Category: U.S. News

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.

NEW ORLEANS — Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf is facing his second arrest in New Orleans after being charged with an additional count of simple battery on Saturday, according to court documents.

The latest charge comes after LaBeouf’s February 17th arrest for allegedly attacking multiple individuals outside the Royal Street Inn & R Bar during the city’s Mardi Gras festivities. Authorities have not yet clarified whether Saturday’s new charge stems from the same February incident. Representatives for LaBeouf and New Orleans police did not respond to requests for comment.

During the February altercation, surveillance footage captured a shirtless LaBeouf pushing one victim to the ground and striking another person in the face, potentially dislocating the victim’s nose, police documents indicate.

Local performer Jeffrey Damnit, identified in police records as Jeffrey Klein, confirmed he was among those assaulted by the actor.

“He hit me, he connected a few times with punches, he pushed me a few times,” Damnit shared with The Associated Press.

According to Damnit, LaBeouf became increasingly violent, attempting to provoke fights while threatening to assault the entertainer and others present. Damnit also reported that earlier that evening, LaBeouf had shoved him from behind inside the establishment while shouting anti-gay slurs and making death threats.

Despite efforts by Damnit and other patrons to calm LaBeouf and convince him to leave the premises, the actor refused to depart and his behavior escalated, witnesses and police reports confirm.

Officers responded to the disturbance around 12:45 a.m. during the early hours of Fat Tuesday and took LaBeouf into custody.

The actor has yet to enter a plea in the case. On Thursday, he remained silent when speaking to media after a New Orleans judge mandated his return to substance abuse treatment. During that court appearance, LaBeouf’s legal counsel, Sarah Chervinsky, argued to the judge: “Frankly, being drunk on Mardi Gras is not a crime.”

MILAN (AP) — The Queen of Pop commanded attention at Milan Fashion Week Saturday when Madonna arrived for Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall-Winter 2026-27 presentation, creating a buzz that overshadowed even the runway itself.

As her classic hit “You’ll See” played in the background, the 67-year-old superstar and her partner Akeem Morris were escorted to prime seats beside fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour from Vogue right before the show commenced. Fellow front-row attendees couldn’t help but capture the scene on their phones as Madonna embraced actor Alberto Guerra, her co-star in a recent Dolce & Gabbana advertising campaign.

The pop legend’s relationship with the Italian fashion house spans more than three decades, beginning in the 1990s with memorable pieces like a gem-encrusted corset she wore to the 1991 New York premiere of her documentary “Truth or Dare.”

The fashion duo has also designed stage outfits for Madonna’s concert tours, including her 1992 Erotica tour and the 2001 Drowned World Tour.

For Saturday’s show, Madonna traded the lace head covering she wore at her last Dolce & Gabbana appearance for the Spring-Summer 2025 collection for flowing blonde hair. She opted for a sleek black blazer paired with a dark mini-dress, adding a splash of color with striking turquoise leather gloves.

The runway collection from designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana seemed to draw inspiration directly from Madonna’s signature looks, featuring sheer lace garments that echoed her early fashion choices and structured pinstripe suits with bold shoulders reminiscent of her “Vogue” music video era. The line also showcased luxurious faux fur pieces and bold animal patterns.

Throughout the presentation, models made special turns toward Madonna and Wintour’s section, highlighting mirrored double-breasted jackets with unique lapel details on both sides. The two fashion influencers, both sporting dark sunglasses, sat attentively in the low front-row seating with Madonna wrapping her arms around her knees. They were seen quietly discussing their thoughts as the show concluded.

Following the finale, the design team personally greeted Madonna with warm embraces before escorting her to the backstage area.

Meanwhile, crowds of devoted fans assembled outside the venue, hoping to glimpse Madonna and other celebrities who filled the coveted front-row seats.

An eatery in Mobile, Alabama, displayed what seemed like an impossible promotional offer with their storefront sign reading: “Free oysters to any man 80 years old accompanied by his father.”

The seemingly impossible challenge was met when Jimmy Rush arrived at the establishment on his milestone 80th birthday, bringing along his father Jim. NPR’s Scott Simon spoke with Rush about taking advantage of this unique dining opportunity.

The restaurant’s clever marketing ploy, which likely seemed safe from any actual takers, found its match in the Rush family’s remarkable situation of having both an octogenarian son and his still-living father able to claim the promotional offer together.

