Category: U.S. News

Criminal charges have been filed against a federal immigration enforcement officer in Minnesota following allegations that he threatened two motorists with his firearm during a February highway incident in Minneapolis.

Gregory Donnell Morgan, age 35, who works for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, faces two counts of second-degree assault stemming from the confrontation along a Twin Cities area highway. Authorities have issued a nationwide arrest warrant for Morgan.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges Thursday, noting she believes these represent the first criminal charges filed against an ICE officer in Minnesota related to the Trump administration’s enhanced immigration enforcement efforts this year.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred when Morgan was attempting to navigate around slower-moving traffic. The alleged victims’ car “briefly moved into the shoulder to slow him down,” prompting Morgan to accelerate and pull up next to their vehicle.

Court documents state that Morgan then “opened his (vehicle’s) window, and pointed his duty weapon directly at both victims in the other vehicle while continuing to drive illegally on the shoulder.”

In the criminal complaint, prosecutors noted that Morgan claimed “he feared for his safety and the safety of others” when he drew his weapon.

Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security provided responses to requests for comment regarding the charges.

The incident comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding ICE operations under President Trump’s immigration policies. Trump has defended the agency’s enhanced enforcement as essential for controlling illegal immigration, enhancing national security, and combating fraud.

However, civil rights organizations argue the intensified crackdown has infringed upon constitutional protections including free speech and due process, while fostering a hostile environment for minority communities.

ICE enforcement activities have sparked demonstrations in affected cities, with protests spreading nationally after the January fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minnesota — Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

Critics also contend the administration has exploited individual fraud cases to target entire communities, while questioning the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption given presidential pardons granted to individuals with fraud convictions.

Los Angeles authorities have taken into custody David Burke, the 21-year-old recording artist who performs under the stage name D4vd, charging him with the killing of teenager Celeste Rivas, according to police officials Thursday.

The 14-year-old victim, who lived in a community roughly 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles, had been missing for approximately 18 months before her decomposed body was located in September 2025. Investigators found her remains inside the front storage compartment of a vehicle that belonged to Burke, which had sat abandoned in a Hollywood Hills area for several weeks before being removed to a towing facility where employees noticed a strange smell.

Burke rose to prominence in 2022 when music he created using his mobile phone for Fortnite gaming content became popular on TikTok. His track “Romantic Homicide” became a breakout success, leading to a recording contract with Darkroom/Interscope Records, the same label that represents artist Billie Eilish.

Media outlets began connecting Burke to the case shortly after Rivas’s body was discovered, though law enforcement officials said they were pursuing a thorough investigation and waited until now to file formal charges.

“Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery‑Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21‑year‑old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas,” Los Angeles police said in a statement on X.

Authorities are holding Burke without the possibility of posting bond, and prosecutors will review his case beginning Monday, according to the police announcement.

Burke’s legal representative, Blair Berk, has not yet provided a response to requests for comment. Berk has generally avoided making public statements about the case. Before the arrest occurred, Berk maintained that no evidence had been made public that would connect her client to any criminal activity and stressed his constitutional protections while the investigation remained ongoing.

Transportation officials have mandated that Chicago O’Hare International Airport slash approximately 300 daily flights during its busiest summer periods in a bid to combat chronic delays, authorities announced Thursday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized passenger reliability in his announcement, stating: “If you book a ticket, we want you and your family to have the certainty that you’ll fly without endless delays and cancellations.”

The Chicago hub processes more air traffic than any other airport in the United States and recorded among the nation’s poorest on-time performance statistics in the previous year.

Peak summer operations had been scheduled to reach more than 3,080 daily flights, marking a 14.9% jump from last summer’s numbers, according to Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration data. These increases coincide with ongoing runway construction that has forced taxiway closures.

Federal authorities noted in their preliminary directive that both American Airlines and United Airlines had announced expansion strategies at O’Hare that threatened to create substantial delays during the summer months while overwhelming the facility’s operational capacity.

Duffy characterized the proposed schedule as unworkable, stating it would have surpassed the airport’s capabilities. The new restrictions cap daily operations at 2,708 flights maximum, which still exceeds last summer’s peak of 2,680 flights. He indicated this adjustment “will reduce delays and make this busy summer travel season a little easier.”

Days with traditionally lower passenger volumes will see fewer required cancellations since airlines had scheduled reduced service to begin with. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday typically see lighter flight loads compared to other weekdays.

The operational restrictions become effective May 17 and continue through October 24.

Carriers must now analyze the directive to determine which specific flights require cancellation before contacting affected passengers.

American Airlines expressed support for the federal action, stating the FAA’s directive will enhance dependability and minimize delays for travelers using O’Hare during summer months.

“We are grateful to Secretary Duffy, Administrator Bedford, and their leadership teams for acting swiftly to ensure that Chicagoans and all consumers continue to benefit from sensible competition and to help minimize flight disruptions during the busy summer season,” American said in a statement.

United Airlines indicated appreciation for what it called “a solution that makes sense for everyone who cares about O’Hare’s success.”

Both carriers plan to examine the order alongside their current schedules to identify where reductions will occur before notifying impacted travelers.

A defendant in the disappearance of a Native American grandmother whose case brought national focus to crimes against Indigenous people admitted guilt to robbery charges Thursday as part of a revised plea deal with federal prosecutors.

Preston Henry Tolth, 26, faces up to five years in federal prison under the new agreement terms, though he would receive credit for the three years he has already spent behind bars.

During Thursday’s court proceedings in Phoenix, U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes questioned Tolth about whether he was admitting guilt because he actually committed the crime.

“Yes, your honor,” Tolth responded.

Ella Mae Begay was 62 years old when she disappeared in 2021 from Sweetwater, Arizona, a town in the northern region of the Navajo Nation. She had been known for spending time with family members and creating handwoven rugs that she would sell to local trading posts.

The following year, Begay’s niece Seraphine Warren made a cross-country journey on foot from the Navajo Nation to the nation’s capital to bring attention to her aunt’s case and the alarming rates of violence and disappearances affecting Native American communities. The case has gained widespread media coverage and become a rallying point for tribal officials and advocates demanding increased law enforcement resources and better coordination between tribal and federal investigators.

Authorities with the Navajo Nation police department identified Tolth as a person of interest shortly after Begay went missing. Tolth’s father had been in a romantic relationship with Begay’s sister at the time.

According to the plea agreement terms, Tolth admitted to forcibly taking Begay’s pickup truck, repeatedly hitting her in the face, and abandoning her alongside a road before driving off with the vehicle. He later exchanged the truck for cash and methamphetamine.

Judge Rayes has set a May date to examine the updated plea agreement, which would shield Tolth from potential murder or manslaughter prosecution related to Begay’s disappearance.

Begay’s relatives say federal prosecutors developed the agreement without consulting them and contrary to their desires.

Gerald Begay, the missing woman’s son, paused his construction work in Denver to participate in Thursday’s hearing via telephone. He told The Associated Press he intends to appear at the upcoming court session to urge the judge to dismiss the plea deal and pursue a trial instead.

“The prosecutors aren’t thinking about our rights or what we need as a family,” he stated.

Lennea Montandon, a representative for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district of Arizona, said in a written response that the office has followed federal victims’ rights laws throughout Tolth’s prosecution and will continue doing so. Tolth’s court-appointed attorney refused to discuss the revised agreement.

During a 2021 FBI questioning session, Tolth admitted to assaulting Begay during an angry outburst and leaving her to die. However, Judge Rayes significantly damaged the prosecution’s case by determining that confession could not be used as evidence, ruling that the FBI agent had improperly pressured Tolth into giving up his right to stay silent. Court documents show prosecutors acknowledged this ruling substantially weakened their case.

Earlier this month, Rayes took the unusual step of rejecting a previous agreement that would have freed Tolth after serving three years in exchange for a guilty plea. The judge made this decision after hearing emotional testimony from Begay’s family members, who argued Tolth should not be released without revealing the location of her body.

“Accountability is not time served,” Begay’s niece Seraphine Warren had told the judge. “It’s about truth, and we still don’t have the truth.”

HARTFORD, Conn. — Security personnel quickly detained a man Thursday morning after he entered Aetna’s corporate headquarters in Hartford while carrying an AR-style pistol concealed in a backpack, according to local authorities.

The individual was apprehended by building security within three minutes of entering the facility, shortly after 10 a.m., and was held until Hartford police officers responded to the scene, according to a Hartford police spokesperson.

Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert stated that investigators have not yet determined the individual’s intentions. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or detailed what criminal charges may be filed. The individual was transported to Hartford police headquarters following the arrest.

CVS Health, the Rhode Island-based parent corporation of Aetna, issued a brief response regarding the incident but did not provide additional details when contacted for further comment.

“Earlier today, a suspicious person attempted to enter our office, was apprehended immediately by our security team and taken into custody by local police,” the statement said.

This detention occurs during a period of heightened security awareness for healthcare industry leadership, particularly following the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a wealthy Maryland family, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges connected to the killing. He has become a cause célèbre for people upset with the health insurance industry.

CVS Health announced in February that it would eliminate more than 300 remote positions that were managed from the Aetna headquarters location.

A Venezuelan physician serving an underserved community in South Texas found herself in immigration detention this week, unable to join her husband for a crucial asylum hearing they had awaited for more than a decade.

Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar, 33, was taken into custody by Border Patrol agents at McAllen International Airport on Saturday as she prepared to fly to California with the couple’s 5-year-old American-born daughter. Her husband, Milenko Faria, proceeded alone with his asylum interview at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices near Los Angeles on Thursday, marking Bolivar’s sixth day in federal custody.

