Category: U.S. News

Family members are mourning six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who lost their lives in a drone attack on a Kuwait command facility during ongoing military operations against Iran.

Twenty-year-old Sgt. Declan Coady from West Des Moines, Iowa, had been regularly contacting his family from Kuwait with hourly updates to confirm his safety as military actions unfolded between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

“When he hadn’t responded to messages Sunday, most of us started to wonder,” his father Andrew told The Associated Press. “Your gut starts to get a feeling.”

The Pentagon identified four of the six logistics specialists killed in the attack on Tuesday: Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, from Winter Haven, Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, from Bellevue, Nebraska. Two additional soldiers have not been publicly named.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the casualties, stating “Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended military preparations, saying Wednesday that the military “ensured that the maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offense. The terms of this war will be set by us at every step.”

Amor was scheduled to return home within days to reunite with her spouse and two children.

“She was almost home,” her husband Joey Amor shared from their residence Tuesday. “You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.”

Nicole Amor enjoyed cultivating her garden and creating homemade salsa with peppers and tomatoes alongside her high school senior son. She also loved rollerblading and cycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

According to her husband, Amor had been relocated from the main base to a container-style structure without protective measures just one week before the fatal attack.

“They were dispersing because they were in fear that the base they were on was going to get attacked and they felt it was safer in smaller groups in separate places,” he explained.

Joey Amor said his wife was working extended hours and their final conversation occurred approximately two hours before her death, during which they shared lighthearted jokes about a minor fall she had experienced.

“She just never responded in the morning,” he said.

Coady had recently learned of his recommendation for advancement from specialist to sergeant, a promotion he received after his death.

Despite being among the youngest in his training program for military computer system troubleshooting, he impressed his instructors, according to his father Andrew Coady.

“He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier,” Coady said Tuesday. “He was also one of the most kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”

The young soldier maintained close family ties through frequent phone calls, even brief ones. While pursuing cybersecurity studies at Drake University in Des Moines, he continued his education online from Kuwait with aspirations of becoming an officer.

“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” his sister Keira Coady reflected. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”

Khork demonstrated strong patriotic values and military interest from an early age, according to a family statement released Tuesday.

After enlisting in the Army Reserve, he participated in Florida Southern College’s ROTC program.

“That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was,” stated his mother Donna Burhans, father James Khork, and stepmother Stacey Khork.

With a passion for history and a political science degree, Khork was described by his family as “the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him.”

Friend Abbas Jaffer wrote on Facebook Monday about losing someone exceptional.

“My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas,” Jaffer posted, noting their friendship spanning over 16 years.

Tietjens resided with his family at Washington Terrace mobile home park in Bellevue, Nebraska, an Omaha suburb. He leaves behind a wife and son, based on social media information.

Having achieved black belt status in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo, Tietjens served as “an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others,” according to the Philippine Martial Arts Alliance’s Facebook tribute.

The organization noted that whether training or serving as a soldier, “he carried the same values: honor, discipline, service, and commitment to others.”

Nebraska Governor Pete Pillen honored the family Tuesday.

“Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world — a sacrifice we must never forget,” he wrote.

“We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers,” the governor added.

Defense Department officials have disclosed the identities of four American military personnel among the six service members who lost their lives during the opening strikes in the war with Iran.

The Pentagon made the identification public after completing notification procedures for the families of the fallen troops.

Two additional service members who were killed in these initial military operations have not yet been publicly identified by military officials.

A devastating lawsuit has emerged following the tragic death of a Chinese American cancer researcher, with family members claiming that a university investigation played a role in driving their loved one to suicide.

The heartbreaking case has sparked difficult conversations about whether Asian scientists face unfair treatment and discrimination within American research institutions.

The researcher’s death by suicide has left both the scientific community and advocates grappling with troubling questions about how investigations and scrutiny may disproportionately impact researchers of Asian descent working in the United States.

A Georgia father whose son is accused of carrying out a deadly high school shooting has been convicted of second-degree murder by a jury on Tuesday.

The conviction centers on the father’s role in allowing his son to obtain the firearm that was later used in the tragic 2024 school attack, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals.

This case marks a significant legal precedent in holding parents criminally responsible when they enable their children’s access to weapons used in mass shootings.

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Around the sprawling Fort Campbell Army installation that spans the Tennessee-Kentucky border, the conflict with Iran weighs heavily on residents’ minds in these military-focused communities.

Fort Campbell serves as headquarters for the 101st Airborne Division, nicknamed “the Screaming Eagles,” a unit that has played crucial roles in America’s major military engagements dating back to World War II. Following the September 11 attacks, thousands of soldiers from this installation began routine rotations to Afghanistan and Iraq. When troop levels increased in those nations, annual combat deaths within the division exceeded some of its most devastating periods during the Vietnam War.

The communities of Oak Grove, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee, border the installation and serve the soldier population with uniform shops, barber services, and quick-service restaurants. War remembrance displays and monuments occupy public parks throughout both cities. American Legion halls, VFW chapters, and military family assistance organizations dot the landscape. At Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, one-third of enrolled students have military backgrounds or are currently serving.

Juan Munoz, an Army veteran with Afghanistan experience who now provides career guidance for transitioning service members in Clarksville, describes area families as having “mixed emotions” regarding the current conflict. He notes that junior enlisted personnel often look forward to deployment opportunities, while their spouses, parents, and other relatives fear for their well-being.

“You can’t ever give up the concern for your loved one, who’s potentially putting themselves in harm’s way,” he explained. Despite these worries, families continue backing the Iran operation. “At the end of the day, they’re going to support their service member.”

Munoz characterized the war as a “great move,” arguing that Iran supplies weapons to adversaries, endangering American forces and regional partners.

“It’s what needs to be done,” he stated.

Edward Bauman, who completed 23 years of Army service with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, shared his views Monday while speaking with media outside an Oak Grove retail store. His backing for the conflict stems from confidence in President Donald Trump’s judgment.

“My takeaway is there had to have been some reason for him to bomb them. I don’t think he would have just went out of his way to just, ‘I’m going to bomb these people’,” he remarked.

Bauman doubts Trump intends to launch another extended Middle Eastern campaign.

“It’s not going to be another Afghanistan. It’s not going to be another Iraq. We’re not going to go in and try to occupy them,” he said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Monday that the fighting “is not endless” while cautioning that additional American casualties are probable in coming weeks.

Shannon Razsadin, who heads the Virginia-based Military Family Advisory Network nonprofit, acknowledged “a good amount of stress and anxiety from the community just around the unknowns right now.”

Despite the tension, she emphasized, “They’re incredibly proud. Military families are proud of their service. And our military, our service members are prepared, and they are ready.”

Susan Lynn, a Tennessee state representative from Mount Juliet located approximately 70 miles southeast of the Army base, represents those proud yet worried family members. In 2020, she used Facebook to praise Trump for keeping her Air Force son out of “another war.” This past Saturday, she announced his deployment and requested prayers.

“From the time my son was a little boy, he wanted to be in the Air Force,” Lynn said during a Monday phone conversation. “He’s extremely patriotic. He will do anything to support our commander in chief. And I feel the same way. That if our commander in chief has made this executive decision, that this is something we should do, then I will trust that.”

Conversely, Chris McFarland, another Fort Campbell veteran with service in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, actively demonstrates his opposition to the Iran war. Upon learning of the conflict, he commissioned a “No more wars” sign and has displayed it daily along a busy Clarksville street.

McFarland, who directs Veterans for All, a nonprofit focused on veteran healthcare advocacy, reports encountering some hostile reactions from passing motorists during his demonstrations, though others stop for discussions. Many seek additional information about current events.

He describes them as “in shock, confused, concerned.”

McFarland speaks bluntly about his personal reaction to the Iran strikes.

