Category: U.S. News

Federal authorities have taken into custody a man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers opened fire during a traffic stop in central California last week, according to his legal representative.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez was taken into FBI custody Monday following his release from medical care, lawyer Patrick Kolasinski confirmed. Federal officials have not disclosed what criminal charges the 36-year-old may be facing, and attempts to reach the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for additional details have gone unanswered.

Kolasinski revealed that Mendoza, who required three surgical procedures to treat his gunshot injuries, was released directly to federal custody without any advance notice given to his family or legal representatives.

“We’re in shock,” Kolasinski told The Associated Press. “He should not be out of that hospital. He was in no condition to be released.”

The Department of Homeland Security maintains that ICE officers discharged their weapons in self-defense when Mendoza attempted to strike them with his vehicle following a traffic stop last Tuesday. Authorities stated they were conducting a targeted enforcement operation against Mendoza in Patterson, located approximately 75 miles southeast of San Francisco. They characterized him as an alleged gang associate sought by El Salvador for questioning regarding a homicide case.

During a press conference last week, Kolasinski reported that Mendoza was experiencing speech difficulties due to a gunshot wound to his jaw, but maintained his innocence regarding any gang affiliation. The attorney stated his client has only been cited for minor traffic violations, maintains a clean criminal record in the United States, and is not wanted on any arrest warrant in El Salvador, where he was cleared of murder charges.

Federal agencies have not provided an explanation for why Mendoza became the focus of their enforcement efforts. The Department of Homeland Security has remained silent regarding Kolasinski’s assertions.

Last Tuesday’s incident represents another shooting occurrence during the current administration’s intensified efforts to apprehend and remove undocumented immigrants, raising ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Kolasinski contends that officers opened fire on Mendoza while his vehicle was stationary, prompting him to drive away to escape the gunfire.

A court document dated October 25, 2019, from an El Salvadoran judge shows Mendoza was cleared of murder accusations and ordered released immediately. He was 29 years old at that time. The same document lists 10 other individuals who received convictions for crimes ranging from aggravated robbery to homicide, noting that at least one belonged to the 18th Street Gang. However, the document makes no reference to Mendoza having gang ties or participating in gang-related activities.

Regarding the California ICE incident, dashboard camera video secured by KCRA-TV reveals three officers positioned around a vehicle pulled over on a roadside. One officer appears to be making contact with the driver’s window when the car starts reversing and turning, striking another vehicle positioned behind it. Two officers can be seen with drawn firearms aimed at the car. The driver then accelerates forward toward the officers’ location and makes a sharp turn, crossing over the road’s median strip.

The footage lacks audio, making it impossible to determine the timing of gunshots or any verbal exchanges.

Kolasinski reported Monday that Mendoza’s fiancée visited him at the hospital over the weekend, where he remained in considerable pain.

According to Kolasinski, Mendoza holds citizenship in both El Salvador and Mexico and arrived in the United States in 2019, though the attorney was uncertain about his immigration status or method of entry.

The lawyer described his client as a construction worker specializing in fire damage restoration. Mendoza is the father of a 2-year-old daughter and is engaged to an American citizen, according to his attorney.

A Tennessee man connected to white supremacist groups admitted Monday to deliberately setting fire to a historic civil rights training facility, according to federal court documents.

Regan Prater entered guilty pleas for the arson that burned down an office at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. He also admitted to trying to assist the terrorist organization Hezbollah by attempting to provide “a list of personally identifiable information for individuals purportedly affiliated with the government of Israel,” court records show.

Prater is scheduled to receive his sentence on September 9 in Knoxville. His public defender has not responded to requests for comment.

Authorities arrested Prater in April following the March 2019 arson, more than six years after the incident occurred. Federal investigators connected him to the crime through his activity in online chat groups linked to white supremacist organizations, according to court filings. When questioned by another user in a private message about whether he started the fire, the person believed to be Prater responded:

“I’m not admitting anything,” wrote someone using the username ‘Rooster.’ However, he proceeded to detail how the fire was started using “a sparkler bomb and some Napalm.”

Investigators discovered a white supremacist symbol spray-painted near where the fire occurred. The court documents identify it as a “triple cross,” the same marking found on weapons used by the gunman who murdered 51 people at New Zealand mosques on March 15, 2019, approximately two weeks before the Highlander incident.

Originally facing a single arson charge filed in 2025, Prater’s case was updated in February to include the terrorism-related charge involving Hezbollah. As part of his plea deal, prosecutors agreed that a maximum sentence of 20 years would be fitting.

This isn’t Prater’s first arson conviction. He previously received a five-year federal prison term for burning down an adult entertainment store in East Tennessee in June 2019. He was ordered to pay $106,000 in damages for that crime. Investigators linked him to that fire through a cellphone found at the scene, which contained video footage of someone inside the store igniting an accelerant.

The Highlander center holds significant importance in civil rights history as a training ground for legendary activists including Rosa Parks and John Lewis. Parks participated in an integration workshop there in 1955, roughly six months before her historic bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. She consistently acknowledged that Highlander strengthened her resolve as an activist.

Two years following her workshop, Parks returned to Highlander alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for the organization’s 25th anniversary, where King delivered a keynote speech about achieving freedom and equality through peaceful resistance.

The fire erupted in the early morning hours of March 29, 2019. While no injuries occurred, the blaze destroyed decades of irreplaceable historical materials, including artifacts, speeches, and documents spanning multiple eras of the Civil Rights Movement.

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has approved home detention for a former military contractor who stands accused of sharing classified details about an elite special operations unit with a journalist and through social media platforms.

Courtney Williams, 40, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Meyers on Monday, facing four federal charges related to disclosing national defense information about a specialized military unit stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Williams worked as a civilian contractor for the unit before her arrest last week.

Judge Meyers granted Williams’ release from custody but imposed strict conditions including electronic monitoring and a complete ban on media contact and social media use. Williams, who appeared in court wearing jail clothing, was taken into custody just days earlier.

Defense attorney Christian Dysart chose not to speak with reporters following Monday’s court proceeding, which occurred more than a week after prosecutors initially filed criminal charges against his client.

Federal authorities unsealed the criminal complaint last week simultaneously with a grand jury indictment and the Justice Department’s public announcement of Williams’ arrest. An FBI spokesperson characterized her alleged actions as putting “our nation, our warfighters, and our allies at risk.” Williams could face up to 10 years in prison on each charge if convicted, plus financial penalties.

According to court records, Williams began working as a defense contractor in 2010 before transitioning to a Department of Defense position several months later. She maintained employment with the special operations unit at Fort Bragg through 2016 and possessed top-secret security clearance during her tenure.

While court documents don’t identify the specific unit or journalist involved, the timeline and circumstances align with reporting and a book about the Army’s classified Delta Force written by author Seth Harp.

