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1 Two Children Killed, Seventeen Injured In Minneapolis School Shooting
A devastating mass shooting occurred Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, killing two young children and injuring 17 others during a Mass marking the first week of school. An 8-year-old and 10-year-old were fatally shot when a gunman in his early 20s fired dozens of rounds through church windows at children and worshippers sitting in pews. Fourteen of the injured victims were children, with two in critical condition. The attack unfolded just before 8:30 AM when the shooter approached the side of the building and opened fire with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Police Chief Brian O'Hara described it as a "deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping." The gunman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are examining materials left behind to determine a motive. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed deep emotion at the press conference, noting that "these kids were literally praying" during their first week of school. He emphasized that children should be able to attend school and church without fear of violence. The school serves students from pre-K through eighth grade, and young children in uniforms were seen leaving with their parents after the tragedy. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called it a "horrific act of violence," while President Trump said he was "fully briefed" and called Walz to offer condolences. Local residents reported hearing dozens of gunshots over two to three minutes. The shooting has shocked the Minneapolis community and highlighted the ongoing crisis of gun violence affecting America's schools and places of worship.
2 Director Of CDC And Several Other Top Officials Leaving The Agency
CDC Director Susan Monarez has been ousted just weeks after being sworn in on July 31, marking a dramatic shakeup at the nation's top public health agency. The Health and Human Services department announced her departure yesterday, thanking her for "dedicated service to the American people." However, Monarez's attorney Mark Zaid stated she had not actually been fired or stepped down and would not resign, creating confusion about her exact status. Resignation letters obtained by NBC News revealed deep concerns about the agency's direction. Dr. Houry warned about vaccine misinformation dangers and said proposed budget cuts would harm the CDC's ability to address critical health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and mental health.
3 DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Says Federal Law Enforcement Push Has Lowered Crime In DC
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser credited Trump's federal law enforcement surge with reducing crime, citing an 87-percent drop in carjackings and 15-percent overall crime decrease in 20 days. However, she criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and National Guard troops as "not working," saying residents are "living in fear." City Council members rebuked Bowser's conciliatory tone, with one saying DC is "under siege." While praising additional federal officers working with local police, Bowser expressed concerns about masked ICE agents conducting immigration arrests. Since the surge began, 1,170 people have been arrested according to the White House, including 40 undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.