2025-08-29 12:00:25.028

A devastating school shooting in Minneapolis left two children dead, prompting an outpouring of grief and a thorough investigation into the motive of the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. Westman, who had previously attended the school and whose mother worked for the parish, opened fire through the stained-glass windows of a church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Westman's actions were premeditated, with authorities finding evidence of planning and writings expressing hatred towards numerous groups and a desire to watch children suffer. The father of Fletcher Merkel gave an emotional statement to the press, pleading for the community to remember his son's love for family and hobbies, not the tragic way his life ended. Authorities also revealed that Westman legally purchased the firearms used in the attack, and no red flags were raised prior to the event despite prior police visits to her home. Westman's mother has retained an attorney, and police are still attempting to make contact with her. The incident has sparked a renewed discussion about mental health and gun control in the United States.

2025-08-29 06:00:12.757

A shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis claimed the lives of two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired through the church windows, targeting children. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson described Westman's words as "horrific and vile," stating the shooter wanted to watch children suffer. Fletcher's father, Jesse Merkel, gave an emotional statement, expressing his family's devastation and loss. Harper's family also shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as "bright, joyful, and deeply loved." Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that locked church doors likely saved countless lives. Mayor Jacob Frey called for a statewide and federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, asserting that "thoughts and prayers are not going to cut it." The incident deeply affected responding officers, who witnessed horrific scenes and provided aid to injured children. A nurse working in the hospital's ICU was present when her daughter, one of the injured children, arrived for treatment. Despite safety protocols, another nurse stayed with a distressed child during a CT scan, exposing herself to radiation. While initially described as a manifesto, a review of Westman's writings showed a jumbled stream of consciousness rather than a coherent plan.

2025-08-29 00:00:31.954

At least 95 people in more than a dozen states have been sickened since January in an outbreak of salmonella poisoning tied to recalled eggs, federal health officials said Thursday. Country Eggs LLC, of Lucerne Valley, California, has recalled large, brown cage-free “sunshine yolks” or “omega-3 golden yolks” eggs and production has been suspended. The eggs were sold in cartons bearing the brand names Nagatoshi Produce, Mishuo and Nijiya Markets. The cartons contain the code CA 7695 and sell-by dates of July 1 through Sept. 16. The outbreak has sickened people in at least 14 states, with illnesses beginning between Jan. 7 and July 25, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Eighteen of those who fell ill were hospitalized. It’s possible that many more people have been sickened and that eggs were distributed to additional states, the CDC said. An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on where ill people reported buying or consuming eggs identified Country Eggs LLC, as a common supplier, officials said. The eggs were sold to grocery stores and food service distributors. Consumers should check their refrigerators for recalled eggs and throw them away or return them to stores for a refund. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps. Most people who get sick recover within a week. Infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization.

2025-08-29 00:00:31.951

Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira announced Thursday that he’s running for the Republican nomination for a House seat in Texas. The former slugger for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees said he’s running for the 21st District seat currently held by Republican Rep. Chip Roy. Roy has said he’s not seeking reelection and is running for Texas attorney general. “As a proud Texan and lifelong conservative who loves our country, I’m ready to fight for the principles that make Texas strong and America exceptional,” Teixeira said in a statement posted on X. “It takes teamwork to win, and I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families and individual liberty.” Teixeira began his career with the Rangers, and was the 5th overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft. His 14-season career included three All-Star Game appearances, five Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers and a World Series title with the Yankees in 2009. Teixeira and his family moved back to Texas in 2021 after he retired from baseball. In his announcement, Teixeira pledged to work with Trump to secure the border and end “radical woke indoctrination.” The district’s GOP primary already has another contender — Daniel Betts, who ran unsuccessfully for Travis County district attorney last year, has filed paperwork to run. The 21st Congressional District covers a deeply conservative area west of both Austin and San Antonio. Teixeira announced his bid days after Republicans in the state Legislature approved a redistricting map meant to favor the GOP in the 2026 election.