Williams, whose residence is located approximately 35 miles from Fort Bragg, was featured prominently in a 2025 Politico piece titled “My Life Became a Living Hell: One Woman’s Career in Delta Force, the Army’s Most Elite Unit.” The story detailed Williams’ military background as an interrogator and Arabic language specialist, and was published alongside Harp’s book “The Fort Bragg Cartel,” which documents allegations of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.

Prosecutors claim that from 2022 through 2025, Williams maintained extensive communication with the author, including more than 10 hours of recorded phone conversations and hundreds of text message exchanges.

The federal indictment specifically alleges Williams improperly revealed a “cover alias identity issued and owned” by the unit, operational methods the unit employed to “execute covert missions without being detected,” and “true names of individuals” working for the unit, including details about “their capture during a sensitive military mission in a foreign country.”

In a written response last week, Harp defended Williams as a “courageous whistleblower” exposing discrimination and harassment within Delta Force operations. He argued that former unit personnel regularly share similar operational details on podcasts and YouTube programs that the government now considers criminal when disclosed by Williams.

“I am confident that the DOJ’s slapdash indictment, full of misleadingly juxtaposed quotations taken out of context, will fall apart upon careful scrutiny,” Harp stated.

FBI documentation indicates Williams had signed multiple nondisclosure agreements concerning classified materials both during her employment with the unit and upon her departure from the position.

According to the FBI affidavit, Williams sent messages to the journalist around the time of the article’s publication expressing worry about “the amount of classified information being disclosed.” In separate communications, she allegedly told her mother she might face arrest “for disclosing classified information.”

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The leader of a Texas summer camp where flooding claimed the lives of 27 campers and staff members in 2025 testified Monday that he failed to receive advance weather alerts from federal and state agencies issued before the deadly storm struck, and no staff discussions occurred regarding the approaching threat.

Edward Eastland, who runs Camp Mystic, gave his testimony during court proceedings focused on maintaining damaged portions of the facility as evidence for multiple lawsuits brought by families affected by the July 4th tragedy along the Guadalupe River.

Last month, a judge mandated the camp preserve these areas, prompting an appeal from camp management. Monday’s court session continued testimony regarding the facility’s operations before and during the fatal flooding.

The current proceedings, potentially offering the most comprehensive public statements from leadership of the all-girls Christian facility, occur as operators seek state approval to reopen Camp Mystic this summer on grounds unaffected by flooding.

Edward Eastland spent several hours on the witness stand Monday before a courtroom filled with relatives of the deceased girls.

Eastland explained that he and fellow staff members had registered for emergency notifications on their mobile devices and utilized various weather applications. However, he stated he never saw flood watch announcements posted by the National Weather Service and Texas Department of Emergency Management on July 2nd and 3rd on social media platforms.

Eastland noted he wasn’t connected to those agencies through social media and believed the local “CodeRED” mobile alert system and staff weather applications “was enough.”

A July 3rd National Weather Service bulletin requested area media outlets inform the public that intense local rainfall might trigger flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and low-elevation areas – all characteristics present at Camp Mystic’s location.

Eastland explained that his father, camp co-owner Richard Eastland, usually handled weather monitoring duties. Edward Eastland stated he didn’t think camp personnel conducted any meetings regarding the alerts and warnings that day.

The storms struck during the night, taking the lives of 25 campers, two teenage staff members and Richard Eastland.

“We did not expect what was going to happen,” Edward Eastland said.

“You were warned,” said Brad Beckworth, an attorney representing families who have sued Camp Mystic.

Eastland faced questioning about the minimal information available to campers and cabin supervisors since mobile phones weren’t permitted in sleeping quarters, and only select staff possessed walkie-talkies for communication.

The courtroom listened to a portion of a “Taps” recording broadcast through speakers when campers retired at 10 p.m. on July 3rd. Those same speakers weren’t utilized to announce weather warnings, Eastland confirmed.

Eastland said he retired around 11 p.m. His father contacted him via walkie-talkie near 2 a.m. to report heavy rainfall and the necessity to relocate canoes and water gear from the riverbank.

Eastland testified he never received a National Weather Service flash flood alert at 1:14 a.m. and slept through a CodeRED text message at the same time targeting his specific location. The notification warned of flooding that could persist for several hours.

Family attorneys questioned Eastland about a written account from a counselor who awakened during the storm and reported seeing girls fleeing to safety.

“The water was rising faster than anything I have ever witnessed,” the counselor wrote.

Overall, the catastrophic flooding resulted in at least 136 deaths across several miles of the river, prompting questions about how the situation became so deadly.

Relatives of multiple deceased girls have filed lawsuits against camp management, claiming officials didn’t implement proper safety measures to protect campers as dangerous floodwaters advanced.

The camp’s reopening plans have angered victim families and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who believes the license should be rejected while state legislators and agencies conduct investigations. Camp leadership reports nearly 900 campers have registered to return.

Texas health officials announced last week they’re examining hundreds of complaints submitted against camp ownership. The Texas Rangers are also assisting with investigations into neglect allegations, according to the Texas Department of Safety, though the extent of the elite investigation unit’s involvement remains unclear.

Newark law enforcement officials are reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying two individuals connected to a credit card theft investigation that began earlier this month.

The case started on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, when police began looking into reports of a stolen payment card from the Kimberton area. Investigators discovered that the compromised card had been fraudulently used at two separate Newark establishments.

Police were able to secure security camera footage from the businesses, which captured images of both suspects as well as the vehicle they used to travel to the locations. The surveillance material has been released to help community members identify the individuals involved in the alleged fraud.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who recognizes the suspects or their vehicle from the released images to contact the police department with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.

MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors have filed murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges against a 16-year-old Florida boy in connection with his stepsister’s death aboard a Carnival cruise ship, the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday.

Timothy Hudson initially faced juvenile charges on February 2, but the proceedings remained under seal until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom approved prosecutors’ request to try him as an adult. Defense attorneys did not oppose the transfer to adult court, according to court documents. Hudson’s legal team has not responded to requests for comment regarding the indictment.

The victim, 18-year-old Anna Kepner, was vacationing with family members on the Carnival Horizon in November when tragedy struck. Her body was discovered hidden beneath a bed in a cabin she shared with two other teenagers, including her younger stepbrother, before the vessel was set to return to Florida.

Medical examiners determined Kepner died on November 6 from mechanical asphyxia, a condition that occurs when breathing is prevented by an object or physical pressure.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said in a written statement. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.”

Kepner was a cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, located approximately 40 miles east of Orlando. During her November memorial service, relatives asked attendees to wear vibrant colors rather than traditional black “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.”

