Category: U.S. News

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Eight children lost their lives and two women were wounded in what officials are calling the most devastating mass shooting in the United States in more than two years, occurring Sunday in a Shreveport neighborhood.

The perpetrator, 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, fatally shot seven of his own children along with one other child before taking his own life following a police chase, according to law enforcement officials.

During a press conference held outside one of the shooting locations, city officials struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy.

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux told reporters in the northwestern Louisiana city.

The violence unfolded across two locations in a residential area south of downtown Shreveport. According to police spokesperson Chris Bordelon, Elkins first shot a woman at one residence before traveling to a second home where the children were located.

At the second residence, seven children were discovered dead inside the house, while an eighth child was found deceased on the rooftop after attempting to flee. One child managed to survive by jumping from the roof and was hospitalized with injuries expected to heal.

State Representative Tammy Phelps revealed that some of the young victims attempted to escape through the rear exit of the home. “I can’t even imagine what the police officers, first responders actually dealt with when they got here today,” Phelps stated during the news conference.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith expressed his shock at the scene. “I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Smith said.

The victims ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old and included three boys and five girls, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s office.

Crystal Brown, a relative of one of the wounded women, described the children as “happy kids, very friendly, very sweet.”

Law enforcement officials pursued Elkins following the shootings, with the chase concluding when officers opened fire on the suspect. Bordelon confirmed that investigators believe this was “entirely a domestic incident,” though authorities have not disclosed what triggered the violence.

While Elkins had a 2019 firearms arrest on his record, police were unaware of any previous domestic violence incidents involving him.

According to Brown, Elkins and his wife were going through a separation and had been scheduled to appear in court Monday. She said the couple had been fighting about their relationship status before the shooting occurred.

“He murdered his children,” Brown stated. “He shot his wife.”

Brown explained that Elkins had fathered four children with his wife and three with another woman who lived nearby and was also shot. All the children had been gathered at one residence when the attack took place.

Community members responded to the tragedy by placing flowers outside the single-story home on 79th Street where the shooting occurred. An evening prayer service was held in a nearby parking lot, where residents lit candles to honor the victims.

“It just makes you take your children and hug them and hold them and tell them how much you love them,” said vigil attendee Kimberlin Jackson.

The Shreveport shooting represents the deadliest mass shooting in America since January 2024, when eight people were killed in a Chicago-area incident, according to data compiled by The Associated Press and USA Today with Northeastern University. Shreveport has approximately 180,000 residents.

BOSTON — A commemorative recreation of Paul Revere’s legendary 1775 warning journey will take place Monday with some contemporary adjustments: the event will occur during daylight hours and feature law enforcement accompaniment for the mounted participants.

The original journey occurred on April 18, 1775, when the silversmith and messenger was sent to Lexington to alert Revolutionary War leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British forces planned to arrest them. His mission then continued to Concord to warn residents about planned attacks on weapon storage sites.

Revere arrived in Lexington around midnight, while William Dawes, another messenger, reached the destination via an alternate path shortly afterward carrying identical warnings.

Their warning efforts led to armed colonial militiamen facing off against a significantly larger British military force advancing from Boston at Lexington Battle Green. The British troops were eventually forced to retreat to Boston, where colonial forces surrounded them for 11 months during what historians call the Siege of Boston.

“It’s important because you have to have someone to meet the British troops,” said Nina Zannieri, executive director of the Paul Revere Memorial Association, which owns and operates The Paul Revere House. “It becomes a turning point. If no patriots had turned out on the green and the British had just rolled into town, it would have been different. But they actually meet resistance.”

The costumed performer, accompanied by a second horseman, will approximately follow Revere’s path from 251 years ago. The journey begins in Boston’s North End and continues through Charlestown, Somerville, Medford and Arlington before concluding in Lexington — all locations where Revere warned local militias about British military movements.

Several elements from the historical evening will be omitted from Monday’s event, including Revere’s boat transportation to Charlestown before beginning his horseback journey.

The reenactment also won’t include Revere’s temporary capture by British soldiers while traveling to Concord after departing Lexington. Revere was eventually released without his horse after persuading the British that hundreds of patriots awaited them, and he walked back to Lexington to witness the battle’s conclusion.

“It’s basically important that he leaves Boston. He rides. He’s alerting people. Other people are out,” Zannieri said. “He starts a chain reaction, and he accomplishes his mission even though he gets stopped and held. He’s lucky he wasn’t killed.”

While Revere navigated around patrols and traveled on rough, muddy paths, today’s rider will enjoy easier conditions, riding on paved surfaces through areas filled with traffic signals, automobile dealerships and busy commercial districts that Revere couldn’t have envisioned. The 2026 Boston Marathon occurs simultaneously, though the events follow separate routes.

Michelle DiCarlo-Domey, who coordinates the annual event for the National Lancer, the state’s historical mounted cavalry organization, said thousands attend to witness history recreated and demonstrate their patriotic spirit. The National Lancer has organized the Revere and Dawes commemoration for more than 110 years.

“Whenever you can interact with the riders and the horses, it can help carry history on,” DiCarlo-Domey said. “Kids can relate to what they learn in school. And where else do you see two horses running down the street?”

This week brings a fresh wave of entertainment options to streaming platforms, featuring Timothée Chalamet as a table tennis champion in “Marty Supreme” and Kevin Hart hosting a new comedy competition series on Netflix.

Entertainment journalists have highlighted several noteworthy releases arriving on various streaming services, including Charlize Theron’s latest action film “Apex,” the second season of Kate Hudson’s basketball series “Running Point,” and a documentary focusing on country music sensation Lainey Wilson.

Following its theatrical success with nine Oscar nominations and $179 million in box office earnings, “Marty Supreme” debuts on HBO Max this Friday, April 24. The A24 production features Chalamet portraying a determined table tennis player navigating 1950s New York while pursuing excellence at any cost. Director Josh Safdie leads a cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion and Kevin O’Leary. AP critic Jocelyn Noveck described the film as a “nerve-busting adrenaline jolt of a movie.”

Also arriving Friday, April 24 on Hulu is the dark comedy thriller “No Other Choice” from Korea. Director Park Chan-wook’s satirical work features Lee Byung-hun as an unemployed family man who, after losing his job at a paper mill, decides to eliminate his competition for a new position. The Golden Globe-nominated film showcases Park’s signature style, with one reviewer noting how the “Oldboy” and “Decision to Leave” director “archly and elegantly spinning a yarn about a murderous rampage that accumulates wider and wider reverberations.”

Prime Video launches the newest Colleen Hoover adaptation “Regretting You” on Friday, April 24. Allison Williams portrays a widow rebuilding her life following her husband’s death, with Scott Eastwood playing the deceased spouse and Dave Franco as her romantic interest. Critics noted the film’s tonal shifts, with Noveck observing that “the strange way the tears give way to smiles, quips and then full-on rom-com corniness feels a little awkward — and then just weird and annoying.”

Theron ventures into survivalist territory with “Apex,” streaming Friday, April 24 on Netflix. The thriller follows a mourning woman seeking solace in Australia’s remote wilderness, only to face terror from a cruel local played by Taron Egerton, leading to an intense pursuit.

Musical releases include Kehlani’s self-titled album dropping Friday, April 24, building on the success of the artist’s first Top 10 Billboard hit “Folded.” Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan follows up his breakthrough single “Stick Season” with his fourth studio effort “The Great Divide,” also releasing Friday, April 24. The collection features folk-influenced tracks examining fame and personal growth.

Meghan Trainor continues her message of self-acceptance with “Toy with Me,” her seventh album arriving Friday, April 24. The release follows her single “Still Don’t Care” and promises songs about self-love and family connections. Trainor recently postponed tour dates following the birth of her daughter, Mikey Moon.

Netflix presents “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool” on Wednesday, offering an intimate look at the country star’s personal and professional journey. The documentary stands apart from typical musician profiles by providing genuine editorial insight rather than promotional content.

Television offerings include “Funny AF with Kevin Hart,” premiering Monday on Netflix. The competition series follows Hart as he visits comedy clubs nationwide searching for emerging stand-up talent. Celebrity judges Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler and Nikki Glaser evaluate performances, with semifinal and final episodes streaming live for real-time audience voting. The winner receives their own Netflix comedy special.

Prime Video introduces the animated series “Kevin” on Monday, featuring Jason Schwartzman voicing a cat adjusting to life at an animal rescue following his owners’ separation. Aubrey Plaza co-created and co-wrote the series while also providing voice work.

“Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” debuts Thursday, April 23 on Netflix, offering an animated spinoff reminiscent of 1980s Saturday morning cartoons. Set during the original show’s second and third seasons, each standalone episode follows the main characters encountering supernatural threats from the Upside Down, with new voice actors replacing the live-action cast.

Hudson returns in “Running Point” Season 2 on Netflix Thursday, April 23. She portrays Isla Gordon, inheriting leadership of the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team when her brother, played by Justin Theroux, steps aside. The character draws inspiration from Jeanie Buss, former controlling owner and current governor of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Richard Gadd, creator of the acclaimed yet controversial “Baby Reindeer,” premieres his new dark drama “Half Man” on Thursday, April 23. Gadd co-stars with Jamie Bell in the series, which he developed after declining multiple Hollywood opportunities following his previous success.

Gaming enthusiasts can explore “Kiln” starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC. The deceptively peaceful pottery-making game transforms into intense 4-vs.-4 combat where players attempt to extinguish opponents’ kilns. Double Fine Productions, known for last year’s “Keeper” and 2021’s “Psychonauts 2,” developed this chaotic multiplayer experience.

