Multiple People Shot At Virginia State University
A shooting occurred at Virginia State University (VSU) early Saturday morning, leaving five people injured, including one in critical condition. The incident took place near dormitories in Chesterfield County, with police arriving around 1:30 a.m. ET. The university placed the campus on lockdown and later lifted it, though a significant law enforcement presence remains. The university confirmed the shooting involved "multiple suspects," and no arrests had been made as of the latest reports.
The shooting happened just days before the start of the fall semester, with classes set to begin on Monday. The university, a historically Black land-grant institution, reported that one of the victims was a student, while others were not affiliated with the school. Law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were assisting in the investigation.
Where the accounts differ
The Daily Wire and The Guardian both report that the shooting occurred near dormitories and that five people were wounded, with one upgraded from life-threatening to critical condition. However, The Guardian adds that at least one of the wounded was confirmed to be a student, a detail not included in The Daily Wire’s account. The Guardian also notes that the university’s fall semester is set to begin on Monday, while The Daily Wire states that the semester is set to begin on Monday as well but does not explicitly mention the student victim.
ABC News and CBS News both report that a suspect, Camron Harris, was arrested after being found hiding in a dormitory closet. However, CBS News states that Harris is not a student at the university, a detail also included in ABC News. The Guardian and BBC do not mention the arrest of a suspect, instead reporting that multiple suspects were at large. The Guardian and BBC also note that one of the victims was under 18, a detail not included in the other accounts.
Suspect charged with vandalizing DC World War II memorial with bubble soap, red graffiti
A woman, Melissa L. Farris, 41, of Elizabethtown, Ky., was charged with vandalizing the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., after pouring bubble soap into its fountain and spray-painting the stone edifice with red graffiti. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the charges on Friday, citing two felony counts of depredation against property of the U.S. and destruction of veterans’ memorials. The graffiti message, “Clean Hands Dirty $,” was discovered on Thursday afternoon. Farris was in federal custody following the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The incident occurred 13 days after Pirro moved to dismiss charges against a former Olympic canoeist, David Hearn, who was initially accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool.
The vandalism at the World War II Memorial has drawn strong reactions from public figures, including President Donald Trump, who condemned the act on Truth Social, calling it a “greater insult” to WWII heroes than the earlier damage to the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department has vowed to find the person responsible, calling the act an “utter disgrace.” The memorial, located near the Lincoln Memorial, was cordoned off with crime scene tape, and National Guard members were present at the scene.
Where the accounts differ
The New York Post and The Guardian both mention that Farris had been arrested Monday for unlawfully camping near the memorial, while UPI and ABC News state she was arrested four days earlier for the same offense. The Daily Wire and FOX News report that Farris posted videos admitting to the vandalism, with FOX News noting she claimed to live in a paper-thin camper. The Guardian and The Daily Wire include quotes from visitors expressing outrage over the vandalism, which UPI and ABC News do not. The New York Post and The Guardian describe the graffiti as “Clean Hands Dirty $,” while FOX News refers to it as “Clean hands, dirty money.”
Professor Recently Outed For Fraudulent Biography Found Dead
Jason Arday, the Cambridge professor who resigned nine days ago over plagiarism allegations, was found dead in his London home. Authorities stated an ambulance was called to his residence after he was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police indicated the death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. Arday had resigned from Cambridge just days before his memoir was set to be published. His book, “Great and Unfortunate Things,” was still released but now faces scrutiny over its claims. Journalists and academics are questioning some of Arday’s assertions, including whether he ran thirty marathons in thirty-five days and if he raised 5.5 million British pounds for charity, as stated in his memoir.
Arday had been accused of plagiarism and inconsistencies in his career claims. Cambridge initially defended him, calling the allegations a “vile campaign to undermine his credibility.” However, the university launched an investigation after reports emerged that Arday had filed a harassment claim against a journalist. Arday resigned the day the investigation was announced, citing the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary” as taking a profound toll on him and his loved ones. His family described a “campaign of misinformation” that was too much for him, and they requested the press to stop the harassment.