“It is 100% unnecessary. It is unconstitutional. Literally, our own Congress didn’t even approve of this. This was done without anyone’s acknowledgement at 3:00 in the morning to murder people over in Iran.”

For combat veterans like himself, he explains, the prospect of renewed warfare triggers difficult memories.

“It just puts us right back in, right back at ground zero.”

A Georgia father has become the most recent parent to face criminal conviction after his child was involved in a deadly school shooting, as prosecutors increasingly pursue cases against parents they believe contributed to such tragedies.

Colin Gray was found guilty Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, located northeast of Atlanta. A jury quickly reached their verdict after prosecutors argued Gray provided his son with access to firearms and ammunition while being aware of the teenager’s declining mental health.

The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. Gray’s son, Colt Gray, was 14 years old when the incident occurred and has entered not guilty pleas to multiple charges against him.

This conviction continues a trend where legal authorities are expanding accountability beyond the actual shooters when evidence suggests parental negligence played a role in enabling the violence.

Several other recent cases demonstrate this pattern:

In Wisconsin, Jeffrey Rupnow faces charges for intentionally providing a dangerous weapon to a minor resulting in death. His 15-year-old daughter Natalie killed a student and teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison in 2024 before taking her own life. Prosecutors revealed that Rupnow acknowledged his daughter was having difficulty dealing with his divorce and purchased firearms as a way to bond with her.

Defense attorney Lisa Goldman argued at a July 2025 hearing that Rupnow acted responsibly, noting that Natalie had completed gun safety training and that her father stored the weapons in a safe.

The groundbreaking case involved Jennifer and James Crumbley, who became the first American parents to face criminal responsibility for a mass school shooting carried out by their child. Both are currently serving 10-year sentences for involuntary manslaughter.

Their son Ethan Crumbley fatally shot four students and injured others at Oxford High School in Michigan during 2021. School officials had shown the parents their son’s violent artwork just hours before the shooting occurred, but the Crumbleys refused to take him home. Nobody searched his backpack for weapons.

While the Crumbleys were unaware of their son’s specific intentions, they had recently given him a firearm as a present. Prosecutors successfully argued that Ethan’s actions could have been predicted and that his parents failed to take steps to prevent the violence.

In Illinois, Robert Crimo Jr. entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges for supporting his son’s gun permit application in 2019, despite being aware that Robert Crimo III had previously expressed thoughts of suicide.

Three years following that permit approval, Crimo III opened fire at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb, killing seven people.

“He was criminally reckless the moment he submitted that affidavit,” stated prosecutor Eric Rinehart regarding the father’s actions.

The elder Crimo received a 60-day jail sentence, while his son is serving life in prison after pleading guilty to murder charges in March.

Deja Taylor faced prosecution in both state and federal courts following an incident where her 6-year-old son brought her gun to school and shot a teacher in a classroom full of students in Newport News, Virginia, during 2023.

Taylor received a 21-month federal prison sentence for a drug-related offense connected to illegal gun possession. Additionally, she was sentenced to two years in state prison for child neglect.

“That is my son, so I am, as a parent, obviously willing to take responsibility for him because he can’t take responsibility for himself,” Taylor told “Good Morning America” in 2023.

The wounded teacher, Abigail Zwerner, told a judge she wasn’t certain “whether it would be my final moment on Earth.”

A Detroit resident walked out of prison Tuesday after spending more than a quarter-century incarcerated based on what prosecutors now admit was a forced confession extracted by a corrupt police detective.

George Calicut Jr., 56, emerged from the Coldwater, Michigan correctional facility sporting a Detroit Lions sweatshirt and broad grin as he embraced his attorneys. He had been serving life without parole for a 1999 homicide.

Calicut has consistently maintained his innocence in the death of Virgie Perkins, claiming he never laid eyes on the supposed confession statement until it was presented during his trial. The case against him lacked eyewitness testimony and physical evidence linking him to the crime.

Recent DNA analysis has “further supports the lack of any evidence” tying Calicut to the fatal attack at Perkins’ residence, according to a joint statement from Wayne County prosecutors and defense attorneys.

“Clearing Calicut reflects this office’s unwavering commitment to the integrity of convictions and the credibility of the system,” stated Valerie Newman, who leads the conviction integrity unit.

A judge threw out the charges following a request from both prosecution and defense teams, allowing Calicut’s immediate release.

Legal representation came from the University of Michigan Law School’s Innocence Clinic, with additional support from the Cooley Innocence Project at Cooley Law School.

The original charges alleged Calicut strangled Perkins and slashed her throat during a robbery at her home, stealing cash and a telephone. While Calicut acknowledged taking a phone from Perkins’ son the following day, he insisted he retrieved it from a car.

During the original trial, Detroit homicide detective Barbara Simon admitted she had written Calicut’s supposed confession statement before he signed it. Despite Calicut’s testimony denying the confession’s accuracy, jurors convicted him of murder, triggering an automatic life sentence without parole.

“Simon told Mr. Calicut, who had no prior interactions with police, that she could help him by creating a statement that would reduce the charge to manslaughter, which would allow him to get a bond and go home,” prosecutors and defense lawyers wrote in their four-page dismissal agreement.

Attempts to contact Simon, who has since retired from the Detroit Police Department, were unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.

The city of Detroit has paid out millions in lawsuit settlements connected to Simon’s conduct during her tenure as a homicide detective.

Court records indicate the original prosecutor was Mike Cox, who went on to become Michigan’s attorney general and is currently seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Cox did not respond to requests for comment regarding the exoneration.

A Georgia father has been found guilty on multiple charges including second-degree murder in connection with his teenage son’s deadly school shooting, marking an unusual case where a parent faces criminal consequences for their child’s violent actions.

Colin Gray, 55, was convicted Tuesday on 27 charges following an 11-day trial related to the tragic September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. The jury took less than two hours to reach their decision.

The charges stem from a shooting carried out by Gray’s 14-year-old son Colt, who used a rifle his father had given him as a Christmas present to kill four people and injure seven others at the school located about an hour from Atlanta.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that the elder Gray bore responsibility for arming and enabling his troubled son. “The case was about who armed Colt Gray and who enabled him to take the actions that he did,” prosecutors told the jury.

Gray’s defense team maintained that only the son should face punishment for the shooting. Colin Gray testified in his own defense, stating he was “trying to be a good father in a broken home” and claimed he never anticipated his son would carry out the attack.

The jury found Colin Gray guilty on charges including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and reckless conduct. A judge had previously dismissed two charges of second-degree cruelty to children before jury deliberations began.

The victims of the shooting were 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, along with teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39.

Colt Gray faces his own separate trial on 55 charges, including four counts of malice murder and four counts of felony murder. No trial date has been set for the teenager’s case.

WINDER, Ga. — A jury in Georgia has found Colin Gray guilty of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges connected to his teenage son’s deadly attack at Apalachee High School.

The verdict came Tuesday following the September 2024 massacre in Winder, located northeast of Atlanta, where Gray’s son allegedly fatally shot two students and two teachers. Gray represents part of a growing trend of parents facing criminal charges when their children carry out mass shootings.

Gray displayed minimal reaction while hearing the guilty verdict and remained stoic as each jury member confirmed their decision. Court officers placed him in handcuffs at the defense table where he spoke briefly with his attorney. His sentencing will occur at a future court date.

The jury determined Gray was responsible for second-degree murder in the deaths of two 14-year-old victims, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Under Georgia statutes, this charge applies when someone causes a child’s death through cruelty to children. He was also convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of educators Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

The attack also left one additional teacher and eight students with injuries. Gray received guilty verdicts on multiple charges of reckless conduct and cruelty to children.

According to prosecutors, Gray provided his son Colt with firearm access and ammunition “after receiving sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger the bodily safety of another.”

