NPR News: 04-27-2026 12AM EDT

This NPR News Now broadcast from late April 2026 recaps key developments including a shooting outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, fast-spreading wildfires in Georgia amid drought, deadly tornadoes in Texas, a car bomb attack in Northern Ireland, a proposed voter ID ballot measure in California, and box office success for a Michael Jackson biopic.

Shooting Near White House Correspondents' Dinner

A 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, identified as Cole Allen, has been accused of firing shots in a hallway outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. Officials report that Allen is not cooperating with investigators. The Justice Department has announced initial charges against him, including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm in a crime of violence, with more charges expected. Cabinet members attending the event were unharmed. Law enforcement acted swiftly to apprehend the shooter, drawing praise from officials. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Collis expressed relief on social media that President Trump and other attendees were uninjured, noting that an event honoring the free press should not turn into a scene of fear. The incident underscores vulnerabilities at high-profile gatherings in Washington, D.C., where Allen is due in court.