“Vampire Crawlers” launches Tuesday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC as a spinoff of 2022’s surprise hit “Vampire Survivors.” Italian developer Luca Galante’s turn-based deck-building game combines dungeon exploration with card-based monster battles, featuring a “turboturn” mechanic for rapid-fire attacks reminiscent of the original’s frantic gameplay.

American military forces conducted a deadly operation against suspected narcotics traffickers in Caribbean waters, resulting in three fatalities, according to an announcement from U.S. Southern Command on Sunday.

The military branch shared footage of the incident on the social media platform X, displaying the moment a small vessel exploded while navigating open waters.

According to Southern Command officials, the targeted vessel was operating along established drug trafficking corridors in the Caribbean region.

This latest action adds to an extensive campaign against maritime drug operations. A senior defense department official revealed last month that American military operations have resulted in 157 deaths of suspected drug cartel members and associates across 45 separate attacks on trafficking vessels throughout the Western Hemisphere.

WASHINGTON — American military forces carried out another attack on a vessel suspected of drug smuggling in Caribbean waters on Sunday, resulting in three deaths, according to military officials.

This latest strike continues the Trump administration’s ongoing military campaign targeting alleged narcotics trafficking operations throughout Latin American waters, which has been underway since early September and has resulted in at least 181 total fatalities. Similar operations have also occurred in eastern Pacific waters.

Even amid the Iran conflict, these maritime operations have intensified over recent days, demonstrating the administration’s continued commitment to what it terms its fight against “narcoterrorism” throughout the Western Hemisphere. Military officials have not released evidence confirming that any targeted vessels actually contained illegal drugs.

These operations commenced as America established its most substantial military footprint in the region in decades, occurring months before the January operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was subsequently transported to New York to face narcotics trafficking accusations and has entered a plea of not guilty.

Regarding Sunday’s incident, U.S. Southern Command issued statements consistent with previous announcements, stating they had engaged suspected drug traffickers operating along established smuggling corridors. The command shared footage on X displaying a vessel traveling across water before a large explosion completely destroys the boat in flames.

President Donald Trump has declared the United States to be in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels and has defended these attacks as essential measures to reduce drug imports into America and prevent overdose deaths among Americans. However, his administration has provided minimal evidence supporting claims of eliminating “narcoterrorists.”

Legal experts have raised concerns about the overall lawfulness of these maritime strikes.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Eight children lost their lives in a devastating domestic violence shooting that unfolded Sunday morning in Louisiana, with authorities confirming that seven of the young victims were the shooter’s own children.

The tragic incident took place across two different residences in a Shreveport neighborhood, where the gunman also wounded two additional individuals before the violence came to an end, according to law enforcement officials.

The horrific attack represents one of the most devastating mass casualty events the United States has witnessed in more than two years, sending shockwaves through the local community and beyond.

Investigators are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the early morning violence that claimed so many young lives in what authorities have classified as a domestic violence situation.

MADISON, Wis. — Law enforcement officials in Wisconsin report detaining approximately 25 demonstrators during weekend confrontations at a controversial beagle breeding operation, where nearly 1,000 animal rights supporters attempted to force their way onto the property.

The weekend incident marked the second time in two months that activists have targeted Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, located roughly 25 miles southwest of Madison. Officers responded with pepper spray and rubber bullets as protesters tried to breach the facility’s security measures.

Sunday brought a much different scene, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, which described conditions as “significantly calmer and more peaceful” when about 200 people gathered outside the farm before leaving peacefully after approximately two hours.

“We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. “We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”

Barrett had described Saturday’s events in a video statement, saying 300 to 400 demonstrators were “violently trying to break into the property.” The activists attempted to overcome multiple barriers, including a manure-filled trench, hay bales and barbed-wire fencing.

While some protesters managed to get past the fence, none succeeded in entering the building that houses an estimated 2,000 beagles, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

Among those taken into custody was Wayne Hsiung, 44, of New York, who leads the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs. He faces a potential felony conspiracy to commit burglary charge, while most other arrestees were processed and released, the sheriff’s office reported Sunday.

“No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort,” Hsiung said in a statement from jail Sunday that also accused authorities of using excessive force. “The animals of this Earth are not ‘things.’ They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse.”

During a March incident at the same location, demonstrators successfully removed 30 dogs from the facility, leading to 27 arrests.

While Ridglan Farms maintains it does not mistreat animals, the company reached an agreement in October to surrender its state breeding license by July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment allegations.

The company’s website states that “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”

Eight children between the ages of 1 and 14 have died in what authorities are calling a domestic violence shooting that occurred at multiple locations in Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday. The incident marks the nation’s most devastating mass shooting in over two years, according to police.

Shreveport police report that 10 individuals were shot in total during the rampage. Police spokesperson Chris Bordelon confirmed the adult male gunman was killed following a pursuit with law enforcement officers who opened fire on the suspect. The perpetrator had taken a vehicle while fleeing from the shooting locations.

Authorities have not yet identified the shooter by name, though they confirmed he was an adult male. Officials continue to process evidence at multiple crime scenes located south of downtown Shreveport, including two residential properties and an additional site. According to Bordelon, several of the young victims were family members of the gunman.

Liza Demming, whose home is located two houses away from one of the shooting sites, reported that her surveillance system recorded footage of the suspect fleeing toward a nearby tire business. “That’s pretty much all I saw, was him running out of the house,” she said. Her security system’s audio captured the sound of two gunshots during the incident.

Demming described seeing one of the child victims on the home’s roof, already covered by authorities. Despite the tragedy that unfolded, she noted the absence of any warning signs. “It was nothing loud, no altercations. It was quiet. Nothing,” she said.

Pastor Marty T. Johnson Sr. of St. Gabriel Community Baptist Church confirmed he owns the property where the shootings took place but explained he had no personal contact with the family who was renting the residence. Johnson stated that an employee had handled the rental arrangement with the family.

The pastor expressed his commitment to supporting the community during this difficult time. “I do plan on having a prayer vigil for the family, and anything I can do, with so many children, to help them bury the children, I’m going to do so,” Johnson said.

U.S. Representative Cleo Fields, whose congressional district encompasses part of Shreveport, responded to the tragedy with a call for community action. “We’ve got to take our community back, and we will,” the Democrat stated. Fields said he is keeping two women who were wounded in the attack in his prayers and praised the multiple law enforcement agencies conducting what he described as “an extensive and deeply painful investigation.”

“A crime scene spanning four locations, eight children gone ranging in age from just one to fourteen years old — there are no words,” Fields said. “Shreveport is a resilient community, and we will get through this together.”

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 assassination attempt in Arizona, issued a statement condemning the violence. “All of us should be outraged that we live in a country that routinely subjects our kids to such unimaginable violence,” said Giffords, who now campaigns for stricter gun laws. “Our children have no option but to trust us to keep them safe, but our country is failing them every day. Both Congress and Baton Rouge have a moral duty to do better. Our leaders must act—now.”

Bordelon described the investigation as unprecedented in scope. “This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native who represents northwest Louisiana, expressed his condolences in a statement. “Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge,” Johnson said. “We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Louisiana State Police confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the confrontation with the suspect following a chase into Bossier City on Sunday morning. Investigators are requesting that anyone with photographs, video footage, or information related to the incident contact state police detectives.

According to data compiled by The Associated Press and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University, this represents the deadliest mass shooting since January 2024, when eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb.

Local officials appeared overwhelmed as they addressed the community from outside one of the shooting locations, asking residents for patience and prayers as they work through the complex investigation spanning multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the morning’s events as potentially the worst tragedy the city of approximately 180,000 residents has ever experienced. “This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Arceneaux said. “It’s a terrible morning.”

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Eight children lost their lives and two additional victims were wounded during a devastating domestic violence incident that unfolded across multiple locations in a Shreveport neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to local authorities.

The young victims, ranging from just 1 year old to approximately 14 years old, included children who were related to the shooter, according to Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon. The adult male suspect was killed during a police pursuit after he carjacked a vehicle while fleeing the scene. Police have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the violent rampage, and the current condition of the two wounded victims remains unknown.

This tragedy marks the most deadly mass shooting incident in the United States in over two years.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” Bordelon stated.

Law enforcement officers opened fire on the suspect during a vehicle pursuit that occurred after he stole a car while escaping from the shooting locations, Bordelon explained.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect by name, confirming only that he was an adult male.

Investigators continue working to piece together evidence from the crime scenes located south of Shreveport’s downtown area, which span two residential properties and a third location.

Neighbor Liza Demming, whose home sits two doors away from one of the attack sites, reported that her security system recorded footage of the suspect fleeing the area along with audio of two gunshots.

“That’s pretty much all I saw, was him running out of the house and the cars leaving,” she explained.

When Demming ventured outside later, she discovered a child’s covered body on the home’s rooftop. She indicated she was unfamiliar with the gunman’s identity.

“He looks like the dad that comes over here,” she noted, mentioning that he had been with the children just days earlier.

Pastor Marty T. Johnson Sr. of St. Gabriel Community Baptist Church, who owns one of the properties where the shootings took place, explained that an employee had rented the residence to the family, though he had no direct contact with them.

“I don’t really know them, I really don’t,” he said. “I do plan on having a prayer vigil for the family, and anything I can do, with so many children, to help them bury the children, I’m going to do so.”

According to a database tracked by The Associated Press and USA Today in collaboration with Northeastern University, this incident represents the most fatal mass shooting in the United States since eight people were murdered in a Chicago-area community in January 2024.

