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Samantha Beech

US News Editor

Samantha Beech is an award-winning journalist and News Editor covering major breaking news events in the United States and around the world. She has worked internationally as a network television correspondent, field producer and supervising news editor in Australia, Europe and US and joined The Independent in May 2025.

<p>Actor Tom Cruise has turned down President Donald Trump’s invitation to the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, according to a new report</p>

Tom Cruise turns down Trump’s invite for Kennedy Center Honor: report

<p>Gunman Shane Tamura seen moments before entering a Manhattan skyscraper on Park Avenue</p>

New York shooting: What we know about Manhattan office attack gunman

<p>The school had been threatened with the potential loss of billions of dollars in government support including more than $400 million in grants canceled earlier this year</p>

Columbia University strikes deal with Trump to restore federal funding

<p>Stephen Colbert described Trump as ‘monstrous’</p>

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end next year

<p>Stephen Colbert described Trump as ‘monstrous’</p>

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end next year

<p>President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/donald-trump"></a>met with Texas <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/texas"></a>officials on Friday in Kerrville as he toured the damage from last week's devastating flash flooding</p>

Texas man charged over threatening Trump ahead of visit to flood zone

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At least 4 dead and 2 missing in San Antonio rains