Published: October 13, 2025, 22:35 EDT

Authorities in South Carolina are investigating a mass shooting that left four people dead and at least 20 injured early Sunday at a crowded bar in St. Helena Island, a historic Gullah community known for its deep African American cultural roots. Officials described the event as one of the region’s worst acts of gun violence in recent years.

Gunfire Erupts During Local Alumni Celebration

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around midnight at Willie’s Bar and Grill, a popular venue on St. Helena Island. Deputies responding to emergency calls found dozens of people suffering from gunshot wounds inside and outside the establishment.

The bar was hosting a local alumni gathering for graduates of Battery Creek High School in nearby Beaufort. Witnesses said the event had been filled with laughter and music before the sound of gunfire sent crowds scrambling for safety.

Bar owner Willie Turral told local media he heard multiple bursts of gunfire outside the building, describing the moment as “screaming, panic, and fear.” He added that patrons inside tried to hide or escape while others sought cover behind furniture.

Victims and Injuries

Officials confirmed that four people were killed and at least 20 others were injured, with four listed in critical condition at area hospitals as of Sunday afternoon. Authorities have not released the victims’ identities pending family notification.

“The community is devastated,” said the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We ask for patience as the investigation continues. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.”

Law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are assisting in the investigation. No arrests had been announced as of Monday morning, and the motive remains unclear.

Historic Gullah Island Community in Shock

St. Helena Island, located along South Carolina’s coast, is home to one of the largest Gullah communities in the United States — descendants of enslaved West Africans who were freed after the Civil War. The island’s roughly 5,000 residents have preserved unique traditions, language, and cuisine that blend African and Lowcountry heritage.

Willie’s Bar and Grill, known for serving authentic Gullah-inspired dishes, describes itself as a “community pillar dedicated to giving back, especially to youth.” The establishment has long been a hub for local gatherings, church events, and alumni celebrations.

Residents said the shooting has shaken their sense of safety and unity. “We’ve never seen anything like this here,” one local told the Beaufort Gazette. “St. Helena has always been a close-knit place.”

Political and Community Reactions

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, whose district includes parts of the South Carolina coast, said she was “completely heartbroken” by the tragedy. “My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the St. Helena Island community,” she posted on X.

Faith leaders and civil rights advocates have called for increased community engagement and stronger gun violence prevention measures. Local pastors said vigils are being organized this week to honor the victims and support their families.

Community members also highlighted the importance of protecting Gullah heritage, noting that violence has rarely touched the island’s peaceful traditions. “We need healing, not fear,” said one community elder.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses who were present at the event. Sheriff’s deputies have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Law enforcement said it’s too early to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random, but officials emphasized that every available resource is being used to identify those responsible.

“This is a tragic and difficult time for everyone involved,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are committed to seeking justice and restoring peace to the St. Helena community.”

A Community Seeking Healing

As investigators piece together what happened, residents of St. Helena Island are gathering to mourn, reflect, and comfort one another. The shooting has underscored both the fragility of community safety and the enduring resilience of Gullah culture — a culture built on survival, faith, and unity through generations.

Source: AP News – Shooting at packed South Carolina bar kills 4 and injures at least 20 others

The post Four Dead, 20 Injured in Mass Shooting at South Carolina Gullah Community Bar appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Little River, S.C. — A Sunday night shooting near a boat dock in the coastal community of Little River left at least 11 people hospitalized, as authorities work to piece together what led to the violence.

The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. near the Intracoastal Waterway, a popular spot not far from Myrtle Beach. According to the Horry County Police Department, multiple people were taken to area hospitals — some arriving on their own in private vehicles — though officials have not yet shared the extent of the injuries or the identities of those involved.

Roughly 90 minutes after the shooting, police announced the situation was considered an isolated incident and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. However, key questions remain unanswered, including who was responsible and what may have sparked the gunfire. As of now, no suspects have been named and no arrests reported.

The chaotic scene saw a heavy emergency response, with video footage showing dozens of police cruisers and ambulances flooding the area. In a separate and unfortunate twist, a North Myrtle Beach police officer responding to the incident accidentally shot himself in the leg while at a marina roughly three miles from the original scene. He was hospitalized and is in stable condition, according to city spokesperson Lauren Jessie.

Little River, known for its quiet waterfront charm, sits about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. The incident has rattled the local community, as residents await further updates from law enforcement.

Police continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Source: AP News – At least 11 hurt in South Carolina beach town shooting

The post At Least 11 Injured in South Carolina Beach Town Shooting Near Marina Meta Description: appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

SAN DIEGO — A small private plane crashed into a densely populated San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning, sparking fires across roughly 15 homes and multiple vehicles, and forcing urgent evacuations as thick fog blanketed the area.

