5 vital facts for May 23: Trump's announcement, Severe weather, Uvalde shooting, Debt relief for students, Ticketmaster challenges
Here's what you need to know to kick-start your day.
Get Daily Updates
Stay updated with the latest headlines and trending stories - sign up for our daily email newsletter, 5 Things.
1. Trump
Ex-President Donald Trump is making false allegations, stating that President Joe Biden gave the DOJ permission to shoot him during a 2022 raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate for classified documents. This week, Trump followers received a campaign email with an "Exclusive Letter" from Trump, referencing a recently unveiled FBI document outlining the "use of force" during searches. In another development, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said she'll back Trump in the November election, having previously deeming him "unhinged" and challenging his mental fitness.
2. Severe Weather
Destructive storms and tornadoes in Iowa have resulted in over five deaths and injuries to many. The deadliest tornado to strike near Des Moines is estimated to be an EF3, causing total devastation in Greenfield, Iowa. Tornado reports have skyrocketed, making this one of the most active years for twisters on record. More than 800 tornadoes have been reported in 2024.
3. Uvalde Shooting
Nineteen families of victims involved in the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, have settled for $2 million. The families are planning to file a lawsuit against the city of Uvalde, Texas Department of Public Safety, school district, and individual employees, days before the shooting's second anniversary. The tragedy involved an 18-year-old storming into the school, killing 19 children and two teachers, and causing mass casualties.
4. Student Debt Relief
The Biden Administration has announced an additional $7.7 billion in student debt relief for roughly 160,000 Americans. President Joe Biden expressed his unwavering commitment to cancelling student debt, but faces backlash from conservative lawmakers over the burden on taxpayers and mistrust in the Supreme Court, which rejected the White House's student loan forgiveness scheme in 2022. Affected borrowers include those enrolled in the administration's SAVE Plan or other income-driven repayment programs.
5. Ticketmaster
The Justice Department and various states are preparing to file a lawsuit against Live Nation over alleged antitrust violations, attributed to the dominance of its Ticketmaster unit. A potential antitrust win could lead to major changes in the live events market, which has faced criticism for poor customer service, confusing pricing, and expensive ticketing fees.
WHAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW
Mexico election rally stage collapses, leaves nine dead and over 50 injured
At a campaign rally in Mexico, a stage collapsed under heavy winds, killing nine people and injuring more than 50 others. Presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez escaped unharmed.
TODAY'S WORTH A READ
TikTok lays off employees in global shakeup
The social media company is reportedly planning to slash its operations and marketing workforce, according to current employees interviewed by CNN.
Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion avoids foreclosure for now
The Presley family continues legal struggles to block a company's attempts to force the sale of the historic Graceland mansion.
A glimpse into living in Antarctica
Few experience life on Antarctica's glaciers, but those who do harbor astounding stories.
BuzzFeed stock rises on the back of Vivek Ramaswamy's antics
Ex-Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy aims to restore the beleaguered media company - as evidenced by its increasing stock.
PGA Championship winner voice on Scottie Scheffler's arrest
Xander Schauffele shares his thoughts on recent headlines revolving around world-renowned golfing star Scottie Scheffler, arrested on felony charges at the scene of a fatal crash.
TODAY'S NUMBER
9: The number of people killed and the uncounted injured, after a stage collapsed at a Mexican political campaign rally.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Tips for surviving your next hurricane
Wondering how to stay safe during hurricane season? Here's how to better prepare yourself.
Today's Wordle
Today's word hint: something placed under something else.
Today's Wordle answer: shelf.
ROUND OF APPLAUSE
Valiant actions by a group of motorists
During a 2022 horrific car accident, witnesses peeled away metal from the hood of a car to extricate a child.
QUOTE OF THE DAV
"I will never stop working to cancel student debt, no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us." - President Joe Biden
NEVER MISS OUT
Subscribe to our newsletter for the most interesting stories from us. (Daily)
12 Diapers a day is what some babies use, adding up to $100 or more per month per baby, states the National Diaper Bank Network. To assist in covering these expenses, Tennessee's Medicaid program has declared that it will offer free diapers for children under the age of 2 who are covered.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It's time for Britain to decide its path ahead.”
— UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, addressing the public from outside Downing Street on Wednesday. Polls predict a challenging course for Sunak's Conservative party as they seek to maintain their 14 years in power.
WEATHER UPDATE
Access your region's forecast here.
FINALLY
Nine female athletes receive Barbie dolls created in their imageA new series of Barbie dolls pays tribute to some of the most influential figures in women's sports. Watch this video to view the featured athletes.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
Source: edition.cnn.com