Colt Gray, age 14 during the shooting incident, faces indictment on 55 total charges including murder. He has entered a not guilty plea, with his judge scheduling a status conference for mid-March.

Law enforcement officials determined that Colt Gray meticulously organized the September 4, 2024 attack at the school serving 1,900 students.

According to investigators, he transported a semiautomatic assault-style weapon to school in his backpack, with the barrel protruding and concealed with poster board. After departing his second-period class, he exited a restroom armed with the weapon and opened fire in both a classroom and school corridors, investigators reported.

Prosecutors revealed that Colin Gray had presented the firearm to his son as a Christmas present months before the shooting and continued allowing access to the weapon and ammunition despite recognizing his son’s declining mental state.

The prosecution also disclosed that Colin Gray was aware of his son’s fascination with mass school shooters, including maintaining a bedroom shrine dedicated to Nikolas Cruz, who perpetrated the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School attack in Parkland, Florida.

Cincinnati police have taken two suspects into custody following a weekend nightclub shooting that left nine people injured, authorities announced Tuesday.

Police arrested Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, on Monday, charging both with felonious assault in connection with the incident, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Court records did not yet show legal representation for either suspect as of Tuesday morning.

The violence unfolded around 1 a.m. Sunday at Riverfront Live, a venue located along the Ohio River in Cincinnati’s eastern district. When officers arrived after receiving reports of gunshots, they discovered nine individuals suffering from bullet wounds.

Medical personnel transported all victims to area hospitals, where officials report they remain in stable condition.

Authorities have not revealed what sparked the shooting or provided details about the circumstances leading up to the incident. The police department’s homicide division is handling the investigation.

Federal assistance is being provided by the FBI, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had previously put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to suspect identification.

The shooting occurred during a birthday party organized by Jermaine Tandy, who goes by DJ Fresh, based on information from his Facebook account. Representatives for Tandy released a statement expressing they were “devastated” by the violence and described it as a “senseless act.”

Eyewitness Anton Canady spoke with The Associated Press about hearing sounds of an altercation before gunfire began. When panicked patrons rushed for the doors, Canady’s girlfriend fell down, prompting him to shield her from being trampled.

“I don’t think it was like they was doing it purposely or intentionally, I just think nobody wanted to die in there,” Canady explained.

Once outside, Canady discovered his cousin had been shot. He used fabric from a nearby vehicle to apply pressure to her injuries until emergency responders took over. He later confirmed she was “doing good” though experiencing shock from the trauma.

While this incident occurred around the same time as a fatal bar shooting in Austin, Texas, an ATF representative stated earlier this week that the Cincinnati shooting does not appear to be terrorism-related.

The venue sits beside the Ohio River near the well-known Riverbend Music Center, which remains closed during winter months. The property has operated under various names including Stage Forty-Three and Inner Circle, but gained recognition as the former location of Annie’s, a legendary rock venue that featured prominent rock and metal acts during the 1990s and early 2000s. Management rebranded the location as Riverfront Live in 2018 following concerns about criminal incidents.

Two people are recovering after their aircraft went down in the icy Hudson River Monday evening, with both occupants managing to swim to safety following the crash.

The incident happened shortly after a single-engine Cessna 172 departed from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, according to Federal Aviation Administration officials.

First responders rushed to the reported crash location but had difficulty finding the downed aircraft initially, the Middle Hope Fire Department stated. The plane was discovered minutes later in the water near Newburgh, approximately 62 miles north of Manhattan.

Both the pilot and passenger received medical treatment at a local hospital for minor injuries that were not specified. Officials have not disclosed the identities of those involved.

The circumstances that led to the crash remain unknown as the FAA continues its investigation.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul commended the rescue teams’ work, describing the successful rescue as “another miracle on the Hudson.” Her comment referenced the famous January 2009 incident when a US Airways aircraft struck birds and lost engine power after takeoff. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became renowned for successfully landing the disabled aircraft in the Hudson River, resulting in the rescue of all 155 passengers and crew members.

A special aircraft from the National Archives will embark on a coast-to-coast journey, transporting precious founding documents as part of America’s upcoming 250th birthday commemoration.

Kansas City has been selected as the inaugural destination for this unique airborne exhibition. The aircraft will transport some of the nation’s most treasured historical papers from the founding era.

This aerial tour represents part of the broader celebration planned for America’s semiquincentennial milestone, marking two and a half centuries since the nation’s birth.

Law enforcement officials in Austin, Texas remain without clear answers as they investigate a tragic bar shooting that occurred two days ago, resulting in four fatalities and injuries to more than a dozen patrons.

The deadly incident claimed the lives of four individuals, with authorities confirming that one of the deceased was the gunman responsible for the attack. The shooting has left the local community shaken as investigators work to piece together what led to the violence.

Police have not yet released details about a possible motive or the circumstances that preceded the shooting. The investigation remains active as authorities interview witnesses and examine evidence from the scene.

TUCSON, Ariz. — NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie made an emotional visit Monday to her missing mother’s Arizona residence, marking the first time she has been seen at the property since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance one month ago.

Guthrie was accompanied by her sister Annie Guthrie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni as they walked together down the driveway in a show of family solidarity. The trio placed yellow flowers at a memorial that has grown at the property’s entrance, sharing tearful embraces during the somber visit. The tribute site now features an array of flowers, yellow ribbons, religious crosses, written prayers, a sign reading “Let Nancy Come Home,” and an angel figurine.

The family has been actively seeking help in locating Nancy Guthrie, with her children recording video appeals asking for their mother’s safe return. Most recently, Savannah Guthrie announced through social media that the family is providing a $1 million reward for any information that leads to finding their mother.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her residence on January 31st and was officially reported as missing the next day. Law enforcement officials suspect the 84-year-old woman was taken from her home involuntarily, potentially kidnapped or abducted. While investigators discovered blood evidence on her front porch, they have released limited details about other evidence in the case.

Following the Pearl Harbor attack, thousands of second-generation Japanese Americans enlisted to serve the United States during World War II, despite the fact that their own families had been imprisoned in government detention facilities and labeled as “enemy aliens.”

Now, many years after these veterans returned home to continued prejudice and bias, their service is being celebrated through a new traveling display that launched in San Francisco. The exhibition, titled “I am an American: The Nisei Soldier Experience,” takes its name from a prominent banner displayed at a Japanese American business in Oakland, California, on the day following Pearl Harbor.

This 1,500-square-foot display showcases family photographs, personal keepsakes, and brief biographical accounts of these Nisei servicemen, contributed by their descendants to preserve these tales of courage for future generations, particularly as issues surrounding national identity remain relevant today.

Among the featured items is a travel case belonging to Sgt. Gary Uchida, decorated with his own sketches of his Hawaiian homeland and locations he visited during his military service.

Visitors can view a military identification document where Oregon native George S. Hara clearly wrote “American” under the nationality section.

One particularly moving piece is a note holder crafted by Rihachi Mayewaki using wood scraps during his detention at Jerome camp in Arkansas. The handmade item displays an American bald eagle alongside a blue star banner containing three stars, representing each of his sons: Ben, who worked in enemy intelligence analysis; Charles, who trained with the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team; and Hachiro, who served as a military translator.

The word “nintai,” meaning endurance in Japanese, appears at the base of this holder.

“The father was incredibly proud he had three sons serving in the American army,” Christine Sato-Yamazaki, executive director of the National Veterans Network and co-curator of the exhibit, said last month at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit.

Approximately 33,000 Japanese Americans served in World War II, even as the U.S. government forcibly relocated an estimated 120,000 people of Japanese heritage to remote detention centers. Many detainees were elderly individuals or young children who had no understanding of betrayal. Two-thirds held American citizenship. Their properties and businesses were confiscated during their imprisonment, frequently housing them in crowded, wooden barracks in desolate areas with difficult living conditions.

The United States did not issue an official apology until 1988.