The death of one of the world’s most wanted drug kingpins has failed to significantly impact his criminal organization’s vast operations on American soil, according to security officials from both the United States and Mexico.

Mexican special operations forces eliminated Nemesio Oseguera, better known as “El Mencho,” during a joint operation with U.S. support on February 22. The takedown marked the most significant cartel leader capture in over ten years.

Following their leader’s death, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel unleashed widespread violence across Mexico, setting fires to buildings and blocking major roadways in a show of force that made international headlines.

However, law enforcement sources indicate the cartel’s sophisticated American operations remain largely untouched. These networks facilitate the acquisition of military weapons, enable multi-billion dollar fuel trafficking schemes, and launder enormous amounts of criminal proceeds.

“The United States has become increasingly important to cartels, especially the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, for it to thrive,” stated Alamdar Hamdani, who previously served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas.

White House representative Anna Kelly emphasized that the current administration “has worked closely with the Mexican government to stop the scourge of drugs and criminals entering our country,” crediting this partnership with the “elimination of infamous narcoterrorist ‘El Mencho.’”

“The president will continue to do everything in his power to keep America safe from these vicious criminals and the drugs they use to poison our country,” Kelly added.

The successful operation has intensified Mexican calls for increased U.S. action against cartel activities within American borders. Such enforcement actions carry significant risks for Mexico, as they often trigger violent retaliation in a nation where drug-related conflicts have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s decision to intensify anti-cartel operations has prompted fresh demands for reciprocal U.S. efforts.

“The United States can’t turn a blind eye to Mexico’s demands any longer,” declared Mexican Congressman Alfonso Ramirez Cuellar, a key Sheinbaum supporter.

Cuellar emphasized the need for enhanced U.S. efforts targeting money laundering, fuel trafficking, and particularly weapons smuggling from America into Mexico.

“We can’t stop drug traffickers if the United States continues allowing them to strengthen their military capabilities,” he stated.

While the U.S. has pursued hundreds of cartel-related prosecutions domestically in recent years, the current administration redirected thousands of agents from drug, firearms, and money laundering investigations to immigration enforcement efforts last year.

Reuters previously documented a notable decline in drug conspiracy and money laundering charges filed in the past year.

“The Trump administration has predominantly focused on highly militarized actions against drugs abroad and has not paid similar attention to actions at home,” observed security analyst Vanda Felbab-Brown.

A Justice Department representative said the administration remains “acutely focused on securing the border, prosecuting violent traffickers, deporting any and all members of cartel networks and ensuring they are held accountable for their horrific crimes against the American people.”

The department highlighted several recent prosecutions targeting senior Jalisco cartel figures.

Roberto Velasco, Mexico’s Undersecretary for North America, confirmed his government has consistently prioritized arms trafficking concerns in bilateral discussions.

“While there has been some significant progress, we believe much more can be done to control this flow and to target the networks in the United States that facilitate it, empowering transnational criminal organizations,” Velasco explained.

Interviews with a dozen current and former officials from both countries, combined with analysis of court records from ten recent cartel cases, revealed extensive U.S.-based operations critical to the organization’s strength and profitability.

The investigation uncovered involvement by American businesses and professionals, including fuel traders, telecommunications retailers, and financial brokers, in cartel activities.

“There’s a lot of economic integration – both legal and illegal,” noted Alexia Bautista, a former Mexican diplomatic official.

During the raid that killed El Mencho at a mountain cabin where he awaited his girlfriend’s visit, cartel gunmen fought back using predominantly American weapons, according to Mexican Army chief Ricardo Trevilla.

Approximately 80% of the 23,000 weapons seized by Mexican authorities since Sheinbaum assumed office in late 2024 originated in the United States, Trevilla reported.

The Jalisco organization has demonstrated particular skill in acquiring heavy military equipment from gun retailers across America, law enforcement officials confirmed.

One weapons trafficking network supplied the cartel with firearms from over a dozen states, including .50 caliber rifles capable of downing aircraft and FN SCAR assault rifles designed for elite military units, according to investigative findings.

While such weapons can be legally purchased in America, they become contraband upon entering Mexico, which maintains strict firearms regulations.

“We complain about the Mexicans’ lack of effort to go after the drugs down there, but then why does the U.S. dismiss their argument that we could do better on the guns going southbound?” questioned Derek Maltz, former acting Drug Enforcement Administration chief.