During a press briefing held outside one of the shooting locations, officials appeared visibly shaken while asking the community for patience and prayers as they process the multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” stated Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux of the northwestern Louisiana city, which has approximately 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police confirmed that Shreveport authorities have requested their detectives to take over the investigation. State police issued a statement confirming that no law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting incident that occurred after the police chase extended into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are encouraging anyone who has photographs, video footage, or information related to the case to contact their detectives.

Both Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, released separate statements expressing their devastation and commending law enforcement’s response to the crisis.

“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson stated.

Eight young victims between 1 and 14 years old lost their lives Sunday when an adult male opened fire at multiple locations in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what authorities are calling a domestic violence incident that became the nation’s most deadly mass shooting in over two years.

Shreveport police report that 10 individuals total were wounded in the violence that unfolded across two residences and a third location in the area south of the city’s downtown district. Police spokesman Chris Bordelon confirmed the shooter perished following a pursuit with law enforcement officers who opened fire on the suspect after he had taken a stolen vehicle while fleeing the shooting scenes.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the shooter’s identity, though they confirmed he was an adult male. Bordelon indicated that several of the young victims had family connections to the gunman.

Bordelon described the aftermath as stemming from a domestic disturbance, telling reporters: “This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen.”

The tragedy has prompted responses from high-ranking officials, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who hails from Shreveport and serves the northwest Louisiana region in Congress.

“Heartbreaking tragedy in Shreveport this morning — 8 children were senselessly killed and multiple others were injured. My team is in touch with local law enforcement as more details emerge,” Johnson stated.

He continued: “We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. And we are grateful to the Shreveport, Bossier, and Louisiana State Police for their swift response.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also expressed his condolences, saying he and his wife were heartbroken by the events. “We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Landry stated.

Louisiana State Police have joined the investigation and confirmed that no law enforcement personnel were injured during the officer-involved shooting that concluded the chase in Bossier City Sunday morning. Investigators are requesting that anyone with photographs, video footage, or information contact state police detectives.

According to data compiled by The Associated Press and USA Today working with Northeastern University, this incident represents the most fatal mass shooting since January 2024, when eight people were killed in a Chicago-area community.

Local officials appeared visibly shaken during a press briefing held near one of the shooting locations, asking the community for patience and prayers as they processed the multiple crime scenes.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith struggled to find words, saying: “I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback. I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the morning’s events unprecedented for the northwestern Louisiana city, which is home to approximately 180,000 residents. “This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Arceneaux said. “It’s a terrible morning.”

A devastating shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana has claimed the lives of eight children, according to local police officials.

The young victims were between one and approximately 14 years old, Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon confirmed. Ten people in total were struck by gunfire during the incident.

Police have not yet released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the condition of the two surviving victims.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Five people were injured when gunfire broke out during a large brawl in Iowa City’s entertainment area near the University of Iowa campus in the early hours of Sunday morning, law enforcement and university officials confirmed.

Iowa City police reported that several victims were rushed to area hospitals with gunshot injuries.

Authorities said one victim remains in critical condition, while the other four are listed in stable condition.

As of Sunday morning, no suspects have been taken into custody, campus officials announced in an alert. Law enforcement has released photographs showing groups of individuals they consider persons of interest in the case.

Police explained that officers were already heading to the downtown area in response to calls about a major disturbance near the pedestrian mall, which houses numerous bars and restaurants, when gunshots rang out.

Social media footage captured several altercations erupting outside a bar’s outdoor seating area, followed by dozens of panicked people fleeing the scene.

University President Barbara Wilson confirmed that three of the wounded were students and announced that counseling services would be made available to the campus community.

“While we await additional information, I am thinking about these students and their families, friends, and all the people who care about them. I am holding them close in my thoughts, along with everyone in our community who is hurting or feeling shaken right now,” Wilson said in a statement.

The university enrolls approximately 31,000 students.

“This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who offered state assistance with the investigation.

Campus officials sent multiple emergency notifications warning students to avoid the downtown area. “While the investigation is in its early stages, there are no indications any university students were the intended victims,” one alert said.

Coast Guard search crews have located a capsized vessel in waters off Saipan during their ongoing mission to find a missing cargo ship that ran into trouble during severe weather conditions.

An HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point discovered the overturned boat on Saturday while conducting search operations for the Mariana, a cargo vessel that went missing after mechanical problems struck.

The Mariana, which measures 145 feet in length and carries a U.S. registration, encountered engine troubles on Wednesday just as a powerful typhoon was approaching Saipan and surrounding islands in the Pacific region.

Search and rescue operations continue as Coast Guard teams work to determine the connection between the capsized vessel and the missing cargo ship that disappeared during the severe weather event.

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. — Law enforcement officers used rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse nearly 1,000 animal rights demonstrators who attempted to force their way into a Wisconsin beagle breeding operation on Saturday, resulting in multiple arrests including the protest leader.

The confrontation at Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds marked the second time in two months that activists have targeted the facility, located roughly 25 miles southwest of Madison, in an effort to remove dogs from the premises.

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett described the scene in a video statement, saying 300 to 400 demonstrators were “violently trying to break into the property” and assault officers. Barrett noted that protesters had abandoned designated peaceful demonstration zones and were blocking roadways, preventing emergency responders from accessing the area.

“This is not a peaceful protest,” Barrett said.

Authorities reported arresting a “significant” number of individuals from the crowd of approximately 1,000 protesters, though exact figures were not available Saturday afternoon as processing continued.

Demonstrators attempted to breach multiple security measures including a trench filled with manure, hay bales, and barbed wire fencing. While some activists managed to penetrate the perimeter, none succeeded in accessing the building housing an estimated 2,000 beagles, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

“I just feel defeated,” activist Julie Vrzeski told the newspaper approximately three hours after the operation began with no dogs successfully removed. The protesters later relocated to demonstrate outside the Madison jail.

The Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs had announced plans to take the animals on Sunday but moved their operation up by one day. Group leader Wayne Hsiung’s social media account posted an image of his arrest at the scene.

Sheriff’s officials reported arresting an individual who “recklessly” drove a pickup truck through the facility’s front gate, “preventing a potentially deadly outcome.”

In March, demonstrators broke into the same facility and removed 30 dogs, leading to the arrest of 27 people on trespassing and related charges.

While Ridglan has maintained it does not mistreat animals, the company agreed in October to surrender its state breeding license by July 1 as part of an agreement to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment allegations.

According to the company’s website, Ridglan states that “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”

As cost-of-living concerns continue to weigh heavily on families nationwide, NPR correspondent Jennifer Ludden recently discussed her ongoing coverage of government policies affecting Americans’ ability to secure affordable housing and food.

Ludden’s reporting focuses on examining how various policy decisions at different levels of government influence whether families can access basic necessities within their budgets. Her work explores the intersection of policy-making and everyday affordability challenges that an increasing number of Americans face.

The journalist’s coverage comes at a time when housing costs and food prices remain significant financial burdens for many households across the country.

LOS ANGELES — California authorities have handed down sentences to three individuals involved in an elaborate insurance fraud scheme that featured a person wearing a bear costume to simulate wildlife damage to expensive vehicles.

According to the California Insurance Department, the trio orchestrated fake bear attacks on a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes vehicles during 2024, then filed false insurance claims attempting to collect almost $142,000. Officials dubbed the investigation “Operation Bear Claw.”

Two men from the Los Angeles region and one woman entered no contest pleas to felony insurance fraud charges and received sentences including a weekend incarceration program and subsequent probation, the department announced Thursday. Two defendants must pay more than $50,000 in restitution.

A fourth suspect is scheduled for a court appearance in September.

Investigators say the group submitted multiple videos recorded in the San Bernardino Mountains showing what appeared to be a bear moving around inside the vehicles as evidence for their damage claims. Department photographs reveal apparent claw marks on vehicle seats and doors.

When a California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist examined the video evidence, the expert determined it was “clearly a human in a bear suit,” according to the insurance department.

During a search of the suspects’ residence under warrant, investigators discovered the bear costume, the department reported.

Genuine bear encounters have become increasingly common throughout California, from Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains to suburban areas near Los Angeles, where the animals have been documented entering homes, accessing refrigerators, and using residential pools and spas.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — When Charlie Price attended school, his Revolutionary War education covered the basics: George Washington, Bunker Hill, and the patriots’ victory. What he didn’t discover until joining a Revolutionary War reenactment group was how much history had been left out of those lessons.

This Saturday, the Lexington Minutemen will commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington in Massachusetts, just as they have for decades. Among the historical figures they’ll honor is Prince Estabrook, an enslaved man who stood alongside his white neighbors on Lexington Green on April 19, 1775, when British forces advanced. Though wounded in the fighting, Estabrook continued serving through multiple military campaigns during the war.

“I wasn’t surprised that we didn’t know about it,” said Price, a 95-year-old Black Korean War veteran who portrayed Estabrook for five decades. “I was surprised that there was one Black soldier out here.”

With America’s 250th birthday approaching, Estabrook and other patriots of color are gaining recognition through nationwide initiatives designed to present a fuller picture of the nation’s founding.

Traditional museum displays, documentaries and educational programs have typically highlighted white Revolutionary leaders like Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere.

Christopher Brown, who studies British Empire history at Columbia University, explained that the Revolution has historically been presented as a “simple story and a moral story that celebrates American origins and that looks to the American past in a kind of idealized version of what the present is.”

However, recent decades have brought “a more accurate view of the past” that reveals the diverse group of men and women who played vital roles in America’s fight for independence.

