TV News LIES

The American Library Association (ALA) has reported a record high in the number of books banned in US libraries.

In 2025, 5,668 books were banned – representing 66% of the total number challenged – with an additional 920 censored through access restriction, such as relocation on the library shelves.

The most-banned book in 2025 was Sold, a 2006 novel by Patricia McCormick about sex trafficking in India. Other frequently challenged titles include The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas.

According to the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), challenges were recorded against 4,235 unique titles in 2025. That figure is the second highest since the organisation began tracking censorship data more than 30 years ago, topped only by 4,240 titles in 2023.

More...

Eddie Murphy proved to be the undisputed king of comedy as the latest recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on Saturday, April 18.

An all-star comedy slate of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, "Coming to America" costar Arsenio Hall, "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson and Bill Burr paid respects to Murphy, 65, at the Dolby Theatre honors. Mike Myers appeared in green "Shrek" face makeup and ears to honor Murphy, the famed voice of the beloved Donkey in the animated movies.

Jennifer Hudson belted songs from "Dreamgirls," the 2006 musical which featured Murphy in an Oscar-nominated performance.

Even Stevie Wonder, famously imitated by Murphy in his "SNL" days, made a surprise appearance to share his love for his longtime friend.

More...

A gunman shot and killed eight children – including seven of his own – in what police described as a "violent domestic incident" in a quiet suburban neighborhood, shocking residents and officials who called the attack an "unimaginable tragedy."

Officers responded to shootings at two homes in a south Shreveport neighborhood before dawn on April 19, according to the Shreveport Police Department. The children ranged from ages 3 to 11, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office. Authorities earlier released a different age range for the victims.

Police said the suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, also shot the mother of his children and another woman, both of whom survived with serious injuries. Elkins then fled the scene on foot and stole a car at gunpoint, leading to a police chase that ended with officers shooting him dead, according to police officials.

The attack, which is among the deadliest mass shootings since January 2024, rocked the historic riverfront city.

"I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback," Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said at a news conference, adding that the attack is unlike anything he's ever seen in his more than four decades in law enforcement.

More...

State and local prosecutors in Minnesota charged an ICE officer Thursday with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

The criminal charges appear to be the first against a federal immigration officer for actions allegedly taken while on duty during the immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year.

"Today's charges reflect an important milestone in our efforts to seek accountability for the harms inflicted on our community during Operation Metro Surge," Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said at a press conference on Thursday announcing the charges.

The officer is identified in the complaint as 35-year-old Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr., a Maryland resident who was part of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations division at the time of the incident and had been detailed to the Minneapolis area.

More...

He has buildings, institutions, government programs, warships, currency, and now Donald Trump is getting an airport that bears his name even as he looks forward to a towering Trump presidential library in Miami.

Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor, signed a bill on Monday saying the Palm Beach international airport was being renamed to the President Donald J Trump international airport.

Trump’s family business filed a trademark application for the airport name in February. If approved, the name change would take effect on 1 July.

The Florida airport is the latest in a series of buildings, institutions, government programs, navy battleships, national parks passes and even money to be named after the US president.

More...

A Palestinian middle school student in Michigan who was publicly admonished for refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance as part of a personal protest against the war on Gaza has settled with her school district following a lawsuit around her first amendment free speech rights.

The teenager, identified as DK in court documents, said she faced racism from a teacher at the West Middle school in Canton, Michigan, after she did not participate in the pledge. The teacher reportedly told DK to “go back to her country”, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

In a statement following the settlement, DK called the ordeal “terrifying” and “overwhelming” at times.

“But it taught me the importance of speaking up for what I believe is right,” said DK. “I feel proud of the outcome and of being part of something that reinforces how important free speech is. I’ve learned that even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, speaking out can make a difference, not just for me, but for others as well.”

More...