“The U.S. has to step up in a lot of areas,” Maltz continued, citing needs for improved arms trafficking prosecutions and expanded public health programs addressing American drug demand.

Beyond traditional drug profits, cartels have constructed a massive cross-border petroleum empire worth billions of dollars in less than a decade.

The Jalisco cartel leads this enterprise, which relies on networks of American companies including refineries, fuel traders, transportation firms, and storage facilities, some operating with full knowledge of their criminal partnerships.

“This is no longer stealing fuel from (state energy company) Pemex,” explained Guadalupe Correa, a George Mason University professor studying cartel revenue diversification. “It’s a huge, transnational business.”

Authorities describe two primary smuggling methods: stolen Mexican crude oil sold to American companies, and legitimate U.S. fuel purchased through shell companies and smuggled into Mexico disguised as other products to evade taxes.

Sheinbaum confirmed last year that American business figures were involved in fuel smuggling investigations. “One cannot explain otherwise how fuel comes from the U.S. to Mexico, and enters illegally,” she stated.

In late 2024, El Mencho’s son-in-law Cristian Gutierrez Ochoa was apprehended at a $1.2 million residence in Riverside, California.

Court documents reveal Gutierrez, who pleaded guilty to international money laundering conspiracy charges in June 2025, purchased the five-bedroom home using drug money channeled through a Mexican shell company masquerading as a tequila business.

Property investment represents just one method the Jalisco cartel employs to legitimize its American profits.

Carlos Olivo, a former DEA agent who specialized in tracking the organization’s U.S. financial operations, said cartel money flows through restaurants, textile companies, entertainment businesses, agricultural enterprises, and even stock markets.

“In total, we’re talking about hundreds of millions in assets in cartel-related money in the United States,” Olivo stated.

A DEA spokesperson confirmed cartels utilize diverse money laundering techniques, “also use trade-based money laundering schemes, cryptocurrency, bulk cash, and Chinese underground banking systems to fund their operations.”

Alejandro Celorio, a former Mexican diplomat, expressed hope that Sheinbaum’s decision to target the country’s most powerful cartel leader would motivate increased U.S. domestic enforcement efforts.

“As the world’s leading commercial and military power, the U.S. could certainly investigate more deeply how money and drugs move within U.S. territory,” Celorio concluded.

Body camera footage made public on Friday reveals the frantic moments that followed a fatal family shooting at a Rhode Island ice hockey facility, showing emergency responders and civilians working desperately to save lives amid the confusion.

“My dad shot my brother,” a woman can be heard telling a police officer outside the facility in the body camera recording obtained by The Boston Globe on Friday.

The officer immediately rushes into the building, according to the more than 21-minute recording released by Pawtucket Police. Most of the footage has been heavily blurred, with only exterior shots of the building and some seating areas remaining visible.

Officials report that gunman Robert Dorgan, 56, opened fire on family members during a youth hockey match. The attack claimed the lives of his former wife Rhonda Dorgan, their adult son Aidan Dorgan, and Rhonda Dorgan’s father, Gerald Dorgan. Two others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s mother Linda Dorgan and family friend Thomas Geruso.

The gunman, Robert Dorgan, who was also known by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, died from what officials believe was a self-inflicted gunshot, according to authorities.

The recording captures the officer yelling, “Where is he? Where is he?” while entering the facility with his weapon drawn.

Racing past abandoned coats and personal belongings, the officer approaches a group of people near the front bleachers while continuously asking, “Where’s the shooter?”

“The shooter’s right here,” responds a man in the crowd.

The following minutes show a rapid response as the officer collaborates with civilians, including individuals who identified themselves as a firefighter and nurse, along with other bystanders, all working to assist the wounded.

One person checks for vital signs on a victim, reporting the pulse as “faint.” The officer instructs someone to bring additional cloth materials to apply pressure to injuries. Crying can be heard in the background throughout the recording.

People describe finding a male victim with two gunshot wounds to his back and a female victim shot in the back, side, and hand.

“Aidan, hey, talk to me, Aidan. Aidan, how old are you? How old are you, buddy?” the officer can be heard asking before apparently discovering additional injuries. “Oh, he’s got three. Oh, my God, he’s got more.”

Police officials have praised multiple “good Samaritans” who stepped in and quickly ended the assault. At least three civilians managed to restrain the gunman in the middle of the bleacher section while other spectators evacuated around them.