“These soldiers wanted to prove they were loyal patriotic Americans, part of the greatest generation at that time and they were American — just like anybody else,” said Sato-Yamazaki, whose grandparents did not talk about their time in camp or at war. The garrison cap worn by her grandfather, Tech. Sgt. Dave Kawagoye, is featured in the exhibit. It contains the words “Go for Broke,” the motto of the famed 442nd.

Japanese Americans enlisted in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion, both decorated but racially separated military units. They additionally worked as interpreters within the Military Intelligence Service. Approximately 800 Nisei soldiers died in combat.

This five-year touring exhibition will remain at San Francisco’s Presidio until August before traveling to 10 additional cities, including Honolulu, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon. The National Veterans Network, National Museum of the United States Army, and Army Historical Foundation sponsor the display.

Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda is among the soldiers highlighted in the exhibition. As a second-generation Japanese American in Hawaii, he faced employment discrimination based solely on his ethnic background. He decided to enlist in World War II, believing that military service would eliminate employers’ ability to refuse him work.

On October 20, 1944, Kuroda pushed forward through intense enemy fire to eliminate two enemy machine gun positions after participating in the liberation of the French town of Bruyères from Nazi control. He maintained his attack until enemy sniper fire ended his life. He was 21 years old.

Kuroda received the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously, which was subsequently elevated to the Medal of Honor. The medal citation recognized that his “courageous actions and indomitable fighting spirit ensured the destruction of enemy resistance.”

The exhibition displays Kuroda’s Medal of Honor alongside his high school class ring, which held special significance in his family as the first of nine children to complete graduation.

The ring remained lost until 2021 when metal detecting enthusiast Sébastien Roure discovered it buried in woodland near Bruyères. Roure dedicated significant effort to returning the Farrington High School class ring to the Kuroda family, and now both families maintain contact, communicating through translation apps and basic French and English.

Prior to the exhibition, both the ring and medal were kept in a display case at a relative’s automotive repair shop near Honolulu.

“The family just felt if we could, in our own ways, help others, the country, know the sacrifices of the previous generation and what they did for our lives, then, even better,” said Kevin Kuroda, a nephew who traveled from Hawaii for the exhibit’s opening.

STARKE, Fla. — Florida carried out the execution Tuesday evening of a 53-year-old man who murdered a police officer more than three decades ago using the officer’s own weapon.

Billy Leon Kearse received a lethal injection at 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison near Starke for the 1991 killing of Fort Pierce Police Officer Danny Parrish. A jury originally condemned Kearse to death in 1991 following his conviction on charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

After the Florida Supreme Court determined the trial judge had not properly instructed jurors about aggravating factors, Kearse received a new sentencing hearing and was again sentenced to death in 1997.

Tuesday’s execution marks Florida’s third this year, coming after the state set a record with 19 executions in 2025. Under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida executed more people last year than any other governor has since capital punishment resumed in 1976. The previous high was eight executions, which occurred in both 1984 under Bob Graham and 2014 under Rick Scott.

Court documents show Officer Parrish stopped Kearse in January 1991 for traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street in Fort Pierce. When Kearse failed to provide proper identification, Parrish instructed him to exit his car and tried to place him under arrest.

During the physical altercation that followed, Kearse seized Parrish’s gun, according to prosecutors. Kearse then fired 14 rounds, with nine bullets hitting the officer’s body and four striking his protective vest. A taxi driver in the area heard the gunfire and used Parrish’s police radio to summon assistance.

Medical personnel transported Parrish to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, authorities reported. Police tracked down Kearse using vehicle registration information that Parrish had radioed in before the confrontation, leading them to Kearse’s residence where they made the arrest.

The Florida Supreme Court rejected Kearse’s appeals last week. His legal team had contended that he was denied proper representation during sentencing and that executing someone with intellectual disabilities violates constitutional protections.

Final legal challenges remained before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Nationwide, 47 individuals were executed in 2025, with Florida leading all states due to numerous death warrants issued by DeSantis. Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas each conducted five executions, trailing far behind Florida’s total.

Beyond the two Florida executions completed this year, Texas and Oklahoma have each put one person to death.

Florida has two additional executions planned for March. Michael Lee King, 54, faces execution on March 17, while James Aren Duckett, 68, is scheduled to die on March 31.

The state’s Department of Corrections uses a three-drug protocol for all executions: a sedative, a paralytic agent, and a medication that stops heart function.

A collection of America’s most treasured historical documents launched an unprecedented cross-country tour Monday as part of celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday milestone.

Documents that normally remain secured in climate-controlled storage facilities at the National Archives, including the 1783 Treaty of Paris that officially concluded the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association encouraging colonists to refuse British products, are seldom relocated from their protected environment.

However, these priceless papers bearing the signatures of George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers will travel nationwide for public viewing at no cost in community museums.

“It’s tangible history, and tangible history inspires,” said Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. “These documents have not traveled, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”

The specially designated Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane” carrying these artifacts represents just one element of numerous nationwide activities planned to commemorate America’s approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing on July 4, 1776. Two separate organizations – the congressionally established America 250 commission and a White House-coordinated Freedom 250 program – are organizing commemorative events, creating some overlap that has drawn criticism in Washington.

Planned commemorative activities include traveling mobile museums touring the nation, a storytelling collection project, and a Great American State Fair scheduled for Washington D.C.’s National Mall. President Donald Trump has also revealed plans for “Patriot Games” featuring high school athletic competitions and UFC mixed-martial arts matches at the White House.

The aircraft departed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Monday morning, heading first to Kansas City, Missouri, where the historical materials will be transferred to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The collection features an original 1823 Declaration of Independence engraving created from the original copperplate, 1778 Oaths of Allegiance bearing signatures from George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and fellow Continental Army officers, plus a draft Constitution manuscript containing handwritten delegate annotations.

Additional tour destinations include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn (a Detroit suburb), and Seattle.

“The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic,” said Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where they will be on display for a little over two weeks starting Friday. “There’s a lot of excitement about that and a lot of talk in and around the city about what that means.”

Naylor reported exceptional early interest, with area schools already scheduling visits for over 5,000 students.

“That’s indicating that there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this,” he said.

The “Freedom Plane” concept draws inspiration from the “American Freedom Train” that visited 48 states during 1975 and 1976 for the nation’s bicentennial celebration, transporting various American historical artifacts including original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland’s Wizard of Oz costume, and Jesse Owens’ 1936 Olympic gold medals.

AUSTIN, Texas — Federal investigators revealed Monday that the shooter who attacked patrons outside a busy Texas bar, leaving three dead and more than a dozen injured, had never been flagged by law enforcement agencies prior to the deadly incident.

Both FBI officials and Austin police emphasized it remains too early to determine what drove the mass shooting that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday. The federal bureau is examining the case as a possible terrorist act, particularly given the timing following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

“Our ultimate goal in everything we do is to determine the motive,” Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office, said during a news conference.

Authorities identified the deceased shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, who was fatally shot by responding officers. According to a law enforcement source speaking to The Associated Press, Diagne wore clothing decorated with Iranian flag imagery and text reading “Property of Allah” during the assault.

The investigation involves reviewing thousands of hours of surveillance footage, with police reporting more than 150 witnesses requiring interviews.

“We are still in the early hours of this investigation,” said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.

Chief Davis confirmed that Diagne had legally purchased the firearms used in the attack several years earlier in San Antonio. She indicated that additional details about the suspect and police body camera recordings might be made public later this week.

The three victims were identified as 21-year-old Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson.

Harrington had recently joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University in 2024, according to the organization’s Instagram statement.

“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,” the fraternity said. “If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”

Texas Tech confirmed in their statement that Harrington was registered for the fall 2025 semester but wasn’t currently enrolled in classes.

