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April 28, 2026

Students Learn About Leadership and Planning for Their Future at Annual Summit

The San Diego County Office of Education hosted its fourth annual Black Student Summit, bringing together nearly 300 middle school students from grades 6-8 for workshops focused on leadership, empowerment, and future planning. The event, themed "Our Voice, Our Power, Our Future – Youth Rising. Communities Thriving," aimed to introduce college-going behaviors and opportunities to students while celebrating Black culture and supporting academic achievement. High school senior Julian Frederick served as keynote speaker, delivering a leadership lesson through a creative cooking demonstration featuring his symbolic "leadership burger." Students participated in various interactive breakout sessions covering topics like developing leadership potential, teamwork, and community building, with attendance from schools across multiple unified school districts in San Diego County.

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April 28, 2026

Voter Information Pamphlets Going Out to Registered Voters for June Gubernatorial Primary Election

San Diego County is distributing voter information pamphlets to over 2 million registered voters in preparation for the June 2 Gubernatorial Primary Election. The pamphlets contain essential election materials including voting instructions, important dates, sample ballots, and locations of drop boxes and vote centers throughout the county. Registered voters have the option to receive these pamphlets either as physical mail copies or electronically via email with a direct link to the digital version. All active registered voters will automatically receive mail-in ballots starting the week of May 4, giving them approximately one month to complete and submit their votes through mail, drop box, or in-person options. # Key Takeaways

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April 28, 2026

Ex-actor Nathan Chasing Horse jailed for at least 37 years for sexual assault

Nathan Chasing Horse, a 49-year-old former actor who appeared in the film Dances With Wolves, has received a prison sentence of at least 37 years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. The defendant, who presented himself as a medicine man to Indigenous communities throughout the United States and Canada, was convicted on 13 charges involving three victims, including one whose abuse started when she was just 14 years old. Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse exploited his reputation as a spiritual leader over nearly two decades, manipulating vulnerable women who sought his guidance for ceremonies or healing. The judge emphasized that he had preyed upon women's spirituality for his own gratification before handing down the lengthy sentence. # Key Takeaways

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April 28, 2026

Parents say Detroit schools fail to complete special ed evaluations on time. Here is what the data shows.

Detroit Public Schools Community District is failing to complete many special education evaluations within the legally required 30-day timeframe, with 72 evaluations completed late and 728 still pending out of 1,680 referrals received through March. District officials attribute the delays partly to circumstances beyond their control, including difficulty contacting parents and students frequently changing schools, though Superintendent Nikolai Vitti emphasized the need for a "no-excuse culture" and acknowledged that the legal standard is 100% on-time completion. The district faces challenges from staff shortages and a funding gap of over $34 million between special education costs and available funding, though it has made improvements by hiring more specialists and reducing staff vacancies from over 100 in 2018 to just four. Board members have requested more detailed data on pending cases, particularly regarding how long students have been waiting for evaluations and individualized education programs.

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April 28, 2026

'It's bizarre': Californians grapple with revelation that suspected Trump gunman suspect was neighbour

Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old man charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, lived a quiet life in Torrance, California, a peaceful coastal suburb nicknamed "Bore-ance" by residents due to its uneventful nature. Neighbors describe Allen as a reclusive person who kept to himself, working as a tutor and living with his parents in their family home. According to prosecutors, Allen allegedly informed relatives of his plans to target Trump administration members and brought multiple weapons to the Saturday dinner event, where gunfire erupted and a Secret Service agent was injured before Allen was apprehended. The incident has shocked the typically tranquil community, where residents knew Allen's friendly parents but had minimal interaction with Allen himself, describing him as someone who avoided eye contact and ate lunch alone.