The emergency room physician had been working at a McAllen hospital since June 2025 as part of her medical residency program in the Rio Grande Valley, an area officially classified as medically underserved.

Bolivar’s detention represents the second arrest of a Venezuelan doctor in the region within a week. Dr. Ezequiel Veliz was apprehended at a Border Patrol checkpoint in South Texas on April 6, though his attorney Victor Badell successfully secured his release Thursday after posting an $8,000 bond following approximately ten days in custody.

These arrests reflect the current administration’s strict immigration enforcement policies. After an enforcement operation in Minnesota in January that resulted in two U.S. citizen deaths, the Department of Homeland Security has shifted toward less conspicuous detention actions.

“She was always focused on the community, and when she was accepted, it was an immense joy,” Faria, 36, told The Associated Press during a phone interview. “We have never done anything outside the law. We have done everything by following the steps in accordance with the law to obtain permanent residency.”

According to Faria, his wife entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2016 following her graduation from medical school in Venezuela. Before her authorized stay period ended, she was included in her husband’s asylum petition. The couple is also pursuing permanent residency through a skilled worker application sponsored by Faria’s California employer, where he has worked as an information systems technician since 2019.

Both individuals had been protected under Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela, which safeguarded over 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation. The Trump administration eliminated these protections for Venezuela, Haiti, Syria, Afghanistan, Nicaragua and other nations, though this decision faces ongoing federal court challenges.

Department of Homeland Security officials justified Bolivar’s arrest by citing her illegal presence in the country.

“She has overstayed her visa since 2017, nearly a decade, and had no legal status,” stated DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis.

Immigration attorney Jodi Goodwin, practicing in South Texas, identified a policy shift around September or October 2025 regarding travel by individuals with pending USCIS applications.

“It just became a very apparent trend where anyone that had some kind of application pending with USCIS, whether it was an adjustment of status or asylum, anything like that, they were going to be arrested,” Goodwin explained.

The couple had lived together in Santa Maria, California, until Bolivar relocated to Texas for her medical residency in summer 2025. Faria made bimonthly visits to see his wife and daughter, with Saturday marking Bolivar’s first attempt to travel since beginning her Texas residency.

Border Protection officers detained Bolivar before she could complete airport security screening, requesting identification documents. She presented her Real ID-compliant driver’s license and valid work authorization extending through 2030.

Despite explaining her pending green card adjustment and the purpose of her California trip for the asylum interview, officers detained her after questioning her nationality and demanding proof of permanent legal residency, according to Faria, who received text updates from his wife during the arrest.

Their 5-year-old daughter, an American citizen, was also taken into custody before being released to her grandfather 19 hours later. The child is now in California with her father.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement assumed custody of Bolivar on Sunday, and she remains held at El Valle Detention Facility in Texas.

Faria reported that his wife has repeatedly requested explanations for her detention but has received no responses from authorities.

The other detained Venezuelan physician, Ezequiel Veliz, arrived in the United States in 2018 on a tourist visa with plans to practice medicine. Friend Hector Ruiz characterized him as a compassionate doctor who cares for his cats and demonstrates dedication to his profession.

Veliz transitioned his immigration status from student to physician at a Rio Grande Valley hospital while working under TPS protection. The suspension of protected status immediately impacted his two-year residency program.

“He was one year and four months into that. He couldn’t continue working legally. He had to stop,” said his attorney Badell.

Veliz was awaiting a hospital-sponsored visa when Border Patrol detained him at a checkpoint while traveling to Houston with his husband on April 6.

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. (AP) — Genetic testing has confirmed that human remains discovered inside a submerged vehicle in the Columbia River belong to an Oregon family who disappeared nearly 67 years ago during a Christmas outing, officials announced Thursday.

Oregon’s state medical examiner has positively identified the remains as Kenneth Martin, his wife Barbara Martin, and their daughter Barbie, according to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators have closed the case after finding no indication of criminal activity.

A diver who had spent years searching for the missing family located their Ford station wagon in the river during 2024. Recovery teams extracted portions of the vehicle from the water the next year.

The Martin family disappeared in December 1958 during what was supposed to be a holiday trip to gather Christmas decorations. While the bodies of two other family children were recovered months following their disappearance, the remaining three family members were never found.

The mystery captivated the nation and sparked theories about possible criminal involvement, with authorities offering a $1,000 reward for tips.

“Where do you search if you’ve already searched every place logic and fragmentary clues would suggest?” an Associated Press report questioned in 1959, months following the family’s vanishing.

Recovery teams could only retrieve the vehicle’s frame and certain attached parts due to how extensively sediment had buried the car over the decades, sheriff’s officials explained. Examination of these components confirmed the vehicle belonged to the Martin family.

The same diver discovered human remains in 2025, which were subsequently transferred to state medical examiners.

Forensic experts extracted genetic material from the remains and created DNA profiles that were matched against samples from Martin family relatives, enabling positive identification, authorities reported.

Officials at the Fulton County detention facility in Georgia have deployed specialized drone technology to prevent contraband from reaching incarcerated individuals. The aerial surveillance system is designed to stop unauthorized deliveries of prohibited materials to the jail population.

The drone equipment comes from Flock, a technology firm that has faced questions regarding the extent of its surveillance operations and monitoring capabilities.

AUSTIN, Texas — A Colombian national who served as a Drug Enforcement Administration informant for over two decades escaped prison time this week despite admitting he never paid taxes on almost $4 million in government payments.

Andres Zapata, 48, received a sentence of time served Wednesday in an Austin federal court after agreeing to assist in an extensive corruption probe that has ensnared multiple DEA agents, according to two sources familiar with the ongoing investigation who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press.

Authorities extradited Zapata from Colombia last year, where he had maintained close ties with José Irizarry, a disgraced former DEA agent now serving 12 years in prison for stealing millions from money laundering operations to bankroll lavish trips, high-end vehicles and wild parties.

Court documents reveal the DEA compensated Zapata $3.8 million between 2015 and 2020 for his services as a confidential source. The professional money launderer entered a guilty plea last July to one count of tax evasion. While DEA policy requires informants to declare such payments to the Internal Revenue Service, prosecutions for non-compliance are uncommon.

Neither the Justice Department’s criminal division, which handled the prosecution, nor the DEA provided statements when contacted for comment.

Defense attorney Don Bailey contended during the sentencing that pursuing someone who endangered his life assisting American law enforcement against dangerous cartels for a violation he was unaware of committing was unprecedented.

Bailey explained that Zapata and similar informants “don’t get 1099s or W-9s,” referencing standard tax forms for independent contractors. “You don’t know what you owe. You sign a piece of paper for money. You don’t get receipts.”

During the proceedings, Zapata expressed his desire to rebuild his life after spending more than a year in harsh conditions at a Medellin-area detention facility while awaiting extradition.

“I’ve learned my lesson,” Zapata stated, according to court transcripts.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra praised Zapata’s cooperation with federal authorities during the hearing. The judge rejected an Associated Press motion to make sentencing documents public. Along with the time-served ruling, Ezra mandated Zapata pay $1.2 million in restitution to cover the government’s tax losses.

DEA internal documents obtained by the AP reveal Zapata’s recruitment as an informant began in 1998, when the agency enlisted the former vacuum cleaner salesman after his brother-in-law faced drug trafficking charges.

Throughout the following twenty years, he emerged as one of the agency’s most productive sources, facilitating undercover cash collections and supporting investigations spanning from Peru to Los Angeles, accumulating over $4.6 million in DEA payments.

However, Zapata provided more than intelligence gathering services.

Using his DEA assignment as cover, the dual Colombian-American citizen traveled internationally with agents and Miami-based prosecutors in what Irizarry characterized as a “world debauchery tour” that violated strict regulations against inappropriate relationships with informants.

A confidential WhatsApp group chat used by agents to document their international escapades reveals Zapata’s involvement in arranging prostitutes and assisting what Irizarry dubbed “Team America” in avoiding consequences. During a 2018 Madrid assignment, Zapata was present when an agent was temporarily held and accused of sexual assault while drinking.

Irizarry informed investigators that Zapata shared portions of his informant payments as kickbacks. He described one incident where Zapata arrived at his Colombian residence carrying $40,000 in cash, which Irizarry used to buy his wife a Tiffany ring.

Zapata allegedly also facilitated payments that Irizarry acknowledged receiving from Diego Marin, Colombia’s “Contraband Czar” — a former DEA informant apprehended in Spain in 2024 during a Colombian corruption investigation. Video footage obtained by the AP shows Marin and Zapata celebrating with agents at a Madrid establishment.

Court documents reveal that Jay Bryant, one of three defendants accused in the 2002 murder of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, is preparing to enter a guilty plea, marking what would be the first courtroom confession of involvement in the hip-hop legend’s death.

Following his 2023 indictment, Bryant initially entered a not guilty plea to murder charges. However, recent correspondence between his defense attorney and federal prosecutors indicates ongoing negotiations for a plea deal.

Thursday’s court filing showed Bryant’s intention to modify his plea, though details about specific charges he may admit to or potential sentencing remain undisclosed. No scheduling has been announced for the plea change, and prosecutors have not provided comment. Bryant’s legal representative has not yet responded to inquiries.

Legal experts note that such notices don’t guarantee finality, as defendants retain the right to withdraw from plea agreements even during court proceedings.

Should Bryant proceed with the guilty plea, it would add both resolution and additional complexity to an already intricate case. His co-defendants Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington faced jury trial, resulting in convictions that were later overturned for Jordan by a judge. Bryant’s case has remained distinct from the others.