“Our thoughts are with Ryder’s family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating situation,” the statement said.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Shan was pursuing dual degrees in management information systems and economics at the University of Texas at Austin.

University President Jim Davis called her death “devastating” and noted that several other students sustained injuries in the attack.

“Some of these are very serious and we are hoping for the best outcomes, while others are on the path to recovery,” he said in a statement. “I have met with many of these families and will continue to pray for them.”

Austin Police announced Monday evening that Pederson had died from his injuries.

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public discussion, revealed that the shooter originally hailed from Senegal.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Diagne initially arrived in the United States in 2000 using a B-2 tourist visa and gained lawful permanent residency six years later following his marriage to an American citizen.

Associated Press reporters were unsuccessful Monday in contacting Diagne’s family members in the Austin region or his former spouse, who was recently listed as residing near San Antonio. Someone at a residence associated with his ex-wife refused to provide comments and directed reporters to speak with investigators.

The violence erupted outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular entertainment district packed with bars and music venues near the University of Texas at Austin campus.

Police described how the gunman initially drove past the student-filled establishment before turning around and opening fire from his SUV at people on the sidewalk and inside the venue.

Witnesses inside the bar and across the street near a food truck either dropped to the ground for protection or stood frozen, struggling to comprehend the unfolding situation.

After a brief pause in the shooting, the suspect parked his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and continued firing at bystanders before officers arrived at the scene and fatally shot him, according to the police chief.

Within hours of the incident, FBI officials stated they had discovered “indicators” on the gunman and in his vehicle that prompted them to investigate potential terrorism connections.

Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has taken legal action to prevent police body camera footage from his 2024 drunk driving arrest in New York’s Hamptons from becoming public.

Legal representatives for the former NSYNC member filed a lawsuit on Monday targeting the village of Sag Harbor and its police force, claiming that making the video public would “devastate” Timberlake’s privacy by exposing “intimate, highly personal, and sensitive details.”

The attorneys further contended that releasing the footage would inflict “severe and irreparable harm” on his standing by exposing him to “public ridicule and harassment.”

According to court documents, “The footage at issue depicts Petitioner in an acutely vulnerable state during a roadside encounter with law enforcement, capturing intimate details of Petitioner’s physical appearance, demeanor, speech, and conduct during field sobriety testing, the subsequent arrest, and Petitioner’s confinement following arrest over the next several hours.”

During Monday’s court session in Riverhead, Judge Joseph Farneti did not issue an immediate decision, according to Vincent Toomey, who represents Sag Harbor. The judge instead requested both parties work toward a potential agreement and provide an update later this week.

Timberlake’s legal team did not respond to requests for comment.

The Tennessee-born entertainer entered a guilty plea to impaired driving charges in September 2024. Law enforcement reported that he failed to stop at a stop sign in the village center, drifted from his lane, and exited his BMW with the smell of alcohol on him that June.

The performer informed officers that he had consumed a single martini and was driving behind friends to their destination in Sag Harbor, a historic whaling community nestled among the exclusive coastal towns of the Hamptons, located about 100 miles east of New York City.

As part of his plea agreement, which reduced his original misdemeanor charge to a non-criminal traffic infraction, Timberlake committed to recording a public safety message warning against drunk driving. His sentence also included a $500 penalty, 25 hours of community service, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” Timberlake stated after his court hearing. “This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”

Timberlake’s lawyers revealed in their filing that they received notification on Sunday that village authorities planned to release portions of the footage with certain information blacked out to satisfy public records requests.

The complete video recording spans approximately eight hours and contains Timberlake’s traffic stop, police interrogation, field sobriety test administration, and his arrest.

The Associated Press joined several news organizations in requesting access to the video footage.

Sag Harbor Mayor Thomas Gardella stated that village leadership has thoroughly examined the footage to guarantee that nothing released would endanger police officers or community members.

“We’re trying to be as transparent as can be with this footage,” he explained, pointing out that state public records legislation typically mandates the release of police body camera recordings.

AUSTIN, Texas — Federal and local authorities are investigating a weekend shooting at an Austin nightclub as a possible terrorist attack after a gunman killed two people and injured 14 others before police shot him dead.

The violence erupted early Sunday morning when the shooter targeted Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin’s popular Sixth Street entertainment area. According to a law enforcement source who spoke to The Associated Press, the attacker wore clothing featuring an Iranian flag pattern and text reading “Property of Allah.”

The incident occurred following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. FBI agents and Austin police continue examining what motivated the deadly assault, which caused panicked patrons and pedestrians to flee for safety.

According to police reports, the shooter initially drove by the establishment before returning and opening fire from his vehicle at people both inside the venue and on nearby sidewalks early Sunday morning.

University students present during the attack either dropped to the ground seeking protection or froze in place inside the bar and near a food truck across the street, struggling to comprehend the unfolding violence.

After a brief pause in gunfire, authorities say the attacker parked his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and continued shooting at bystanders until responding officers arrived at the scene and fatally wounded him.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis named the deceased victims as Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19.

According to a social media statement from the organization, Harrington had recently become a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University in 2024.

The targeted establishment sits along Sixth Street, a popular entertainment corridor packed with drinking establishments and live music venues near the University of Texas flagship campus. The institution ranks among America’s largest universities, serving approximately 55,000 students.

Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior who was at the location with friends that evening, described the scene: “full of college students, probably mostly UT kids, shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights.”

University President Jim Davis acknowledged that some of those impacted were “members of our Longhorn family,” referencing the school’s mascot.

Following the shooting, law enforcement cordoned off multiple city blocks surrounding Sixth Street. Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives worked alongside local investigators at the crime scene.

Both FBI officials and Austin police stated Monday that determining the shooter’s motivation remains premature.

Authorities identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Police Chief Davis confirmed that Diagne had legally purchased both the handgun and rifle used in the attack years earlier in San Antonio.

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public discussion, revealed that Diagne originally came from Senegal.

Department of Homeland Security records show he initially arrived in the United States in 2000 using a B-2 tourist visa, later obtaining permanent residency status in 2006 following his marriage to an American citizen.

Associated Press journalists were unsuccessful Monday in contacting Diagne’s local family members or his former spouse, who was recently documented as residing in the San Antonio area. An individual at a residence associated with his ex-wife refused to provide comments and directed reporters to speak with investigators.

The entertainment zone maintains substantial police coverage during weekends, enabling officers to engage the shooter within sixty seconds of receiving the initial emergency call, according to the police chief.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the rapid response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.

“They definitely saved lives,” he said.

Comeaux, the University of Texas Austin student, recorded video of the suspect approaching Buford’s while aiming his weapon at officers before police returned fire.

“The shooter was walking towards where I was and towards where the bar was, where there could have been 10 times as much damage if he’d gone back to the bar where hundreds of students were hiding,” Comeaux said. “So I’m just very grateful for the heroic police officers who were able to stop the suspect.”

A compassionate volunteer working with a Sonoma County school district has discovered an innovative approach to addressing teenage clothing needs. Rather than simply distributing any available donated items, she takes the time to carefully select, wash, and organize clothing contributions to ensure teenagers from low-income families receive fashionable options they genuinely want to wear.

The volunteer recognized that traditional clothing donation programs often fall short when it comes to meeting the style preferences of teenage recipients. By curating the donated items and presenting them in an appealing way, she’s helping to bridge the gap between necessity and personal expression for young people who might otherwise feel self-conscious about their clothing options.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A United Airlines aircraft made an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport on Monday morning, approximately 40 minutes into its journey, following reports of an engine fire that required immediate passenger evacuation, officials confirmed.

Airport operations at LAX came to a temporary halt for roughly 30 minutes while the aircraft completed its emergency landing and evacuation procedures, based on Federal Aviation Administration notifications. Officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members sustained injuries during the incident.