Federal prosecution of minors is exceptionally uncommon. Hudson appeared at the Miami federal courthouse in February wearing a baseball cap and hoodie pulled over his face. His status remained unclear at that time due to age-related restrictions on public disclosure by attorneys, prosecutors, and court officials.

On February 6, a judge ordered Hudson to wear electronic monitoring while residing with his uncle. Court records indicate the conditions were modified last week to permit him to spend several days working with his father at a landscaping company.

Legal experts suggest the case falls under federal jurisdiction, rather than typical state court proceedings for juvenile defendants, because Kepner’s death occurred in international waters.

Pop superstar Britney Spears has made the decision to enter a treatment facility following her recent arrest for suspected impaired driving, according to a spokesperson who spoke with media outlets Monday.

The singer was taken into custody last month in Ventura County by California Highway Patrol officers who had received reports of a black BMW being driven recklessly at excessive speeds. Authorities stated that when they pulled over the vehicle, Spears was alone inside.

According to an official statement from the highway patrol, the performer “showed signs of impairment” that officers believed resulted from consuming both alcohol and controlled substances. Law enforcement administered standard field sobriety evaluations during the traffic stop.

Following her arrest, Spears was processed at the Ventura County Main Jail facility. She is scheduled to make her court appearance on May 4.

The entertainer, who rose to international stardom as a teenage pop sensation in the late 1990s, has faced ongoing challenges with substance abuse issues and mental health concerns that have been heavily scrutinized by the media for many years.

This is not Spears’ first encounter with traffic-related legal troubles. In 2007, she faced charges for leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in property damage and operating a vehicle without proper licensing, though both misdemeanor charges were eventually resolved.

That same year marked a difficult period for the singer, who experienced a very public mental health crisis that resulted in psychiatric hospitalization. During this time, her father was granted legal authority over her personal and financial decisions through a court-ordered conservatorship.

The restrictive legal arrangement, which controlled both her personal choices and her $60 million fortune, remained in place from 2008 until 2021. A judge finally terminated the conservatorship after it became a rallying point for supporters who believed Spears deserved her freedom back.

PHILADELPHIA — Recovery teams located the remains of two construction workers early Monday morning, days after they became trapped when a stairwell roof caved in at a Philadelphia parking garage construction site, city officials confirmed.

The roof section at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia parking structure gave way last Wednesday, causing a devastating collapse that affected all seven floors of the building, according to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s statements to the media last week. Emergency responders initially pulled three injured workers from the debris and transported them to area hospitals, where one later died from their injuries, authorities reported. The remaining two workers received medical treatment and were discharged. By Thursday, search and rescue teams with specially trained dogs detected no survivors in the wreckage.

Throughout the weekend, construction crews carefully dismantled the dangerous structure to allow safe access for search operations, with recovery efforts beginning Sunday evening, officials reported. The two workers were located and removed from the site in the early morning hours Monday.

“They have recovered both individuals with the utmost dignity and compassion and respect for their families and loved ones,” Parker stated. The city’s Department of Public Health and Medical Examiner’s office will handle the formal identification process.

Parker also revealed plans to direct the city solicitor and legal department to launch a comprehensive investigation into what caused the deadly collapse.

Adam Sandler’s daughter Sadie takes center stage in Netflix’s new comedy ‘Roommates,’ while former One Direction star Zayn Malik drops fresh music as part of this week’s streaming lineup.

Entertainment options arriving on various platforms this week include Elle Fanning portraying a struggling single mother who turns to OnlyFans in ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ a lunar adventure game from Capcom called Pragmata, and the highly anticipated return of Netflix’s award-winning drama ‘Beef’ featuring an entirely new cast for its second season.

Sadie Sandler, Adam’s oldest child, headlines Netflix’s new comedy ‘Roommates,’ which follows a college student dealing with her intrusive dorm neighbor played by Chloe East. The supporting cast features Nick Kroll and Natasha Lyonne as her parents, alongside Francesca Scorsese, Carol Kane and Storm Reid. The series begins streaming Friday, April 17.

Director Edgar Wright has reimagined Stephen King’s 1982 dystopian novel ‘The Running Man’ with Glen Powell in the lead role, arriving on Prime Video Friday, April 17. Despite underperforming at theaters with earnings under $69 million against a $110 million production cost, the film offers Wright’s interpretation of King’s dark vision. Associated Press critic Jake Coyle noted that ‘from the start, the darkest shades of King’s book have been snuffed out of this blandly entertaining remake that swaps out the brutalist 1980s nihilism of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie for a satirical portrait of America lacking in bite and prescience.’ However, Coyle acknowledged that ‘if there’s one aspect of Wright’s film that feels genuinely connected to today, it’s the movie’s media metaphor.’

HBO Max debuts the R-rated thriller ‘Dust Bunny’ on Friday, April 17, featuring a young girl (Sophie Sloan) who enlists her hitman neighbor (Mads Mikkelsen) to eliminate the creatures she believes consumed her family. This marks the directorial debut of ‘Hannibal’ series creator Bryan Fuller. The New York Times’ Manohla Dargis praised it as ‘a blast of delightful, visually sumptuous nonsense.’

Exactly a decade has passed since Zayn Malik became the first One Direction member to pursue solo work. His 2016 debut ‘Mind of Mine’ showcased his independence through ambitious R&B compositions that highlighted his distinctive breathy falsetto vocals. He continues building on those strengths with ‘Konnakol,’ his fifth solo album releasing Friday, April 17.

Brooklyn R&B and soul artist Yaya Bey follows up last year’s successful ‘do it afraid’ with ‘Fidelity,’ dropping Friday, April 17. Her previous work demonstrated versatility, from ‘Merlot and Grigio’ featuring Bajan dancehall performer Father Philis to the Prince-influenced ‘Dream Girl’ and jazz-infused ‘Raisins.’ The new album serves as an emotional outlet, processing grief and love after losing her father, respected rapper and Juice Crew member Grand Daddy I.U.

Electronic dance music heavyweight John Summit releases ‘Ctrl Escape’ Friday, April 17, through Experts Only and Darkroom Records. The house music superstar has crafted an album appealing to both club-goers and home listeners who enjoy watching festival performances online.

British disco-pop performer Jessie Ware unveils ‘Superbloom’ on Friday, April 17. Her latest work maintains her dance floor appeal, exemplified by the track ‘Ride,’ which samples the 1966 Western film ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ theme while incorporating her signature sparkling synthesizers. ‘Come be my cowboy, baby, come, let’s ride,’ she croons, ‘You know I want you, I need you tonight, tonight.’

Apple TV’s dramedy ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ stars Elle Fanning as a young mother navigating single parenthood after an affair with her college instructor resulted in pregnancy. She creates an OnlyFans profile to generate income, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman portraying her parents. Based on a popular novel, the series premieres Wednesday.