Authorities indicted Bryant nearly three years after his co-defendants when investigators allegedly discovered his DNA on headwear found at the recording studio where the shooting occurred. The victim, born Jason Mizell, served as the DJ for Run-DMC and helped create the distinctive beats and scratches that brought rap music into mainstream popularity during the 1980s. The group’s notable tracks included “It’s Tricky” and their collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way.”

When investigators allegedly connected Bryant’s DNA to evidence, prosecutors had already established their theory that Jordan and Washington targeted Mizell due to disputes over a botched narcotics transaction. Trial testimony and prosecutor statements indicated that Jordan fired the fatal shots while Washington prevented escape by blocking the entrance and commanding one of Mizell’s associates to lie down. Both defendants maintained their innocence throughout proceedings.

The relationships between the parties varied significantly. Jordan was Mizell’s grandson, while Washington had maintained a friendship with the DJ since childhood. Bryant, however, appeared to have minimal or no direct relationship with the rap icon. Trial testimony suggested Bryant shared mutual acquaintances with Jordan and Washington, but evidence of any personal interaction with Mizell remained unclear.

Following the alleged DNA discovery, prosecutors theorized that Bryant entered the studio facility and unlocked a rear emergency exit, allowing Washington and Jordan to bypass the building’s security system and launch their surprise attack on the DJ.

Conflicting accounts emerged when Bryant’s uncle testified that his nephew confessed to shooting Mizell in self-defense when the musician allegedly reached for a weapon. However, no additional witnesses confirmed Bryant’s presence in the studio during the incident, and prosecutors disputed the uncle’s version of events despite calling him as their own witness. Instead, they proposed that Bryant had contact with the hat before Jordan or Washington transported it into the studio and left it behind.

Court documents indicate that neither Washington’s nor Jordan’s DNA appeared on the recovered headwear.

Michael Hueston, representing Jordan, contended that the charges against Bryant created reasonable doubt regarding his client’s guilt. Jordan’s conviction was subsequently reversed due to separate legal issues.

Bryant, currently 52 years old, was already in federal custody on narcotics and weapons violations when charged in Mizell’s death. He has since entered guilty pleas in the drug and firearm matter and awaits sentencing in that case.

NEW YORK (AP) — The search for the next 007 is gaining momentum in Hollywood.

Director Denis Villeneuve has been attached to helm the upcoming James Bond film for nearly twelve months, marking the franchise’s first installment following Daniel Craig’s departure from the iconic role. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman came aboard the project in March 2025. The major question remaining: Which actor will don the famous tuxedo?

The selection process represents a significant shift, as it’s the first time the Broccoli family won’t oversee casting decisions after transferring creative authority to Amazon MGM last year. Despite the typical secrecy surrounding the process, widespread conjecture continues about Craig’s successor.

Betting establishments currently favor several contenders, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. However, entertainment analysts suggest this presents an opportunity to explore unconventional possibilities, given that this marks the first new Bond casting in over twenty years.

Some industry observers are proposing unexpected alternatives, ranging from highly unlikely to surprisingly feasible options.

One suggestion involves Steve Buscemi taking on the spy role, which proponents argue would generate unprecedented audience interest and instantly become a must-see film. They note that if leadership roles can transcend traditional expectations, so too could this legendary character.

Another unconventional proposal features Sandra Hüller, whose versatility spans serious dramatic work in films like “The Zone of Interest” and “Anatomy of a Fall” to comedic performances in “Project Hail Mary” and “Toni Erdmann.” Supporters argue she possesses the compelling, dangerous sophistication that defines Bond, while potentially delivering memorable musical sequences.

Hugh Laurie emerges as another candidate, with advocates noting that while studios reportedly seek a younger actor, an older Bond could offer fresh storytelling opportunities. The 60-something performer has experience in espionage entertainment through “The Night Manager,” demonstrated crisis management skills in “House,” and combines comedic talent with sophisticated style.

Tony Hale also receives mention, with supporters drawing connections between his diverse roles and the potential for an unexpected Bond interpretation.

Dominic West, age 56, represents a more traditional choice, having previously auditioned when Craig was selected. Proponents highlight his charismatic appeal and roguish charm as qualities reminiscent of Sean Connery, plus his prior spy work in “Johnny English Reborn” and association with law enforcement through “The Wire.”

The most serious consideration goes to Aaron Pierre, the 31-year-old British performer, whom many view as an exceptionally suitable candidate. His sophisticated presence and natural charisma, particularly evident in “Rebel Ridge,” position him as an ideal choice for the legendary character, with many believing he possesses all necessary qualities for the role.

Ranch dressing claims the title as America’s most popular salad dressing, surpassing Italian varieties in sales during the final years of the 20th century.

While it continues to enhance lettuce salads, ranch has expanded far beyond its original purpose. The creamy condiment now rivals ketchup and other sauces, serving as a dip for hot wings, fried pickles, and even pizza — a pairing that sparks heated debates.

The versatile sauce has become deeply embedded in American food culture, appearing everywhere from grocery shelves to restaurant menus. Entire cookbooks celebrate the flavor, and at least one restaurant has built its identity around it.

Ranch generates strong reactions — both positive and negative. Food writers have dubbed it the “Great American Condiment” while others dismiss it as “extravagant and trashy.” Nick Higgins, an executive with Hidden Valley Ranch’s parent company, says the product taps into American nostalgia and cultivates devoted fans.

The company welcomes the passionate discussions their product generates. “We love it,” Higgins said. “It’s one of the things we can debate as people and it’s OK.”

The condiment’s rise to prominence reflects classic American entrepreneurship and ingenuity.

“What started out almost as a lark became a multimillion-dollar industry,” creator Steve Henson told the Los Angeles Times about his famous recipe and Hidden Valley Ranch, the mail-order company he established in the 1950s before selling to Clorox two decades later.

Henson initially prepared his blend of herbs, spices, buttermilk and mayonnaise for fellow plumbing contractors in Alaska. The mixture became so popular with visitors at Hidden Valley, the California dude ranch he operated with his wife, that he began marketing it as a do-it-yourself dry seasoning packet. Clorox eventually produced a ready-made bottled version, prompting competitors including Ken’s, Kraft Foods and Wish-Bone to create their own versions.

Debbie Wilson Potts remains a devoted fan. Her family operates Cold Spring Tavern in California, which became the first establishment beyond Henson’s ranch to offer the dressing. Her deceased aunt, who was acquainted with Henson, once described her initial experience: “It took off in my mouth like a freight train.”

The popularity spread nationwide. Food historian Paul Freedman includes ranch dressing in his book “American Cuisine and How It Got This Way” alongside sushi, arugula and other culinary trends from the 1980s — the same era that introduced Cool Ranch Doritos. After four decades of widespread appeal, Freedman believes ranch has secured its permanent place in American cuisine.

The round snout. The tiny black nose. Those button eyes and pair of soft, circular ears. What makes the teddy bear so irresistible to children that it has remained their faithful companion for more than 100 years?

This iconic American plaything began in 1902 when Morris and Rose Michtom, who owned a candy shop in Brooklyn and were Jewish immigrants, crafted the first version using fabric remnants and sawdust filling.

“Nothing says childhood better than a teddy bear,” explains Michael Kimmel, who wrote “Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created the Toy Industry in America” and happens to be Morris Michtom’s great-great-nephew. “It’s an utterly genderless toy. It is embraced by both boys and girls.”

The beloved bear’s creation story traces back to earlier that same year when President Theodore Roosevelt declined to kill a restrained black bear while on a hunting expedition. Political cartoonist Clifford Berryman illustrated Roosevelt’s compassionate choice, and this drawing sparked the Michtoms’ creativity. They designed a cuddly toy they named “Teddy’s Bear” in honor of the president’s popular nickname.

This marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon.

Following initial sales success, the Michtoms found themselves flooded with additional requests. Imitators quickly appeared in the marketplace. According to Kimmel, the teddy bear represented the first stuffed plaything that wasn’t either a cloth or ceramic doll. It offered affordability, comfort, and child-appropriate sizing. Interestingly, some religious leaders expressed concern that these playful plush toys might somehow harm young girls and diminish their maternal instincts.

Through the years, the teddy bear achieved legendary status. Elvis Presley sang about wanting to be someone’s “lovin’ teddy bear.” One of the original Michtom-made bears holds a prestigious spot in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Additionally, calling someone a “teddy bear” has evolved into describing a person as gentle and affectionate.

Kimmel observes: “There are people who, when they finally move out of the house and go to college or get married, that’s the one thing that they just can’t part with because it connects them to that innocent childhood.”

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon announced that American military forces launched a fatal attack on a boat in the Pacific Ocean Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals suspected of drug trafficking activities.

According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command posted on social media, no American service members were injured during the operation.

This incident represents another in a string of similar military actions that have occurred over recent days, as the Trump administration maintains its aggressive campaign against drug cartels operating in international waters. Military officials report that these operations have resulted in at least 178 fatalities since the initiative launched in early September, occurring months prior to the January military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In its official statement, Southern Command characterized Wednesday’s action as a “lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization.” Military officials indicated the targeted boat was traveling through “known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.”

The military’s announcement did not specify which terrorist organization was involved, nor did it identify the three individuals who were killed in the strike or provide a more exact location where the incident occurred. Additionally, officials did not present evidence supporting their claims regarding the victims’ involvement in drug trafficking operations.

A widespread failure of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system last August left U.S. Navy personnel conducting unmanned vessel trials with two dozen autonomous boats stranded off California’s coastline, according to internal military documents obtained by Reuters.

