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Shooting at after-party in downtown Los Angeles leaves 2 dead, 6 injured

Police barricade tape with the writing 'LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE LINE - DO NOT CROSS' illuminated night exterior with deliberately blurred background Los Angeles - January 2^ 2021

Two people were killed and six others injured in a mass shooting in an area of downtown Los Angeles early Monday.

Authorities said that the shooting took place during a music festival after-party around 1 a.m. Monday in the area of 14th Place and Griffith Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. There were reportedly multiple parties taking place in the area at that time.

According to the Associated Press, police arrived at an event promoted on social media as an ‘unofficial after-party’ for Hard Summer, a weekend techno-music festival held at Hollywood Park, about 9 miles (14 km) away in Inglewood. More than 50 people were said to be at that afterparty when police arrived at 11 p.m. on Sunday to shut it down, at which time officers spotted a person possibly armed with a gun enter a building in the area’s warehouse district, located in the 1100 block of the 14th Place. Following that person’s arrest at the scene, officers cleared the area but were called back to the same area after reports of shots fired around 1 a.m.

One male victim was pronounced dead on the scene, with a number of people shot. Seven people were brought to the hospital, where a 52-year-old female victim later died; two others were listed in critical condition, with the victims ages ranging from 26-62 years old. Local ABC affiliate KABC-TV reported that a 29-year-old man was one of the two people killed. Judner Derisso, the father of the man who was killed, identified his son as 29-year-old Gregory Derisso.

The 2025 edition of the three-day HARD Summer festival took place at Hollywood Park at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 2-3 with headliners Feid, Dom Dolla, Kaytranada, hard-driving Gesaffelstein and Sara Landry.

The Los Angeles Times reported that there was no information about a suspect or a motive, and no arrests have been made as of press time. Sn investigation is still ongoing.

Editorial credit: Elliott Cowand Jr / Shutterstock.com

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U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace announces campaign for South Carolina governor

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) walks out of the U.S. Capitol. WASHINGTON^ DC - March 13^ 2024

United States Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., announced her run for South Carolina governor Monday morning in a bid to succeed Republican Gov. Henry McMaster.

Mace, 47, said in an announcement Monday morning at The Citadel, where she became the first woman to graduate from the Corps of Cadets program in 1999: “This morning, I’m making it official. I am running to be your governor of the great state of South Carolina. I didn’t come to join the club. They don’t want me, and I don’t want them. I came to hold the line. They said stay quiet; I spoke up. They said sit down; I stood up. They said play nice, and I fought back. This isn’t about playing defense. This is about going on offense for you — for your family, for your freedom and for your future … I wasn’t built to kiss the ring. I just wear one. I don’t answer to the establishment. I don’t owe those in the back room a single thing. I answer to the people. And the people, let me tell you, are fed up.”

Mac first came to Congress in 2021. and has since developed a reputation as a GOP firebrand in recent months.  She will run against fellow Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., state Attorney General Alan Wilson, R, state Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R, in the primary. A poll released by the South Carolina Policy Council showed Mace narrowly leading Wilson in the primary among Republican voters.

Mace told Fox News last week that she was leaning toward running for state-wide office, citing economic issues, crime and “gender-bending ideology” at colleges in the state. She also said if she launched a gubernatorial bid, she and Wilson would run a “two-man race… If I get in, I will fight to the finish, and I will take out South Carolina’s attorney general, because he’s turned a blind eye on women and on children and on the state for a lot of reasons. He might force me to do this. South Carolina is tired of the politicians who smile for the cameras, lie to your face, and then vanish when it’s time to lead.”

Editorial credit: Philip Yabut / Shutterstock.com

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Lisa Kudrow’s HBO comedy ‘The Comeback’ to return for final third season

Lisa Kudrow arrives for Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love on April 26^ 2023 in Hollywood^ CA

HBO announced the acclaimed comedy series The Comeback, starring and co-created by Lisa Kudrow, is returning for a third and final season on HBO/HBO Max.

The popular series, which also stars Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman and Damian Young, debuted in 2005 and was revived for a second season in 2014; production on its third and final season will begin this summer.

The Comeback first premiered on HBO in June 2005 with 13 episodes, marking Kudrow’s first TV stint post-Friends. Created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, the show followed a “B-list actress” named Valerie Cherish [Kudrow] who agrees to “do a reality show that follows her efforts to land a part in a sitcom in this comedy series,” (per an HBO synopsis). The series was first cancelled in September 2005 after just one season, but amassed a cult following and returned for a revival season in 2014. Kudrow and King said in a statement: “Valerie Cherish has found her way back to the current television landscape. Neither of us are surprised she did.” 

The series is executive produced by Kudrow and King, alongside John Melfi and Dan Bucatinsky. Amy Gravitt, executive vice president for HBO & Max Comedy Programming, said in a statement: “No matter what the industry throws at her, Valerie Cherish is a survivor. On the 20th Anniversary of her debut, Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow have brilliantly scripted her return to HBO and we can’t wait to see that.”