Peacock presents the second season of ‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’ on Wednesday, continuing to follow contestants from last summer’s ‘Love Island USA’ after their return from Fiji. The show tracks former winners and ex-couple Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, along with other participants, as their romantic drama continues off the island.

The Emmy-winning anthology series ‘Beef’ returns Thursday, April 16, on Netflix with fresh faces after originally being conceived as a limited series. This season features Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny in the lead roles.

Tubi brings back Nicola Coughlan’s dark comedy ‘Big Mood’ for its second season Thursday, April 16. Coughlan and Lydia West reprise their roles as Maggie and Eddie, codependent best friends from East London whose relationship fractured when Maggie stopped her bipolar medication and Eddie felt abandoned. The new season jumps forward one year.

Gamers can explore the moon through Capcom’s Pragmata, set on a lunar facility devastated by a massive moonquake and mysteriously affected by a substance called Lunafilament. Players control Hugh, a weapons expert, and Diana, an android hacker, as they work together to repair the base while battling rogue robots controlled by malicious artificial intelligence. The game launches Friday, April 17, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

Nintendo Switch welcomes Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream on Thursday, allowing players to populate an island with customizable Mii characters resembling friends and family. Players must keep their virtual residents content with food, clothing, and furniture while constructing entertainment venues. These digital people will form relationships, fall in love, and start families, with options to visit other players’ islands.

WASHINGTON — American military forces destroyed two vessels suspected of carrying illegal drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Saturday, resulting in five fatalities and one survivor, according to military officials.

The deadly operation adds to a growing death toll from similar maritime strikes conducted by U.S. forces. Since early September, when the Trump administration launched its campaign against suspected drug traffickers, at least 168 people have died in these boat attacks.

U.S. Southern Command reported that the vessels were targeted along established smuggling corridors. However, military officials did not present proof that the boats were actually transporting narcotics. Social media footage displayed small watercraft crossing ocean waters before being destroyed in massive explosions.

Following the strikes, U.S. Southern Command contacted the Coast Guard to initiate rescue operations for the lone survivor. Coast Guard officials confirmed they were managing the search effort and promised updates as information becomes available.

President Trump has declared the United States to be in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels, defending these aggressive tactics as essential for stopping drug imports and preventing American overdose deaths. However, his administration has provided minimal proof to back up claims about eliminating “narcoterrorists.”

Legal experts and policy analysts have raised concerns about both the lawfulness and effectiveness of these maritime operations. Many point out that fentanyl, responsible for numerous fatal overdoses, typically enters the country through Mexico via land routes, produced using chemicals from China and India.

These Latin American operations have persisted despite U.S. military attention being divided by Middle Eastern conflicts, including a recent multi-week war with Iran.

On Sunday, Trump announced plans for a U.S. Navy blockade targeting ships using the Strait of Hormuz, following unsuccessful ceasefire negotiations with Iran in Pakistan. The president aims to pressure Iran regarding the strategic waterway that handles one-fifth of global oil shipments. Central Command indicated the blockade would affect Iranian port facilities.

UNION, New Jersey — A fatal shooting erupted at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union, New Jersey on Saturday night, claiming one life and leaving six people wounded, authorities announced.

The violence unfolded around 9 p.m. Saturday evening at the fast-food location. Law enforcement officials stated in a Sunday press release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office that they do not consider the incident to be a random act of violence. While no suspects are currently in custody, prosecutors emphasized that “there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public.”

Medical officials report that the six surviving victims sustained injuries that are not expected to be fatal, according to the statement.

A rideshare driver who was approaching the restaurant during the incident described hearing more than seven gunshots fired at close distance, according to his account to WABC television.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill addressed the tragedy Sunday through social media, stating: “Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured.”

The governor also called on anyone with relevant information to reach out to law enforcement officials handling the case.

Corporate representatives from Chick-fil-A have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

The county prosecutor’s office Homicide Task Force has taken over the investigation into the deadly shooting.

Law enforcement officials have successfully found Joey Shipe, prompting authorities to discontinue the Gold Alert that had been issued for the missing person.

The alert, which is typically used for missing adults with cognitive impairments or other vulnerabilities, has been officially terminated following Shipe’s safe recovery.

No additional details about the circumstances of the disappearance or recovery have been released at this time.

JUNEAU, Alaska — A beloved destination for Alaska cruise passengers has been removed from itineraries this season due to dangerous conditions created by a catastrophic landslide.

Tracy Arm, a spectacular 30-mile fjord southeast of Juneau known for its towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and active glaciers, is being bypassed by major cruise operators following last summer’s devastating slope collapse. The August 10th disaster sent massive amounts of debris into the waterway, triggered a tsunami, and launched waves more than a quarter-mile up the opposing mountainside.

Travel industry professional Nate Vallier described the impact of losing the destination: “Tracy Arm is the majestic princess, you know, she is the queen of fjords.”

Companies like Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and regional operator Allen Marine are now taking passengers to the alternative location of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier instead. While Vallier acknowledged this substitute remains “still beautiful by any means, but it’s just not the same.”

The fjord normally showcases two tidewater glaciers — the North and South Sawyer — along with abundant wildlife including seals and bears. However, the landslide originated on steep terrain above the South Sawyer glacier, sending water rushing through the entire fjord system.

Fortunately, no vessels were present during the incident and no casualties occurred, according to officials. However, kayakers camping on a nearby island between Tracy and Endicott arms lost most of their equipment to the surging waters.

Gabriel Wolken, who manages Alaska’s climate and ice hazards program, explained that while landslides are common in southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest environment, this particular slope hadn’t been flagged as a risk before the collapse. Scientists are now working to determine what triggered the failure and identify other potential dangers in the area.

Steven Sobieszczyk from the U.S. Geological Survey warned that hazardous conditions persist. “Continued rockfall and small-scale sliding from the exposed landslide scar are expected and could impact the water, potentially causing a future localized tsunami,” he stated.

Travel agent Vallier, who operates Alaska Travel Desk, expressed frustration that cruise companies didn’t provide passengers with earlier notification about the itinerary modifications. The first ships of the new season are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan on April 21st, with Juneau visits beginning the following week.

For many tourists, witnessing an active, calving glacier represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which has made Tracy Arm such a sought-after destination. While Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier attracts visitors to the capital city, many must view it from across a distant lake, and it has receded from several popular viewing spots.

Kansas resident Kimberly Lebeda had specifically researched and booked a Tracy Arm excursion for her family last year, drawn by descriptions of the scenery. However, the night before their scheduled visit, passengers learned they would visit Endicott Arm instead due to ice conditions in Tracy Arm.