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April 28, 2026

The other life of US soldier accused of betting on Maduro's removal

Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke, a US Army Special Forces soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been charged with using classified information about a covert military operation to profit through online betting. Federal prosecutors allege that Van Dyke, who participated in planning and executing the January operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, placed approximately $34,000 in bets on Polymarket predicting the timing and outcome of Maduro's removal. The soldier allegedly cashed out over $400,000 in winnings and attempted to hide his identity by transferring funds to foreign cryptocurrency accounts after media attention highlighted the suspicious betting activity. Outside his military service, Van Dyke operated a real estate investment business with multiple properties and even purchased a $340,000 home shortly after Maduro's capture. # Key Takeaways

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April 28, 2026

Groups push ‘dignity in death’ for Michigan’s unclaimed dead

Wayne State University's mortuary science program held its second annual interfaith memorial service to honor 120 people who died in Wayne County without family members to claim their bodies, giving students practical experience while ensuring dignified treatment for the deceased. The number of unclaimed bodies has surged dramatically across Michigan in recent years, with regions like WMed Medical Examiners' Office seeing increases from 10 unclaimed individuals in 2018 to 237 in 2025, largely attributed to rising funeral costs and an aging population. Various Michigan counties have established different protocols for handling unclaimed remains, including memorial services, cremation with ash storage in cemetery vaults, and special veteran burial programs. The state faces a demographic challenge where deaths have exceeded births for four consecutive years, making end-of-life care increasingly important, while multiple organizations work to ensure no person is buried without dignity regardless of their circumstances.

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April 28, 2026

Jimmy Kimmel rejects White House criticism over Melania widow joke

Late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel is facing intense criticism after calling Melania Trump an "expectant widow" during his show last Thursday, just three days before a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner where the Trumps were present. Kimmel defended the remark as a lighthearted joke about the age gap between the president and first lady, rejecting claims that it constituted a call for violence and pointing to his history of advocating against gun violence. Both Melania and President Trump have demanded ABC fire Kimmel, with the first lady characterizing his words as hateful and corrosive to American political discourse. The 31-year-old suspect in the shooting has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president, though Kimmel maintains his joke had no connection to the subsequent violence.

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April 28, 2026

Suspect charged with attempted assassination of Trump at Washington dinner

A 31-year-old California man, Cole Tomas Allen, faces federal charges including attempted assassination of President Trump after allegedly storming a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night while armed with multiple weapons. During the incident at the Washington Hilton hotel, Allen allegedly discharged a shotgun and a Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but saved by a ballistic vest before other agents subdued the suspect. Court documents reveal Allen traveled from California to Washington D.C. over several days and sent his family an email indicating government officials were targets before the attack. The incident, marking the third alleged assassination attempt against Trump, has prompted a comprehensive White House security review examining protection protocols, particularly questioning why the president and vice-president were in the same location.

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April 28, 2026

US political violence generates a familiar cycle - this time it's in overdrive

Following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night that marked the third direct attack targeting President Trump, the familiar cycle of calls for unity followed by partisan finger-pointing has rapidly unfolded. While Trump initially struck a conciliatory tone, he quickly pivoted to blaming Democrats and criticizing media coverage during a subsequent interview. The administration is now using the incident to justify construction of a controversial massive ballroom at the White House, claiming it would provide a safer venue for such events, though security experts question whether this addresses fundamental protection failures. The shooting has reinforced Trump's preference for restricted, indoor appearances rather than large outdoor rallies, a strategy that may help ensure his safety but could hurt Republicans in upcoming midterm elections when voter turnout is crucial. # Key Takeaways

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April 27, 2026

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

Jay Bryant, 52, has pleaded guilty to murder charges related to the 2002 killing of Run-DMC's DJ Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), more than two decades after the crime occurred. Bryant admitted to helping others enter the Queens recording studio where Mizell was fatally shot, with prosecutors linking him to the scene through DNA evidence found on a hat. Two other men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, were previously convicted in 2024 for allegedly orchestrating the execution-style killing over a drug deal dispute, though Jordan's conviction was later overturned and both convictions are being challenged. Bryant now faces 15 to 20 years in prison for the murder and additional unrelated charges.