“There were Black men in the ranks who were fighting in Concord and Lexington and fought on Bunker Hill,” he said. “They knew all of the work that women were doing to support the revolutionary effort. The fact that we didn’t know that is more of a sign of our lack of curiosity and the need for greater research.”

According to National Park Service data, more than 5,500 patriots of color — both Black and Indigenous people — served with colonial forces by the Revolution’s end, while numerous runaway slaves joined British ranks.

These Black patriots’ experiences cannot be separated from slavery, which was legally practiced across all 13 colonies. Some Black fighters were enslaved while others enlisted hoping to earn their freedom. Indigenous warriors faced similar choices while their tribes battled for survival.

Despite documented evidence of this military diversity, efforts to share these narratives face challenges. The Trump administration has mandated removal or censorship of certain exhibits focusing on slavery history, enslaved individuals, the Civil Rights Movement and Indigenous mistreatment.

Roger Davidson, Jr., who teaches history at Bowie State University, warns that ignoring this crucial historical chapter affects communities of color today.

“If you’re not seen as having contributed to society, to the military, to any of it, then people can sort of overlook you,” Davidson said. “It plays into, and I hate to put it this way, but it plays into some people’s biases. Why should we pay any attention to you in the present day, politically, socially, economically, if you have not contributed?”

MA250 has distributed millions in grants to commemorate Massachusetts battles that sparked America’s independence. Grant recipients include the Black Heritage Trail in Concord, which spotlights Black residents’ lives during the Revolutionary period.

Museums celebrating Black patriots have also secured funding. Featured figures include Crispus Attucks, a sailor with African and Indigenous heritage who died March 5, 1770, when British soldiers opened fire on civilians in the Boston Massacre. Another is Salem Poor, who bought his freedom from slavery before fighting at Bunker Hill.

American Ancestors, a Boston-based nonprofit history organization that received MA250 funding, launches its “Patriots of Color” exhibition next week, focusing on 26 Black and Indigenous men and women who participated in the American Revolution. Featured individuals include Prince Ames, a Black and Narragansett man from Andover who was forced into Continental Army service in his enslaver’s place, and Paul Cuffe, a Black and Wampanoag businessman who petitioned Massachusetts officials against taxation without representation.

Descendants of some featured patriots will attend the exhibition opening.

“By telling these lesser known stories, we want to highlight that ordinary people made a tremendous difference in the arc of the country’s history,” Ryan Woods, president and CEO of American Ancestors, said.

Historical documentation about Prince Estabrook’s life remains limited, but National Park Service records suggest he was born around 1740 in the Lexington vicinity. Since his father was enslaved by landowner Benjamin Estabrook, Prince was born into bondage.

Details about his pre-military life are unclear. Park Service records show he served under Colonel John Parker’s command on April 19, 1775, when a musket ball struck his left shoulder. Following his recovery, he served eight years with both militia and Continental Army units.

Post-Revolution, he gained his freedom and returned to Lexington, where 1790 tax documents list him on Benjamin Estabrook’s payroll as ‘a non-white freeman.’ Whether he married, had children or owned land remains unknown.

Family records indicate he died in 1830 at approximately age 90 and was buried in the same Ashby, Massachusetts cemetery as Benjamin’s son, Nathan.

Price, who has passed reenactment responsibilities to a younger participant but continues attending annual morning commemorations, emphasizes the importance of preserving the soldier’s memory.

“Keep the story alive to make sure that everybody knows, everybody that we can get in touch with, everybody knows that Prince Estabrook was here,” Price said. “He was a viable person. He did his role, he did his part in fighting for the country.”

A federal jury has awarded $11.8 million to a college student who permanently lost vision in one eye after Los Angeles police fired a projectile into a crowd of Dodgers fans celebrating their 2020 World Series championship.

The verdict came Thursday following a lawsuit filed by Isaac Castellanos, now 27, who was struck in the face during the early morning hours of October 28, 2020, while peacefully joining festivities in downtown Los Angeles.

Castellanos suffered permanent blindness in one eye and brought a federal civil rights case in 2022, claiming officers used excessive force. His lawsuit stated that Los Angeles Police Department personnel moved toward the celebrating crowd and began shooting projectiles — referred to as “less lethal” rounds such as rubber bullets and bean bags — without any advance warning.

The jury reached their decision in under two hours of deliberation. Castellanos became emotional as he sat beside his legal team when the verdict was announced.

“He is incredibly relieved and feels very vindicated,” said Monique Alarcon, Castellanos’ attorney. “He’s really hopeful … that this will cause the LAPD to take a hard look at their crowd control practices.”

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

At the time of the incident, Castellanos was completing his final year at California State University, Long Beach, and had bright prospects as a competitive esports athlete, according to his lawyer. Just weeks before being injured, he and a partner had claimed first place in a gaming tournament, earning a $40,000 prize.

“He was at a pivotal point in his life … and this completely derailed him,” Alarcon explained.

The Los Angeles Police Department faces multiple ongoing legal challenges regarding their deployment of less lethal weapons for crowd management.

Following incidents where journalists were struck by projectiles during protests against immigration policies, a federal judge prohibited LA officers from using rubber bullets and similar weapons against members of the media.

Additionally, a federal judge issued an order in January preventing the LAPD from deploying 40 mm launchers — another category of less lethal weapon — in any crowd control scenarios.

California enacted restrictions in 2021 limiting the use of such weapons until other methods of crowd control have been attempted first. Officers are prohibited from firing “indiscriminately” into groups of people or targeting the head, neck, or other vital body parts. The weapons also cannot be used solely for curfew violations, verbal confrontations with police, or failure to follow officer commands.

DECATUR, Ga. — Roommates of a former Navy serviceman now facing murder charges say he left their shared residence following a heated confrontation about the home’s temperature control just hours before a deadly shooting rampage in the Atlanta metro area.

Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed what may have motivated the Monday morning violence. One of those killed was a federal employee with the Department of Homeland Security who was out with her pet near where the accused shooter lived.

The defendant, 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel from the United Kingdom, faces multiple charges in DeKalb County including two malice murder counts, aggravated assault, and weapons violations. Federal prosecutors announced Friday he’s also charged with illegal gun possession, alongside another individual accused of purchasing the weapon for him.

Adon Abel shared living space with six other people in individual rooms through PadSplit, a service providing affordable communal housing options. He received American citizenship in 2022 during his naval service near San Diego.

According to three housemates who spoke with The Associated Press, Adon Abel and another male resident engaged in a loud confrontation Sunday evening regarding the extremely low temperature Adon Abel maintained throughout their Panthersville home, located southeast of Atlanta.

“He (kept) the house freezing,” housemate Angela Britton explained Friday. “It’s not the first time they got into it about the AC. But that time was a real big argument.”

Fellow resident Lakisha Mckinzie described being so frightened by the altercation that she contacted her mother before going to sleep, requesting prayers for everyone’s well-being and mentioning ongoing “chaos and tension” within the household.

Mckinzie revealed she had felt unsafe around Adon Abel since he made unwanted physical contact with her the previous month following a date request. She said he regularly appeared at her door during late hours, though she never responded. Despite multiple complaints to her landlord, no corrective measures were implemented. PadSplit has not responded to inquiries about their knowledge of Adon Abel’s alleged conduct.

Following the confrontation, housemates reported that Adon Abel gathered his belongings in a large bag and departed in his vehicle shortly past midnight Monday.

Approximately 12:50 a.m., roughly five miles from the residence, 31-year-old Prianna Weathers suffered fatal gunshot wounds outside a Decatur-area restaurant, according to investigators.

Around 2 a.m., a 49-year-old unhoused individual was shot repeatedly while resting outside a grocery establishment in Brookhaven, approximately 12 miles northwest of the initial incident, stated Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley. The victim, whose identity remains withheld, continues receiving medical treatment in stable but serious condition as of Thursday.

Department of Homeland Security employee Lauren Bullis, who was exercising her dog several hundred feet from Adon Abel’s residence, was discovered around 7 a.m. suffering from both gunshot and knife wounds.

Officials have connected Adon Abel to all three violent incidents, though it remains uncertain whether he had prior contact with any victims — investigators believe at least one person was chosen randomly.

Georgia State Patrol officers detained Adon Abel’s vehicle around 11 a.m. Monday in Troup County, close to the Georgia-Alabama state line. Investigators reported discovering ammunition and bullet casings inside that matched evidence from Weathers’ murder scene. The firearm and additional casings were recovered near where Bullis was found, Hertzberg stated.

Federal charges for unlawful firearm possession were also filed against Adon Abel on Friday.

He shares these federal weapons charges with 35-year-old homeless individual Damon Marquis Yarns. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, the chief federal prosecutor for northern Georgia, said Yarns admitted to purchasing the shooting weapon for Adon Abel while falsely claiming ownership on federal documentation.

Adon Abel stands accused of illegal gun possession due to his previous felony conviction history.

Monday’s violent crimes prompted Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to release a statement questioning Adon Abel’s citizenship approval during Joe Biden’s presidency. Mullin detailed various prior alleged criminal activities, though the timing of these incidents relative to his citizenship remains unclear.

California court documents show Adon Abel entered guilty pleas in October 2024 in San Diego County for assault with a deadly weapon and criminal vandalism charges stemming from an alleged attack involving two police officers and a civilian.

Online records indicate someone with matching personal details pleaded guilty in June in Chatham County, Georgia, to four misdemeanor sexual battery charges.