The global disruption of Elon Musk’s satellite constellation affected millions of users worldwide and forced Navy operators to suspend their drone testing for nearly an hour when communications were severed. The trials involved autonomous vessels designed to strengthen American military capabilities in potential conflicts with China.

Internal Navy records reveal this was among multiple testing interruptions caused by Starlink connectivity problems, preventing military personnel from maintaining contact with their unmanned maritime platforms.

SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest initial public offering in history this summer, with the company valued at approximately $2 trillion. The aerospace firm has established itself as the world’s premier space enterprise by becoming essential to U.S. government operations through satellite communications, rocket launches, and military artificial intelligence systems.

The company’s Starlink service has become integral to vital defense programs ranging from autonomous vehicles to missile detection systems, operating nearly 10,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit. This massive network provides the military with communications infrastructure designed to withstand attacks from hostile nations.

However, the Navy’s technical difficulties with Starlink during drone operations, previously unreported, underscore the potential dangers of the Pentagon’s increasing dependence on SpaceX technologies.

“If there was no Starlink, the U.S. government wouldn’t have access to a global constellation of low earth orbit communications,” said Clayton Swope, a deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Pentagon officials declined to address questions regarding the drone testing or SpaceX’s naval partnerships. Kirsten Davies, the Pentagon’s chief information officer, stated the “Department leverages multiple, robust, resilient systems for its broad network.”

Neither the Navy nor SpaceX provided responses to inquiries about these incidents.

While Amazon.com announced an $11.6 billion deal this week to purchase satellite manufacturer Globalstar, SpaceX maintains its dominant position in low-Earth orbit communications technology.

SpaceX has established virtual dominance in space launches while providing satellite connectivity through Starlink and its defense-oriented Starshield network, generating billions in revenue. The U.S. Space Force announced last month it had transferred its upcoming GPS satellite launch to a SpaceX rocket for the fourth consecutive time, citing technical problems with the Vulcan rocket developed by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Democratic members of Congress have cautioned the Pentagon about the dangers of depending heavily on a single corporation controlled by the world’s wealthiest individual for essential national security functions. The Defense Department’s recent conflicts with AI company Anthropic demonstrated how over-reliance on one technology provider can create operational vulnerabilities.

Reuters previously reported that Musk abruptly disabled Starlink access for Ukrainian forces attempting to reclaim territory from Russian troops, damaging international confidence in the tech billionaire.

In Taiwan, SpaceX received criticism for allegedly denying satellite communications to American military personnel stationed there, “possibly in breach of SpaceX’s contractual obligations with the U.S. government,” according to a 2024 correspondence from former Representative Mike Gallagher to Musk, as reported by Forbes. SpaceX rejected these allegations in a social media post.

Reuters was unable to verify whether SpaceX has subsequently restored Starlink services for U.S. military personnel in Taiwan. Both the Pentagon and SpaceX remained silent on Taiwan-related questions.

“As a matter of operational security, we do not comment on or discuss plans, operations capabilities or effects,” a Pentagon spokesperson stated.

SpaceX’s Starlink broadband service has become fundamental to Pentagon drone operations, enabling connectivity for small unmanned maritime vessels resembling high-speed boats without passenger seating. These include models manufactured by Maryland-based BlackSea and Austin, Texas-based Saronic.

During Navy testing in California in April 2025 involving unmanned boats and aerial drones, military personnel documented Starlink’s inability to maintain stable network connectivity due to excessive data demands from operating multiple systems simultaneously, according to a Navy safety assessment reviewed by Reuters.

“Starlink reliance exposed limitations under multiple-vehicle load,” the assessment noted. The document also identified problems with radio equipment from Silvus and networking systems from Viasat.

In the weeks before August’s global Starlink failure, another round of Navy trials experienced disruptions from sporadic connectivity problems with the Starlink network, according to Navy documentation reviewed by Reuters. The specific reasons for these network failures remained unclear.

Despite these technical challenges, the advantages of Starlink’s affordable and readily available commercial service outweigh the risks of potential outages affecting future military missions, according to Bryan Clark, an autonomous warfare specialist at the Hudson Institute. “You accept those vulnerabilities because of the benefits you get from the ubiquity it provides,” he explained.

The vision of American unity has woven through the nation’s story since its founding – appearing in the Declaration’s promise that “All men are created equal,” the Constitution’s opening “We the people,” and the Pledge’s commitment to remain “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

This aspiration lives in the country’s very name – the UNITED States – and appears on currency through the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum, meaning “out of many, one.”

Yet this pursuit has proven both inspiring and elusive, achieving remarkable progress while falling short of its promises, remaining a cherished American principle even as citizens past and present have found it difficult to live up to.

What has happened to the concept of American unity across more than two centuries? What significance does it hold today, especially during divisive times? As one expert puts it, “It’s a question that every society has to answer.”

From the nation’s birth, the founders recognized that unity would be essential for their new experiment, where authority would flow not from kings and monarchs as in Europe but rather, as the Declaration states, from “the consent of the governed.”

“It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it … indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest,” George Washington declared while leaving the presidency after two terms.

During those early years, as the nation formed from 13 separate colonies, the meaning of unity remained far from clear.

While the founders proclaimed lofty principles, they simultaneously restricted participation, determining who possessed rights and freedom and who did not. Centuries later, understanding unity’s true meaning continues to challenge Americans. Should that Latin motto represent a fusion of diverse viewpoints creating something greater than individual parts, or does it demand conformity – that unity requires sameness?

Regardless of interpretation, aspirations require more than good intentions to become reality – much like New Year’s resolutions that fade without dedication and sustained effort.

Just as personal lives consist of daily moments between major milestones, a nation’s character develops through everyday experiences, not singular events alone.

While unity has remained among America’s core ideals, the lived experience across 2½ centuries has revealed that this constructed nation never contained just ONE America where everyone enjoyed identical circumstances or equal access to power and wealth.

Such equality did not exist at the country’s founding, and it certainly does not exist today.

“I think the United State has had a more volatile history in terms of how it deals with questions of inclusion and exclusion, how it draws the line and polices the line of who’s in and who’s out,” says Daniel Immerwahr, a professor of history at Northwestern University.

“It’s a question that every society has to answer … who’s on the inside, who’s on the outside,” he explains. “I would say that what’s interesting about the United States in this regard is how changeable and nonobvious some of the answers to those questions are.”

Sometimes these divisions have been straightforward – geographic differences between rural and urban areas, plains versus mountains, or climate variations from heat to snow, wildfires to flooding. Other divisions have been cultural – people from different ancestral countries, newcomers versus multi-generational families, various languages, different Christian denominations or entirely different faiths. Economic disparities have always created different living experiences for rich and poor.

However, some differences have constituted genuine tragedies – enslaved Africans and their American-born children, forced to labor under brutal conditions for white owners’ benefit. Even after slavery ended, they faced discrimination and violence under legally sanctioned racism that persisted into the 20th century and continues to resonate today.

Indigenous tribes saw their populations devastated by death and disease as American expansion moved westward and settlers coveted tribal lands. Their cultures were systematically destroyed across generations as the government attempted to force “unity” through harsh assimilation policies.

Various communities have been excluded from opportunities based on gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.

Yet persistent movements across different eras have worked to extend opportunities – voting rights, economic advancement, educational access – from some Americans to all. This progress came gradually through protest movements, legal challenges, and appeals to those same founding ideals of unity and equality.

“It provided a language for the groups that were challenging these exclusions to draw on … invoking the ideals of the Revolution and the Declaration and saying, ‘Look, this is what the nation is supposed to be about,’” says Eileen Cheng, a professor of history at Sarah Lawrence College. “They could challenge the system and yet claim that they were being the true Americans.”

However, ideals can remain somewhat abstract concepts.

What does national unity actually mean? Must unity equal uniformity? Using satirist Terry Pratchett’s reference, should people be on the same side, or can they be on “different sides that happen to be side by side”? Is unity even beneficial within a vibrant democracy?

Looking globally and historically reveals no single answer. Some countries have designated official languages while others recognize multiple languages, and some, like the United States, have never officially chosen any. Nations have sometimes established official religions. Different countries maintain varying standards and procedures for granting citizenship to newcomers.

“There are always tensions between the unity and the separateness,” said Paul Wachtel, a psychology professor at the City College of New York. “There’s no society that is just one or just the other … what’s really most essential is that we learn how to negotiate those tensions.”

America confronted this challenge early on. Today’s Constitution represents the second attempt at governmental structure. The first framework, the Articles of Confederation, maintained weaker federal authority while strengthening individual states. This arrangement quickly proved inadequate for the new nation – demonstrating that insufficient unity was ineffective – leading to the Constitution’s creation.

Many European nations have navigated these negotiations within the context of centuries-old histories, established geographic boundaries, and existing governmental systems that influenced their chosen directions. From the founders’ viewpoint, the United States represented something entirely new.

“What it is to be of the United States is to adhere to a set of principles rather than to have a certain kind of lineage,” Immerwahr explains. “Sometimes that makes the United States remarkably open, and then sometimes that gets the leaders of the United States in all kinds of weird contradictions as they try to explain why they’re doing some forms of inclusion and not others.”

America’s track record in managing these tensions shows decidedly mixed results, with conditions shifting over time.

Consider immigration patterns. Some periods have witnessed seemingly endless streams of newcomers arriving on American shores, while other eras have seen much of the world excluded. In politics, the idea of different factions represented by competing parties was initially despised by some, even as it became fundamental to political culture. Groups once marginalized have later gained acceptance, and sometimes the reverse has occurred.