The aircraft, originally headed to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to circle back to Los Angeles due to a potential engine fire situation, United Airlines confirmed in an official statement. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and successfully contained the fire within an hour of the plane’s emergency landing.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the aircraft departed at 10:43 a.m., initiated its return course around 11 a.m., and completed its emergency landing at 11:19 a.m.

Fire department officials assisted in evacuating more than 250 individuals, including passengers and crew members. The evacuation took place on the airport taxiway, with people exiting through emergency slides and stairs before being transported to the terminal building, according to the airline’s statement.

The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Boeing 787-9, part of Boeing’s widely-used 787 Dreamliner series designed for long-distance travel.

A Georgia jury began deliberations Monday in the unprecedented murder trial of a father whose teenage son allegedly carried out a deadly school shooting using a weapon the father provided.

Colin Gray, 55, faces 29 criminal charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter connected to the September 2024 attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. His 14-year-old son Colt allegedly used a rifle given to him as a Christmas present to kill four people and injure seven others at the school.

During closing arguments, prosecutor Patricia Brooks emphasized the case centers on determining “who armed Colt and who enabled him to do what he did.”

The September attack claimed the lives of two 14-year-old students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, along with teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39.

Gray entered a not guilty plea and testified in his own defense during the 11-day proceedings before Piedmont Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Nicholas Primm. Taking the witness stand Friday, he became emotional while acknowledging “I could have done more.” He described himself as a father attempting to hold together a fractured household while raising three children apart from his estranged spouse.

Defense attorney Jimmy Berry urged jurors to base their verdict on evidence and legal standards rather than emotions, recognizing the community’s desire for explanations following the tragedy.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Gray disregarded concerning behaviors from his son, including the creation of a shrine honoring previous school shooters in the teenager’s bedroom, along with disruptive conduct at school and violent episodes at home.

Body camera recordings from responding deputies showed Gray’s reaction upon learning of the shooting. “God. I knew it, man. My little girl just texted me,” he was heard saying. The footage also captured him telling officers, “We’re trying to get him into counseling.”

However, Gray’s estranged wife Marcee testified that her husband dismissed counseling efforts and ignored her pleas to secure firearms in their home away from their son.

The defense argued Gray purchased the weapon as a Christmas gift to strengthen his relationship with Colt through shared hunting and target shooting activities.

Colt Gray, who was 14 during the shooting, awaits his own trial on 55 charges including multiple counts of malice murder and felony murder.

This prosecution follows a similar 2024 Michigan case where parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbley received 10 to 15-year prison sentences for manslaughter. Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted after jurors determined they provided their son with a firearm and overlooked warning indicators before he killed four students at his Detroit-area high school in 2021.

Legal experts note such parental prosecutions remain uncommon but are increasingly pursued by prosecutors and communities seeking accountability and potential deterrence in school shooting cases where parental negligence appears evident.

Federal law enforcement agencies have joined Cincinnati police in hunting for the gunman responsible for a weekend shooting at a local nightclub that left nine people injured.

The shooting occurred around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning at Riverfront Live, a music venue in Cincinnati. All nine victims were taken to area hospitals with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie, who reported that all patients remain in stable condition.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now collaborating with Cincinnati police on the investigation, confirmed spokesperson Todd Lindgren. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has posted a $5,000 reward for tips leading to the identification of the shooter.

While this incident happened around the same time as a fatal bar shooting in Austin, Texas that investigators are examining as possible terrorism, Ohio authorities have not revealed any potential motive for the Cincinnati attack.

Cincinnati ATF spokesperson Bill Halusek stated that investigators do not currently believe the nightclub shooting was a terrorist act.

Witness Anton Canady was inside Riverfront Live when the violence erupted. He described hearing what seemed like an altercation or “commotion” before gunfire broke out while music was still playing. Canady and his girlfriend Brandi Willis immediately fled toward the exits.

During the chaotic evacuation, Willis fell down and Canady shielded her with his body to prevent her from being trampled by other fleeing patrons.

“I don’t think it was like they was doing it purposely or intentionally, I just think nobody wanted to die in there,” he said.

The 40-year-old Cincinnati man spoke with The Associated Press from a hospital where he was waiting for Willis to receive additional treatment for injuries sustained during their escape. Canady also suffered cuts and bruises to his legs.

After getting out of the venue, Canady discovered that one of the shooting victims was his own cousin.

“I hurried up, found something out of the car that was next to us. And I tied her wounds up so we can get that pressure. And we try to do the next step, which is call 911 and get her the attention she needed,” he said.

Canady reported speaking with his cousin on Monday, saying she is “doing good” but remains “in shock.”

DJ Fresh, whose real name is Jermaine Tandy, was celebrating his birthday at the venue that night, based on his Facebook posts. Representatives for the DJ released a statement expressing their devastation over the violent incident.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the statement read. “This event was intended to be an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy great music; and have fun celebrating life, it is deeply frustrating that the actions of one individual ruined the evening for so many.”

The statement noted that venue management handled security arrangements for the event as part of the DJ’s rental contract.

Riverfront Live is located on the Ohio River near the Riverbend Music Center and frequently attracts patrons from the larger outdoor concert venue, which closes during winter months.

The club was renamed Riverfront Live in 2018 following previous incidents involving criminal activity. The property has operated under various names including Stage Forty-Three and Inner Circle, but is most famous as the former location of Annie’s, a legendary rock club that featured major touring acts during the 1990s and early 2000s.

NEW YORK CITY — The nation’s largest city spent over $117 million during the past year resolving lawsuits related to police officer misconduct, with cases spanning from wrongful arrests of demonstrators in 2020 to flawed investigative work that resulted in innocent people being imprisoned in the 1980s, according to a fresh examination of municipal records released this week. The financial burden has reached almost $800 million across seven years.

Two men who served over two decades behind bars after being falsely arrested and found guilty of a deadly 1986 Manhattan robbery received the year’s biggest payouts, totaling $24.1 million combined. A separate $5.75 million settlement compensated a man who claims officers permanently damaged his left eye with a stun gun.

The Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit organization providing public defense services, published the examination on Monday while the city grapples with a $5.4 billion budget deficit. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has suggested reducing the NYPD’s $6.4 billion budget by $22 million alongside other spending cuts, even as officials highlight declining crime statistics. These misconduct settlements come from a different portion of the municipal budget, unlike other jurisdictions where such costs are deducted directly from police department operating funds.

“This examination focuses on bringing transparency to the true cost of the NYPD,” explained Jennvine Wong, supervising attorney for the organization’s Cop Accountability Project. “Based on our findings, it appears that substantial accountability measures have been missing within the police department. This represents a persistent issue requiring immediate attention.”

The city resolved 1,044 police misconduct cases in 2025, marking the highest number since 2019’s 1,276 settlements. This represented the fourth consecutive year with payouts surpassing $100 million. The previous year’s figure nearly doubled the $62.1 million paid in 2020 for 929 cases, while 2024 saw $206.4 million distributed across 980 lawsuits.

These figures represent only a portion of the city’s complete police misconduct expenses. The Legal Aid Society’s examination covers solely lawsuit settlements, excluding claims resolved by the city comptroller before formal legal proceedings began.

Among the previous year’s settlements, approximately $42 million addressed wrongful convictions while $28 million — roughly one-quarter of total payouts — involved incidents occurring over twenty years ago. Similar cases have comprised a significant portion of the $796 million the city has distributed for police misconduct lawsuit resolutions since 2019, according to NYPD officials.

“Although these cases require important attention, they provide no insight into current policing practices,” the department stated.

Under Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s leadership, the NYPD “has implemented substantial measures to enhance accountability, compliance, and modify outdated policies that could increase liability,” the statement continued. Officials noted the department collaborates closely with city district attorneys’ offices, supplying materials to support their examination of cases involving false arrest and conviction allegations.