Yarns allegedly purchased the 9mm handgun used in the shootings from a licensed Atlanta firearms dealer on February 20. Hertzberg reported that a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent interviewed Yarns Thursday, during which Yarns admitted buying the weapon for a Nigerian or British acquaintance known only as “Abdul or Obie,” later identifying Adon Abel from a photograph.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A pair of U.S. Army personnel sustained injuries following a dangerous encounter with a brown bear while conducting military training exercises in Alaska’s mountainous terrain, according to military officials who announced the incident on Friday.

The bear attack occurred on Thursday while the service members were taking part in navigation training exercises within Arctic Valley, located in the training grounds of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

As of Friday, both injured soldiers were receiving medical treatment, according to a military representative who spoke with the Anchorage Daily News. Attempts by The Associated Press to reach base communications staff went unanswered on Friday.

Military officials have not disclosed the extent of the soldiers’ injuries while they work to contact family members.

During the dangerous encounter, both service members deployed pepper spray against the bear, the official confirmed. Additional information about the incident remains limited as investigators continue their work.

“The safety and well-being of our personnel is our highest priority,” Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, said in an email to the Anchorage Daily News.

“The incident is under investigation, and we are coordinating with local wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of all personnel in the area,” she said.

The military installation spans 100 square miles within Anchorage’s municipal boundaries, serving as habitat for an estimated 350 black bears and 75 brown bears that move freely throughout the region.

A federal wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by relatives of a Kansas jail inmate who died after a sheriff’s deputy allegedly pressed his knee into the handcuffed man’s back for more than a minute.

Legal representatives for Charles Adair’s family announced the civil action Friday while again calling for public disclosure of surveillance footage showing the incident.

The lawsuit, submitted to federal court earlier this month, targets Wyandotte County’s sheriff, the combined government entity for the county and Kansas City, Kansas, plus Richard Fatherley, the deputy facing second-degree murder charges in connection with Adair’s death.

“The public has a right to transparency when someone dies in custody in this manner,” Ben Crump, an attorney who is representing the family, said in a news release.

Both Crump and fellow civil rights lawyer Harry Daniels have been permitted to view the surveillance footage. However, the sheriff’s department has refused to provide the video to The Associated Press following a public records request.

Adair faced arrest last July for misdemeanor warrants stemming from missed court appearances related to traffic infractions. According to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent’s affidavit, Adair’s leg required amputation due to severe infection, leading to immediate hospitalization upon arrest.

Medical personnel diagnosed Adair with a bone infection commonly seen in diabetic patients before he could return to jail. A health evaluation also revealed he had schizophrenia, court documents state.

The civil complaint indicates Adair appeared confused and disoriented, with jail staff recognizing that his medical issues “was affecting his brain.”

The fatal incident occurred the next evening after medical staff rewrapped Adair’s leg. He became involved in a dispute with the deputy transporting him back to his cell via wheelchair. Court records show Adair eventually threw himself from the wheelchair.

Back in his cell, Adair was positioned face-down on the lower bunk with his legs and knees touching the floor. Legal documents and the lawsuit indicate he repeatedly screamed “Help!”

The legal filing states that while Adair was following orders, Fatherley “pressed his body weight onto Mr. Adair’s back.” Additional deputies removed Adair’s restraints as Fatherley moved his weight forward.

According to the lawsuit, other law enforcement personnel present failed to step in, and deputies did not adjust their approach to accommodate Adair’s obvious mental health struggles.

The complaint also alleges that Fatherley, currently on administrative leave and released on bail, maintained access to his department email system after being charged, enabling contact with sheriff’s office personnel who witnessed the incident.

Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Capt. Michael Kroening confirmed Fatherley’s email access was terminated April 13 following the lawsuit’s filing. He refused additional comment due to ongoing litigation. County representatives did not respond to requests for comment.

A status hearing in Fatherley’s criminal case is scheduled for next month. His defense attorney, James Spies, has characterized Adair’s death as “a tragic accident” unrelated to his client’s conduct. Spies’ office did not return Friday phone messages.

A Utah judge is considering whether to prohibit television cameras and live streaming from the courtroom in the high-profile murder case against Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of killing conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

Robinson’s defense team argued Friday that allowing media broadcasts creates prejudicial coverage that threatens their client’s constitutional right to receive a fair trial in the aggravated murder case.

Defense attorney Michael Burt presented video evidence showing legal commentators on various news programs making character judgments about Robinson based on his courtroom demeanor, with analysts suggesting his body language demonstrated a lack of remorse and compassion. One commentator went as far as labeling him “a monster.”

Trial consultant Bryan Edelman, testifying for the defense, emphasized the damaging nature of such coverage. “Negative character evidence is some of the most prejudicial pretrial evidence you can have,” Edelman stated. “We don’t need to create a circus-like reality show out of the trial.”

The prosecution is pursuing capital punishment if Robinson is found guilty of Kirk’s September 10 killing.

The 23-year-old defendant, who was enrolled in an electrical training program when the shooting occurred, allegedly fired one shot from a rooftop that fatally wounded Kirk during a public debate with students at Utah Valley University in Orem.

However, Kirk’s surviving spouse Erika Kirk, along with news organizations and state prosecutors, are advocating for continued camera access during court sessions. They contend that transparent broadcasting represents the most effective method to combat false narratives and conspiracy theories circulating about the incident.

Kirk gained recognition for his efforts in encouraging young people to vote, contributing to President Donald Trump’s successful 2024 campaign. His public assassination before thousands of witnesses highlighted the escalating political violence occurring across the nation.

The defense also requested postponement of Robinson’s scheduled mid-May preliminary hearing, where prosecutors must demonstrate probable cause by presenting adequate evidence that a crime took place.

Defense counsel Richard Novak told the court his team has not yet received crucial DNA analysis files required for their expert witnesses to review. He asked for a four-month postponement of the proceedings.

Utah County prosecutor Ryan McBride countered that the DNA materials are unnecessary for establishing probable cause, noting that the state possesses additional evidence to support their case.

District Court Judge Tony Graff indicated he would announce his decisions on both matters at a future hearing.

Federal investigators have released new details about a deadly helicopter crash off Hawaii’s Kauai island last month, revealing the pilot’s account of the terrifying moments before the aircraft plunged into the ocean, claiming three lives.

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, made public Friday, describes how the pilot told investigators he felt intense vibrations coursing through the helicopter that “came in waves and became stronger each time” during the March 26 sightseeing tour.

The aircraft was carrying five people total when it went down near the remote Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s North Shore. This rugged area, accessible only through an 11-mile trek on foot or by watercraft, features towering coastal cliffs and jagged mountain peaks that create dangerous flying conditions with unpredictable weather and turbulent air currents.

Both the pilot and one passenger suffered severe injuries but survived the crash.

The pilot’s account details how the trouble began during a routine left turn away from the coastline. The helicopter suddenly started rotating rapidly in a clockwise direction, prompting him to execute an autorotation maneuver that uses airflow rather than engine power to keep the rotors spinning. This technique successfully halted the dangerous spinning motion. The pilot issued a mayday distress call before the aircraft struck the water approximately 75 yards from shore.

Upon impact, the helicopter tilted onto its right side and became partly submerged. The preliminary findings do not explain how two occupants managed to survive or specify the seating arrangement of the surviving passenger.

An eyewitness pilot flying in the vicinity observed the accident and told investigators the helicopter looked undamaged before hitting the water and breaking into pieces.

The three fatalities have been identified as Margaret Rimmler, 65, and Patrick Haskell, 59, both residents of Massachusetts, along with 40-year-old Ukrainian citizen Oksana Pihol.

Airborne Aviation operated the doomed aircraft, offering scenic tours showcasing Kauai’s dramatic canyons, coastline, and cascading waterfalls. The company markets a “doors-off thrill seekers adventure tour” accommodating up to four passengers. Helicopter excursions remain a favored method for experiencing the spectacular cliffs, pristine beaches, and waterfalls that define the Na Pali Coast.

Aviation safety specialist Jeff Guzzetti suggests the described vibrations and sudden rotation indicate a mechanical malfunction, potentially involving the tail rotor system, though determining the exact cause remains premature.

“Certainly it seems to lead to a mechanical failure in the helicopter, which would point the investigation to maintenance and design issues,” explained Guzzetti, a former crash investigator for both the NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration.

Guzzetti praised the pilot’s response, noting that while he successfully stopped the spinning, insufficient time and altitude prevented reaching the safety of the beach.

This tragedy adds to a troubling pattern of fatal helicopter accidents that has haunted the tourism industry for years. Hawaii has witnessed at least 16 helicopter crash deaths over the past seven years, including two separate incidents in 2019.

Similar deadly crashes have occurred in other tourist destinations nationwide. New York has experienced several fatal incidents, including a Hudson River crash last year that killed a pilot and five Spanish tourists, a 2018 “open door” charter flight that claimed five lives in the East River, and a 2009 mid-air collision between a plane and tourist helicopter over the Hudson that resulted in nine deaths.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Motorists traveling through East Tennessee encountered an unusual traffic delay Friday when a commercial truck hauling approximately one million bees overturned on Interstate 40.

The accident forced officials to temporarily close the exit ramp from eastbound I-40 to Henley Street in Knoxville as the massive swarm escaped from the damaged vehicle. Mark Nagi, a regional spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, confirmed no one was hurt in the incident.

“The ramp from I-40 East to Henley Street is back open but the truck is destroyed and the bees are… well… buzzing. Unless you are dressed in this outfit please stay in your vehicles in this area,” Nagi wrote in a social media post, accompanied by a photograph showing someone wearing protective beekeeping equipment.

