about this investigation was reported by CBS News.
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Keir Starmer faced public criticism after a top civil servant, Olly Robbins, was fired for not telling the prime minister about security concerns over Peter Mandelson’s nomination as ambassador. Robbins defended his actions in a parliamentary committee, and some politicians questioned the prime minister's decision to dismiss him.
Key Facts
Olly Robbins was fired by the prime minister for not informing him about Peter Mandelson’s failed security vetting.
Robbins told the foreign affairs committee that the vetting was borderline but leaning against Mandelson.
The government allows briefing outside security vetting only in "wholly exceptional circumstances."
Some cabinet ministers questioned the prime minister’s judgment over the firing.
Former minister Ann Widdecombe referenced similar past events where politicians clashed with senior civil servants.
Widdecombe explained that attacking skilled civil servants often backfires and leads to scrutiny of those who sack them.
The article mentions past political disputes involving ministers and civil servants, showing a pattern of conflict.
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Tom Steyer’s chances of winning the California governor race have improved recently, partly because former candidate Eric Swalwell left the race after sexual assault allegations. California uses a jungle primary where all candidates run together, and the top two move to the general election.
Key Facts
Tom Steyer’s odds to win are currently 41%, up from 36% but down from a peak of 68% in mid-April.
Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race after multiple sexual assault allegations surfaced against him; he denies the claims.
California’s governor race includes candidates from both parties competing in a single primary, with the top two advancing to the final election.
Other leading candidates include Democrats Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Xavier Becerra, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
A recent poll showed Steyer at 14% support before Swalwell quit the race.
Steyer is spending more on ads than other candidates and promotes taxing billionaires and polluters.
Betty Yee suspended her campaign due to lack of fundraising support.
California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003-2011) and usually votes strongly Democratic.
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President Donald Trump is experiencing the negative effects of a conspiracy theory for the first time in his career. His past support of conspiracy theories is now impacting him personally.
Key Facts
President Trump has supported conspiracy theories in the past.
He is now facing consequences related to such theories.
This situation marks a new experience for him, being on the losing side of a conspiracy theory.
The article does not provide details of the specific conspiracy theory or consequences.
The focus is on the personal impact on President Trump.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the U.S. military action against Iran during a Pentagon briefing. He acknowledged the Pope’s criticism but emphasized that the U.S. military understands its mission and authority.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the U.S. Defense Secretary.
The U.S. military conducted an operation against Iran.
President Donald Trump is involved in a disagreement with Pope Leo XIV.
Hegseth responded to the Pope’s criticism on Friday.
Hegseth said the U.S. knows its mission and the authority it has for military actions.
He made these remarks during a Pentagon press briefing.
The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church.
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