Gunfire Erupts at Michigan Church, Leaving Multiple Dead and Injured
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – A tragic incident unfolded at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old ex-Marine, drove a pickup truck into the church, opened fire, and subsequently set the building ablaze during a crowded Sunday service. The attack, which occurred around 10:25 a.m. in Grand Blanc Township, resulted in at least four fatalities and eight injuries, prompting authorities to search the ruins for additional victims.
The shooter reportedly raised two American flags from the truck bed before exiting and firing into the crowd. According to Police Chief William Renye, Sanford utilized gasoline to incite the fire and possessed explosive devices, although it remains unclear if these were deployed. The FBI has classified the incident as an "act of targeted violence," with their investigation currently underway.
Responding officers arrived within 30 seconds of a 911 call. After leaving the church, Sanford was pursued by two police officers who engaged in a gunfire exchange, resulting in his death about eight minutes later.
Missouri Governor Signs Gerrymandering House Map
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has enacted a new U.S. House map designed to aid the Republican party's efforts to maintain a slim majority in the upcoming congressional elections. The revised districts aim to secure one additional seat for the Republicans. Despite the signing, opposition is mounting as detractors pursue a referendum petition that might force a statewide vote to challenge the new map, coupled with multiple lawsuits against it.
This redistricting follows the 2020 census, which acknowledged shifts in the population. Missouri is the third state this year to attempt redistricting for partisan gain, a process referred to as gerrymandering. Similar moves are seen in other states, including Texas and California, where lawmakers aim to maximize their party’s representation in Congress.
Government Shutdown Talks Stall in Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) – Tension mounts between Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer and Republican Majority Leader John Thune as they approach a Tuesday deadline crucial for preventing a government shutdown. The parties are at an impasse; Republicans insist that Democrats must support a straightforward funding extension prior to discussing any negotiations, while Democrats demand immediate discussions centered around healthcare issues and express willingness to allow a shutdown if their demands are not met.
In a statement, Thune mentioned that the responsibility to pass legislation lies with the Democrats, while Schumer emphasized that the future of negotiations rests on the Republicans' willingness to engage.
Mass Shooting in North Carolina: Premeditated Attack Confirmed
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) – Authorities described a weekend mass shooting at a waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina, as a "highly premeditated" attack. The incident left three individuals dead and five others wounded. The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Edge from Oak Island, allegedly opened fire from a boat into a crowd at the American Fish Company on Saturday evening. The police confirmed that the location was chosen for a reason, though no further details were divulged.
Edge was apprehended shortly after the incident when the U.S. Coast Guard recognized him attempting to remove a boat from the water at a nearby ramp.
Europe Triumphs in Ryder Cup
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) – Team Europe celebrated a significant victory in the Ryder Cup, marking their dominance over the American team. With an unprecedented lead, emotions ran high among players as they grappled with a potential American comeback. Shane Lowry, facing hostility from the crowd, sealed the victory for Europe by sinking a crucial six-foot birdie putt against Russell Henley, ensuring Europe retained the coveted 17-inch gold chalice.
This pivotal moment highlighted the intense atmosphere, transforming what seemed like a definitive celebration into a battle of resilience against an increasingly supportive American fanbase.
Mideast Nations Address Regional Chaos at UN Meeting
UNITED NATIONS (AP) – At the annual U.N. gathering, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman addressed the escalating chaos in the Middle East. Egypt's diplomat warned of an impending "implosion" in the region while criticizing the international community for inaction amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ministers condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza, with Egyptian officials emphasizing their role in mediating the conflict alongside the U.S. and Qatar.
Taliban Releases U.S. Citizen from Afghan Detention
ISLAMABAD (AP) – The Taliban announced the release of Amir Amiri, a U.S. citizen held in Afghan custody since December 2024. This release follows an agreement reached with U.S. envoys aimed at normalizing relations. Qatar played a pivotal role in securing Amiri's freedom amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations, which also facilitated the release of other detainees earlier this year.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Amiri's release as a testament to the current administration’s commitment to protecting American citizens from wrongful detention abroad.
Increased Federal Law Enforcement Activity Across U.S. Cities
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – A significant federal law enforcement presence was noted in various U.S. cities as federal agents patrolled downtown Chicago while President Trump ordered the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. Trump emphasized the necessity of these measures for protecting immigration facilities amidst ongoing protests. However, the governor of Oregon opposed the deployment, leading to legal action against the federal government.
The developments come against a backdrop of heightened tensions and an increased federal presence aimed at addressing crime and civil unrest in several cities nationwide.
College Football Rankings Update
Following a dramatic weekend of college football, Oregon moved up to No. 2 in The Associated Press rankings, trailing Ohio State, which retained its No. 1 position. Miami slipped to No. 3, while Mississippi and Oklahoma entered the top five. Virginia marked its return to the Top 25 for the first time in six years, highlighting the volatile nature of the rankings as multiple top teams suffered losses.