By Friday evening, Nagi announced that specialized workers had successfully relocated all the bees from the crash site and the damaged truck had been towed away.

The unusual incident sparked numerous bee-related jokes and wordplay across social media platforms.

“So, this is the buzz around town?” wrote U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett on social media. “This stuff just writes itself.”

Transportation officials in Virginia also chimed in, referencing a similar 2018 incident on Interstate 495 where bees escaped from a crashed truck, prompting authorities at the time to advise drivers to “Please roll up your windows.”

A decades-old murder case involving the disappearance of a young boy is heading toward its third trial after a New York judge refused to throw out charges against the accused killer.

Pedro Hernandez, 65, will face trial again for the abduction and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who vanished while walking to his school bus in 1979. The defendant has remained in custody since authorities arrested him in 2012, and he’s scheduled to return to court in June for a status hearing. Officials have not announced when the trial will begin.

The little boy disappeared during a short two-block journey to catch his school bus on the first morning his mother allowed him to make the trip alone. Etan’s case gained national attention as one of the earliest missing children featured on milk cartons, and the date he went missing, May 25, later became National Missing Children’s Day.

Judge Michele Rodney rejected defense arguments that prosecutors took too long to bring charges against Hernandez and that extensive media attention over the years would prevent him from receiving a fair trial.

“The court will carefully work, together with the parties, to ensure that jurors are selected who promise to be fair and to consider only the evidence and the law, despite what they have learned about the case from the media,” Rodney wrote.

Neither Hernandez’s defense team nor prosecutors provided statements following the judge’s decision.

At the time of Etan’s disappearance, Hernandez worked as a 19-year-old employee at a neighborhood convenience store, but he didn’t emerge as a suspect until 2012. Investigators received information that Hernandez had previously told acquaintances he had killed a child or young person in New York.

Following seven hours of police questioning and before being informed of his Miranda rights, Hernandez admitted to strangling Etan in the store’s basement after luring him inside with the promise of a soda. After being read his rights, Hernandez repeated his confession on camera, telling investigators: “Something just took over me.”

Defense attorneys have argued that Hernandez’s statements represent the delusions of someone with mental illness and intellectual disabilities who became confused and tormented by a widely publicized crime that occurred near his workplace.

The legal proceedings have stretched across multiple years and trials. Hernandez’s first trial in 2015 concluded without a verdict when jurors couldn’t reach agreement, while a second trial in 2017 resulted in a conviction. However, a federal appeals court later reversed that guilty verdict, ruling that the trial judge improperly handled a jury inquiry about evaluating Hernandez’s confessions.

Manhattan prosecutors have committed to pursuing the case again while simultaneously asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate Hernandez’s conviction. The Supreme Court has not indicated whether it will review the case.

A former New York City police sergeant convicted of manslaughter will remain free while challenging his conviction in the death of a man who crashed his scooter after being struck by a thrown picnic cooler, an appeals court judge decided Friday.

Judge Saliann Scarpulla of the state’s Appellate Division granted the release of Erik Duran one week after he received a sentence of three to nine years behind bars for the 2023 death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey. The lower court had immediately jailed Duran following his sentencing.

Scarpulla set Duran’s release conditions at $300,000 in cash or bond and required him to give up his passport to his attorneys, who must hold it throughout the appeals process.

Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association representing Duran, called the decision “This is a major win for Erik and his family and for law enforcement officers around the country.”

However, Jon Roberts, representing Duprey’s family, expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating they were “deeply disappointed” by Scarpulla’s decision.

“While we respect the appellate process, this outcome reopens painful wounds for a family that has already endured an immense loss,” Roberts said. “Our focus remains on seeking accountability and ensuring that the seriousness of what occurred is never diminished.”

The 38-year-old Duran, who is married with three children, became the first former NYPD officer in at least twenty years to receive a prison sentence for a death that occurred while on duty. During sentencing proceedings, defense attorney Andrew Quinn noted that Duran will forever be remembered as “the cooler cop.”

Defense lawyer Arthur Aidala petitioned the Appellate Division after Judge Guy Mitchell denied bail following sentencing. Duran had been held at New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex for the past week.

According to Aidala, the appellate court’s decision to free Duran indicates the panel recognizes “legitimate appellate issues in Sgt Duran’s case” and confirms “he is not a flight risk nor a danger to the community.”

The incident occurred during a drug enforcement operation on August 23, 2023, when Duran was working with a narcotics unit conducting a “buy-and-bust” operation in the Bronx. According to police reports, Duprey had sold drugs to an undercover officer before attempting to escape on his scooter.

During his February trial testimony, Duran claimed he threw the ice-filled cooler at Duprey to protect fellow officers from harm.

The cooler hit Duprey, causing him to lose control of his scooter and collide with a tree before hitting the ground. Without wearing protective headgear, Duprey suffered fatal head trauma and died almost immediately, prosecutors stated.

The case has sparked intense debate between police reform advocates, who have dubbed Duran the “cooler killer,” and law enforcement supporters who argue that imprisoning him discourages officers from making necessary quick decisions in dangerous situations.

This week, the New York Islanders hockey team displayed a message on their arena’s video board encouraging fans to contribute to Duran’s legal defense fund. The display featured a QR code and messaging from the Sergeants Benevolent Association asking supporters to join “the fight for justice.”

Vallelong explained that the fundraising effort developed after a New York Post contact informed him the Islanders “wanted to do something” for Duran. The team also committed to donating 25% of their 50/50 raffle earnings to support Duran, the union reported.

Roberts criticized the Islanders’ involvement, saying the family was “deeply troubled” by the team’s decision to “align themselves, even symbolically, with efforts that appear to support Sgt. Duran’s legal defense.”

“This was not a neutral act,” Roberts said. “It sends a message — intended or not — that risks undermining public confidence in a fair legal process and deepens the pain of a family still grieving.”

Federal authorities say a former University of Alabama football player orchestrated an elaborate disguise scheme to steal the identities of NFL athletes and secure millions in fraudulent loans.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Atlanta federal prosecutors, Luther Davis donned wigs and makeup to pose as professional football players during video conference calls with lenders. In one instance during early 2024, Davis allegedly used cosmetics and a hairpiece while calling from an upscale Atlanta-area hotel to secure a $4 million loan.

The charging documents reveal Davis successfully deceived investors into believing they were lending money to legitimate NFL players. Federal officials say Davis continued the deception through March and July, using different disguises including wigs and a do-rag-style head covering to impersonate two additional professional athletes during separate video calls.

Prosecutors have not disclosed exactly how the disguises enabled Davis to convincingly portray the three different players, and the complaint identifies the NFL athletes only by their initials.

Both Davis and alleged co-conspirator CJ Evins face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. While both entered not guilty pleas in March, court documents show they are scheduled to change their pleas to guilty during an April 27 hearing.

Attempts to reach Davis’s lawyer Gabe Banks and Evins’s attorney Benjamin Alper for comment were unsuccessful.

The charging documents state that none of the impersonated NFL players had given Davis and Evins permission to obtain loans in their names. Beyond the video call disguises, prosecutors allege Davis created counterfeit driver’s licenses using photographs of the players found on the internet.

The fraudulent operation netted approximately $20 million through at least 13 bogus loans, which the defendants allegedly spent on real estate purchases, jewelry, and vehicles, according to federal authorities.

Davis was part of Alabama’s 2010 national championship team during his time with the Crimson Tide.

A UPS freight aircraft was forced to execute an emergency maneuver at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport early Tuesday morning when a smaller aircraft unexpectedly entered the runway during its landing approach.

Air traffic control urgently shouted “Skylab 25, stop!” to the smaller aircraft before immediately directing the UPS jet to execute a go-around procedure, preventing what could have been a catastrophic collision at the major shipping hub. Audio recordings of the incident were made available through LiveATC.net.

The near-miss occurred at approximately 12:10 a.m. on Tuesday, with no injuries reported from either aircraft.

Following the cargo jet’s successful evasive action, the controller questioned “Skylab 25, what are you doing?”

The pilot of the small plane replied “Skylab 25, yeah, sorry about that.”

Federal Aviation Administration officials have launched an investigation into the incident.

This close call adds to a concerning pattern of similar aviation incidents occurring nationwide. Just days earlier, a Frontier Airlines aircraft nearly struck two ground vehicles that crossed its path while taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport. Another incident this week in Charlotte, North Carolina involved an American Airlines pilot who had to apply emergency brakes when a truck crossed a taxiway.

The Louisville airport was also the site of a tragic UPS crash last November, when a cargo plane went down after an engine separated during takeoff, resulting in 14 fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday it will conduct investigative hearings beginning May 19 to examine the causes of that deadly accident.

Last month at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck that had received clearance to cross the runway just seconds before the plane’s landing, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of passengers.

The dental community and patients are honoring the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a dedicated mother and compassionate dentist who authorities say was fatally shot by her estranged husband, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.

Authorities discovered both bodies in their Annandale, Virginia home early Thursday morning in what police believe was a murder-suicide. Investigators say Justin Fairfax shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. The couple was in the midst of divorce proceedings, and a judge had ordered Justin Fairfax to vacate the residence by month’s end.

Dr. Cerina Fairfax, age 49, operated a successful family dental practice in Fairfax, Virginia. Her professional profile described her as someone who enjoyed reading, traveling, yoga, trail running with her Vizsla dogs, and “spend time with her wonderful family.”