“What have we learned over the last 250 years is that things change,” says Cindy Kam, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University. “We are inclined to be social animals, but what those groups are is culturally constructed. So political elites, social elites, cultural elites, they do that work in identifying what the groups are, who is part of ‘us’ and who is a part of the ‘other.’”

These questions remain far from resolved. Recent decades’ demographic, technological, and economic transformations have made unity discussions more pressing than ever. Americans currently live amid widespread polarization, facing serious – sometimes alarming – questions about the nation’s future. This situation may actually resemble the country’s early years more than people recognize.

“This polarization, people talk about it like it’s a new thing. But I think it’s really a return back to the way that we were at the beginning of the country,” Cheng observes. “It’s not like this kind of linear development where we’re growing more and more accepting of difference. I think it’s up and down.”

A British immigrant with a history of criminal charges faces murder accusations following a violent rampage that claimed two lives across multiple Atlanta-area communities early Monday morning.

Olaolukitan Adon Abel, 26, who obtained American citizenship in 2022, stands accused of fatally shooting two women and leaving a homeless man fighting for his life in what authorities describe as connected attacks spanning three suburban locations.

The violence unfolded over several hours beginning around 1 a.m. in Decatur, where an unidentified woman was discovered with gunshot injuries near a local restaurant. Despite being rushed to medical care, she succumbed to her wounds, according to DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick.

Approximately 12 miles away in Brookhaven, a 49-year-old homeless individual sleeping outside a grocery store became the second target, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley confirmed the man remains hospitalized in critical condition, with his identity withheld pending family notification.

The final and most distant attack occurred in Panthersville, more than 10 miles from the initial incident. Lauren Bullis, a 49-year-old Department of Homeland Security employee, was discovered around 7 a.m. with both gunshot and stab wounds while walking her dog. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin condemned the violence as “acts of pure evil” while questioning how Abel received citizenship during the Biden administration despite his criminal background.

Bullis dedicated her career to the DHS Office of Inspector General, working as both an auditor and innovation team leader. The department honored her memory on social media, noting she “brought a genuine sense of care to her colleagues each day.”

“Her warmth and generosity touched everyone surrounding her,” Bullis’s family shared in a statement, describing her passion for running, reading and travel.

Denver-based DHS auditor Ashley Toillion remembered her colleague as “the nicest, sweetest, most encouraging person I’ve ever met.”

Military documentation reveals Abel joined the Navy in 2020, completing service with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron in Coronado, California. As a petty officer, he earned a Navy “E” Ribbon recognizing exceptional battle readiness performance.

However, Abel’s service record includes troubling incidents. California court documents show he admitted guilt in October 2024 to attacking two police officers with a deadly weapon and assaulting another individual while stationed in Coronado.

Current charges against Abel include malice murder, aggravated assault and firearms violations. He declined to appear at Tuesday’s initial court hearing, with his assigned public defender not responding to requests for comment.

Secretary Mullin revealed Abel’s criminal history extends beyond the military incidents, including a sexual battery conviction. Georgia court records indicate someone matching Abel’s name and birth date pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor sexual battery counts in Chatham County last June.

Questions remain about whether Abel’s criminal record predated his 2022 citizenship approval, as federal law typically prohibits individuals with violent crime convictions from obtaining naturalization.

Investigators believe at least one victim was selected randomly, though they continue examining potential motives behind the coordinated attacks across the three communities.

WASHINGTON – American military forces carried out an attack against a boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday that resulted in three deaths, according to military officials.

The U.S. Southern Command claimed the targeted vessel was being used by what they called “Designated Terrorist Organizations,” though they did not specify which groups were involved.

Military officials reported that no American service members were injured during the operation and characterized the three people who died as “male narco-terrorists,” but provided no additional information about the incident.

A federal jury in Miami has ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 in damages to a passenger who sustained serious injuries after cruise staff allegedly provided her with excessive amounts of alcohol before a devastating fall.

The jury ruled in favor of Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old registered nurse from Vacaville, California, concluding that Carnival acted negligently when serving the passenger.

Court records show that on January 5, 2024, Sanders was aboard the Carnival Radiance when crew members served her no fewer than 14 tequila shots during an eight-hour period from late afternoon until nearly midnight. Shortly after 11:45 p.m., Sanders fell down stairs, resulting in a concussion, potential brain trauma, spinal injuries, tailbone damage, and extensive bruising.

Sanders’ legal representative, Spencer Aronfeld, emphasized the significance of the David-versus-Goliath legal battle in a written statement. “Taking on a corporate giant like Carnival is a massive undertaking, and I have enormous respect for my client’s resilience throughout this 18-month litigation,” Aronfeld said in an email. “This case highlights the inherent dangers of all-inclusive drink packages, which encourage excessive consumption and pressure underpaid servers to prioritize tips over safety.”

The attorney revealed that jurors reviewed evidence showing a suspicious 30-minute gap in security footage covering the period from when Sanders departed the ship’s casino bar until crew members discovered her unconscious in a restricted crew area.

Carnival Corporation issued a response indicating the company disputes the jury’s decision and intends to challenge the outcome through requests for a new trial and appellate proceedings.

This verdict comes as the cruise industry faces additional scrutiny over alcohol service policies. A separate ongoing lawsuit targets Royal Caribbean, where a passenger’s fiancée alleges the cruise line bears responsibility for his death after serving him 33 alcoholic beverages and subsequently using excessive force during a physical altercation with crew members.

Two young men from the Philadelphia area have denied federal terrorism charges in connection with an alleged bomb plot targeting New York City’s mayor’s residence.

Emir Balat, age 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, age 19, appeared in Manhattan federal court Wednesday where they entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them.

Federal prosecutors allege the pair traveled from Philadelphia to New York City with the intention of attacking participants at an anti-Islam rally held March 7th outside Gracie Mansion. The demonstration was organized by Jake Lang, a far-right activist who has criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor.

According to the government’s case, both defendants are charged with attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and deploying weapons of mass destruction.

Court documents indicate Balat and Kayumi hurled two improvised explosive devices filled with TATP explosive material and metal fragments at the protest site, though the jar-shaped bombs never exploded. Authorities detained both suspects immediately after the incident, and no injuries occurred. The mayor and his spouse were away from the residence during the attack.

Federal investigators say the defendants later admitted to police that ISIS ideology motivated their actions. Prosecutors also revealed that dashboard camera footage from their vehicle captured the pair discussing plans to kill up to 60 individuals in order to “start terror.”

Defense counsel for Balat refused to provide statements following Wednesday’s court session. Legal representatives for Kayumi have not yet responded to requests for comment. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on June 16th.

Arizona’s biggest electric company has reached a $7 million agreement to stop disconnecting power for unpaid bills whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, state Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Wednesday. The settlement follows legal action sparked partly by the 2024 death of an elderly woman whose electricity was cut off during extreme heat.

Arizona Public Service previously had a policy preventing shutoffs for nonpayment from June 1 through October 15. Under the new settlement terms, the utility will pay $2.7 million into a state consumer protection fund and allocate another $3.4 million toward enhancing a program that allows customers to name family or friends as emergency contacts for shutoff notices.

The legal case stemmed from concerns over disconnection policies during dangerous heat conditions, including the death of 82-year-old Katherine Korman at her Sun City West residence. Korman’s electricity was terminated in mid-May 2024 due to unpaid bills on a day when local temperatures soared to approximately 99 degrees. She was discovered dead six days following the power disconnection.

“No Arizonan should be at risk because they cannot afford their electric bill,” Mayes said in a statement. “This settlement ensures that APS will no longer disconnect power based on the date on the calendar alone – if temperatures are dangerous, the power stays on.”

The utility company did not admit fault in the settlement and stated it already complied with or surpassed state regulations regarding disconnection procedures and customer notifications. “Our entire team at APS prioritizes customer safety and cares deeply about the well-being of our customers and community,” the utility said.

Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, recorded 430 heat-related fatalities last year, down from 608 in 2024 and 645 in 2023. Officials announced the county’s first confirmed heat-related death of 2026 last week.

French diplomatic officials are urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to free an elderly French woman who remains in immigration detention after being arrested in Alabama earlier this month.

Immigration enforcement officers took Marie-Therese Ross, 86, into custody on April 1 following the expiration of her 90-day visitor visa, federal authorities confirmed. The French widow is currently housed at an immigration detention center in Louisiana.

The case represents part of the broader immigration enforcement efforts under the current administration’s deportation policies, which have included detention of military family members who previously may have received more lenient treatment under prior guidelines.

France’s Consul General in New Orleans, Rodolphe Sambou, confirmed to reporters that his government has “fully mobilized” efforts to secure her freedom. The diplomat has made two personal visits to see Ross during her detention.

“Given her age, we really want her to get out of this situation as soon as possible,” Sambou stated. “We want to get her out of jail.”

The consul general explained that he maintains regular contact with Ross’s relatives and French diplomatic personnel in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Paris as part of coordinated efforts to arrange her release while ensuring she receives adequate meals and medical attention. French officials have also reached out directly to the Department of Homeland Security.

Sambou chose not to discuss specifics regarding her immigration status or other case details.

County marriage documentation reveals that Ross wed William Ross, an Alabama resident, in April of the previous year. According to his family’s published obituary, William Ross passed away this past January after serving as a captain in the United States Army.

An attorney handling a separate legal issue for Ross has not yet responded to inquiries for comment. Family members have also not replied to requests for statements.

AUSTIN, Texas — A security guard who worked at Camp Mystic during last year’s devastating flood testified Wednesday that issuing an early evacuation directive could have prevented the tragic loss of life.