Despite the change, Lebeda’s family joined other passengers on a smaller vessel equipped with panoramic windows, comfortable seating and refreshments. They observed seals resting on ice formations, dramatic waterfalls, and witnessed “a wall of ice” breaking away from Dawes Glacier.

She described the experience as “an amazing thing to witness.”

“Was it worth it? Yes, because I don’t know if I’ll ever get to do that trip again,” Lebeda reflected. “Again, I haven’t ever been to Tracy Arm so I can’t really compare. But to me, was it worth it and was it exciting? Absolutely.”

During the chaotic decade of the 1960s, a powerful alliance emerged between Black and Jewish activists fighting for civil rights across America. These communities, both with histories of persecution and struggle, joined forces on protest lines, worshipped together, and sacrificed to change the moral fabric of the country.

However, that historic partnership now faces serious challenges as antisemitism and racism surge worldwide. The legacy of that transformative collaboration is at risk of being lost, undermined by widespread misinformation and intentional efforts to erase historical facts.

Through an initiative known as Spill the Honey, veteran civil rights leaders and documentary filmmakers are now attempting to restore the solidarity that once existed between these two communities. Their work comes at a critical time when both groups face increasing threats and hostility.

The effort aims to remind Americans of the shared struggles and common goals that brought Black and Jewish activists together during one of the most pivotal periods in the nation’s civil rights history.

NEW YORK (AP) — A violent incident at a Manhattan subway station Saturday morning left three people wounded in a stabbing attack before police opened fire on the armed suspect.

Officers with the New York Police Department rushed to the 42nd Street-Grand Central station following a 9:40 a.m. emergency report of an assault, where they confronted a man carrying a knife on the platform. Police fired their weapons at the suspect, though authorities have not disclosed the number of rounds fired or how many hit the individual. The suspect was transported to a medical facility in critical condition, according to department officials.

The three individuals who suffered stab wounds — men aged 84 and 65, along with a 70-year-old woman — were hospitalized and listed in stable condition, police reported. Two law enforcement officers were also taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

Investigators were still working Saturday to determine whether the attack began on the subway platform or inside a train car.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on social media that she was “grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect. We’re working closely with the NYPD as the investigation unfolds.”

The police department warned commuters through social media to stay away from Grand Central Station Saturday morning while the investigation continued, cautioning travelers to anticipate delays and increased traffic. The Metropolitan Transit Authority reported that several subway lines were bypassing the station during the response.

While Washington D.C.’s famous Tidal Basin draws approximately 250,000 people each year to view its iconic cherry blossoms, a park located in Newark, New Jersey actually boasts a larger collection of these spectacular flowering trees.

The New Jersey location has become its own destination for spring flower enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors who come to witness the stunning pink and white blooms that rival the more well-known display in the nation’s capital.

Bill Mann, a veteran journalist who spent nearly five decades reporting from around the world for The Associated Press, passed away Thursday at a Virginia facility in Reston. He was 83 years old, according to his family.

Mann’s extensive career took him to international assignments covering the Philippines, Egypt, India, Scandinavian countries, and the nation’s capital. Family members and professional colleagues recalled him as someone who demanded precision in his work while showing deep compassion for those around him.

“Billy Mann was a wonderful representative for The Associated Press in global hot spots from the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos to the turbulent Middle East,” longtime AP United Nations bureau chief Edith M. Lederer said. “He was well-liked for his warm personality and admired for his deft reporting.”

Born in Georgia, Mann met his future wife Mimi while both attended journalism school at the University of Georgia. He remained a devoted Georgia Bulldogs supporter throughout his life.

“Outside of family, it was his biggest passion,” his daughter Samantha Rudolph said.

Following his college graduation, Mann completed officer candidate school and spent four years as a naval officer, stationed both in the Philippines and at the Pentagon.

Mann began his journalism career with the AP’s Louisville, Kentucky bureau after completing his military service. His career path led him through the agency’s New York headquarters and various domestic assignments before he took on the role of Cairo bureau chief, a position he held for a decade.

“He would sit in his office in the back, smoking cigars, feet on the desk, reading copy,” Rudolph recalled. “He was just surrounded by incredible people who looked up to him in every way.”

During his time in Egypt, Mann traveled to Somalia in the early 1990s, where the devastation from famine and conflict deeply affected the seasoned correspondent.

“It was seeing the hunger and the deprivation, the remnants of war,” his daughter said. “He refused to talk about it. He saw things that he didn’t want to talk about.”

In 2010, doctors diagnosed Mann with Alzheimer’s disease. He died from a virus while residing in a memory care facility, according to Mimi Mann, his spouse of more than six decades.

Even as the disease progressed, “he kept his love of journalism,” she said.

Among all his professional encounters, Mann treasured one particular interview above others – a meeting with boxer Cassius Clay during his Louisville assignment, before the athlete became world champion Muhammad Ali.

“He interviewed countless heads of state, talked to everybody and what stood out was Muhammad Ali,” Rudolph said. “He always said that without a doubt his best and favorite interview was Muhammad Ali.”

Ken Guggenheim, who worked as one of Mann’s editors, praised his colleague’s dedication to excellence.

“Billy was just the consummate AP man. He was just a stickler for details, determined that the grammar was right, the style was right and that the story would be perfect when it would hit the wire,” Guggenheim said.

Colleagues emphasized that Mann’s compassionate nature distinguished him most.

“Everyone loved Billy,” Guggenheim said. “He was someone who showed you could be a great journalist and a great person at the same time.”

Mann leaves behind his wife, daughter, son, and four grandchildren.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Singer Bruno Mars received the ultimate Las Vegas honor Friday when the city crowned him the “new king of Las Vegas” during a spectacular celebration on the famous Strip.

Mars cruised down the boulevard in a pink low-rider convertible flanked by two showgirls as city officials presented him with his own street naming and declared the day in his honor. The festivities coincided with the launch of his global Romantic Tour at Allegiant Stadium.

“It’s such a privilege, and I want to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for giving me this today,” Mars told the enthusiastic crowd gathered along the Strip.

The street designation places Mars among entertainment legends who share this rare Las Vegas distinction — Elvis Presley and Rat Pack icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.

MGM Resorts International CEO and president Bill Hornbuckle praised Mars for demonstrating the “legacy and legs” needed for long-term success in the entertainment capital.

Mars has maintained a strong Vegas presence for over 15 years, completing more than 140 performances during his residency spanning 2016 to 2025. He also expanded his Vegas footprint two years ago by launching The Pinky Ring, a cocktail lounge and nightclub at the Bellagio.

“I love this city so much,” Mars expressed to the crowd.

During the ceremony, the performer announced a $1 million donation to Las Vegas Children’s Hospital, with MGM Grand pledging to match the contribution. The festivities concluded with Mars and his band “The Hooligans” delivering a preview performance ahead of that evening’s stadium show.