Authorities in Texas have arrested a 25-year-old man from Spring on charges that he covertly administered abortion medication to his pregnant girlfriend, leading to the death of her unborn baby. According to police, Jon Demeter had repeatedly pressured the woman to terminate her pregnancy and even offered to cover the costs of an abortion, but she consistently declined his requests.

Law enforcement officials report this incident represents part of a growing pattern of similar criminal cases emerging across multiple states. Advocates who oppose abortion access warn that such incidents are likely to increase as long as abortion medications remain easily accessible to the public.

A former Major League Baseball pitcher will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced Friday for the deadly shooting of his wife’s parents at their Lake Tahoe home in 2021.

Daniel Serafini, 51, received life in prison without the possibility of parole following his July conviction on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary. The former left-handed pitcher killed his father-in-law Gary Spohr and shot his mother-in-law Wendy Wood, who survived the attack but passed away one year later.

Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire emphasized the devastating impact on the victims’ loved ones, describing Spohr and Wood as devoted grandparents whose deaths deeply affected their family and community.

“The impact of this attack has extended far beyond the immediate victims, deeply affecting family members and the broader community, and highlighting the lasting harm caused by deliberate violence,” Gire said.

At his sentencing hearing, Serafini continued to deny responsibility for the crimes, telling the court he was out with his wife the evening of the shooting. He characterized himself as a “broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes,” according to MyNews4.

Serafini’s baseball career spanned over a decade after being selected by the Minnesota Twins in 1992. The pitcher went on to play for several major league teams including the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies.

Court proceedings revealed Serafini harbored intense animosity toward his affluent in-laws, with prosecutors presenting evidence that he had stated his willingness to pay $20,000 to have them murdered. The prosecution also displayed hostile email exchanges and text messages between Serafini and the victims to demonstrate their troubled relationship.

Defense attorney David Dratman maintained throughout the six-week trial that no physical evidence connected his client to the crime scene. He argued that despite the strained family dynamics, Serafini lacked sufficient motive to commit murder.

After his conviction, Serafini made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a new trial through various legal motions. He will now serve his sentence within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system.

Federal agents conducted searches at the residence and district offices of Alberto Carvalho, who leads the Los Angeles public school system, prompting the school board to suspend him with pay on Friday.

The FBI executed search warrants on Wednesday at Carvalho’s home and the headquarters of the Los Angeles Unified School District, though investigators have not disclosed the specific nature of their probe or filed any charges against the superintendent.

Following two days of private discussions, the school board voted without opposition to suspend Carvalho pending the completion of the federal investigation. The district educates over 500,000 students, making it America’s second-largest school system.

Carvalho took charge of the Los Angeles district in 2022 after previously serving as superintendent in Miami’s public schools.

Andres Chait, who serves as the district’s chief of school operations, will assume leadership responsibilities during Carvalho’s absence, according to district officials.

“Our focus remains clear: to ensure stability, continuity, and strong leadership for our students, families, and employees,” Chait said in a statement.

Carvalho has not issued any public response to requests for comment. Federal agents also conducted a search Wednesday at a third property located near Miami. According to the Miami Herald, this Florida location belongs to Debra Kerr, who had professional connections to AllHere, an educational technology firm that previously held a contract with Los Angeles schools before the company’s collapse and its chief executive’s fraud indictment.

During 2024, Carvalho promoted extensively a partnership with AllHere for an artificial intelligence chatbot called “Ed” intended to assist students. However, approximately three months after introducing the technology and paying AllHere $3 million, the district terminated its relationship with the company, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy. Later, company founder Joanna Smith-Griffin faced charges including securities fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft.

District officials stated Wednesday that they “are cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, Carvalho has disputed having personal involvement in choosing AllHere as a vendor. Following Smith-Griffin’s indictment, Carvalho announced plans to establish a task force to review the district’s failed project, though no public updates have been provided since.

Kerr, who works as an education technology sales representative connecting companies with school districts, reportedly never received her $630,000 commission for facilitating the AllHere agreement with Los Angeles schools, according to The 74, a publication that covered the company’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2024.

The 74 also reported that Kerr maintained established professional relationships with Carvalho dating back to his tenure in Florida, and that her son, who was employed by AllHere, presented the technology to Los Angeles school officials after Carvalho assumed leadership there. The Associated Press could not contact Kerr for comment.