Glenn Juenke, who assisted in relocating several girls to a two-story structure before becoming stranded in a cabin, also rescued a group of campers by directing them to flee to elevated terrain as floodwaters surged.

His testimony concluded a three-day court proceeding in a legal dispute between camp management seeking to reopen the all-girls Christian facility this summer and families of victims who perished in the July 4th flooding that devastated the Guadalupe River area during early morning hours.

Juenke, testifying on behalf of the camp operators, stated that his choice to direct campers to climb a hillside on foot as waters rose was his own initiative, not instructions from camp leadership or officials.

He could not remember camp management ever conducting emergency evacuation training for campers, counselors and staff members.

The facility’s reopening plans have infuriated families of the deceased girls, and the camp’s operating license remains under examination by state health officials. Last month, a judge mandated the camp preserve damaged sections as evidence for ongoing litigation. That decision is being challenged.

The proceedings have revealed the most comprehensive account from camp officials about the flood events, including opportunities missed to prepare for the weather emergency and delayed evacuation choices.

Recounting the powerful storm that struck the facility, Juenke described initially joining camp directors Dick and Edward Eastland in transporting some girls from their sleeping quarters. However, Juenke later left his vehicle when rising water made driving impossible.

Walking on foot, Juenke commanded a group of young campers to seek higher elevation. He returned to another cabin where he soon found himself trapped in waist-high water. Storage containers were thrown about by the current before being swept away.

Juenke instructed the girls in the cabin to climb onto air mattresses, where they remained floating for multiple hours.

“It was a long night. We were getting bitten by fire ants. There were spiders … The girls did everything I told them to do,” Juenke stated. No girls in that particular cabin lost their lives.

Juenke said they emerged at daybreak. He then reconnected with Catie Eastland, a camp director, near the two-story recreation facility where approximately one hundred girls had survived the flooding.

“I said y’all could have had a million different evacuation plans, nothing would have worked,” Juenke testified.

Attorneys representing the families have focused on the absence of a comprehensive evacuation strategy and the failure to issue cabin evacuation orders. A brief emergency notice displayed in cabins, which had received state approval just two days prior, instructed campers to remain in their quarters until staff provided further direction.

The disaster claimed 25 campers and two teenage counselors. Camp co-owner Dick Eastland also perished.

“You can blame it on Mother Nature or God Almighty, but if anyone had used the speakers or walkie talkie and told them to leave before 3 (am), they would’ve survived,” said Brad Beckworth, representing the family of Cile Steward, 8, the only camper whose remains have not been found.

Juenke stood by his actions and those of staff members that evening.

“We did everything we could do in the time that we had,” Juenke said.

A man from Atlanta faces murder charges following a deadly rampage that spanned several hours and multiple locations, claiming the lives of two women and critically injuring a third victim. The violence has captured federal attention after officials confirmed one victim worked for the Department of Homeland Security.

The federal employee, identified as Lauren Bullis, was fatally shot and stabbed while walking her dog early Monday morning. Her death, along with the shooting of two other victims that same day, prompted Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to release a public statement questioning how the suspect, 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel from the United Kingdom, obtained American citizenship in 2022 during the Biden presidency.

“These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department and my prayers are with the families of the victims,” Mullin stated on social media, detailing the suspect’s alleged criminal background without clarifying whether those incidents occurred before his citizenship was approved.

Police believe at least the male victim was chosen completely at random, while investigators continue examining whether the two female victims were also selected arbitrarily.

The violence began around 1 a.m. Monday when the first victim was discovered with multiple bullet wounds near a Decatur-area restaurant, according to DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick during a press briefing. Despite being rushed to a medical facility, she succumbed to her injuries. Officials have not released her identity.

Approximately one hour later in Brookhaven, a suburban community roughly 12 miles northwest of the initial incident, a 49-year-old homeless individual sleeping outside a grocery store suffered multiple gunshot wounds, Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley reported. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, continues fighting for his life in the hospital.

“It is apparent to us that it was a completely random attack on a member of our unhoused community,” Gurley explained.

The final assault occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in Panthersville, more than 10 miles from the second location, where responding officers discovered a woman suffering from both gunshot and knife wounds, Padrick confirmed. The victim, Bullis, was pronounced dead at the location. Brookhaven investigators later established connections between all three violent incidents, Gurley noted.

Bullis’s relatives honored her memory in a public statement, describing her as “selfless, kind and compassionate.”

“She deeply loved her family and found joy in running, reading and traveling,” the family expressed. “Her warmth and generosity touched everyone surrounding her.”

Law enforcement apprehended Adon Abel later Monday during a vehicle stop in Troup County, which shares a border with Alabama. Criminal charges against him include two malice murder counts, aggravated assault, and weapons violations, according to court documentation.

Adon Abel declined to appear at his initial court hearing Tuesday. No legal representative is currently listed in court files who could comment on his case.

Mullin, who assumed leadership of DHS last month following Kristi Noem’s dismissal, revealed in his statement that Adon Abel possesses a criminal history including a sexual battery conviction, though he did not specify the conviction date. Digital court records indicate someone named Adon Olaolukitan, sharing the same birthdate as Adon Abel, entered guilty pleas last June in Chatham County, Georgia, to four misdemeanor sexual battery charges.

The secretary emphasized that since President Donald Trump’s administration began, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, operating under DHS oversight, has strengthened efforts to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from obtaining citizenship. However, the United States has historically prohibited most violent felons from achieving citizenship status, and officials have not immediately clarified whether Adon Abel possessed any disqualifying criminal record prior to his 2022 citizenship approval.

DHS officials have not yet responded to requests for additional information.

NEW YORK — Federal authorities have arrested the man behind New York City’s infamous annual Santa-themed bar crawl, accusing him of pocketing most of the money that was supposed to go to charity.

Stefan Pildes, 50, from Hewitt, New Jersey, faces wire fraud charges after investigators say he kept the majority of $2.7 million collected through SantaCon events between 2019 and 2024. He appeared in Manhattan federal court Wednesday where the charges were made public.

The December tradition brings more than 25,000 people dressed as Santa Claus to Manhattan streets for a ticketed bar-hopping event that many city residents consider a nuisance due to the disruption it causes.

Prosecutors allege Pildes diverted over half the annual proceeds to a company he owned, using the funds to upgrade a lakefront home in New Jersey and pay for concert tickets, expensive trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas, high-end dining, and a luxury car.

The indictment reveals that despite claiming he received no payment from organizing the events, Pildes spent substantial amounts on personal expenses.

“No producer received income from this event, this is a charity event,” investigators say Pildes wrote in a March 2023 email to a potential venue.

“Instead of donating the millions of dollars he raised, he ran his own con game,” stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

Court documents show Pildes served as president of Participatory Safety Inc., the nonprofit organization that ran SantaCon, and had complete control over its operations.

The event began as “Santarchy” in San Francisco in 1994, originally designed to criticize holiday commercialism. Over the years, it evolved from its anti-establishment roots into what organizers now describe as “a charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention.”

According to federal charges, Pildes approached bars and restaurants asking them to participate and contribute between 10% and 25% of their food and drink sales to his charitable organization.

An attorney for Pildes could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan’s president-elect announced Wednesday that he must withdraw from the position due to a brain cancer diagnosis.

Kent Syverud, who currently serves as Syracuse University’s chancellor, revealed he learned of his condition following health concerns that arose last week.

“I am currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan. … I am aware that I am one of many, many people who face a diagnosis like this — people who show up each day with courage,” Syverud stated. “I take inspiration from all of them.”

The university selected Syverud for the presidency in January, with his tenure scheduled to begin in May.

Domenico Grasso, who has been serving as Michigan’s interim president, will continue in that role as the Board of Regents conducts a new search for permanent leadership.

Rather than assuming the presidency, Syverud will join Michigan’s law school faculty and provide advisory support to the Board of Regents, according to university officials.

The position became available after Santa Ono served as president through 2025, when he was expected to transition to leading the University of Florida. However, that appointment fell through when Florida’s Board of Governors rejected his candidacy in a 10-6 vote last June.

Conservative critics had opposed Ono’s appointment, citing his previous advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and other programs they considered problematic liberal policies.

Newark Police officers issued dozens of traffic violations Tuesday during a targeted safety operation at one of the city’s busiest intersections.

The Traffic Response Unit focused their enforcement efforts at South Main Street and West Main Street on April 14th, responding to persistent safety issues at that location. The operation resulted in 46 citations being issued to drivers.

According to police data, accidents at the intersection continue to be linked to drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road. The enforcement detail was specifically designed to address these recurring traffic safety problems.

The directed patrol represents the department’s proactive approach to reducing crashes and improving safety for both drivers and pedestrians in the area.

Delaware attorneys are joining colleagues nationwide in issuing urgent warnings to clients: conversations with artificial intelligence chatbots could end up as evidence in criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits.

The cautionary advice has intensified following a significant federal court decision in New York earlier this year. A judge determined that a former financial company CEO facing securities fraud charges could not prevent prosecutors from accessing his conversations with AI chatbots.

Legal professionals are now alerting clients that discussions with popular AI platforms such as ChatGPT from OpenAI and Claude from Anthropic may be subject to court orders in both criminal investigations and civil litigation.

“We are telling our clients: You should proceed with caution here,” stated Alexandria Gutiérrez Swette, an attorney with the New York law firm Kobre & Kim.

While conversations between attorneys and their clients receive strong confidentiality protections under American law, AI chatbots do not qualify as lawyers. Legal professionals are now instructing clients on methods to better protect their communications with artificial intelligence tools.

