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Family says a Mexican man shot at a Dallas ICE facility has died, becoming attack’s second victim

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Family says a Mexican man shot at a Dallas ICE facility has died, becoming attack’s second victim

DALLAS (BN240 — A second detainee wounded in last week’s attack on a Dallas immigration field office has died, his family announced Tuesday, bringing the death toll from the Sept. 24 shooting to two victims.

Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, 32, succumbed to his injuries after being removed from life support, his family confirmed in a statement shared by the League of United Latin American Citizens. The Mexican national leaves behind a pregnant wife and four children, with a fifth child expected soon.

García-Hernández was one of three detainees shot when gunman Joshua Jahn, 29, opened fire from a nearby rooftop at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. The attack killed Norlan Guzman-Fuentes and left García-Hernández and another detainee critically wounded. No ICE personnel were injured in the assault.

Authorities said Jahn harbored hatred for the U.S. government and intended to incite terror by killing federal agents. He fired indiscriminately at the facility before taking his own life following the attack.

The shooting occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement that has generated backlash against ICE agents and stirred fear throughout immigrant communities nationwide. The Trump administration’s expanded deportation operations have intensified tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement.

García-Hernández’s widow, Stephany Gauffeny, described her husband as a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to provide for his children. “My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family,” Gauffeny said in the statement. “We had just bought our first home together, and he worked hard every single day to make sure our children had what they needed.”

The family had recently achieved a milestone by purchasing their first home, representing years of García-Hernández’s labor and dedication to building a stable life for his family. His death has devastated those he left behind.

“His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered,” Gauffeny continued. “I do not know how to explain to our children that their father is gone.”

LULAC confirmed that Gauffeny is expecting the couple’s fifth child, adding another layer of tragedy to the family’s loss. García-Hernández will never meet his youngest child, who will grow up without knowing their father.

The attack on the Dallas ICE facility represents one of the deadliest incidents targeting immigration enforcement operations in recent memory. The targeting of detainees rather than ICE personnel raised questions about the gunman’s specific motivations and planning.

Federal investigators have been examining Jahn’s background and the circumstances that led to the attack. Authorities recovered evidence at the scene, including ammunition with anti-ICE messaging, suggesting ideological opposition to immigration enforcement operations.

The deaths of García-Hernández and Guzman-Fuentes underscore the vulnerability of individuals held in immigration detention facilities. Both men were in ICE custody awaiting immigration proceedings when they became victims of the violent assault.

Immigration advocacy organizations have expressed grief over the losses while renewing calls for comprehensive immigration reform and improved security measures at detention facilities. The incident has sparked discussions about protecting detained individuals from external threats.

The third detainee wounded in the attack remains hospitalized, though their current condition has not been publicly disclosed by authorities. Medical personnel have not provided updates on their prognosis or expected recovery timeline.

García-Hernández’s death occurred days after the initial shooting, following his family’s difficult decision to remove life support after medical professionals determined his injuries were unsurvivable. The family faced the agonizing choice of when to end life-sustaining treatment.

The League of United Latin American Citizens has been supporting García-Hernández’s family during this difficult period, helping coordinate funeral arrangements and providing assistance with immediate needs. The organization has also advocated for the family’s privacy as they grieve.

Community members in Dallas and beyond have expressed condolences to both families affected by the shooting. Vigils and memorial services have been organized to honor the victims and support their surviving family members.

The attack has reignited debates about immigration enforcement policies and their broader societal impacts. Advocates on various sides of immigration issues have cited the incident to support their respective positions on enforcement approaches.

Federal officials continue investigating whether Jahn had connections to broader anti-government or anti-immigration enforcement networks, or whether he acted independently. The FBI and other agencies are examining his communications and activities leading up to the attack.

The Dallas shooting occurred as the Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement operations across the country, including increased detention capacity and expanded deportation efforts that have generated significant controversy and legal challenges.

García-Hernández’s death leaves his family facing an uncertain future without their primary provider. Community organizations and family supporters are working to establish assistance funds to help Gauffeny and her children navigate the financial hardship resulting from his death.

The tragedy highlights the human cost of violence targeting immigration facilities and the lasting impact on families when detainees become victims of attacks they could not have anticipated or prevented while in federal custody.

A car bombing outside a Pakistani security force headquarters kills at least 8 people-AP

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A car bombing outside a Pakistani security force headquarters kills at least 8 people-AP

A powerful car bomb exploded outside the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary Frontier Constabulary in Quetta on Tuesday, killing at least eight people and wounding several others in one of the deadliest recent attacks in the insurgency-hit province of Balochistan.