Where the accounts differ
The Guardian and The Daily Wire both report that Arday’s family described a “campaign of misinformation” and “sustained abuse” by those seeking to undermine him. The Guardian attributes this claim to Arday’s family, while The Daily Wire states the family made the statement first published by The Guardian. The Daily Wire also mentions that Cambridge initially backed Arday, calling the allegations a “vile campaign to undermine his credibility,” while The Guardian reports that Cambridge changed its stance after reports of Arday’s harassment claim against a journalist. The BBC and UPI do not mention the family’s statement or the university’s initial defense of Arday.
Trump asks US Supreme Court to allow ballroom work to continue
President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to allow him to continue building a $400m ballroom at the White House without congressional permission. The emergency application comes one week after an appeals court ordered construction to stop until Congress approved it. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued the administration, argued the project began without required review. The Supreme Court has ordered the National Trust to file a response by Tuesday. Trump's administration claims the ballroom is part of a military complex and that construction is 65% complete. The administration also argues that the project is fully funded by private donations and does not require congressional approval.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has accused the administration of "refusing to listen" to previous rulings and "actively attempting to outrun the courts by accelerating construction of the ballroom." The Trust claims the administration is making "transparent efforts to evade the rule of law, frustrate judicial review, and limit the availability of meaningful relief in the courts." The administration has also argued that the ballroom is being constructed without any taxpayer money and is fully funded by private corporate donations.
Where the accounts differ
BBC reports that the appeals court decision does not take effect until 21 August, when ballroom construction will have to cease unless the Supreme Court grants the emergency application. Washington Examiner adds that Trump called the National Trust for Historic Preservation "treasonists" and alleged they "revealed top military secrets." The Guardian states that the appeals court allowed construction on the underground security structure to continue. ABC News mentions that the district court concluded Trump lacks the authority to overhaul the White House without congressional approval. UPI notes that the appeals court allowed work on the underground security structure to continue. Straight Arrow News reports that the appeals court upheld a district judge’s order blocking all construction as litigation moved through the courts.
At least 47 dead as a 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and injuring dozens. The quake, which hit near Flores Island, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock in western Sumatra. Authorities issued a tsunami warning that was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes. The earthquake caused severe damage, collapsing buildings and destroying public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Emergency crews, including members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, are conducting evacuations and assessing damage. Power outages have hampered communication, complicating search and rescue efforts. The European Commission offered assistance via the Copernicus program, and several foreign governments have posted messages of support on social media.
Where the accounts differ
The Washington Examiner and UPI both report 47 deaths, while The Guardian and BBC report at least 47, with The Guardian specifying 47 as the confirmed death toll. The Guardian and BBC also note that the death toll could rise due to landslides burying remote villages, a claim not made by the Washington Examiner or UPI. The Guardian and NPR report that 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency evacuated as a precaution, while the Washington Examiner and UPI mention 2,000 people in Nagekeo evacuating but do not specify the reason. The Guardian and NPR also report that 346 homes, 87 schools, and more than a dozen health facilities were damaged, while the Washington Examiner and UPI report 157 severely damaged houses, 41 moderately damaged, and 148 lightly damaged, along with 87 educational facilities, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, six offices, and several other public facilities. The CBS News and NPR report that the death toll could rise due to landslides, while the Washington Examiner and UPI do not mention this possibility.
Lindsay Clancy murder trial becomes social media obsession as TikTokers, sleuths debate controversial case
Lindsay Clancy, a 35-year-old Massachusetts mother, is on trial for the murders of her three children, all under six years old, who were found strangled to death in their Duxbury home in 2023. Clancy has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors argue she acted intentionally, citing evidence such as internet searches for suicide methods and psychiatric medications, as well as her behavior on the day of the murders, including sending her husband out for takeout before killing her children. Defense attorneys, including Kevin Reddington, have sought to introduce testimony from a TikToker, Emily Thorndike, who accused witnesses of spreading "lies and misrepresentations" about McLean Hospital, where Clancy was treated before the killings.