More than twelve prominent U.S. law firms have distributed guidance through client emails and website postings, offering strategies to reduce the likelihood of AI conversations becoming courtroom evidence.

Some legal firms are incorporating these warnings directly into client contracts. Sher Tremonte, a New York-based firm, recently included language in a client agreement stating that sharing attorney advice or communications with a chatbot could eliminate attorney-client privilege protections.

The landmark case involved Bradley Heppner, former chairman of bankrupt financial services firm GWG Holdings and founder of alternative asset company Beneficent. Federal prosecutors charged Heppner last November with securities and wire fraud; he entered a not guilty plea.

Heppner had utilized Anthropic’s Claude chatbot to create reports about his case for sharing with his legal team. His attorneys argued that these AI conversations should remain confidential because they contained details from lawyers regarding his defense strategy.

Government prosecutors contended they had the right to obtain materials Heppner created using Claude, arguing that his defense attorneys weren’t directly involved and that attorney-client privilege doesn’t extend to chatbots.

Sharing information from a lawyer with any outside party can compromise the standard legal protections for attorney communications.

In February, Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff ordered Heppner to surrender 31 documents created using Anthropic’s Claude chatbot in connection with the case.

Judge Rakoff wrote that no attorney-client relationship exists “or could exist, between an AI user and a platform such as Claude.”

Neither Heppner’s legal team nor the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office provided responses to requests for comment.

Courts are increasingly confronting the expanding use of artificial intelligence by both lawyers and self-represented individuals in legal proceedings, which has resulted in court filings containing fictional cases generated by AI systems.

Rakoff’s decision represented a crucial early examination in the AI era of fundamental legal protections covering attorney-client communications and materials prepared for litigation.

On the same date as Rakoff’s ruling, U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Patti in Michigan reached a different conclusion. He determined that a woman representing herself in an employment lawsuit against her former employer didn’t need to provide her ChatGPT conversations about her employment claims.

Judge Patti classified the woman’s AI discussions as part of her personal “work-product” for the case, rather than conversations with an individual whom her employer could seek to use in its defense.

ChatGPT and other generative AI programs “are tools, not persons,” Patti wrote in his decision.

The privacy and usage policies for both OpenAI and Anthropic indicate that the companies may share user data with third parties. Both companies also require users to consult qualified professionals before depending on their chatbots for legal guidance.

During a February hearing in Heppner’s case, Judge Rakoff observed that Claude “expressly provided that users have no expectation of privacy in their inputs.”

Neither OpenAI nor Anthropic representatives provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Legal counsel recommendations have varied from advising clients to carefully choose their AI platforms to proposing specific language for chatbot interactions.

Los Angeles-based O’Melveny & Myers and other firms indicated in client advisories that “closed” AI systems designed for corporate use might offer stronger protections for legal communications, though they noted this remains largely unproven.

Several firms suggested that AI legal research is more likely to receive attorney-client privilege protection when conducted under lawyer supervision. If an attorney recommends using AI, individuals should indicate this in their chatbot prompt, according to New York-headquartered Debevoise & Plimpton in a website notice.

“I am doing this research at the direction of counsel for [X] litigation,” the firm recommended people include in their messages.

Details about AI usage are also becoming standard in law firm client contracts, based on a Reuters examination of contracts posted on a U.S. government website.

Sher Tremonte, which frequently represents white-collar criminal defendants, stated in a March contract: “Disclosure of privileged communications to a third-party AI platform may constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege.”

Justin Ellis from New York-headquartered MoloLamken and other legal professionals anticipate that additional court rulings will eventually establish clearer guidelines for when AI conversations can serve as evidence.

Until that clarity emerges, attorneys are emphasizing that a time-tested principle remains valid: avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer — including artificial intelligence.

Officials at a correctional facility in Fulton County, Georgia have deployed aerial surveillance technology to prevent prohibited items from reaching prisoners behind bars.

The facility is utilizing unmanned aircraft systems to stop the flow of illegal contraband being delivered to inmates. These surveillance drones are manufactured by Flock, a technology company that has faced criticism regarding the extent of its monitoring operations.

The implementation represents a growing trend of correctional facilities turning to advanced technology to address security challenges and prevent dangerous materials from entering prison grounds through unauthorized delivery methods.

Well-known comedian Dave Chappelle recently opened up about his commitment to supporting public broadcasting during an interview with NPR’s Michel Martin.

The discussion touched on Chappelle’s financial backing of public media outlets, including his assistance to an Ohio public radio station that was searching for new facilities.

During the wide-ranging conversation, Chappelle also shared his thoughts on the craft of stand-up comedy and spoke about his ties to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he has established roots in the community.

The interview highlights the comedian’s growing involvement in media investments and his dedication to preserving public broadcasting resources.

An Austin-based federal judge is currently reviewing witness testimony as part of deliberations on whether to maintain a temporary halt to restoration work at Camp Mystic, the location where flooding claimed 27 lives last year.

The tragic incident involved both campers and staff members who perished when floodwaters swept through the facility. The judge must now decide whether repair and renovation activities at the camp site should remain suspended while legal proceedings continue.

DENVER — A chain-reaction collision involving approximately 70 vehicles on a snow-covered Colorado interstate Tuesday resulted in eight people being transported to hospitals, state authorities reported.

The multi-vehicle wreck forced authorities to shut down eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 in Clear Creek County, located roughly 50 miles west of Denver, the Colorado State Patrol announced.

Emergency responders assessed 19 individuals for potential injuries at the scene, with eight requiring hospital transport. Among those hospitalized, one person had “sustained serious bodily injuries,” state patrol officials reported.

Social media photos from the scene revealed extensive damage, showing multiple commercial trucks caught in the wreckage, scattered vehicle parts across the roadway, crushed front ends, and at least one vehicle precariously balanced above ground level.

Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the massive collision.

WACONIA, Minn. (AP) — Despite deep political divisions, Minnesota residents have discovered common ground in their enthusiasm for meat raffles.

These charitable gaming events have flourished across certain regions of the United States for generations, providing an entertaining fundraising method for nonprofit organizations while distributing prizes that include everything from hamburger meat and frankfurters to poultry and premium cuts. However, as inflation has climbed and protein costs have skyrocketed, Minnesota’s $70 maximum prize value per event has remained unchanged for almost four decades.

Although Minnesota’s sharply divided state legislature has struggled to find consensus on most issues this session, lawmakers appear ready to increase the prize ceiling to $200. This change will enable charitable organizations to provide larger meat packages and premium steaks while supporting local athletic programs and community initiatives. The adjustment will also help preserve the state’s cherished, though unusual, tradition of wagering for protein products.

“This is probably the best feel-good bill that we have going on in the Legislature right now,” said Republican Rep. Jim Nash, lead House author of the meat raffle legislation.

Despite current restrictions, Andrea “Mama” Avaloz celebrated success with her $2 wager. Event coordinators spun their wheel, which stopped on her number 5, declaring her a winner at American Legion Post 150 in the lakeside community of Waconia, approximately 30 miles west of Minneapolis.

“So I have a little fajita meat. We are set to go!” Avaloz said as she picked up her plastic-wrapped prize. “Beef sticks! Love them!”

Shortly afterward, she discovered an unexpected bonus hidden beneath her beef and sausages.

“Oh my God, I have pork chops!” she exclaimed. “I picked a good one! I’m so excited!”

The practice of meat raffles began during World War II as Britain’s answer to wartime food restrictions. The concept expanded to Canada, Australia and New Zealand, eventually reaching Minnesota, Wisconsin, western New York and several other states.

Nash, who serves Waconia’s district, anticipates the House will vote next week to raise the prize limit, with Senate approval following shortly.

“It’s an opportunity for bipartisanship,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to do good things.”

Service organizations operating meat raffles and other charitable gaming activities in Minnesota return their earnings to local communities. Bars and restaurants hosting these events benefit from increased patronage that generates additional food and beverage sales.

Joe Gifford, commander of Post 150, established in 1920, explained that those sales translate to additional funding for Legion baseball and softball programs, plus maintenance of veterans’ memorials.

“Every dollar we raise here, after we pay our bills, actually goes right back into all those different services for community, veterans, and active duty military,” Gifford said. “And the meat raffle is a part of that. It’s one of the instruments where we actually draw crowds in on a Friday.”

In Minneapolis, weekly meat raffles occur Friday evenings at the 1029 Bar, a establishment frequently visited by law enforcement officers. A bullet-damaged police cruiser door hangs behind the bar as decoration.

Roberta Rodriguez, site manager for the Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club, oversees the charitable gaming activities at the establishment, which like Post 150 also features additional games including bingo and pull-tabs.

“We have a lot customers that come every week,” Rodriguez said. “So they get to know each other, they tease each other when someone wins too much.”

Ashley Burris was unfamiliar with meat raffles before relocating to Minnesota from Virginia. She now actively searches for establishments offering them.

“It’s kinda my vibe,” she said during a break in the action.

Burris indicated she was unaware of the proposed legislation or concerns about inadequate prize amounts. Her focus remained on enjoyment.

“It’s never crossed my mind — although you can never have too much rib-eye,” she said.

GOSHEN, N.Y. (AP) — A woman whose husband was convicted of shooting a DoorDash delivery driver has entered a guilty plea for destroying doorbell camera footage that captured the incident.

Selina Nelson-Reilly, 46, from Chester, entered her guilty plea on Friday for evidence tampering, Orange County prosecutors announced. Her plea comes shortly after her spouse, John Reilly III, was convicted on assault charges for opening fire on the delivery driver’s vehicle as he attempted to exit their property in May 2025.