Eric Smokes and David Warren, the men falsely convicted in the 1986 fatal robbery, received $13 million and $11.1 million respectively. Their 2024 federal lawsuit alleged that a dishonest detective relied on testimony from an emotionally impaired and drug-using 17-year-old attempting to escape his own robbery charges. Three of four witnesses who identified Smokes and Warren as perpetrators only did so after facing threats of criminal prosecution, according to court documents.

Steven Lopez received a $3.9 million settlement as the sixth individual arrested alongside the former Central Park Five, now called the Exonerated Five, after their convictions in a 1989 female jogger’s rape were reversed. While the Five proceeded to trial, Lopez accepted a plea deal for a reduced charge involving the mugging of a male jogger that same evening, succumbing to intense police and public pressure.

Additional settlements included $1.7 million for four demonstrators who claimed officers struck them with batons or forced them to the ground during a June 2020 Brooklyn protest following George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police.

The city distributed $5.2 million to nine individuals who alleged they were falsely accused in cases spanning 2014 to 2016 by two officers subsequently convicted of fabricating testimony and documentation.

Last week, a court-appointed oversight official criticized the NYPD for inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of officers’ stop-and-frisk practices. A federal judge determined in 2013 that the NYPD’s widespread use of this search method for weapons and narcotics violated Black and Hispanic New Yorkers’ civil rights.

While the department has dramatically reduced stop-and-frisk encounters since then, it maintains “unacceptably low compliance rates” with constitutional safeguards, according to monitor Mylan L. Denerstein.

The NYPD’s enormous settlement expenses indicate additional efforts are needed to reduce misconduct, with “insufficient accountability continuing to foster a culture of impunity,” Wong stated.

“These judgments and settlement expenses are draining city resources while imposing not only financial burdens on police misconduct victims, but also inflicting genuine psychological harm that stays with them,” she concluded.

Three United States Army service members will receive the nation’s highest military decoration during a White House ceremony on Monday, as President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Honor to recognize their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Among those being honored is retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson, whose heroic actions during the Vietnam conflict are credited with preserving the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

The ceremony will also posthumously honor Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan during 2013 while displaying exceptional bravery in the combat operation that claimed his life.

Additionally, Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds will receive posthumous recognition for his courageous leadership and defiance while held as a prisoner of war by German forces during World War II. Edmonds passed away in 1985.

This prestigious military decoration is bestowed by the Commander in Chief on behalf of Congress to honor service members who demonstrate exceptional valor in combat situations, placing their own lives at risk while performing duties far exceeding normal expectations.

Entertainment enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this week as Harry Styles releases his fourth solo record “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” and Guy Ritchie debuts his detective series “Young Sherlock” on streaming platforms.

The Associated Press entertainment team has curated additional streaming highlights worth checking out: Steve Carell headlines the uplifting comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo launches Pokémon Pokopia for a relaxing gaming session, and Netflix debuts the science fiction action movie “War Machine.”

Oscar enthusiasts can catch up on this year’s nominees with two films arriving on Hulu in March. Jafar Panahi’s darkly comic revenge tale “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” both begin streaming. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning film, which Mark Kennedy praised as one of the year’s most emotionally powerful in his AP review, competes for best international feature and best original screenplay at the March 15 Oscars ceremony. “The Secret Agent” earned nominations for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In my review, I described it as a “slow burn thriller,” noting it represents “the best kind of personal film, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.”

Netflix premieres a fresh sci-fi action film titled “War Machine” on Friday, March 6 – distinct from the 2017 Brad Pitt vehicle directed by David Michôd. This latest version features Alan Ritchson portraying an Army Ranger who encounters a lethal machine that relentlessly pursues him and his fellow soldiers during a training exercise. The cast includes Dennis Quaid, Stephan James and Jai Courtney.

“Fackham Hall” tells the story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who secures employment at an elegant English estate and begins courting the lady of the manor (Thomasin McKenzie) in this comedic parody blending murder mystery elements that merges “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” The production also features Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton, launching on HBO Max March 6. Alternatively, fans of the original can watch “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” the franchise’s third film, arriving on Netflix Saturday, March 7.

Harry Styles makes his musical comeback with his fourth solo release “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” launching Friday through Columbia Records. Information remains limited: He characterized the record as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” during an interview with stylist Harry Lambert in The Sunday Times Magazine, describing the project as directly reflecting his time away from public attention in Rome. The initial preview came via “Aperture,” a quintessential Styles opener featuring a five-minute gradual build of intensifying synthesizers. He shared with BBC Radio 1 that the track drew inspiration from witnessing LCD Soundsystem perform live and listening to The Durutti Column, an ’80s English post-punk group. He appears to suggest that freedom emerges from anonymity, dance floors, and slowing down as the tempo increases.

Denzel Curry and The Scythe (comprising rappers Bktherula, TiaCorine, Key Nyata and Ferg, previously A$AP Ferg) return with “Strictly 4 The Scythe.” Consider them the premier Southern rap collective – this supergroup appears to enjoy themselves more than any other artists currently active. This energy shines through on the title track “The Scythe,” featuring bouncing verses and an infectious sing-along chorus.

Scott Speedman showcases his magnetic appeal in ABC’s new series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman portrays a former news photographer and ex-convict pursuing a fresh start as a private detective. Set in South Florida where investigations can turn bizarre – because it’s Florida – the show draws inspiration from Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen, a Florida native who comprehends the state’s peculiarities, bases his stories there. “RJ Decker” becomes available Wednesday on Hulu.

Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock” explores the period before Sherlock Holmes achieved his reputation as the world’s premier detective, during his Oxford University studies. Hero Fiennes Tiffin stars as the lead character in this series executive produced and directed by Guy Ritchie, incorporating all the expected Ritchie elements: dynamic action scenes, rapid pacing and clever dialogue. This adaptation shows Sherlock forming an unlikely friendship with James Moriarty, who becomes his greatest adversary. All eight episodes premiere Wednesday.

Peacock presents another prequel this week as “Ted” the television series returns Thursday for its second season. The show focuses on the early years of the profanity-laden teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his closest friend John (Max Burkholder), a high school student. MacFarlane serves multiple roles as executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner.

Steve Carell leads HBO’s new uplifting comedy “Rooster,” playing a bestselling writer who accepts a position at a university where his daughter works as a professor during a difficult period. Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking”) co-created the series. Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley fill primary roles. The show debuts Sunday, March 8 on HBO Max.

Bungie established impressive standards for science fiction shooters through Halo and Destiny, though few gamers recall their initial genre attempt: 1994’s Marathon. The updated Marathon advances 99 years forward to the distant planet Tau Ceti IV, where original explorers attempted establishing a new settlement. Upon arrival, most colonists have disappeared, leaving players to gather remaining treasures. Bungie indicates solo play is possible, but assembling online teammates becomes advisable once player-versus-player combat intensifies. The mission launches Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia departs from the traditional “gotta catch ’em all” format. The concept resembles “build ’em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Players control a shape-shifting Ditto character placed in a barren environment. Fortunately, the knowledgeable Professor Tangrowth provides assistance in improving the surroundings. Diversification becomes essential for attracting visitors, as Pidgey likely prefers trees while Psyduck may desire a lake. For those wanting Pokémon companionship without battles, this creates the ideal setting. The experience begins Thursday on Switch 2.

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Despite frigid single-digit temperatures this past Sunday, dozens of determined customers gathered outside a historic Dairy Queen in Minnesota, viewing the seasonal reopening as their personal declaration that spring has arrived.

For 77 years, this walk-up ice cream establishment has maintained its unwavering March 1st opening date, creating a beloved community ritual that persists regardless of blizzards, subzero conditions, or heavy snowfall.

“It just says that we’re tough, and there are things that are really important to us,” explained Jerry Protextor, a former pastor who waited in line for a butterscotch milkshake and chocolate-mint Blizzard. “It’s just a part of community.”