“My dream was to always have a block party and get everybody dancing,” Mars shared with attendees.

Despite sweltering temperatures, hundreds of fans waited for hours to witness the historic moment. Local resident Deedee Jenkins expressed excitement about Mars joining the ranks of Vegas royalty.

“But they’re old school. This is new blood, and I’m ready for it with my old self,” Jenkins commented.

ADEL, Iowa (AP) — Nearly 15 years after a young real estate professional’s murder shocked the industry and prompted nationwide safety reforms, the accused killer has denied the charges against her.

Kristin Ramsey, 53, entered a not guilty plea on Friday to first-degree murder charges in the death of Ashley Okland. The 27-year-old Iowa Realty agent was discovered dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011, where she had been conducting an open house.

Family members and friends of the victim packed the courtroom during Friday’s proceedings for Ramsey, who was taken into custody last month following a grand jury indictment.

“That Friday afternoon when Ashley was taken from us seems so long ago,” Okland’s sister, Brittany Bruce, shared with media in March. “We had lost our hope in finding answers and having any justice for Ashley.”

Since Ramsey’s March 17 indictment and subsequent arrest, prosecutors have remained tight-lipped about potential motives or any new evidence that may have emerged in the case.

Recent court filings related to Friday’s arraignment and bond review hearing offer limited details about the grand jury proceedings.

According to prosecutors, a neighbor who contacted emergency services reportedly witnessed Ramsey, who had professional ties to Okland, standing near the model home’s entrance and walking back and forth by her vehicle while on a phone call before departing. State Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown revealed during Friday’s hearing that Ramsey came back to the location 15 minutes afterward.

Defense attorneys for Ramsey argue there are significant holes in the prosecution’s case presented to the grand jury, including what they claim are mischaracterizations of the witness’s 911 report. Defense attorney Alfredo Parrish noted that even the grand jury expressed skepticism.

“You don’t wait 15 years and then say: ‘OK, let’s make a go of it,’” Parrish stated.

Criminal grand jury proceedings are uncommon in Iowa and typically remain sealed. The prosecution disclosed these details while opposing a defense request to reduce Ramsey’s current $2 million bail.

The victim’s death sent shockwaves through Des Moines’ close-knit real estate community, according to Scott Steelman, her former colleague who serves as president of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors and works as an agent at Iowa Realty. He characterized the murder as “so out of character for our business, our industry, our profession.”

Following Okland’s death, the local realtors’ association worked to establish safety protocols and guidelines.

“Nationwide, it’s caused the real estate community to take greater caution when interacting with the public,” Steelman explained. “We will not show any property to someone who we don’t know, aren’t familiar or at least have not vetted.”

The safety measures developed in Iowa have been endorsed by the National Association of Realtors and adopted by hundreds of state and local real estate organizations throughout the United States.

Given that Ramsey is also part of the real estate industry, Steelman said her arrest has created bewilderment and raised more questions than it has answered.

At the time of the incident, Ramsey was employed by Rottlund Homes of Iowa, which utilized independent real estate agents for sales purposes. The model home where Okland was killed belonged to Rottlund Homes.

During Friday’s court appearance, Ramsey wore a business suit with restraints on one arm and both feet. She was seen wiping away tears as witnesses spoke about her character during the defense team’s attempt to lower her bail amount. Her spouse and son, along with her parents and grandfather, occupied the front row behind her.

While Ramsey initially received a court-appointed public defender, she is now being represented by well-known defense lawyers who emphasized her deep family connections and lifelong residence in the small rural community of Woodward, Iowa, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines.

Court documents reveal that a witness in an adjacent townhome that shared a wall with the model home heard two loud sounds “described as thuds that were 3-4 seconds apart.” After hearing these noises, the witness looked outside and spotted Ramsey near the front entrance. The witness then observed her walking by her car while talking on her phone before leaving and later returning.

“Concerned that something was wrong, the witness entered the model home and discovered Ms. Okland unresponsive on the ground,” the court filing states. The witness then contacted emergency services, prosecutors said.

In their counter-argument, Ramsey’s legal team accused prosecutors of presenting “cherry-picked” evidence, claiming they failed to provide the grand jury with any weapon, ballistics analysis, or DNA evidence.

“So while the State is right the grand jury’s job was to consider the evidence presented to it, it fails to disclose that the State chose not to present all the evidence it has collected in the last 15 years,” Ramsey’s attorneys wrote. “The grand jurors here were shown only a few pieces of the puzzle over two days—not the whole picture.”

The trial is scheduled to commence in January.

A Honduran family has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the United States government following the tragic death of their 8-year-old daughter while in border patrol custody last year in Texas.

Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, who suffered from ongoing heart complications and sickle cell anemia, became ill with flu-like symptoms and died following an eight-day detention at U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities in Donna and later Harlingen, Texas.

According to an internal CBP review, officials failed to provide adequate medical attention and did not examine documentation the child’s mother provided detailing her daughter’s serious health conditions. While in detention, Anadith developed a dangerous fever reaching 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit, along with nausea, difficulty breathing and severe pain.

The young girl was not transported to a hospital despite her mother’s repeated requests for help, and only received emergency medical attention when she collapsed in her mother’s embrace. Mabel Alvarez Benedicks shared details about her daughter’s tragic death during a heartbreaking interview with The Associated Press following the incident.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided a response regarding the litigation.

This wrongful death case comes after officials rejected a tort claim the family filed against the government last year in October. While the current lawsuit seeks compensation for the family’s suffering, it does not specify a particular dollar amount.

The child’s mother now requires regular psychiatric care and sleep medication to cope with her loss. Rossel Reyes Martinez, Anadith’s father, described losing their daughter as every parent’s most terrifying fear coming true.

“That is why we are filing this lawsuit today in her memory, to ensure that no family has to endure the same pain we have endured,” her father said Thursday.

Federal aviation officials have declared that military laser systems designed to neutralize drones along the southern border pose no safety risk to aircraft when used properly, following a comprehensive review triggered by Texas airport disruptions earlier this year.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Defense Department have reached a formal agreement establishing safety protocols for deploying these anti-drone laser weapons to protect air travelers.

The El Paso airport’s airspace was shut down for multiple hours in early February after a government agency activated a counter-drone laser system without alerting aviation authorities. The closure forced numerous passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements. A second, smaller airspace restriction occurred when military forces mistakenly destroyed a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone.

Testing conducted at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range last month provided the FAA with sufficient evidence that these laser systems can operate without compromising aviation safety.

“We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement.

Mexican drug cartels frequently deploy drones along the border for smuggling operations and surveillance of law enforcement activities. Congressional testimony from last summer revealed that authorities detected over 27,000 drones within 1,600 feet of the southern border during the final six months of 2024.