The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, where many military families reside. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was a Cessna 550, a small jet typically seating six to eight passengers. The number of people onboard has not yet been confirmed.

“We have jet fuel all over the place,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy at a press briefing. “Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”

Eddy described the scene as a “direct hit to multiple homes” with a “gigantic debris field” scattered through the neighborhood. Emergency crews moved quickly to evacuate several blocks and contain the fires.

Thick fog significantly reduced visibility at the time of the crash. “You could barely see in front of you,” Eddy said.

Terrifying Wake-Up Call for Residents

Christopher Moore, who lives just a street away from the crash site, described being jolted awake by a loud bang. “We looked out the window and saw smoke,” he said. He and his wife grabbed their two children and fled the house.

“As we were leaving, we saw a car completely on fire. It was definitely horrifying, but sometimes you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety,” Moore added.

Investigation Underway

The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into what caused the crash. Weather conditions, including heavy fog, will likely be a key focus.

This isn’t the first time the area has faced such tragedy. In October 2021, a twin-engine plane crashed while preparing to land at the same airport, killing the pilot and a UPS driver on the ground, and damaging nearby homes.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities from Thursday’s crash, but authorities are continuing to assess the scene and account for residents. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Source: AP News – Small plane crashes into San Diego neighborhood, setting homes and vehicles on fire

The post Small Plane Crashes in San Diego Neighborhood, Causes Multiple Fires appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

NEW ORLEANS — A staff member from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has been arrested in connection with a shocking jailbreak at the city’s main detention center, the Orleans Justice Center, according to Louisiana’s Attorney General’s Office.

The escape, which took place in the early hours of Friday, involved 10 inmates—many charged with violent crimes such as murder—who broke out through a hole behind a toilet in their cell. They exploited a moment when the only guard on duty left to get food. Authorities say the inmates quickly ditched their uniforms and blended into the public by changing into street clothes.

Sheriff Susan Hutson has been vocal in her belief that the breakout was facilitated from the inside. “It’s almost impossible, not completely, but almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help,” she said during a recent press conference.

Following the incident, three sheriff’s office employees were suspended as part of the ongoing investigation. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Attorney General confirmed one employee had been arrested, although the individual’s name and specific charges have not been released. Importantly, the guard who left the inmates unattended was not the person taken into custody.

According to the sheriff’s office, one of the steel bars protecting the plumbing system appeared to have been deliberately cut using a tool—an alarming sign of premeditated sabotage.

Since the escape, four inmates have been recaptured. Six others remain on the run, prompting a citywide manhunt.

Sheriff Hutson has pointed to long-standing problems at the jail, including malfunctioning locks and chronic understaffing. However, her critics—among them local and state officials—argue that ultimate responsibility falls on her leadership and oversight.

The New Orleans City Council is set to address the incident in a meeting with the sheriff’s office and law enforcement agencies later today.

Source: AP News – A sheriff’s staffer has been arrested related to the New Orleans jail break

The post 10 Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail — Staff Member Arrested appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

LAS VEGAS — What began as a typical afternoon at a popular gym on the west side of Las Vegas quickly turned into a scene of terror and tragedy Friday, as a gunman opened fire inside the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC), killing one person and injuring three others before being shot and killed by police outside the facility.

The incident unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. at the busy fitness center located near Rainbow Boulevard and Alta Drive. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh, officers responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find chaos unfolding inside the gym.

Gunfire Erupts Inside the Gym

Witnesses described a scene of panic as shots rang out near the workout equipment area. One man was fatally shot inside the building, Walsh confirmed, while gym-goers scrambled to escape or take cover.

Claudio Vigani, who was working out at the time, told KLAS-TV he heard the commotion and people yelling for others to run. “They said ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” Vigani recalled. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.”

Walsh said officers encountered the armed suspect exiting the building. The man was shot by police after reportedly failing to comply with commands and posing an immediate threat. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released as of Saturday morning.

Multiple Victims Rushed to Hospitals

Three other individuals were injured during the shooting. All were transported to nearby hospitals, and one remains in critical condition. Police did not specify whether all the injuries were caused by gunfire or if some occurred during the rush to evacuate the building.

Emergency responders worked swiftly to secure the area, treat the wounded, and evacuate the gym. Authorities have since confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Close Call for Some Gym Members

As more details emerge, accounts from near-miss survivors have underscored just how close this could have been to an even greater tragedy.

Gary Steward and a companion were just moments away from entering the gym when the shooting began. By chance, they stopped at a nearby nutrition store on the way in. That brief delay may have saved their lives.

“If we hadn’t stopped there, we would have walked in through the front desk, where the shooter came in,” Steward told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. As they approached the entrance, they saw shattered glass and fled back to the parking lot.