Police said four assailants exited the vehicle before detonating it and opened fire on security forces, sparking an intense gun battle. Security personnel returned fire, killing all four attackers in the exchange.

Residents reported that the blast was so strong it was heard miles away. Ambulances rushed to the scene to evacuate the wounded to hospitals as rescuers combed through debris and shattered glass in the city’s center. Windows of surrounding buildings were blown out, and nearby cars were mangled by the force of the explosion, according to witnesses and CCTV footage broadcast on local television.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the bombing, praising the quick response of security forces. “Terrorists cannot break the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts, and the sacrifices of our people and security forces will not go in vain,” he said in a statement. Bugti added that his government remained committed to restoring peace and security in the province.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, though suspicion is likely to fall on separatist organizations such as the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, which has waged a long-running insurgency in Balochistan. The province, where Quetta serves as the capital, has frequently seen militants target civilians and security installations in their campaign for independence from Pakistan’s central government.

Provincial health minister Bakhat Kakar warned that the death toll could rise, given the severity of injuries among those hospitalized.

The latest attack comes just weeks after a suicide bomber struck near a Quetta stadium, killing 13 and wounding 30 as supporters left a nationalist party rally. Analysts say the repeated attacks underscore the fragile security situation in the province despite ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

3 dead and dozens feared still trapped after school building collapses

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3 dead and dozens feared still trapped after school building collapses

East Java, Ind. (BN24) – Rescue teams in Indonesia were racing Tuesday to locate dozens of students still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in East Java, where at least three people have been confirmed dead and nearly 100 others injured.

The Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, about 480 miles east of Jakarta, suddenly gave way during afternoon prayers on Monday. Disaster officials said the collapse occurred as unauthorized construction work was underway on the building, which could not bear the weight of new concrete floors.

Chief of Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, Mohammad Syafii, confirmed that 99 people survived the disaster, though many were hospitalized with critical injuries. Nearly 80 students remain under medical care, while 38 others are feared buried under unstable slabs of concrete.

Hundreds of rescue workers, police and soldiers dug through the night, managing to pull eight survivors alive, though weak and injured, from the wreckage. Search operations were briefly halted Tuesday when the collapsed structure shifted dangerously, prompting rescuers and onlookers to flee. Crews later resumed carefully, avoiding heavy machinery to prevent further collapse.

Families gathered at a command post set up inside the school compound, scanning lists of the missing written on a whiteboard. Many broke down in tears. “Oh my God, my son is still buried,” one mother sobbed, while a father clutched the hand of a rescuer, begging, “Please find my child immediately.”

Rescue chief Nanang Sigit said oxygen and water were being funneled into pockets of debris to help sustain those still alive beneath the rubble. “We are working as quickly as possible, but safety is our priority,” he said.

Police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast said the collapse happened during an expansion project that had not been authorized. “The foundation could not support two additional concrete floors,” he said, adding that female students praying in another section of the building managed to escape unharmed.

Video footage from local broadcaster KompasTV showed families waiting anxiously, some clinging to hope as rescuers continued their search. Officials said the number of dead could rise in the coming hours as operations continue.

Caretaker Abdus Salam Mujib told state news agency Antara that construction work had ended before prayers began, but conceded the foundation was not strong enough to support the added structure. Authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse.

Congressional leaders leave White House meeting without deal to avoid government shutdown-AP

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Congressional leaders leave White House meeting without deal to avoid government shutdown-AP

WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders emerged from a White House meeting with President Donald Trump Monday afternoon with no breakthrough to prevent an imminent government shutdown, as Democrats and Republicans remained entrenched in opposing positions over federal funding legislation that must pass by Tuesday night.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Vice President JD Vance offered starkly different assessments of the negotiations following Trump’s first meeting with the “big four” congressional leaders since returning to office, with both sides placing blame on the other party for the impending funding lapse.

“There are still large differences between us,” Schumer said as he departed the White House, while Vance told reporters, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.”

The meeting included Schumer, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, but failed to produce the compromise necessary to keep government offices operating and prevent furloughs of nonexempt federal employees.

Without congressional passage and presidential signature of funding legislation by Tuesday night, many government offices nationwide will temporarily close, adding economic strain on federal workers and the broader economy. Federal agencies were already distributing contingency plans detailing which offices would remain open and which employees would face furloughs if funding lapses at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Democrats are leveraging one of their few negotiating positions to demand legislation extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that have subsidized health insurance for millions of Americans since the COVID-19 pandemic. The credits, designed to expand coverage for low- and middle-income people, expire at year’s end.