The devastating impact of weaponized drones in conflicts across Ukraine and Iran underscores the seriousness of this emerging threat.

Congressional leaders expressed alarm over the apparent communication breakdown after the Pentagon authorized Customs and Border Protection to deploy anti-drone lasers in early February without informing the FAA.

Military personnel used the laser system on February 26 to eliminate what appeared to be a threatening drone near the U.S.-Mexico border. However, the targeted aircraft actually belonged to Customs and Border Protection, according to lawmakers.

This incident prompted the FAA to restrict airspace around Fort Hancock, located approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso.

The Trump administration has emphasized its commitment to stopping Mexican cartel drone incursions. U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross stated that this new agreement enables the deployment of sophisticated defensive technology to protect American territory.

“By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace,” Ross said.

The federal government has distributed more than $250 million to help states develop drone response capabilities in preparation for World Cup events and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations scheduled for this summer.

An additional $250 million in funding will be allocated later this year to enhance national drone defense systems.

A federal appeals court has struck down a Civil War-era prohibition against making spirits at home, ruling Friday that the longstanding federal restriction violates constitutional limits on congressional power.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans sided with the Hobby Distillers Association, a nonprofit organization, along with four individual members from its 1,300-person membership base.

The plaintiffs contended that Americans should have the right to produce distilled beverages in their homes for recreational purposes or personal use, including one member’s desire to craft a homemade apple-pie-vodka blend.

The prohibition dates back to legislation enacted during the Reconstruction period in July 1868, designed partly to combat tax evasion on alcoholic beverages. Violations carried penalties of up to five years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.

In the majority opinion for the three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Edith Hollan Jones argued that the restriction actually diminished government tax collections by eliminating distillation activities entirely, contrasting it with regulatory measures on commercial spirit production that generate tax revenue.

Jones further noted that accepting the government’s reasoning could allow Congress to criminalize nearly any household activity that might evade tax oversight, including telecommuting and home-operated enterprises.

“Without any limiting principle, the government’s theory would violate this court’s obligation to read the Constitution carefully to avoid creating a general federal authority akin to the police power,” Jones stated in her written decision.

Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor the Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Devin Watkins, an attorney representing the hobby distilling organization, described the court’s decision as a significant ruling regarding federal power limitations during a post-ruling interview.

Andrew Grossman, who presented the nonprofit’s appellate arguments, characterized the outcome as “an important victory for individual liberty” that allows the plaintiffs to “pursue their passion to distill fine beverages in their homes.”

“I look forward to sampling their output,” Grossman added.

The appellate ruling affirmed a July 2024 decision by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman in Fort Worth, Texas, though Pittman had temporarily suspended his ruling to allow for government appeals.

The dramatic sight of enormous, oversized trucks with massive tires launching skyward before roaring crowds has transformed into a lucrative industry worth millions. These colossal vehicle exhibitions are experiencing unprecedented growth, with multiple national touring circuits now competing for audiences and events expanding into international markets.

Reporter John Burnett plans to cover Monster Truck Wars, billed as “America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show,” scheduled for March 14 in Henderson, Texas. His coverage will include interviews with dedicated enthusiasts and an in-depth look at one of the drivers who pilots these mechanical giants.

The phenomenon has captured audiences nationwide, turning what began as a novelty attraction into a serious entertainment business that continues to expand its reach both domestically and abroad.

Standing on the deck of their sailboat Soul Mate, Lynette Hooker cheerfully announced to her camera: “We’re finally leaving Kemah,” speaking about the Texas harbor town where they had been docked.

“It’s only been four months,” she joked while her husband Brian adjusted the boat’s rigging in preparation for departure.

That “Gulf Crossing” recording from over three years ago captured the beginning of a maritime journey that the couple shared extensively on Facebook – a voyage that has now become evidence in a criminal case following Lynette’s mysterious disappearance in the Bahamas.

Days after Lynette vanished, Bahamian police took Brian into custody. Through his lawyer Terrel Butler, Brian maintains his innocence regarding his wife’s disappearance and states he is fully assisting law enforcement with their inquiry.

According to Brian’s account to police, his spouse of over two decades fell into the ocean Saturday evening from their small motor vessel while traveling between Hope Town and Elbow Cay, two tiny islands in the eastern Bahamas. Brian reported that 55-year-old Lynette possessed the boat keys when the motor stopped running.

“Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her,” authorities explained in their Saturday statement.

Brian reportedly used paddles to reach land and notified others early Sunday morning, police said. Officers arrested and interrogated him the following Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard has launched its own inquiry independent of the Bahamian investigation.

Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, expressed doubt that her mother would simply tumble off a vessel.

Despite the cheerful demeanor displayed in their online sailing videos, the couple had a troubled past marked by conflict.

Police records from Kentwood, Michigan, obtained by NBC News reveal that both Brian and Lynette accused each other of physical violence in 2015.

The report indicates Brian was intoxicated and had a bloody nose when he told officers his wife had repeatedly hit him in the face. He also claimed Lynette was under the influence of alcohol. She was taken into custody for assault and held overnight in jail. Prosecutors declined to file charges because they couldn’t determine “who started the assault.”

Aylesworth also revealed to NBC that her mother and stepfather had a turbulent relationship with a “history of not getting along, especially when they drink.”

The couple resided in Onsted, located roughly 72 miles southwest of Detroit. The nearest major waterway is Lake Erie, approximately 60 miles southeast of their hometown.

Lynette’s mother, Darlene Hamlett, explained Wednesday that their family has always been connected to water and that her daughter spent her life “near lakes, on boats, sailing and swimming.”

The pair regularly uploaded footage of their Caribbean sailing experiences to their “Sailing Hookers” Facebook account.

In the March 2023 recording, Lynette narrates their departure from Kemah, Texas, as the Soul Mate navigates through morning mist into Gulf of Mexico waters.

“Pretty cool,” Lynette commented as Brian sounded the vessel’s foghorn. During a later scene showing Brian replacing an engine belt, he glances up at his wife and remarks, “Hi sexy.”

An earlier recording shows the couple describing their purchase and renovation of the Soul Mate in Rockport, Texas.

“After several years of driving around the country, looking for our perfect sailboat, we finally found her in Texas,” Lynette explained in the eight-minute video from January 2023. “She was a little rough on the edges. The decks needed to be redone, but we knew we were up for the task.”

That footage captures them collaborating on repairs, scraping, preparing surfaces and applying paint. Text overlay reads: “The decks are done! we’re still married! party time!”

A recording from two years prior shows them using their smaller motorboat for supply runs to shore, though the location isn’t specified.

“We got the grub,” Brian tells the camera, which then pans to show a beer case at his feet and grocery bags in the boat’s front section. “Delivery… the way of life, man.”