2025-08-29 00:00:31.947

Micah Parsons is heading to the Green Bay Packers after a blockbuster trade on Thursday, leaving the Dallas Cowboys following a lengthy contract dispute. The two-time All-Pro edge rusher confirmed the deal in a text to The Associated Press. A person with knowledge of the details said Parsons and the Packers have agreed on a record-setting $188 million, four-year contract that includes $136 million guaranteed. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade hasn’t been announced. Parsons becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Parsons provides a huge boost for a franchise that has reached the playoffs five of the past six years but hasn’t made it to the NFL championship game since Aaron Rodgers led them to their fourth Super Bowl title 15 years ago. Parsons bolsters a defense that was inconsistent at getting to opposing quarterbacks last season, when the Packers went 11-7 and lost to Philadelphia in the NFC wild-card round. The Packers had 45 sacks last season to tie for eighth place in the NFL, but more than half of those sacks came in just four games. In seven of their 17 games, the Packers had no more than one sack. Green Bay ranked 16th in pressure rate, which calculates the number of hurries, knockdowns and sacks for each team divided by an opponent’s drop-back attempts. Now, the Packers add one of the game’s elite pass rushers while the Cowboys lose their best player because of a power struggle with Jones. Even with Parsons, who missed four games because of injury last season, Dallas finished 28th in defense and the team went 7-10. The Cowboys have a healthy Dak Prescott returning but this is a devastating blow for the defense. The Packers haven’t had anyone get 12 sacks in a season since Za’Darius Smith had 12½ in 2020. The Cowboys are receiving two first-round picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark for Parsons, a person with knowledge of the details told the AP. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams haven’t released the terms. The 26-year-old Parsons has 52 1/2 sacks, recording at least 12 in each of his four seasons while making the Pro Bowl each year.

2025-08-29 00:00:31.942

During a school assembly at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, a shooting occurred on the third day of the new school year. Approximately 200 students, teachers, and parents were present when gunfire erupted, shattering the windows of the church. Amidst the chaos, children scrambled for cover, with one student shielding a friend and being shot in the back. A youth minister called her husband to say goodbye as the shooting continued for several minutes, with witnesses reporting as many as 50 shots fired. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others sustained injuries, ranging from young children to elderly parishioners. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, was found dead behind the church from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While Westman's mother had previously worked at the church, no motive for the shooting has been established.

2025-08-28 18:00:19.51

The US Open, known for its lively atmosphere, is facing a new distraction: the pervasive smell of marijuana. Players like Casper Ruud have openly criticized the odor, calling it the "worst thing about New York." Court 17 has even earned the nickname "hash court" due to the frequent smell of cannabis. While the USTA maintains a no-smoking policy within the grounds, the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York in 2021, coupled with the proximity to Corona Park where smoking is permitted, has made the smell unavoidable. Players have complained for years, with Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari, and Alexander Zverev among those expressing frustration. The USTA claims to be vigilant in enforcing its rules but acknowledges the difficulty in controlling what happens outside the grounds. Fans, however, seem largely unconcerned, viewing the smell as a normal part of New York City life. The situation highlights a clash between the image of tennis and the realities of a city embracing legal marijuana.

2025-08-28 18:00:19.508

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is employing Donald Trump's signature political strategies—unhinged tweets, insulting nicknames, and self-promotional merchandise—to troll Trump and his MAGA followers. Newsom's counterpunching has garnered attention from both sides of the political spectrum, with praise from figures like Barack Obama and Steve Bannon. While some criticize his approach as "performative," Newsom's social media presence has surged, and his actions might even boost his chances of a future presidential run. The article explores the effectiveness and implications of Newsom's tactics, questioning whether this approach is a necessary response to the increasingly authoritarian political climate in the US. While humorous, the piece ultimately raises concerns about the state of American politics and the need for significant change to combat the rise of authoritarianism.

2025-08-28 18:00:19.504

The author, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), recounts her daughter's diagnosis with dysphagia (swallowing disorder) at two months old due to RSV. Treatment involved thickening her formula. This experience fueled the author's career as an SLP. The article then delves into the mechanics of proper swallowing, emphasizing the importance of appropriately sized bites, thorough chewing, and having liquids available during meals. It stresses the need to avoid quickly consuming liquids, suggesting tilting the head slightly or using a straw. Various causes of dysphagia are explored, including inflammation, irritation, underlying medical conditions (like neurological disorders or gastrointestinal distress), anxiety, and even the natural aging process. The article highlights that dysphagia can be short-lived or chronic, sometimes requiring a feeding tube or dietary modifications. The impact on quality of life is discussed, including the challenges faced by children and adults with dysphagia, such as anxiety, social isolation, and dietary restrictions. The author shares her own experience with dysphagia as an adult, which resulted in mindful eating and a slower pace of meals. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention for dysphagia.

2025-08-28 12:00:53.567

LOS ANGELES (AP) — All-Star Freddie Freeman was out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Wednesday because of a nerve issue in his neck. Manager Dave Roberts said Freeman had a “stinger,” which typically affects a network of nerves extending from the neck into the shoulder and arm. “It’s something that is recurring, but it’s been kind of showing itself a little bit the last couple days,” Roberts said. “I think that just giving him a couple days, with the off day tomorrow, he’ll be back on Friday.” Kiké Hernández was set to start at first base in place of Freeman against the Cincinnati Reds. Hernández was 2 for 3 with a run scored Tuesday in his first game since July 6, when he went on the injured list. Freeman was 1 for 4 with a double in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win Tuesday. He leads the National League with a .302 average in pursuit of his first career batting title. He’s tied for the league lead in doubles with 34. Outfielder Alex Call was out of the lineup with a back issue that flared up when he was running the bases Tuesday, Roberts said.