Republicans refuse to include the health care provisions in the short-term funding measure and are challenging Democrats to vote against legislation that would maintain government funding at current levels. The Republican-controlled House has already passed a bill to extend government funding for seven weeks while Congress develops annual spending legislation.

Trump has demonstrated minimal interest in accommodating Democratic demands regarding health care, though he agreed to Monday’s sit-down meeting with congressional leadership. The president repeatedly stated before the meeting that he fully expects the government to enter shutdown this week.

“They’re going to have to do some things because their ideas are not very good ones,” Trump said as he entered the meeting, making clear his unwillingness to negotiate on Democratic terms.

However, Schumer suggested after the session that Trump proved more receptive to Democratic proposals than Republican leaders present at the meeting. “The president was really listening to us,” Schumer said, adding, “It’s in his hands.” Vance confirmed that Trump found several policy points of agreement during discussions.

Jeffries emphasized Democratic commitment to protecting health care access. “Democrats are fighting to protect the health care of the American people,” the New York Democrat said. “We are not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the health care of everyday Americans.”

Some Republicans have expressed openness to extending tax credits with modifications, but Thune has pressed Democrats to approve the funding bill and address tax credit debates separately. “We’re willing to sit down and work with them on some of the issues they want to talk about,” the South Dakota Republican told reporters, adding, “But as of right now, this is a hijacking of the American people, and it’s the American people who are going to pay the price.”

Senate Democrats face an uncomfortable political position to maintain negotiating leverage, likely requiring them to vote against temporary government funding extension just hours before shutdown, contradicting their long-standing denunciation of shutdowns as pointless and destructive.

Any government funding legislation requires support from at least 60 senators in the 100-member chamber, meaning at least eight Democrats must vote for the short-term measure since Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is expected to oppose it.

During the March near-shutdown, Schumer and nine other Democrats voted to break a filibuster allowing Republican-led funding legislation to advance. The decision triggered fierce backlash within his party, with some members calling for his removal as Democratic leader.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., talks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Washington, as House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., and Vice President JD Vance, listen. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Senate Democrats have begun discussing potential responses if shutdown occurs, including possibly proposing a one- or two-week stopgap if Republicans negotiate on health care fixes, according to people familiar with private discussions who requested anonymity. However, no caucus consensus exists on proceeding, and no guarantees exist that Republicans and Trump would negotiate.

The Trump administration is using shutdown preparations to potentially implement additional federal employee layoffs, increasing pressure on Democratic lawmakers to abandon their demands. Budget Director Russ Vought told White House reporters that shutdown would be managed “appropriately, but it is something that can all be avoided” if Senate Democrats accepted the House-passed bill.

Vought, who previously advised hardline conservatives to use shutdown threats for policy concessions before joining the administration, criticized Democrats Monday for employing similar tactics. “This is hostage taking. It is not something that we are going to accept,” he said.

The impasse demonstrates continuing partisan divisions over government funding priorities and health care policy, with neither side showing willingness to compromise as the shutdown deadline approaches. The standoff threatens to disrupt government services and federal employee paychecks while Congress remains deadlocked over competing priorities.

Federal contingency plans detail essential operations that would continue during shutdown, including national security functions, while outlining which services would cease and which employees would face temporary unpaid leave until funding resumes.

ARISE TV anchor killed in armed robbery attack in Abuja, Nigeria

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ARISE TV anchor killed in armed robbery attack in Abuja, Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — ARISE News Channel mourned the death of journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, triggering widespread calls for justice and heightened security concerns across Nigeria’s capital.

Maduagwu, 29, known affectionately as Sommie to colleagues and viewers, served as a news anchor, reporter and producer at the prominent Nigerian television network. Her death has sent shockwaves through the country’s media industry and prompted demands for swift action from authorities investigating the violent attack.

ARISE News Channel announced the tragedy in a statement released Monday on its social media platform, expressing profound grief over the loss of the respected broadcaster who had become a familiar and trusted presence to viewers across Nigeria.

“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the statement read. “Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.”

The network emphasized Maduagwu’s significance beyond her professional role, describing her as not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with audiences throughout her broadcasting career.

Maduagwu held dual professional credentials, having trained as a lawyer in addition to her journalism career. Colleagues remembered her as a professional and supportive team member whose presence enriched the workplace environment.

“Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many,” the statement noted, highlighting the breadth of her qualifications and the personal relationships she maintained within the organization.

The armed robbery that claimed Maduagwu’s life occurred at her residence in Katampe, an upscale neighborhood in Abuja’s municipal area. Details of the attack remain under investigation by the Nigeria Police, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Tributes have poured in from across multiple sectors including the media industry, civil society organizations and the legal profession, reflecting Maduagwu’s wide-ranging impact and professional connections. Members of the public who followed her work have also expressed shock and grief at the sudden loss.

Many who knew Maduagwu or admired her work have called for justice and demanded swift action from law enforcement authorities to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the deadly attack. The calls for accountability reflect broader concerns about security challenges facing residents of Nigeria’s capital city.

ARISE News Channel extended condolences to Maduagwu’s family, including her parents, siblings, extended relatives, friends and loved ones who are grappling with the sudden and violent loss. The network emphasized that while her voice has been silenced, her contributions to journalism will endure.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time,” the statement continued. “Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.”

The network issued a direct appeal for rapid progress in the criminal investigation, calling for authorities to swiftly identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack. “We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” management stated.

The killing highlights ongoing security challenges in Abuja, where armed robbery incidents continue to pose threats to residents despite government efforts to improve public safety. The attack on a high-profile journalist has intensified scrutiny of security measures in residential areas throughout the capital.

Maduagwu’s death at age 29 represents a significant loss to Nigerian journalism, cutting short a promising career that had already established her as a respected voice in broadcast media. Her work as an anchor, reporter and producer demonstrated versatility and commitment to professional excellence.

The Nigeria Police have not released detailed information about the investigation, including whether suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the armed robbery. Authorities face mounting pressure from media organizations and civil society groups to bring those responsible to justice.

The tragedy has prompted discussions within Nigeria’s media community about security measures for journalists and other media professionals who may face elevated risks due to their public profiles. Industry leaders are examining whether additional protective measures should be implemented.

ARISE News Channel, a prominent Nigerian television network known for its news coverage and current affairs programming, continues operations while mourning the loss of one of its notable on-air personalities. The network’s management has indicated ongoing cooperation with police investigators.

The incident occurs amid broader concerns about violent crime in Nigerian urban centers, where armed robbery and other security threats remain persistent challenges despite law enforcement efforts. Maduagwu’s killing has brought renewed attention to these public safety issues.

Her colleagues and viewers remember Maduagwu as a dedicated journalist whose professionalism and warmth made her a valued member of the broadcasting community. The combination of her legal training and journalism skills positioned her as a particularly insightful voice on complex issues.

China sentences 16 Myanmar-linked gang members to death for crimes in Kokang

Simeon Bateren
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China sentences 16 Myanmar-linked gang members to death for crimes in Kokang

WENZHOU, China (BN24) — A Chinese court has sentenced 16 members of a family-run criminal gang to death for their involvement in a sprawling network of scam operations based in Myanmar’s lawless Kokang region, close to the border with China. The gang’s illegal activities, which included cyber fraud, drug trafficking, and human exploitation, spanned nearly a decade and earned them billions of yuan.

The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court, which handed down the sentences on Monday, described the group as a highly organized criminal operation that had been operating since 2015. Its members are accused of setting up and running illegal scam compounds, where they trafficked foreigners, many of whom were Chinese nationals, to force them into committing online fraud. These centers flourished in Myanmar’s remote and lawless borderlands, an area notorious for its lack of law enforcement and a hotbed for illicit industries.

The court also reported that the criminal group was responsible for the deaths of at least 14 individuals, including 10 members of their own network who had tried to escape or disobey the orders of their superiors. In one particularly brutal instance in October 2023, the gang opened fire on individuals attempting to escape the scam compound, preventing them from being transferred back to China.

The gang’s lucrative activities, which included organizing prostitution, operating illegal casinos, and trafficking drugs, contributed to profits exceeding 10 billion yuan (roughly $1.4 billion). Their widespread operations were facilitated by corruption and their exploitation of foreign workers, many of whom were reportedly trafficked and coerced into participating in the illegal business.

In a statement posted on social media, the court confirmed that five of the death sentences would be postponed for two years, granting them a brief reprieve, while 23 other members of the gang were sentenced to prison terms ranging from five years to life.

The case has highlighted the deepening cooperation between China and several Southeast Asian nations, particularly Myanmar, in cracking down on transnational organized crime. In recent months, Beijing has increased its efforts to tackle the growing number of these scam compounds, leading to the repatriation of thousands of Chinese nationals who had been trafficked or coerced into working in the illicit industry.