Store owners Troy and Diane DeLeon describe their establishment as a “heritage store” that provides hope and continuity for community members seeking something positive to anticipate, particularly during challenging times globally.

“It’s a sense of unity. It’s a tradition for many families,” Diane DeLeon explained.

The opening day typically attracts approximately 1,200 visitors. Many arrive early and wait in their vehicles, with securing the first position in line earning year-long boasting privileges.

Julie Bergseid arrived before 7 a.m. to claim the coveted first spot after finishing second for two consecutive years.

“Usually there’s a little bit of a line after a bit, so you gotta get here before they start,” she noted. “It’s momentous that this is the start of spring, no matter what the temperature. This starts it, going to the DQ, getting your first ice cream of the season.”

Dressed in snow pants, long underwear, wool socks and mittens, Bergseid intended to sit at an outdoor patio table to consume her barbecue, peanut butter parfait and Dilly frozen treat.

“It won’t melt. That’s the nice thing,” Bergseid remarked.

Patrons can choose from unique offerings unavailable at other locations. Popular items include the Mr. Malty, a chocolate malt frozen on a stick; the Curly Shake, featuring a shake base topped with sundae; the Monkey Tail, a chocolate-dipped frozen banana on a stick; and various discontinued Blizzard varieties.

“It’s just that we have always had and made those special treats through the years. Even though they’ve been discontinued, we still have them because we have the ingredients and why not make it?” Troy DeLeon said. “If you still have the ingredients, ‘give the customer what they want’ is our feeling.”

Due to its age, the establishment operates under grandfathered regulations, allowing it to emphasize personal service and distinctive menu items, he noted.

The butterscotch milkshake Protextor purchased for his wife cannot be obtained at any neighboring DQ locations, he mentioned.

“We have to go to the right Dairy Queen to do what she wants,” he said.

Bundled customers in winter coats, hats and gloves maintained distance near the street while others approached the service windows to order. The establishment eschews mobile apps or ordering kiosks, focusing instead on personal customer interaction, the DeLeons emphasized.

Visitors brought pets and young children, taking photographs beneath a giant Dilly bar statue — honoring the chocolate-covered ice cream creation invented at the Moorhead DQ during the 1950s. The atmosphere resembled a summer gathering, albeit with winter attire.

“This is beautiful today. I mean, it’s a little chilly, but the sun’s shining, it will get a little warmer,” Troy DeLeon observed. “Typically it’s either snowing or probably closer to zero or below zero, so this is a beautiful day.”

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Central Command announced Sunday that three American military personnel have died during combat operations targeting Iran.

According to the military statement, five additional service members suffered severe injuries during the mission, which has been designated Operation Epic Fury.

The Central Command released the casualty information on Sunday, confirming the deaths occurred as part of ongoing U.S. military actions against Iranian forces.

AUSTIN, Texas — A violent shooting incident at an Austin beer garden has left three people dead and 14 others wounded, according to local authorities.

During an early Sunday morning news briefing, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that officers responded to emergency calls about a “male shooting” at Buford’s, a well-known establishment located in the city’s entertainment district.

Upon arriving at the location, law enforcement encountered an armed individual and “returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis stated.

Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that three victims were pronounced dead at the location, while 14 wounded individuals required hospital transport. Among those hospitalized, three remain in critical condition.

“We received a call at 1:39 a.m. and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz explained.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the swift emergency response efforts.

“They definitely saved lives,” Watson stated.

A violent shooting at an Austin, Texas bar during the early morning hours of Sunday resulted in three fatalities and left 14 people wounded, according to local authorities.

Law enforcement officers engaged the gunman in a deadly confrontation at the scene, ultimately killing the suspect, police reported. Hospital officials confirmed that 14 victims are receiving medical treatment, with three individuals fighting for their lives in critical condition.

Authorities have not disclosed the shooter’s name or provided any information regarding what may have motivated the deadly attack.

Such mass shooting incidents occur with greater frequency in the United States compared to other nations, as America maintains some of the world’s most lenient firearm regulations among developed countries.

PASADENA, Calif. — Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis took center stage Saturday evening at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, accepting the organization’s Chairman’s Award while delivering an inspiring message about personal growth and unity.

During her acceptance speech at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Davis emphasized the importance of facing difficult truths on the path to progress. “There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth,” Davis stated. “We either move forward together or not at all.”

The 60-year-old performer shared her remarkable transformation from growing up in poverty in Rhode Island to becoming one of entertainment’s most celebrated figures. “I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance,” she reflected.

Davis has built an impressive career with memorable roles in “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Doubt,” along with her starring role in the hit series “How to Get Away With Murder.” She joined the exclusive EGOT club after winning a Grammy for narrating the audiobook of her memoir “Finding Me,” complementing her two Tony Awards, Emmy, and Oscar for “Fences.”

“No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope,” Davis shared, “to the girl living a transcendent life.”

Comedian Deon Cole opened the evening with a mix of political satire and cultural observations, including jokes about immigration enforcement and a reference to a recent disruption at the British Academy Film Awards. The February 21st incident involved an inappropriate outburst during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

Cole addressed the audience with humor regarding potential disruptions: “If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight.”

The ceremony celebrated Black excellence across entertainment and literature, with Regina Hall among the evening’s presenters. Hall presented the first award to Miles Caton for outstanding breakthrough performance in “Sinners,” while also acknowledging Jordan and Lindo’s professionalism during the earlier incident.

“I’d like to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and send you so much love for your class,” Hall remarked.

Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller “Sinners” dominated the film categories with 18 nominations throughout the night.

The program also featured special tributes, including the President’s Award presentation to Colman Domingo and a memorial honoring the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away February 17th at age 84.

Samuel L. Jackson presented the tribute to the civil rights icon, recognizing his decades of activism and political influence. The former protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became a national figure during the Civil Rights Movement and maintained his advocacy through the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

Jackson’s work spanned voting rights, education, and economic opportunities for Black Americans, with his famous phrase “I am somebody” inspiring generations to embrace their dignity and potential.

The tribute received enthusiastic applause, highlighting Jackson’s enduring influence on civil rights and social justice movements across multiple generations.

PASADENA, Calif. — Hollywood’s biggest names converged in California Saturday evening for the concluding ceremony of the NAACP Image Awards, with the film ‘Sinners’ topping the list of movie nominations.

The prestigious Image Awards recognize outstanding achievements across multiple entertainment and cultural categories, spanning cinema, television programming, musical performances, literary works, and additional artistic endeavors. Saturday’s ceremony marks the culmination of several award nights and represents one of Hollywood’s final major recognition events of the season, taking place as Black History Month draws to a close.

The event featured a curated collection of photographs showcasing the evening’s highlights and attendees.

CONCORD, N.H. — The son of famous singer Cher found himself in legal trouble Friday evening after authorities say he caused a disturbance at an elite New Hampshire boarding school where he had no business being.

Elijah Allman, age 49, faces multiple criminal charges following his arrest at St. Paul’s School in Concord. Law enforcement officials have charged him with four separate misdemeanor offenses: a pair of simple assault counts, along with criminal trespass and criminal threatening charges. Additionally, Allman received a citation for disorderly conduct, which violates state law but doesn’t rise to the level of a criminal offense.

Concord law enforcement officers were called to the prestigious prep school around 7 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of someone causing problems in the campus dining facility. Allman, whose late father was musician Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, had no ties to the educational institution.

Following his arrest and processing on the various charges, Allman was freed on bail while his legal case moves forward through New Hampshire’s court system.

Court documents do not currently list legal representation for Allman. Attempts to reach Cher’s representatives for comment were unsuccessful, while officials at St. Paul’s School have chosen not to discuss the incident publicly.

The matter remains under investigation by local authorities.