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April 27, 2026

White House to review Trump's security after shooting at dinner event

Following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner where an armed suspect came dangerously close to a ballroom containing President Trump and over 2,000 guests, the White House will convene a security review meeting. Although Trump has expressed confidence in the Secret Service's response to the attack—which resulted in one wounded federal agent who is expected to recover—Chief of Staff Susie Wiles will meet with security officials to examine protocols for future high-profile events. This marks the third suspected assassination attempt on Trump in two years, raising concerns about security adequacy given that guests faced minimal screening and the event lacked the heightened protections of a formally designated National Special Security Event. The incident has prompted a broader evaluation of security measures for upcoming major gatherings, including World Cup events and America's 250th anniversary celebrations. # Key Takeaways

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April 27, 2026

Cal State Monterey Bay Students Protest After Racially Charged Graffiti Incidents

Students at California State University Monterey Bay held a protest outside the Otter Student Union following the discovery of racist graffiti at that location in February. The demonstrators demanded stronger accountability measures and enhanced campus safety protocols, expressing dissatisfaction with the administration's email-only response to the incident. University officials announced several initiatives including mandatory microaggression training for the entire campus community beginning next semester, upgraded security cameras in dormitories, and enhanced Title IX education. The protest concluded with students joining together in solidarity while emphasizing the need for cultural change driven both by institutional action and student-led accountability within the campus community.

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April 27, 2026

VCU to Create Memorial for People, Most of African Descent, Whose Remains Were Dumped in a Well

Virginia Commonwealth University's board of visitors has approved $3.6 million in funding to create a memorial and burial site for at least 46 individuals, predominantly of African descent, whose bodies were stolen from graves in the 1840s-1860s for medical dissection training and later discarded in a well. The remains were discovered in 1994 during campus construction and sent to the Smithsonian for analysis, with DNA testing in February confirming their African heritage and evidence of the heavy labor these individuals endured during their lives. The circular memorial will include a unity chamber inspired by West African architectural traditions, designed to promote reflection and discussion. This project represents VCU's effort to address historical injustices committed by its predecessor institution, the Medical College of Virginia, which routinely robbed African American burial grounds to obtain cadavers for medical students.

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April 27, 2026

‘Michael’ Moonwalks to $97 Million Opening, Shattering Record for Music Biopics

The biopic "Michael," chronicling the life of Michael Jackson, achieved an unprecedented opening weekend for music biopics with $97 million domestically and $217.4 million globally, far exceeding industry predictions that initially ranged from $50-70 million. The film, co-produced by the Jackson estate and starring Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson, overcame significant production challenges including expensive reshoots costing up to $50 million after legal issues forced filmmakers to remove content related to sexual abuse allegations. Despite receiving poor critical reviews with only 38% on Rotten Tomatoes and criticism for avoiding controversial aspects of Jackson's life, audiences responded enthusiastically with an A- CinemaScore. The massive success, which came despite family opposition from members like Janet and Paris Jackson, has prompted Lionsgate to begin developing a sequel with a potential third film under consideration.

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April 27, 2026

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

California lawmakers and officials are responding to several major challenges facing the state, including school safety, medical debt, insurance accountability, and economic inequality. Attorney General Rob Bonta issued warnings to school districts about their legal obligations to address sexual misconduct following billions in settlements paid to victims. Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry introduced legislation to establish a state program that would purchase and cancel medical debt for low- and middle-income Californians, potentially relieving billions in burdensome costs. State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez announced insurance reform bills designed to increase transparency and accountability for insurers handling wildfire claims after survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires reported significant delays and reduced payouts. Additionally, new polling data reveals that California's gubernatorial race remains crowded and uncertain, with Republicans currently leading while Democratic candidates split votes, and economic analyses show persistent income inequality particularly affecting Black and Latino families.

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April 27, 2026

Canada's Carney launches a sovereign wealth fund. What is it?

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the creation of the Canada Strong Fund, a government-owned investment vehicle that will receive an initial C$25 billion to finance major development projects in sectors like energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and technology. Unlike traditional sovereign wealth funds operated by countries with budget surpluses and oil revenues, Canada's fund will be financed through borrowed money while the country runs a deficit, and it will uniquely allow individual Canadians to invest directly into it. The initiative is presented as a response to US tariff threats and changing US-Canada relations, aiming to accelerate domestic investment and nation-building projects. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and economic experts have criticized the plan, warning it could burden taxpayers with limited returns since it differs fundamentally from successful models like Norway's surplus-funded sovereign wealth fund.