During his five years leading Los Angeles schools, Carvalho has received recognition for improving the district’s academic outcomes. He earned similar acclaim while directing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida’s largest school system, where the national superintendents association honored him as Superintendent of the Year in 2014.

Spain awarded knighthood to the Portugal-born educator in 2021 in recognition of his efforts to expand Spanish-language educational programs within Miami-Dade County schools.

Shortly afterward, Carvalho accepted the California position and became an outspoken opponent of the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement policies, particularly following raids conducted in Los Angeles last year.

Carvalho joined the Los Angeles district during a pivotal period, as the system benefited from substantial state and federal COVID-19 relief funding while still addressing pandemic-related challenges including educational setbacks and reduced student enrollment. He had previously clashed with Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the governor’s directive prohibiting mandatory mask requirements in schools during the pandemic.

Officials from the Miami-Dade school system acknowledged awareness of the investigation concerning Carvalho but declined to provide additional comment at this time.

MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin man received a 16½-year prison sentence Friday after orchestrating an elaborate scheme to frame his robbery victim by creating fake threatening letters against President Donald Trump aimed at triggering the man’s deportation.

Demetric DeShawn Scott, 52, was convicted in January by a Milwaukee County jury on charges including felony identity theft, witness intimidation, bail jumping and reckless endangerment. Judge Kristy Yang handed down sentences totaling 16½ years: 18 months for identity theft, five years for intimidation, and 10 years for endangerment, plus credit for 882 days already served on the bail jumping charge.

The case began in September 2023 when Scott attacked Mexican immigrant Ramon Morales Reyes while he was cycling in Milwaukee. Court records show Scott knocked Morales Reyes from his bicycle, slashed him with a box cutter, and stole the bike. Scott was already free on bond for a separate burglary case at the time of the attack.

Following his arrest, Scott crafted multiple letters while incarcerated, impersonating Morales Reyes and threatening to assassinate Trump at a political rally. The fabricated correspondence reached state and federal officials, ultimately leading to Morales Reyes’ detention by immigration authorities in May as he dropped his daughter at school.

The case gained national prominence when U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicized Morales Reyes’ photograph and excerpts from the supposed threat letter on social media. The White House and Trump supporters highlighted the arrest as evidence of successful immigration enforcement efforts.

Authorities eventually uncovered the deception when they realized Morales Reyes lacked sufficient English skills to compose the letters and his handwriting didn’t match the documents. Investigators also discovered Scott discussing the letter-writing plan during recorded jail phone calls, including his strategy to have Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain someone to derail his own trial. Scott eventually confessed to authoring the false threats.

Representing himself since December, Scott continued asserting his innocence as deputies removed him from the courtroom after sentencing. “I had never stolen a bike from anybody, and so I did what I did because he was trying to get a visa and get, become a citizen,” Scott told WDJT-TV while being escorted to an elevator. When asked about regrets, he responded, “No, I don’t.”

The DHS website still displays Noem’s original news release featuring Morales Reyes’ photo, though it now carries a disclaimer noting he’s no longer under investigation for threatening Trump while remaining in ICE custody facing deportation. The release indicates he illegally entered the U.S. nine times from 1998 to 2005 and has prior arrests for felony hit and run, property damage, and domestic-related disorderly conduct.

Morales Reyes was released on $7,500 bond in June. His deportation defense lawyer, Cain Oulahan, reported in January that his client was living with family in Milwaukee and had filed for a U-visa, which permits crime victims and their relatives to stay in the United States.

While Oulahan declined Friday to discuss Scott’s sentencing, he noted the U-visa process can extend up to eight years. His legal team plans to pursue an order to dismiss the deportation proceedings entirely.

According to his attorneys, Morales Reyes immigrated from Mexico during the 1980s, works as a dishwasher in Milwaukee, and is married with three U.S. citizen children. A review of online court records revealed no state or federal criminal cases in Wisconsin listing Morales Reyes as a defendant.

NEW YORK — Government attorneys confirmed Friday they will not challenge a federal judge’s decision that removes the death penalty from consideration in the case against Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean Buckley informed Judge Margaret Garnett in a written communication that federal prosecutors will not request the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn her ruling, paving the way for a September federal trial. Mangione’s state murder proceedings are slated to commence in June.

Last month, Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge involving firearm use that would have allowed prosecutors to pursue capital punishment, determining the charge was legally insufficient.