“It’s just a weird feeling right now,” he said. “It’s strange. Who shoots up a gym?”

Motive Remains Unclear

As investigators continue combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage, the motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Undersheriff Walsh noted that there’s no indication yet whether the shooting was targeted or random. Authorities are also working to determine if the suspect had any connection to the gym, its staff, or its members.

Community Shaken by Sudden Violence

The Las Vegas Athletic Club is a popular fitness chain with multiple locations throughout the city. For many local residents, it’s a daily stop — a place to improve health and unwind. The news of a deadly shooting at such a familiar location has deeply unsettled the community.

Social media was quickly flooded with posts from concerned residents and gym members checking on loved ones or sharing their shock. As of Friday evening, calls to the gym and its corporate office went unanswered.

A Broader Conversation on Public Safety

This incident adds to a growing list of public shootings in places once considered safe — schools, malls, churches, and now fitness centers. As Las Vegas police continue their investigation, the shooting will likely reignite conversations about security in public spaces and mental health resources.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families. Local officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or injured, pending notification of next of kin.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department urges anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward as detectives continue working to piece together the events leading up to Friday’s shooting.

Source: AP News – 2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say

The post Gunman Opens Fire at Las Vegas Athletic Club, Killed by Police appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a sharp rebuke Friday, PBS CEO Paula Kerger called former President Donald Trump’s latest executive order cutting federal funding to PBS and NPR “blatantly unlawful” and a direct threat to public access to educational programming.

Kerger said the order endangers PBS’s mission to serve the American public—a role it’s played for over five decades.

“We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans,” she added.

Trump signed the order late Thursday, accusing PBS and NPR of spreading “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’” The directive instructs federal agencies and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to halt all funding to the public media giants and investigate any indirect public support they might receive.

The White House amplified the move on social media, stating that taxpayer money should not fund what it labeled biased media content.

In response, the CPB, which channels federal funds to local PBS and NPR stations, argued that it isn’t a federal agency and therefore not subject to the president’s directive. Just days earlier, Trump attempted to remove three of the CPB’s remaining five board members—a move the CPB swiftly challenged in court, saying it would paralyze the organization’s ability to function.

While PBS and NPR are national networks, most of the public funding flows directly to hundreds of local affiliate stations, many of which operate in small or rural communities. These stations often rely heavily on a mix of public funds, donations, and philanthropic grants to stay on the air. Experts warn that Trump’s proposal could cripple the smaller stations most dependent on federal support.

Although public broadcasting has faced repeated budget threats from Republican leaders over the years, local support often helped it weather those storms—few lawmakers want to be blamed for killing off a station in their own district. But many insiders view this current effort as the most serious existential threat the public media system has ever faced.

The funding cut is the latest in a string of aggressive moves by Trump’s administration to clamp down on institutions he perceives as hostile or left-leaning. Since taking office for a second term in January, Trump has removed leadership from major cultural institutions, including the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Humanities, slashed arts and education grants, and sought to punish universities and law firms promoting diversity initiatives.

Just two weeks ago, the White House previewed a $9.1 billion package of proposed cuts—one that includes defunding the CPB altogether. That proposal has yet to be formally introduced in Congress.

Trump’s administration is also targeting U.S.-funded international news agencies like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, once seen as global models of independent journalism. Efforts to dismantle these outlets have sparked legal battles, with federal courts pushing back and suggesting that the administration may be exceeding its authority by withholding congressionally approved funding.

Source: AP News – PBS chief decries Trump’s executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR as unlawful

The post PBS Chief Blasts Trump’s Order to Cut Public Media Funding appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

TRILLA, IL (AP) — A tragic plane crash in rural Illinois claimed the lives of four people on Saturday morning. The victims, all from Menominee, Wisconsin, were aboard a private, single-engine Cessna 180G when it crashed into a field near the Coles County Memorial Airport in Mattoon, Illinois. Authorities confirmed the crash occurred around 10:16 a.m. local time after the plane reportedly struck powerlines.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), preliminary findings suggest the plane collided with powerlines before plummeting to the ground.

“I felt my whole house shake,” said Kynnedi Goldstein, a local resident who lives near the crash site. She shared video footage showing thick smoke rising from the wreckage, which was scattered across a field and a nearby two-lane road.

Illinois State Police confirmed that all four people aboard the plane were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as two men and two women, all hailing from Menominee, located about 45 miles northwest of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB, which dispatched a team to Trilla on Sunday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also assisting with the inquiry. The investigation is focusing on three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment.

As part of the probe, the NTSB will review flight data, air traffic control communications, the aircraft’s maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. The agency is also examining the pilot’s credentials, including license, ratings, and flight experience, and conducting a 72-hour background check to identify any factors that might have affected the pilot’s ability to operate the flight safely.