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April 27, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Tenants Misled as Apartment Company Charged Illegal Fees in D.C.

District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against Mid-America Apartment Communities and its related entities for allegedly charging tenants illegal fees at a 269-unit building on Massachusetts Avenue NW. The complaint accuses the company of imposing unauthorized charges including a $385 processing fee, a $350 roommate release fee that exceeds the legal $54 limit, and an $18 monthly community fee for services that should be included in rent. The lawsuit also alleges the company engaged in deceptive advertising by listing "starting at" prices that excluded mandatory fees, preventing tenants from understanding the true rental costs. District officials are seeking court orders to stop these practices, along with restitution for affected tenants, civil penalties, and legal cost recovery. # Key Takeaways

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April 27, 2026

Michigan tests expanding free ‘pre-K for all’ to home child-care providers

Michigan has launched a $1.5 million pilot program that extends no-cost pre-kindergarten to home-based childcare providers for the first time, serving 75-80 children aged 3-4. The federally-funded initiative runs through spring and summer with potential continuation into the next school year, providing funding for coaching, curriculum, materials and assessments. Home-based providers like Lori Leggert, who runs The Sky's the Limit Family Childcare in Fowlerville, can now offer families the same free pre-K available in traditional schools and centers while maintaining the intimate, flexible environment of home care. Early childhood advocates view this as an opportunity to tap into Michigan's 3,344 family childcare sites and give families more educational choices, with parents reporting savings of approximately $2,600 per child. # Key Takeaways

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April 27, 2026

Performer describes locking eyes with Trump as they ducked for cover during shooting

A shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington DC. Mentalist performer Oz Pearlman was in the middle of performing for President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt when gunfire erupted, causing Secret Service agents to force everyone to the ground for protection. Pearlman described the terrifying moments when he found himself face-to-face with the president on the floor, both fearing for their lives as shots rang out nearby. A 31-year-old California man named Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after exchanging gunfire with security agents on the floor above the event, and sources reported he told officials he intended to shoot Trump administration officials.

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April 27, 2026

Detroit’s use of facial recognition for violent crime probes is down. Here’s why

The Detroit Police Department has drastically reduced its use of facial recognition technology, conducting only nine searches in the most recent year compared to over 100 in 2020, representing a 91% decrease from 2023. This reduction follows a 2024 legal settlement stemming from wrongful arrests, which implemented stricter policies requiring independent evidence before arrests can be made based on facial recognition matches. The technology has been particularly criticized for its poor accuracy in identifying Black and Brown individuals, and all nine searches conducted last year involved Black male suspects with only one producing an investigative lead. Detroit police stopped funding facial recognition software directly in 2022 after spending over $2 million since 2017, though the department can still access the technology through Michigan State Police. Civil liberties advocates argue the technology should be abandoned entirely given its unreliability, while some police officials and community leaders suggest traditional community policing methods can be more effective.

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April 27, 2026

Trump says he 'wasn't worried' during Washington press dinner shooting

A gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner at a Washington DC hotel on Saturday night, forcing President Trump and other senior officials to be evacuated from the event. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint and was carrying multiple weapons including guns and knives when arrested. According to preliminary findings, authorities believe Allen specifically targeted Trump administration officials, and a document reportedly linked to him indicated he wanted to attack government members "from highest-ranking to lowest." One Secret Service officer was shot during the incident but survived thanks to protective gear, while Trump later stated he remained calm during the evacuation and praised security personnel for their response.