At the time of the shooting, Reilly served as Chester’s highway superintendent in the town situated roughly 60 miles north of Manhattan. During trial, he claimed he was protecting his household after delivery driver Alpha Barry allegedly demanded entry into their residence. However, Barry’s court testimony indicated he had simply requested to charge his mobile phone. Following the gunfire, Barry required emergency medical treatment and surgeons had to remove a portion of his small intestine, according to prosecution officials.

The day following the shooting incident, state police visited the residence and questioned Nelson-Reilly, who claimed she had no information about what had occurred, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler’s office stated. However, once the investigators departed, she proceeded to erase 17 video recordings from the home’s doorbell camera system, officials reported.

Prosecutors revealed that she subsequently sent a text to an acquaintance stating she had irreversibly erased the video files.

Despite her efforts, several doorbell camera clips surfaced following the shooting. One recording captured the delivery driver approaching Reilly’s entrance carrying a plastic bag. Additional footage showed the driver returning to his vehicle while Reilly emerged from the house armed with a pistol, discharging a round into his yard while commanding, “Go.” As the driver performed a three-point turn to leave the driveway, the video appeared to document Reilly firing at the departing car.

Under Nelson-Reilly’s plea arrangement, she will serve one year of probation and perform 200 hours of community service, Hoovler’s office confirmed. Upon successful completion of these requirements, she may return to court to have the felony evidence tampering charge dismissed, receiving sentencing only on the misdemeanor attempted evidence tampering charge.

Should she violate the plea agreement terms, she could receive up to four years in state prison, prosecutors warned.

Her husband potentially faces 25 years imprisonment on the primary assault charge when sentencing occurs on May 18. He remains incarcerated, and his legal counsel has indicated plans to challenge the conviction through appeal.

Nelson-Reilly’s defense attorney, Andrew Jason Proto, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment on Tuesday.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal prosecutors have filed assault charges against a California man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds during an immigration enforcement operation last week.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez faces allegations of striking a federal agent with his vehicle and ramming into a law enforcement car following a traffic stop on April 7, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings in Sacramento, U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire questioned the prosecution’s request to deny bail, stating: “This isn’t someone who is seeking out law enforcement to target.” The judge approved Mendoza’s release on $50,000 bond, determining he presents minimal public safety concerns or flight risk. However, she granted higher court officials two days to review or reverse her decision.

Appearing in court in a wheelchair just one day after his discharge from intensive care, Mendoza relied on a translator throughout the proceedings. He acknowledged the judge’s release conditions with nods as they were read aloud.

Following the hearing, approximately eight demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse displaying signs and shouting “Justice for Carlos” in solidarity with Mendoza. Passing motorists honked their horns in response.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents opened fire in self-defense when Mendoza attempted to drive toward them. The enforcement action targeted the 36-year-old in Patterson, located roughly 75 miles southeast of San Francisco.

Authorities have characterized Mendoza as a suspected gang affiliate sought for questioning regarding a homicide in El Salvador, though these claims were absent from both the court hearing and formal charges. The complaint indicates Mendoza, who holds dual citizenship in El Salvador and Mexico, was targeted due to his illegal presence in the United States.

Public defender David Harshaw argued for immediate release, emphasizing Mendoza’s clean criminal background and current physical limitations due to his injuries that eliminate any public danger.

Federal prosecutor Jason Hitt countered that Mendoza poses a flight risk, citing his failure to comply with officer commands during the April 7 incident.

Defense attorney Patrick Kolasinski previously stated his client became frightened and attempted to escape when ICE agents surrounded his vehicle.

“We are prepared to fight them,” Kolasinski declared regarding the charges.

Television station KCRA obtained dashcam video showing three officers positioned around a stopped vehicle. The footage captures one officer near the driver’s window as the car begins reversing and turning, striking a vehicle behind it. At least two agents can be seen with drawn weapons aimed at the car. The driver then accelerates forward toward the officers’ location before making a sharp turn across the road median.

The silent video does not reveal when shots were fired or any verbal exchanges that may have occurred.

Court documents detail how four agents conducted the traffic stop and Mendoza refused orders to exit his vehicle. With two agents positioned on each side of the car, one officer shattered the passenger window to extract him as Mendoza shifted into drive and moved forward, striking an agent. He subsequently reversed into an ICE vehicle before accelerating again, forcing one agent to jump clear.

Kolasinski maintains that agents fired upon Mendoza while his vehicle was stationary, prompting him to drive away from the gunfire.

“He is doing everything he can to not run them over,” the attorney explained regarding his client’s actions during the stop.

Kolasinski also challenges DHS assertions about an outstanding warrant for his client. He describes Mendoza as a laborer and father to a 2-year-old daughter who is engaged to an American citizen. While stopped for minor traffic violations, Mendoza has no U.S. criminal history and faces no arrest warrant in El Salvador, where he was cleared of murder charges.

Neither DHS nor ICE have responded to Associated Press inquiries about the attorney’s statements.

This incident represents one of several shootings occurring during the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts, which have prompted scrutiny of federal immigration agencies.

Mendoza required three surgical procedures to treat multiple gunshot injuries, his lawyer reported. Speech difficulties resulted from a jaw wound, and Mendoza denies any gang involvement, according to Kolasinski.

A court document dated October 25, 2019, from an El Salvadoran judge shows Mendoza was acquitted of murder charges and ordered immediately released. The document contains no references to gang membership or related criminal activity.

WASHINGTON — American military forces conducted another deadly strike against a suspected narcotics trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific waters on Tuesday, resulting in four fatalities. This marks the fourth such military operation announced within recent days.

The action represents the most recent development in an ongoing series of military strikes targeting boats that officials claim are involved in drug smuggling throughout Latin American waters. This campaign commenced over seven months ago and has persisted despite military focus being divided by conflicts with Iran.

Since operations started in early September, the cumulative death count has reached 175 individuals. Search efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard for one survivor from Saturday’s attack have been called off.

On Tuesday, U.S. Southern Command released aerial footage through social media platforms depicting a vessel floating on the water’s surface before being hit by a projectile and subsequently exploding. Military officials previously announced strikes on two boats Saturday and an additional vessel Monday.

According to military statements, all targeted vessels were “operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations” and intelligence verified they “were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though no supporting evidence was presented.

President Donald Trump has declared the United States is engaged in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels and has defended these attacks as essential measures to reduce drug trafficking into America and prevent fatal overdoses affecting American citizens. However, his administration has provided minimal evidence supporting claims of eliminating “narcoterrorists.”

These strikes commenced months before the January U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He was transported to New York to face drug trafficking allegations and has entered a not guilty plea.

Opposition voices have challenged both the legal authority for these maritime strikes and their practical effectiveness, noting that fentanyl responsible for numerous fatal overdoses typically enters the U.S. through overland routes from Mexico, where it’s manufactured using chemicals sourced from China and India.

A reality television personality from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been cleared of potential criminal charges stemming from domestic violence allegations earlier this year, according to Salt Lake County prosecutors.

The District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that Taylor Frankie Paul will not face charges related to two February incidents involving her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, who is the father of her 2-year-old child. Mortensen had filed domestic violence complaints with police departments in Draper City and West Jordan, both Salt Lake City suburbs.

Breanne Miller, an attorney with the district attorney’s Family Protection Unit, explained the decision in a written statement: “Several incidents that were submitted do not rise to the level of criminal offenses. The remaining incidents lack sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges.”

While Paul won’t face prosecution, the decision doesn’t directly impact the protective order proceedings between the former couple. Both individuals have sought protective orders against each other, with a hearing scheduled for April 30. Currently, Paul can only visit her son under supervised conditions, as ordered by a court commissioner.

During an April 7 court hearing, Paul’s lawyer Eric Swinyard described one February altercation as “the truck tussle,” claiming Mortensen was the primary aggressor. According to protective order documents, Mortensen alleged Paul threw a beverage at him during an argument in a vehicle, which occurred to avoid disturbing sleeping children inside Paul’s residence.

However, Swinyard countered that Mortensen struck Paul’s head against the dashboard and punched her leg, presenting photographs of her resulting injuries as evidence.

Paul’s legal troubles have significantly impacted her television career. A 2023 altercation between the couple prompted ABC to take the extraordinary step of canceling an already-completed season of “The Bachelorette” after footage of the incident became public last month. Additionally, her co-stars have requested that Hulu postpone production of the upcoming “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” season due to her ongoing domestic situation.

The leaked 2023 video showed Paul physically attacking Mortensen by punching, kicking, and hurling furniture while her young daughter witnessed the violence and became distressed. Paul entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor assault in that case, while more serious charges including aggravated assault and domestic violence in a child’s presence were dropped.

Court records indicate eleven separate confrontations between Paul and Mortensen are being examined as part of their mutual protective order requests. Michael McDonald, a court-appointed advocate for their son Ever, referenced another video from May of the previous year showing Paul forcibly pushing Mortensen and yelling for him to leave her home while he held their child.

“That makes me very nervous about her ability to control herself,” McDonald stated during the April 7 proceedings.

Paul’s legal team argued that Mortensen intentionally used their child as a “human shield” during confrontations. Meanwhile, Mortensen’s attorney Daniela Diaz contended that Paul manipulates their son “as a pawn to start fights.”

The tumultuous relationship between Paul and Mortensen became a central storyline on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” when it premiered in 2024, helping establish Paul as a reality television figure. The show’s first episode even incorporated police body camera footage from her 2023 arrest.