The judge explained her decision was made to “foreclose the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury” during deliberations on Mangione’s guilt in the December 2024 Manhattan slaying.

Garnett, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor nominated by President Joe Biden, also eliminated a weapons charge while maintaining stalking charges that could result in life imprisonment.

For capital punishment eligibility, prosecutors were required to demonstrate that Mangione killed Thompson during the commission of another “crime of violence.” In her 39-page decision, Garnett determined that stalking does not meet this legal standard, referencing established case law and judicial precedents.

The decision derailed the Trump administration’s effort to execute Mangione for what Attorney General Pam Bondi described as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” This marked the Justice Department’s first death penalty case during President Donald Trump’s second administration.

The 27-year-old Mangione has entered not guilty pleas in both federal and state proceedings. State charges also potentially carry life sentences. During a recent court appearance, he objected to facing consecutive trials, stating to the judge: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.”

Thompson, age 50, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, while walking to a midtown Manhattan hotel for UnitedHealth Group’s yearly investor meeting. Security footage captured a masked shooter firing at him from behind. Authorities report that “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were inscribed on the bullets, echoing terminology used to criticize insurance companies’ claim denial practices.

Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus from an affluent Maryland family, was apprehended five days after the shooting when someone recognized him eating breakfast at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, approximately 230 miles west of Manhattan.

Defense attorneys contend that law enforcement compromised his case by creating a “Marvel movie” spectacle around his arrest, including having armed personnel escort him along a Manhattan pier following his flight to New York, and by publicly announcing their intention to seek his execution before formal charges were filed.

Federal jury selection is planned for September 8, with opening arguments and witness testimony beginning October 13. State trial proceedings are set for June 8, though Judge Gregory Carro indicated that date might have been delayed until September 8 had federal prosecutors challenged the death penalty decision.

In her written opinion, Garnett recognized that her ruling “may strike the average person — and indeed many lawyers and judges — as tortured and strange, and the result may seem contrary to our intuitions about the criminal law.”

However, she emphasized it represented her “committed effort to faithfully apply the dictates of the Supreme Court to the charges in this case. The law must be the Court’s only concern.”

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Surveillance footage has captured the final known movements of a visually impaired refugee from Myanmar who died just five days after federal agents released him at a Buffalo donut shop in the middle of the night.

The video, obtained by the Investigative Post, shows 56-year-old Nurul Amin Shah Alam carefully navigating an empty parking lot in jail-issued footwear after Border Patrol officers left him at a Tim Hortons on February 19. The footage reveals him pulling his hood up against the cold weather as he walks past the drive-through window before disappearing into the darkness.

Shah Alam’s body was discovered on Tuesday morning outside the downtown arena where the Buffalo Sabres play hockey. A passerby called 911 after finding him on the sidewalk. Authorities are still investigating how he traveled several miles from the restaurant to the location where he died.

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan confirmed the Tim Hortons was closed when agents dropped off Shah Alam. The surveillance footage shows him trying the locked front entrance before the Border Patrol vehicle drives away.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection defended their actions this week, stating agents selected “a warm, safe location” for the release.

The agency described the transportation as “a courtesy ride” to an area near where Shah Alam’s relatives had previously resided. Officials said he agreed to the ride and displayed no signs of distress or physical limitations. CBP has not responded to recent requests for additional comment.

The Erie County medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death, while Buffalo police continue reviewing security cameras across the city to trace Shah Alam’s movements during his final days.

Shah Alam had spent a full year in the Erie County jail following a 2024 incident that led to his arrest. Body camera footage released Thursday shows police confronting him in a snowy backyard where he was holding what appeared to be curtain rods.

In the video, officers repeatedly yell “What are you doing?” and “Put it down” as Shah Alam approaches them. Family advocates say he had wandered onto the wrong property and couldn’t understand the English commands.

The footage shows an officer threatening “I’m going to shoot you, dude” before deploying Tasers and wrestling Shah Alam to the ground. Police report that he bit two officers during the arrest.

Shah Alam initially faced serious charges including felony assault, burglary, and criminal mischief. An immigration hold was placed on him following the arrest.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo made “a strategic decision” to keep him in jail rather than post bail, fearing immigration officials would immediately detain him. However, lawyers told his family it was safe to post bond after he accepted a plea deal on February 9 for two reduced misdemeanor charges.