The NTSB has stated that it will likely release a probable cause report within the next 12 to 24 months.

As the investigation continues, the community of Trilla remains shaken by the devastating loss.

Source: ABC News – 4 killed in Illinois plane crash, officials confirm

The post Four People Killed in Plane Crash in Rural Illinois appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Firefighters Combat 10-Acre Brush Fire Near Oxnard

A 10-acre brush fire broke out in Ventura County on [DATE], fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. The blaze, first reported around 7:45 p.m., is burning in the Santa Clara River bottom near N. Ventura Boulevard and Auto Center Drive, according to the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD).

Wind-Driven Flames Escalate Quickly

By 8:30 p.m., the fire had spread to 10 acres, with wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles per hour propelling its growth. Earlier in the week, the National Weather Service had issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, forecasting strong Santa Ana winds from Monday through Wednesday.

Efforts to Contain the Blaze

Approximately 75 firefighters from the Ventura County, Oxnard, and Ventura Fire Departments are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Their efforts are supported by four water-dropping aircraft, including a Chinook and a Sikorsky Sea King.

Current Situation

• Size: 10 acres (as of 8:30 p.m.)
• Threat Level: No structures threatened; no evacuation orders in place
• Cause: Unknown
  Despite containment efforts, SkyCal footage revealed several spot fires igniting as embers were carried by the winds, complicating control efforts.

Stay Alert

Residents are advised to monitor updates from local authorities as weather conditions remain volatile. Firefighters continue to focus on preventing the flames from spreading beyond the riverbed.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Source

The post Firefighters Battle 10-Acre Blaze in Ventura County Amid Strong Santa Ana Winds appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A devastating plane crash in Fullerton has claimed two lives and left at least 18 injured. The tragic incident occurred Thursday afternoon when a small plane slammed into the roof of a warehouse near Fullerton Municipal Airport.

Details of the Crash

• Time & Location: The crash was reported at 2:10 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, adjacent to the airport.
• Initial Reports: Emergency calls initially described the event as a structure fire, later confirmed to be caused by a plane crash. Video footage from Sky5 revealed a large hole in the roof of a commercial building, with no visible plane wreckage.
• Fire Response: Firefighters battled flames inside the warehouse, while nearby buildings were evacuated. Several ambulances were stationed on-site to transport injured individuals.

Casualties and Injuries

• Early Reports: By 2:40 p.m., the Fullerton Police Department confirmed there were “unknown casualties.” Shortly after, it was announced that nine people were hospitalized, while six others were treated and released at the scene.
• Updated Toll: By 4:45 p.m., the death toll rose to two. An additional three individuals were treated for injuries, with one requiring hospitalization.
• Deceased Victim Identified: Authorities believe one of the deceased was the plane’s pilot.

Visuals and Community Response

• Eyewitness Video: Video shared on the Citizen App showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the warehouse roof as fire trucks and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
• Road Closures: Police closed off several roads around the area, urging drivers to avoid the scene.
• Community Statement: Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung and the City Council expressed their gratitude to first responders, commending their courage and dedication.
  • “Your extraordinary efforts remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” said Mayor Jung.
  • The City Council pledged to support those affected by the tragedy.

About the Aircraft

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the plane as an “experimental aircraft,” commonly used for recreational purposes. While these planes are often amateur-built, they must meet FAA licensing and inspection standards.
• This crash follows a similar incident in November, where two individuals narrowly escaped injury after their plane crashed into a tree near the same airport.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities, including the FAA, are working to determine what led to the accident. More updates will follow as details emerge.

Source

The post Experimental Aircraft Crashes Into Warehouse Near Fullerton Airport appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A tragic incident unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School, a private K-12 institution in Madison, Wisconsin, when a 15-year-old female student was identified as the shooter.

The shocking situation came to light when a second-grade student called 911 to report gunfire on campus. Authorities quickly responded to the scene, ensuring student safety and initiating an investigation.

Just hours after the incident, police arrived at the teenage suspect’s home in north Madison, where a significant law enforcement presence was reported. A neighbor described the intense police activity, saying:

“I saw at least 10 police cars, dozens of officers, and even a SWAT truck on the front lawn.”

Residents in the area reported hearing flash-bang grenades during the operation, which sent a wave of fear through the neighborhood. One nearby resident and his wife took immediate precautions.

“After the first boom, we thought, ‘we probably shouldn’t be up here,’” he recalled. The couple remained sheltered in their basement for about 45 minutes.

Officers later provided updates to residents, assuring them the situation had been contained and giving the all-clear signal.

This developing story has left the local community shaken, as officials continue their investigation into what led to the shooting.

Source

What we know so far about the shooting

The post Teenage Shooter Identified in Madison School Shooting appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.