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April 27, 2026

GLASSIC: Raising Auto Insurance Mandates Will Make Driving in D.C. More Expensive — and Less Fair

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April 26, 2026

With presidents, cowboys and A-listers - King Charles pictured in US over the years

King Charles III is preparing for his first official state visit to the United States since ascending to the throne, marking the first trip by a sitting British monarch to America in nearly two decades. His journey will take him through multiple locations including Washington DC, Virginia, and New York, followed by Bermuda. The last comparable visit occurred in 2007 when Queen Elizabeth II was hosted by President George W. Bush. Throughout his life before becoming king, Charles has made numerous trips to America for various purposes ranging from sporting events to diplomatic meetings with multiple US presidents and celebrity encounters. # Key Takeaways

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April 26, 2026

What to know about King Charles's state visit to US

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are conducting the first British state visit to the United States since Queen Elizabeth II's 2007 trip, with stops in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia from April 27-30. The visit aims to strengthen US-UK relations as America approaches its 250th independence anniversary, featuring traditional diplomatic ceremonies including a White House state dinner, a congressional address by the King, and cultural events in multiple cities. Security concerns emerged following a suspected gunman incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, but Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit would proceed with appropriate precautions. The itinerary includes visits to the 9/11 Memorial, meetings with indigenous Americans in Virginia, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen soldiers from both nations, before the King continues to Bermuda for his first royal visit to a British overseas territory as monarch. # Key Takeaways

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April 26, 2026

Gunfire Erupts at Correspondents’ Dinner as Trump Evacuated; Event Not Run by White House

A shooting incident disrupted the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening, forcing attendees including President Trump and other officials to evacuate while guests sheltered under tables. A 31-year-old California man armed with multiple weapons attempted to breach a Secret Service checkpoint inside the hotel before being stopped and arrested, with one officer struck but protected by body armor. The suspect, who allegedly targeted Trump administration members, now faces federal charges including assaulting a federal officer. In the aftermath, Trump used the incident to advocate for a White House ballroom, though the dinner is a private event organized by journalists, not the administration, leading to controversy and unfounded speculation about the attack being staged. # Key Takeaways

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April 26, 2026

Washington hotel shooting raises questions about Trump security

A shooting incident occurred at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, marking the third major security threat against President Trump in less than a year. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a hotel guest, managed to breach a Secret Service checkpoint on the floor above the ballroom with multiple weapons before exchanging gunfire with officers and being apprehended. While Secret Service agents successfully protected Trump by creating a body barrier and removing him from the stage, the incident has raised serious concerns about venue security screening procedures and perimeter controls at events hosting high-profile government officials. The shooting adds to a troubling pattern of rising political violence in America, with Capitol Police reporting a 50% increase in investigated threats between 2018 and 2023.

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April 26, 2026

Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas recorded an anthem for the civil rights era and fought for fair pay

Martha Reeves, born in Alabama in 1941 and raised in Detroit, became a pioneering R&B vocalist who helped establish the Black "girl group" sound as leader of Martha and the Vandellas during Motown's golden era. After starting at Motown answering phones in the A&R department, she got her recording break in 1962 and soon achieved commercial success with hits including "Dancing in the Street," which became an anthem for 1960s civil rights protests. Though the group disbanded in 1972 amid Motown's relocation to Los Angeles and internal conflicts, they experienced renewed popularity in the 1980s, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and successfully settled a royalties lawsuit against Motown in 1991. Reeves' career established a template for future Black female vocalists and groups, demonstrating the importance of artistic control and transforming love songs into powerful cultural statements. # Key Takeaways

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April 26, 2026

Suspected gunman at Washington press dinner identified as 31-year-old Californian

A 31-year-old California man named Cole Tomas Allen was arrested after opening fire inside Washington's Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. According to law enforcement sources, Allen, who was a hotel guest, told officials he intended to shoot Trump administration officials and was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. Security personnel exchanged gunfire with Allen, though he was not injured, and authorities believe he acted alone. Allen, who previously worked as a tutor in Torrance and graduated from Caltech in 2017, faces federal charges including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer. # Key Takeaways

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April 26, 2026

What we know about gunfire at White House correspondents' dinner

During the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday night, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated after a shooting incident involving a suspect identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. The gunman, who was a hotel guest armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, exchanged gunfire with security personnel, striking one Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest. Allen, who allegedly told authorities he intended to shoot Trump administration officials, was apprehended at the scene and faces federal charges including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting federal officers. While over 2,000 attendees experienced chaos and confusion during the lockdown, no fatalities occurred, and Trump later addressed the nation from the White House, expressing gratitude to law enforcement and media while noting the First Lady was traumatized by the incident. # Key Takeaways

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