Authorities in both countries are working together to curb the expansion of these dangerous and illegal operations that have grown to become a multibillion-dollar industry in the region. As the Chinese government seeks to expand its efforts against these criminal networks, the sentencing of the gang members underscores its commitment to addressing the growing threat posed by cross-border crime and exploitation.

ECOWAS revives regional blue economy strategy in Abuja, Nigeria

Simeon Bateren
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ECOWAS revives regional blue economy strategy in Abuja, Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24)— The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has restarted its efforts to finalize a long-stalled Regional Blue Economy Strategy, beginning with a high-level consultative workshop held Monday in Abuja. The meeting brought together representatives from ECOWAS member states, regional economic blocs, and continental institutions to review and validate a draft strategy that has remained dormant since its initial development in 2022.

The blue economy, encompassing marine resources, aquaculture, maritime transport, ocean conservation, and climate resilience, is seen as a crucial pillar for sustainable development across the region. The strategy was originally developed under the Programme for Improved Regional Fisheries Governance in Western Africa (PESCAO), but progress stalled following the end of that project due to administrative delays.

Djiga Thiao, Programme Officer for Fishery Development and ECOWAS Focal Person for the Blue Economy, addressed the gathering on behalf of the outgoing Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alain Traoré. Thiao emphasized the urgent need for policy coordination among member states to unlock the full potential of the region’s marine and water resources.

“You know that the marine resources and the water resources are the crossroads of many sectors—fisheries, aquaculture, shipping—also in the context of climate change and sustainable livelihood that we need to get from these resources. So we need to have harmonised policies and guiding policies to get the best benefit from these resources,” he said. “That’s why we need a blue economy strategy. ECOWAS needs to have a regional one.”

Thiao acknowledged the draft’s extended stagnation since 2022, noting that it remained untouched following the conclusion of the PESCAO project. Despite this setback, he stressed that the strategy remains a key priority within the ECOWAS Commission.

“The Commissioner said she wanted this blue economy strategy to be one of ECOWAS’ biggest legacies,” he added, referring to the outgoing leadership. “But like the French people say, les personnes partent, les institutions demeurent—people leave, institutions remain. So this blue economy will still be a big priority for the new director and Commissioner who are coming.”

He framed the workshop as a shared responsibility between ECOWAS and member states, urging collaboration toward successful validation of the final strategy draft.

“This work we are doing, if we get success, it will be our success together. But if we fail, we will fail together,” Thiao said. “We have the duty to work closely with the experts so that we get this blue economy strategy validated.”

Support from the African Union was visible throughout the workshop. Linda Etta, Blue Economy Advisor at the African Union Commission (AUC), delivered virtual remarks on behalf of Hassan Nyambe, Director of the AUC’s Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Division. She affirmed the AU’s commitment to assisting regional blocs in translating strategy into impact.

“The African Union Commission is deeply committed to supporting member states and regional economic communities in translating the strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes,” Etta said. “Initiatives like the ECOWAS regional blue economy strategy are critical to ensuring policy harmonisation, shared best practices, and investment mobilisation across our region.”

AU-IBAR Blue Economy Expert Dr. Mohammed Seisay reiterated that support, noting the AU’s involvement in helping member countries develop national strategies. “We started with four countries. Then we supported another 11 countries. We have also been supporting regional economic communities,” he said, citing recent assistance to Burkina Faso as an example of timely engagement.

Participants included national delegates from ECOWAS member states, technical experts, and officials from the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), the AUC, and the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea. The workshop marks a critical step in reviving the regional blueprint for managing ocean and water resources in a coordinated, sustainable way.

Man arrested after 3 family members found dead in County Louth, Ireland

Simeon Bateren
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Man arrested after 3 family members found dead in County Louth, Ireland

TALLANSTOWN, Ireland (BN24)— A man in his 30s has been arrested after three people were found dead at a home in the rural village of Tallanstown, County Louth, on Monday morning, prompting a major investigation by Irish authorities.

Gardaí, the national police force of Ireland, confirmed that two men and a woman were discovered deceased at the scene. Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that the victims are believed to be members of the same family and may have died in a violent attack.

The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the bodies were found. Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but have indicated that they are not seeking additional suspects.

“There is no ongoing threat to the public,” said Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan. He declined to provide further details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.