Hip-hop star Offset has been discharged from a Florida medical facility following a shooting incident that occurred earlier this week at a casino near Miami, according to his representatives.

The Migos member sustained gunshot wounds Monday evening after an altercation broke out at the Seminole Hard Rock casino in Hollywood, located just north of Miami.

Medical authorities indicated Tuesday that the artist was in stable condition with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, though specific details about his condition remained limited at the time.

“Offset has been released from the hospital and he is up and walking,” a representative for Offset said on Friday. “We’re incredibly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and the entire hospital staff who took such great care of him.”

The artist, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, posted his own message on social media Friday, stating: “Thank you to everyone who’s checked in on me and showed me love! I’m good….but I’m planning to be better! I’m focused on my family, my recovery, and getting back to the music…realizing that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses…”

“Life’s a gamble and I’m still playing to win,” he concluded.

Law enforcement officials took two individuals into custody following the incident. Rapper Lil Tjay, whose legal name is Tione Jayden Merritt, was taken into custody for his alleged involvement in the dispute that preceded the shooting, according to the Seminole Police Department. Authorities charged him with disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.

A second individual was also detained but has not faced charges, while investigators continue working to identify additional people who may have been involved, police stated Tuesday.

Cephus rose to fame as part of Migos, widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most successful groups. The Atlanta-based trio became known for their distinctive rapid-fire triplet delivery style, which significantly influenced the trap music genre.

The group achieved massive commercial success with multiple platinum-selling tracks, including their chart-topping hit “Bad and Boujee,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, along with popular songs “Stir Fry” and “Narcos.” Throughout their career, Migos produced four studio albums.

Tragedy struck the group more than three years ago when Offset’s cousin Takeoff, also a Migos member, was fatally shot at a Houston bowling alley.

Beyond his group work, Offset has established himself as a solo performer known for his distinctive melodic yet aggressive style, releasing three individual albums.

The rapper was previously married to fellow artist Cardi B, with whom he exchanged vows in a private Atlanta ceremony in September 2017. Cardi B filed for divorce in 2024, and the former couple shares three children.

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the release of a man recently acquitted in the murder of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, as prosecutors challenge his potential freedom on a $1 million bond.

Karl Jordan Jr. was scheduled to be released as early as Friday, but federal prosecutors filed an appeal against the judge’s decision to grant him bond with electronic monitoring. The judge agreed Friday to suspend the release while the appeal process moves forward.

Attorneys for Jordan have not responded to requests for comment, while prosecutors have declined to provide statements on the matter.

Both Jordan and co-defendant Ronald Washington were found guilty in 2024 for the killing of the legendary DJ, more than twenty years after Jam Master Jay was shot to death inside his recording studio. Both defendants had entered not guilty pleas.

In December, a judge reversed Jordan’s conviction and declared him not guilty, while maintaining Washington’s guilty verdict.

Federal prosecutors contend that Jordan should stay incarcerated while they challenge his acquittal and as he faces separate drug-related charges in court. Jordan has entered a not guilty plea to those additional charges.

Defense attorneys for the 42-year-old argue he deserves bond, particularly after suffering severe injuries in a stabbing incident at Brooklyn’s federal detention facility. Jordan’s legal team states that family members have volunteered to guarantee the bond and pledge properties representing their entire assets.

Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, along with his Run-DMC bandmates, played a pivotal role in bringing hip-hop music to mainstream audiences during the 1980s with popular tracks like “It’s Tricky” and their collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way.”

WOODLAND, Calif. — Authorities in Northern California announced Friday that seven individuals have been taken into custody in connection with a catastrophic fireworks warehouse explosion that claimed seven lives and left two others wounded last July.

The tragic blast occurred near Esparto, a small agricultural community in Yolo County, triggering an enormous fire that forced the cancellation of local Fourth of July festivities in the area.

Officials from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office planned to reveal the indictments during a Friday press conference. Jail documentation indicates that multiple suspects face murder charges.

Among those apprehended are Samuel and Tammy Machado, the married couple who operated the storage facility located roughly 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. Samuel Machado served as a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, while his spouse Tammy held an administrative position with the department. Both were placed on administrative leave following the incident.

Kenneth Chee, who runs Devastating Pyrotechnics and whose unauthorized fireworks were housed at the facility, was taken into custody in Florida. During his Friday court appearance in Florida, Chee was informed he would be transported back to California within seven days, according to KCRA-TV.

Law enforcement also detained Jack Lee, who managed operations for Devastating Pyrotechnic, and Gary Chan Jr., whose name appears on the company’s federal licensing documents, the television outlet reported.

Craig Cutright, who operates Blackstar Fireworks from the Esparto location owned by the Machados, was also arrested. Cutright served as a volunteer with the Esparto Fire District and was additionally employed by Devastating Pyrotechnics, KCRA-TV stated.

Ronald Botelho III, one of Cutright’s workers, has remained in jail since December. Court records reveal that more than a dozen additional charges were filed against him on Thursday.

Federal aviation officials are examining a dangerous near-collision that occurred at Los Angeles International Airport this week when a Frontier Airlines aircraft came dangerously close to hitting two service vehicles that moved across its path.

The incident unfolded late Wednesday evening around 11:25 p.m. as the commercial jet was traveling along a taxiway. The pilot expressed alarm and used strong language when reporting to air traffic control that he was forced to apply emergency braking to prevent a crash. “It was real close. The closest I have ever seen,” the pilot stated, according to audio recordings published by ATC.com.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed they are investigating the event, noting that multiple vehicles from a service road crossed directly in front of the aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the incident.

“We thank our crew for their vigilance and professionalism,” Frontier Airlines stated in their official response.

This close call comes just weeks after a tragic accident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, where an Air Canada aircraft carrying 76 passengers and crew members struck a fire truck during landing. That collision resulted in the deaths of both pilots and left dozens injured.

In the LaGuardia tragedy, an air traffic controller had authorized the fire vehicle to cross the runway less than 20 seconds before the crash, then desperately attempted to halt the truck’s movement moments later.

The Los Angeles incident occurred in a section of the airport where aircraft coordinate their movements through air traffic control communications, while ground vehicles are expected to give way to any planes, which typically travel at approximately 15 mph on taxiways. Airport representatives have not yet responded to inquiries about the circumstances or existing safety protocols designed to prevent such conflicts.

Former United Airlines pilot and aviation safety specialist Steve Arroyo noted that similar incidents occur regularly at airports nationwide but typically receive little notice when collisions are successfully avoided. He believes these events will now receive increased scrutiny.

“Multiple incidents, accidents happening, just in March alone, I think it’s time to put some serious eyes on what’s going on on the ramp,” Arroyo commented.