He was released from the Erie County Holding Center on February 19 after posting bail. The sheriff’s department notified Border Patrol of his upcoming release due to the immigration detainer, and agents were waiting when he was freed.

That same evening, he was transported to the Tim Hortons where the surveillance video begins.

The parents of a woman fatally shot during immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis are sharing fond memories of their daughter while hoping her tragic death can bring about positive change.

Renee Good, 37, had a passion for celebrations, glittery things, and bringing joy to others around her. Her mother, Donna Ganger, described her daughter’s unique ability to make people feel valued during a Friday interview with Associated Press reporters in Denver.

“She had this way of making you feel special and loved that I didn’t even understand that until we lost her,” Donna Ganger reflected about her daughter, who died January 7 when an immigration officer opened fire during federal operations in Minneapolis.

Tim Ganger, Good’s father, characterized his daughter as someone who was “slow to anger, quick to love, quick to care,” adding “That’s the essence of who she was.”

The mother of three was among those killed during widespread immigration raids that swept through Minneapolis, triggering demonstrations throughout the area. Her death, along with that of another American citizen Alex Pretti in the following weeks, generated nationwide anger and demands for immigration enforcement reform.

Good’s parents, along with her brothers Brent and Luke Ganger, sat down with AP reporters Friday for an extensive conversation about their loss.

“It’s going to be hard in the future,” Donna Ganger expressed. “It’s going to be kind of a constant pain.”

According to her family, Good had completed her college education as an adult learner and was serving as a volunteer in local schools while working as a substitute teacher at the time of her death.

“She was working so hard to get her education, and then she was finally able to use it, and I could just tell how happy she was and how fulfilled,” her mother recalled.

The family expressed their desire that Good’s death and their public discussion of her life might encourage positive transformation in a divided nation.

Luke Ganger told Congress that their family represents “a very American blend,” explaining “We vote differently, and we rarely completely agree on the finer details of what it means to be a citizen of this country.”

Despite their differences, “we have always treated each other with love and respect,” he testified.

The family believes they might encourage others to find common ground, they said during Friday’s interview.

“Our purpose through this whole tragic, difficult, unbelievable time, is to have something good come out of this,” Tim Ganger explained. “Otherwise the senselessness of this is overwhelming.”

While the family chose not to elaborate on their political disagreements, Donna Ganger mentioned seeking spiritual guidance, saying “Before all this happened I said ‘Make me a wise woman.’”

“Sometimes I’m just silly, you know, and I joke with them and I’m goofy,” she shared, her voice heavy with grief. “But I want to be able to talk about hard things — and that’s hard sometimes with your own family to talk about hard things that maybe you don’t agree on. And I don’t want there to be any hardships between us or hurt.”

“But it’s important that we learn to be careful with our words, but share them in a deep way,” she continued. “It’s really important.”

According to Good’s partner, Becca Good, they had pulled over on the morning of the fatal incident to show solidarity with neighbors during an immigration enforcement action as raids and demonstrations erupted citywide.

Footage reveals Renee Good positioned in a red SUV, partially blocking the roadway while repeatedly sounding her horn.

Two immigration agents exited their vehicle, with one commanding Good to open her door. She backed up momentarily before turning the wheel as the officer repeated, “get out of the car.” At nearly the same moment, Becca Good, who was standing in the street, yelled, “drive, baby, drive!”

As Good began moving forward, an ICE agent positioned in front of her vehicle drew his firearm and discharged at least two rounds into the car, fatally wounding Good.

Good had recently moved to Minneapolis from Kansas City, Missouri, with her 6-year-old son and partner — the couple wasn’t legally wed but considered themselves married, according to family legal counsel — settling in a quiet residential area known for its activist community.

On social media platforms, Good identified herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom.” Her Pinterest profile featured a smiling photo of her embracing a young child, alongside posts about body art, hair styling, and interior design.

For her entire life, a woman from Colorado has lived without any official proof of her existence – no birth certificate has ever been issued in her name because her parents opposed obtaining such documentation. She has never attended school, held employment, or traveled by airplane due to her lack of legal identification.

However, new regulatory changes in Colorado will soon allow her to officially establish her legal identity. The updated policies are designed to assist individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances, making the process more accessible for those seeking to prove their existence through official channels.

The woman’s situation highlights the challenges faced by people who grow up without standard government documentation, which is typically required for basic activities like employment, education, and travel.