Virginia Representative Jennifer McClellan, who became acquainted with Fairfax during her husband’s political career, said the couple’s two teenage children were “the people she cherished most.”

“Cerina Fairfax was a loving and dedicated mother and the rock at the center of her large family,” McClellan stated.

Patient and friend Terron Sims II described her as a gentle and compassionate person whose dental work went beyond mere profession.

“It was an expression of love and compassion,” Sims told WUSA-TV. “It was her way of service to others.”

In 2015, the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry honored Dr. Fairfax as the Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade. Interim Dean Dr. Jeffrey Johnson expressed how deeply her death has affected those who knew her.

“As a clinician and alumna, Dr. Fairfax embodied the ideals of our profession — dedication to her patients, commitment to growth, and a deep sense of purpose in her work each day,” Johnson stated. “I know she was a mentor, role model, and friend to many in our school.”

State dental community leaders also commended her achievements and patient care.

“In addition to being a beloved practitioner in her community, Dr. Fairfax loved giving back through volunteer work and contributions to local charities focused on helping those in need,” stated Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. “As we remember Dr. Fairfax, we honor the impact she made and the connections she helped build within the VDA and her community.”

The couple first met as Duke University students and wed in 2006.

Justin Fairfax lost his bid for the Democratic attorney general nomination in 2013 but secured the lieutenant governor position in 2017. His political career derailed when two women publicly accused him of sexual assault from years before his marriage to Cerina. He completed his term in 2022 after an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign.

Court documents show Cerina Fairfax filed that they had been separated for almost two years. However, they continued sharing the family home with their children, who police confirmed were present during the incident.

The divorce judge had mandated that Justin Fairfax relocate by April’s end, noting “it is clear tensions in the Fairfax home have been extremely high for an extended period of time.”

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.

MEDIA, Pa. — While Judy Prichard McCleary holds faith that her family members’ spirits have moved on to heaven, she can’t shake the distress of learning that their final resting place was violated by a grave robber who targeted their family mausoleum.

McCleary discovered that five out of nine burial chambers in her family’s crypt were broken into, with the body of her great-great-great aunt among the stolen remains in a shocking crime spree that involved more than 100 bodies taken from Pennsylvania burial grounds.

“I believe their souls are in heaven. I still think it’s disruptive,” McCleary stated following Friday’s court proceeding where 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach chose not to contest an evidentiary hearing. Gerlach faces approximately two dozen burglary charges plus numerous additional counts after investigators say he removed human remains from burial sites across multiple counties.

The disturbing case has drawn widespread media attention due to its shocking nature. While McCleary understands law enforcement has pressing matters involving the living, she and family members present at Friday’s hearing emphasized that crimes against the deceased still cause real harm to survivors. She’s pushing for legislative action to prevent online sales of human body parts, which authorities believe may have motivated these crimes.

“To be able to sell body parts on the internet, just appalls me. I think it should be stopped,” she stated.

Law enforcement took Gerlach into custody in January close to Mount Moriah Cemetery on Philadelphia’s outskirts. Officers reported seeing skeletal remains and skulls visible in his vehicle’s rear seat, which led to searches of his residence and a storage facility in Ephrata. Investigators discovered over 100 human skulls, preserved hands and feet, and other human remains.

Authorities also found personal items they believe came from the graves, including jewelry and a medical pacemaker that remained connected to human remains. Gerlach’s formal arraignment is scheduled for June 3, though his attorney declined comment and indicated his client likely won’t attend.

During Friday’s hearing, Gerlach remained jailed and appeared wearing glasses with his hair in a tight bun and a large neck tattoo, responding courteously to standard judicial questions.

Police arrested him in January as he returned to his vehicle from Mount Moriah Cemetery carrying a crowbar. Investigators found preserved remains of two young children, three skulls, and additional bones inside a burlap sack. Gerlach admitted to taking approximately 30 sets of human remains and guided investigators to the burial sites he had targeted, according to authorities.

Mount Moriah Cemetery, established in 1855, spans 160 acres along the Philadelphia-Yeadon border and contains roughly 150,000 burial sites.

The Prichard family built their mausoleum in the early 1900s under the direction of McCleary’s great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Prichard, an Irish immigrant who established a grocery business. Family stories claim he created the first paper bag, though no official patent exists to verify this family legend.

Before his own death, Prichard relocated the remains of two children who had died previously into the mausoleum, where he and other family members would eventually be laid to rest.

“It just made me sick to my stomach that anybody would want to do that,” McCleary said regarding the crimes. “I think the man needs help.”

NEW YORK — A woman accused of stealing a purse found herself in an unusual pursuit Wednesday morning when a mounted police officer and his horse tracked her down through Manhattan’s busy streets.

The chase started after a victim contacted police to report the theft late Wednesday morning. An unnamed officer on horseback immediately began pursuing the suspect in a dramatic scene recorded by both the officer’s body camera and a television news team that was coincidentally filming nearby for another assignment.

During the pursuit, the mounted officer shouted commands for the suspect to halt, but she continued fleeing while claiming she hadn’t stolen any purse. The unusual chase wound through sidewalks, underneath construction scaffolding, around parked vehicles, and across city streets until a bystander helped stop the woman, allowing the officer to make the arrest.

Police charged the woman with larceny and giving false information to authorities. Records show she previously served prison time for a murder conviction stemming from the fatal shooting of a taxi driver in April 2000, and she remains under lifetime parole supervision.

Officials reported no one sustained injuries during the incident.

WASHINGTON – Federal aviation officials were inundated with job seekers this week, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Friday that the Federal Aviation Administration collected 6,000 applications for air traffic control positions within a 12-hour period.

The massive response highlights significant interest in aviation careers as the agency works to fill critical staffing needs in control towers and approach facilities across the nation.

An elderly French woman who was held in U.S. immigration detention for months has arrived back in France, according to that country’s top diplomat.

Marie-Thérèse Ross, 85, was taken into custody by immigration officials in Alabama this past April after her 90-day visitor visa expired, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced her return during a Friday press conference in Montpellier. “She returned to France this morning, this is a satisfaction for us,” Barrot stated.

While declining to discuss specifics of Ross’s situation, Barrot criticized immigration enforcement tactics, saying certain ICE procedures don’t meet French expectations and are “not acceptable to us.” The minister referenced “violence that raised our concerns” but provided no additional details.

Ross had been housed at a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana during her months-long detention.

Her case represents part of the current administration’s broader immigration crackdown, which has expanded to include military families and veteran spouses who previously received more lenient treatment under prior policies.

Marriage records from Calhoun County show Ross wed Alabama resident William Ross last April. According to his family’s obituary, William Ross served as a U.S. Army captain before his death this past January.

Worcester County’s Fire Training Center will be hosting an emergency services training event on Friday, May 1st, 2026.

The event, designated as “Emergency Services – Katy,” is scheduled to run from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Fire Training Center facility.

The training session was posted on April 17th, 2026, giving emergency services personnel advance notice of the upcoming event.

Further details about the specific nature of the training or the role of “Katy” in the emergency services event have not been disclosed at this time.

The age-old controversy over allowing cameras in courtrooms has resurfaced in a Utah murder case, echoing debates that have raged since the infamous Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial and O.J. Simpson’s murder prosecution. Tyler Robinson’s upcoming trial for the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has attorneys on both sides arguing whether cameras should be permitted.

Defense lawyers for Robinson are pushing to keep cameras out of the Utah courtroom, expressing concern that sensationalized media coverage could create widespread prejudice against their client. Robinson faces charges in connection with last September’s fatal shooting of Kirk, who was struck in the neck while addressing thousands on a college campus.

On the opposite side, prosecutors are advocating for camera access, arguing that transparency could help combat conspiracy theories and misleading information that has circulated since the shooting occurred.

“Transparency serves as a corrective to misinformation,” Utah County prosecutors stated in their court filing supporting camera access. No trial date has been scheduled yet.

The presence of cameras in American courtrooms dates back well before the 1935 New Jersey trial of the man accused of kidnapping and murdering aviator Charles Lindbergh’s infant son. Historical photos show Al Capone’s associates covering their faces with hats during his trial, and in 1932, a German photographer disguised a camera in a fake arm sling to secretly photograph Supreme Court justices.

Bruno Richard Hauptmann’s trial for the Lindbergh baby’s murder became what was then called the “trial of the century,” marking the beginning of criminal proceedings as public spectacle. The courtroom was packed with hundreds of journalists and numerous photographers, whose constant flash photography disrupted witnesses and who reportedly stood on tables to capture images.

After Hauptmann’s conviction and execution, the chaotic nature of that trial led to new judicial ethics standards that banned cameras from courtrooms for many years.

The ongoing tension between those advocating for transparency and defense attorneys seeking to protect their clients from damaging publicity has continued to fuel this debate.

In 1962, a Texas judge permitted news outlets to film the trial of notorious swindler Billie Sol Estes. The case had gained national attention after Estes was charged with defrauding a federal agricultural subsidy program, creating a political scandal during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. Despite defense objections about potential jury bias, the judge allowed cameras and promised to prevent the media from turning his courtroom into a spectacle.

Court records later described the courtroom as overrun with “a mass of wires, television cameras, microphones and photographers,” with live radio and television broadcasts of the proceedings.

After Estes was found guilty, the Supreme Court heard his appeal and determined that the excessive publicity violated his constitutional right to a fair trial. The justices reversed his conviction while criticizing “the evil of televised trials.”

“To permit this powerful medium to use the trial process itself to influence the opinions of vast numbers of people, before a verdict of guilt or innocence has been rendered, would be entirely foreign to our system of justice,” the justices wrote.

