An Illinois mother credits her son and dog with saving her life during a stabbing spree that left four people dead. The attacker, identified as Christian Soto, went on a rampage through Rockford, Illinois, killing four people and injuring seven others. Darlene Weber, a resident of Rockford, described the attacker as looking like “the devil incarnate.” Weber’s son, Jacob Vollman, and her daughter, Cathy Gilfillan, played a crucial role in fighting off the attacker and saving their mother’s life. The attacker, allegedly under the influence of marijuana laced with an unknown narcotic, has been arrested on charges of murder, attempted murder, and home invasion.
Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton joined President Joe Biden at a fundraiser hosted by actor Mindy Kaling, which raised over $25 million. However, anti-war protesters, particularly those supporting Palestine, made their presence known at the event. Demonstrators gathered outside Radio City Music Hall with Palestinian flags and signs, expressing their opposition to U.S. involvement in the conflict in Gaza. Inside the fundraiser, protesters interrupted a discussion with Biden, prompting questions about the U.S. role in achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Following a bridge collapse incident involving the container ship Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge, details about the rescue efforts and the workers involved continue to emerge. Julio Cervantes, one of the workers rescued, was hospitalized with a chest wound but was later released. Unfortunately, two victims were recovered near the wreckage site, and four others remain missing. The incident has raised questions about the workers being on break during the collision and whether they were warned beforehand.
Social media accounts linked to a Russian disinformation campaign allegedly contributed to spreading conspiracies about Princess Kate’s health before she announced her cancer diagnosis. Experts identified roughly 45 accounts associated with the disinformation campaign that helped amplify rumors and misinformation about Kate. This case serves as a concerning example of how fake news and disinformation can spread rapidly on social media, particularly when fueled by artificial intelligence.
Reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia on espionage charges, has been held for a year as part of a crackdown on the free press in the country. Gershkovich’s family and friends describe him as a dedicated reporter with a deep interest in Russia. Despite facing difficult circumstances, Gershkovich’s loved ones remain hopeful for his safe return. Meanwhile, a Michigan state lawmaker, Matt Maddock, faced criticism for falsely claiming that buses carrying college athletes to Detroit for March Madness were shuttling illegal migrants into the city.
In brief political news, Joe Biden was formally invited to testify in an impeachment probe led by two Republican-led House committees. In South Carolina, a federal court ruled that a district map must be used for this year’s congressional election. Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, facing challenges in shedding her MAGA instincts, is working to win over voters in her Senate bid. Additionally, several incidents of women being punched in broad daylight in New York City have sparked concern and led to investigations by the NYPD.