The violent deaths have left the tight-knit Mid Louth community in shock. Local Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú described the events as “absolutely appalling,” expressing sorrow over what he called “dreadful and violent circumstances” that have deeply affected the area.

“The fact that three members of one family seem to have died in dreadful and violent circumstances on a Monday morning in a quiet and rural area of Mid Louth is appalling,” he said. “It has absolutely stunned the community all over County Louth.”

Ó Murchú urged the public to avoid speculation online and called on anyone with relevant information to come forward to the Gardaí.

Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly also reacted to the tragedy, describing it as “absolutely shocking.”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole community and wider family members and friends,” she said.

Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheridan, who knew the family personally through local events and the recent local elections, said the area was experiencing a “huge degree of shock.”

“It’s the type of area where everyone would know everyone,” he told RTÉ’s News at One program. “We hear of tragic events quite often. We don’t expect them to happen in our own locality.”

The Garda Technical Bureau remains on site in Tallanstown as part of the forensic investigation. No cause of death has yet been officially released, and the identities of the victims have not been confirmed publicly.

Authorities are continuing to appeal for any information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

FIFA deducts points, awards win to Lesotho after South Africa fields ineligible player

Simeon Bateren
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FIFA deducts points, awards win to Lesotho after South Africa fields ineligible player

JOHANNESBURG (BN24)— FIFA has handed South Africa a heavy blow in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after ruling that the country fielded an ineligible player during their March 21 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling means South Africa has forfeited the match, which Lesotho is now awarded as a 3-0 victory.

The decision, announced Monday by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, centers on midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play due to a suspension resulting from accumulated yellow cards. South Africa had originally won the match 2-0, but FIFA overturned the result following the breach of regulations outlined in the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup Preliminary Competition rules.

In addition to the forfeiture, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $12,500), while Mokoena received a formal warning. The ruling dramatically reshapes Group C standings, pushing South Africa from first to second place behind Benin on goal difference.

This ruling injects renewed competition into the race for the sole automatic qualification spot from the group. Nigeria and Rwanda remain within striking distance, trailing by just three points as the qualifiers head into their final phase. South Africa faces a daunting path ahead, including away matches in Zimbabwe and a crucial home fixture against Rwanda.

FIFA confirmed SAFA has ten days to request a detailed explanation of the ruling and may appeal the decision before the FIFA Appeals Committee. However, for the moment, the 3-0 forfeit result stands, casting serious doubts over South Africa’s ambitions to qualify for the World Cup scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

A FIFA statement noted: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the match against Lesotho played on 21 March 2025. Consequently, the match is forfeited by South Africa with a 3-0 scoreline. SAFA must also pay a fine of CHF 10,000, and Mokoena has been issued a warning. The parties have ten days to request a motivated decision and may appeal the ruling.”

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Suspected stowaway found dead in plane’s landing gear at Charlotte airport

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Suspected stowaway found dead in plane’s landing gear at Charlotte airport

Charlotte, NC (BN24) – Authorities in North Carolina are investigating after the body of a suspected stowaway was discovered in the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines plane that had just arrived in Charlotte from Europe.

FILE – American Airlines planes are parked at Pittsburgh International Airport on March 31, 2020, in Imperial, Pa. American Airlines has reached a tentative labor agreement with pilots who recently raised the possibility of a strike against the nation’s biggest airline if they were unable to get a new contract with higher pay. American said Friday, May 19, 2023, that the four-year deal, if ratified by pilots, would give them pay and profit-sharing “that match the top of the industry.” (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, file)

The grim discovery was made Sunday morning by maintenance workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as the aircraft underwent routine servicing. Police said the body was located inside the wheel well but declined to release further details about the individual, including identity, nationality, or cause of death.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed it is leading the investigation, while both the airline and the airport expressed condolences and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and are supporting the police investigation,” the airport said in a statement. American Airlines also confirmed its involvement in the inquiry but referred all additional questions to law enforcement.

Officials have not yet said where the flight originated in Europe. Aviation experts note that most stowaways attempting to survive inside a plane’s undercarriage die due to extreme cold, lack of oxygen, or injuries during takeoff and landing. Estimates suggest that about three-quarters of stowaway attempts end in death.

This latest case follows several similar tragedies in recent months. In January, two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport during a post-flight inspection after the jet arrived from New York’s JFK. In December, another stowaway body was discovered in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight after it landed in Maui from Chicago.

The Charlotte incident underscores the dangers and desperation often tied to attempted stowaway journeys, with investigators still working to determine how the person managed to access the aircraft.

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