This decision aligned with existing federal court policies prohibiting cameras.

However, less than ten years later, the Supreme Court reached a different conclusion in a case involving two Florida police officers charged with restaurant burglary. In an 8-0 decision, justices ruled that states could permit cameras during criminal trials, stating there was no “empirical data” proving that broadcast media presence automatically creates negative effects in courtrooms.

Following this ruling, cameras became increasingly common in state and local courts nationwide. Notable televised cases included the murder trials of serial killers Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, the prosecution of Los Angeles police officers for beating Rodney King, and Jodi Arias’s trial for killing her former boyfriend.

However, limitations persist, and judges generally maintain significant authority over which portions of cases can be broadcast and who may be filmed or photographed.

Donald Trump’s 2024 hush money trial and conviction occurred without cameras due to New York state laws severely limiting video coverage, forcing media outlets to rely on courtroom sketch artists.

The most widely viewed televised trial remains O.J. Simpson’s 1995 prosecution for the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. This case also earned the “trial of the century” label and holds the Guinness World Record as the “most viewed trial,” averaging 5.5 million daily viewers. Simpson was ultimately acquitted.

The extensive coverage of every detail raised questions about potential jury bias and whether attorneys and the judge modified their behavior knowing they were being watched nationwide.

“People were talking about how the judge and the attorneys were playing to the cameras as much as they were playing to the jury,” explained Cornell Law School professor Valerie Hans.

A Minnesota family has shared their extraordinary memories of knowing Prince long before he became a worldwide music sensation – when he was simply their neighborhood babysitter.

Through the StoryCorps oral history project, the family recalled their unique connection to the legendary artist during his formative years. Living in the same Minnesota community as Prince, they experienced a side of the future superstar that few people ever witnessed.

The family’s recollections offer a rare glimpse into Prince’s life before fame, showing him in the humble role of caring for neighborhood children rather than commanding stadium audiences around the globe.

SALT LAKE CITY — Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the defendant charged with murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are requesting that a judge prohibit cameras from courtroom proceedings, claiming that televised coverage is compromising their client’s constitutional right to an impartial trial.

Robinson is scheduled to appear in court Friday as his legal team argues that prejudicial media reporting is influencing prospective jurors in the aggravated murder prosecution.

The defense pointed to multiple instances of problematic coverage, including a New York Post article that allegedly implied Robinson admitted guilt during a December 11 courtroom exchange with his lawyers at his initial appearance following formal charges. While the discussion between Robinson and his counsel was not audible, the publication relied on what it called “lip reading analysis” to claim Robinson stated, “I think about the shooting daily.”

“The predominant purpose being served by the live stream coverage has not been the educational reporting of the court proceedings, but rather advertising profit, sensationalism, political agendas, and, most prominently, the vilification of Mr. Robinson,” his attorneys wrote in their request to bar cameras.

The state plans to pursue capital punishment against Robinson if he is found guilty in the September 10 fatal shooting of Kirk, who was speaking before thousands of attendees at Utah Valley University in Orem. Robinson, who celebrated his 23rd birthday Thursday, has yet to formally respond to the charges.

Sensationalized reporting has affected the case from multiple angles. On March 30, the U.K.’s Daily Mail published a headline claiming the fatal bullet “did NOT match” the weapon allegedly used by Robinson. This report stemmed from inconclusive preliminary ballistics findings and sparked theories about potential innocence. Federal investigators continue conducting additional forensic examinations, court filings show.

News organizations, state prosecutors, and Kirk’s surviving spouse, Erika Kirk, support maintaining camera access in the courtroom. They contend that transparency represents the most effective method to combat the false information and conspiracy theories that worry Robinson’s defense counsel.

However, media livestreaming has already frustrated Judge Tony Graf on multiple occasions.

At the December proceeding, Graf temporarily halted the video feed and directed camera repositioning after footage revealed the defendant’s restraints, violating established courtroom protocols.

A January hearing was similarly disrupted when Robinson’s lawyers complained that close-up livestreamed images of their client by a regional television outlet could generate additional lip-reading speculation. This also breached Graf’s conduct guidelines. The judge instructed camera personnel to avoid filming Robinson for the session’s duration.

Mike Judd, representing a media coalition that includes The Associated Press in fighting for continued access, noted that Graf has concentrated on courtroom rule compliance rather than external media commentary.

“The court can do all of that in order to try to control what gets fed into that media ecosystem,” Judd said. “You reduce the likelihood of somebody publishing things that you think may be of potentially biasing concern later on.”

Camera and livestreaming protocols differ across states, with Utah among those granting judicial discretion over camera permissions. Federal courts typically ban cameras entirely.

“There’s Supreme Court precedent that says courts generally need to be open to the public, but that’s not an absolute right,” said University of Utah law professor Teneille Brown. “Even if they allow public access, that does not equal a right to broadcast or record.”

Robinson’s legal team seeks to postpone his May preliminary hearing, where prosecutors must demonstrate sufficient evidence to advance to trial.

State attorneys report that DNA matching Robinson’s profile was discovered on the weapon’s trigger mechanism, the discharged shell casing, two unused cartridges, and a towel that wrapped the rifle. Defense counsel emphasizes that forensic analyses show multiple individuals’ DNA on certain evidence, requiring more sophisticated evaluation.

According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly sent text messages to a romantic partner stating he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

Just months before The Beatles would captivate America and launch the British Invasion, a young George Harrison made a quiet visit to his sister’s home in Benton, Illinois in September 1963.

During that low-key trip, the future rock legend experienced small-town America in ways he’d never be able to again. Harrison went camping, played music with local bands, tried his first root beer served by roller-skating waitresses, browsed record shops, and purchased a guitar before returning to England.

Merely four months later, Harrison would appear alongside his bandmates on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” watched by 73 million Americans as The Beatles made their historic U.S. television debut and forever changed popular music and American culture.

The five-bedroom brick bungalow on McCann Street where Harrison and his brother Peter stayed during that visit is now listed for sale at $105,000 in the southern Illinois town of 6,700 residents, located 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.

Beatles enthusiasts have reason for concern about the property’s preservation. Back in 1995, the home at 113 McCann Street faced demolition until preservationists, including Harrison’s sister Louise Harrison Caldwell who had relocated in the late 1960s, intervened to rescue it.

Benton, previously known for conducting Illinois’ final public execution in 1928, was established around the area’s abundant coal deposits. Louise Caldwell had settled there when her mining engineer husband found work in what was then a booming industry.

The residence they selected was constructed in 1935, featuring a brick front and spacious front porch.

During the mid-1990s, a state agency acquired the property from a later owner with intentions to demolish it for parking space. Beatles expert and author Robert Bartel from Springfield notified media outlets and devoted fans about the demolition threat.

Local business people bought back the house from the state and established the Hard Day’s Nite Bed and Breakfast, displaying the sofa where Harrison had played guitar along with extensive Beatles collectibles, many contributed by Bartel.

The themed lodging closed its doors in 2010. Since then, Benton resident Grady Adams has managed it as standard rental apartments but now seeks to sell. Brian Calcaterra, who directs economic development for Benton, proposed creating city regulations to prevent future demolition, though Mayor Lee Messersmith indicated the city council hasn’t addressed this issue.

“Of course, if it doesn’t get demo’d, I would prefer that,” Adams said.

Questions remain about whether sufficient interest or motivation exists to restore the McCann Street property to its Beatles-themed status.

Author Jim Kirkpatrick from Creal Springs, who wrote “Before He Was Fab” about Harrison’s visit and has movie rights optioned for the book, reports having promising discussions with at least one potential buyer.

However, Robert Rea, a Benton business owner and historian who participated in the 1995 rescue effort, believes the enthusiasm has diminished.

“When we did this (in 1995), the world went crazy because they thought, ‘George is going to come, he’s going to save the house,’” Rea said. “And I’m just being honest with you, maybe I’m missing it or something, but that momentum is not here.”

Harrison’s Illinois journey likely represented his final experience with anonymity. He camped in Shawnee National Forest and performed with a well-known local band at a nearby VFW hall. The group’s bandleader brought him to a drive-in where car hops on roller skates served him his first taste of root beer.

At a record shop on Benton’s town square, Harrison purchased multiple vinyl albums, including James Ray’s R&B track “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You,” which Harrison would later cover for a number-one hit in 1987.

Harrison also acquired a Rickenbacker 425 guitar similar to bandmate John Lennon’s instrument. He used this guitar one month later during The Beatles’ recording of “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The guitar eventually sold at auction in 2014 for $675,000.

During his stay, Harrison and Caldwell visited WFRX radio, where 17-year-old Marcia Schafer Raubach hosted a Saturday teen show. Harrison presented her with a copy of “She Loves You,” explaining it had just topped British charts.

Raubach conducted an on-air interview with Harrison, marking the first American radio interview with any Beatle, and played the record, which she still possesses. She noted the song sounded distinct from popular American jukebox music of the time, though it failed to impress her listeners.

Despite his longer hairstyle in an era of crew cuts, Raubach remembered Harrison, wearing a pressed white shirt, jeans and sandals, as “very clean cut, he was personable and mannerly and they call him the ‘quiet Beatle’ — well, he was.”

“If I had known what they were going to become, I would have handled that differently,” Raubach, now 79, said. “It’s still amazing that he even came here and that I met him. I think he really liked Southern Illinois.”

Harrison never made another trip to Benton, passing away in 2001 at age 58. Caldwell died in 2023 at 91.