The trial has drawn significant public attention, with social media users and sleuths debating the case. Some TikTokers have developed conspiracy theories, while others have supported Clancy, arguing she lacked the necessary support. The case has also sparked discussions about postpartum psychosis, with experts like Peter Elikann, a criminal defense attorney, referencing the Andrea Yates case to explain the condition. Meanwhile, advocates like Meghan Cliffel, who experienced postpartum psychosis, have called for greater awareness and improved mental health care for new mothers.
Where the accounts differ
FOX News reports that Clancy's attorney is seeking to have Emily Thorndike testify, while The Guardian and The Daily Wire do not mention this. The Guardian includes details about Clancy's notes and internet searches, including a note that reads, “Medication stole my motherhood and my life … prescription medication stole me from my own body,” which is not mentioned in FOX News or The Daily Wire. The Daily Wire highlights the number of medications Clancy was prescribed (13) and includes a note that reads, “I was the healthiest, happiest mom. I worked out every morning, meditated, and took care of myself so I could be the best for my kids. Until prescription medication stole me from my own body,” which is not in FOX News or The Guardian. The Guardian also includes a quote from Margaret McLean, a former prosecutor, which is absent from the other accounts.
At least six people dead and one wounded in mass shooting in rural Michigan
A mass shooting occurred in Missaukee County, Michigan, on Friday, resulting in at least six fatalities and one injured person, according to state police. The suspected gunman, Chad Hickman, 39, was identified by authorities and found dead. The shooting took place in multiple locations, with victims found at three separate scenes. Michigan State Police Lt. Ashley Miller described the situation as heartbreaking for the community and challenging for investigators. The injured person, a 13-year-old girl, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
State police reported that Hickman fled the initial scene, prompting a manhunt. His vehicle was later found near a wooded area, where he and another individual were discovered deceased. The exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. Court records indicate Hickman was in the process of a divorce and had a prior criminal history, including a 2010 offense related to child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
Where the accounts differ
The Guardian and FOX News both mention the 13-year-old girl as the hospitalized victim, while CBS News and Straight Arrow News do not specify the age of the injured person. The Guardian and FOX News provide detailed ages and genders of the victims, including a 45-year-old man, 40-year-old woman, 16-year-old boy, 53-year-old man, and 29-year-old woman. CBS News and Straight Arrow News do not release the names or ages of the victims. The Guardian and FOX News state that Hickman was found dead with another individual, while CBS News and Straight Arrow News mention a fourth body found at another home. The Guardian and CBS News note that the motive is unclear, while FOX News and Straight Arrow News do not mention motive.
Dem Senate Hopeful Rejects Kamala Harris Support
Former Rep. Mary Peltola’s (D-AK) Senate campaign rejected support from former Vice President Kamala Harris after she sent a fundraising email urging donors to split contributions between Peltola’s campaign and her own PAC. The email, which was not approved by Peltola’s team, called the Alaska race a “must-win” for Democrats. Peltola, running against incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), has not endorsed Harris in 2024. The race is nonpartisan, with the top four finishers advancing to November. Peltola’s campaign emphasized its focus on Alaska, citing support from local labor groups.
Harris, who lost Alaska by 13 points in her 2024 presidential bid, sent the email through her Fight for the People PAC. The message linked to a fundraising page and did not explicitly endorse Peltola. Peltola’s campaign denied any coordination with Harris, stating she was not seeking endorsements from the Lower 48. Republicans quickly tied Peltola to Harris, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee accusing her of working “hand in hand” with Harris to “put Alaska last.”
Where the accounts differ
The Daily Wire and Washington Examiner both note that Harris sent a similar fundraising email in January 2026, while The Guardian and New York Post report the email was sent in January 2024. The Daily Wire and Washington Examiner mention that the email was sent on January 12, 2024, when Peltola announced her candidacy, while The Guardian and New York Post do not specify the date. The New York Post states Harris lost Alaska by 14 points, while The Daily Wire and Washington Examiner cite a 13-point loss. The Guardian and New York Post attribute the claim about Harris losing Alaska by double digits to her 2024 presidential campaign, while The Daily Wire and Washington Examiner attribute it to her 2024 presidential bid.