The Comeback’s third and final season is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2026.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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Adam Sandler to embark on ‘You’re My Best Friend’ comedy tour this fall

Adam Sandler at the Los Angeles premiere of 'That's My Boy' held at the Westwood Village Theater in Los Angeles^ USA June 4^ 2012.

Adam Sandler will embark on the ‘You’re My Best Friend” arena tour, with stops in over 30 cities across North America – marking his first run since his 25-date  I Missed You Tour, which ran from October to December 2023.

The new tour will kick off Sept. 5, in Jacksonville, Florida, and conclude Nov. 1 after two shows in Las Vegas. Sandler, 58, announced the news and tour-date list on his Instagram along with the caption, “Let’s have some fun.”

Tickets for Sandler’s You’re My Best Friend Tour are available via Ticketmaster.com.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

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Four girls will compete for 2025 Miss Crookston title August 11

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Four girls will compete for the title of Miss Crookston in the 2025 Miss Crookston Scholarship pageant on Monday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Crookston High School Auditorium. This year’s theme is the “Time of My Life.”

The four contestants are –
Hallie Nicholas – daughter of Jamie and Travis Nicholas. Hallie’s talent is a personal monologue and she is sponsored by Minakwa Golf Course.
Taylor Wieland – daughter of Josh and Sarah Wieland. Taylor’s talent is singing and playing a ukulele and she is sponsored by Longtin Agency.
Hayley Leckie – daughter of Erika and Scott Leckie. Hayley’s talent is lyrical dance and she is sponsored by Scooters Coffee.
Nashelle Tellez Vasquez – daughter of Awilda Tellez Vasquez and Bonifacio Tellez. Nashelle’s talent is a clarinet solo and she is sponsored by Wonderful Life Foods.

Miss Crookston Pageant committee member Judy Meyer said practice for Monday has been good. “Practice has been going well,” said Meyer. “It has been fun to get to know these girls. They have been putting a lot of time and effort into it, and we are going to have a great show.”

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door on Monday night, with the doors opening at 6:15 p.m. You can also get tickets from the board members of the Miss Crookston Pageant Committee – Jean Ann Bienek, Rene Tate, Kelly Chandler, Adrianne Winger, Judy Meyer, or Emily Tate. The proceeds collected go towards scholarships for the contestants.

Nashelle Tellez Vasquez, Hallie Nicholas, 2024 Miss Crookston Kaylie Clauson, Taylor Wieland, Hayley Leckie

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City Council ready to fill Ward 1 Council Member seat with open application process starting Tuesday

The Crookston City Council met on Monday night at City Hall

Consent Agenda

Within the Consent Agenda, the council approved the City of Crookston Bills and Disbursements for $335,009.52, the display of fireworks and pyrotechnics in the City Limits during Ox Cart Days, and the approval of both Irishman’s Shanty Inc. and Drafts Sports Bar dispensing intoxicating liquor on the premises during Ox Cart Days.

Also approved with the consent agenda was the authorization for a contract for Building Official Services between the City of Crookston and the City of Ada. The City of Ada needs to ensure that it complies with state and local building codes, administers inspections, and supports safe construction within the city limits, and this contract will ensure it does so. In the approved contract, the City of Ada will pay the City of Crookston a monthly amount of $1200 for all building permit fees. Additional fees will be charged for additional services as needed. City of Crookston Building Official Gregg Hefta is happy to be able to help out the City of Ada. “They need a Certified Building Official to do their inspections and or permit reviews. Basically, it will be on a fairly limited basis, running over there, probably twice a month,” says Hefta. In the long term, it’s mostly having an overview and oversight of the permitting process and the actual construction going on over there.” The City of Ada has agreed to $1200 a month for building permitting fees, and Hefta says those fees will stay within the Crookston Building Official Department. “That basically is the processing, overview, and oversight,” says Hefta. “That would stay in the Building Department budget and would offset some of Crookston’s costs for the Building Department itself. We’re trying to add more resources to the City of Crookston’s Departments, and that was one way we could do that.”

Regular Agenda

On the regular agenda was a resolution declaring the vacancy for the Ward 1 Council Member seat.  The council unanimously approved declaring the vacancy, which came after Council Member Kristie Jerde resigned due to moving out of her ward.  With the approval, the process can begin to fill the seat. “The next step in Ward 1, because it is just one ward as opposed to an at-large seat; at-large we had, and we did expect a large number of applicants,” says City Administrator Jeff Shoobridge. “We did get more than we expected; however, Ward 1 being one ward, we are not anticipating a very large number of applicants, so we are going to fall back to the original, normal process.”

Shoobridge says the process will open Tuesday morning, and people can apply at City Hall for approximately ten days. “Please pay attention to the news and the city website for the official dates and times, and people will be allowed to apply.”

You must be a resident of Ward 1 and an eligible voter to apply. You can visit City Hall and speak with Ashley or Tina. Once the application period closes, interviews will be scheduled. “The council will call for the interviews. You will be scheduled to come in for council interviews at the next workshop on the 18th, where council will interview the candidate and make an informal selection, and then move forward to ratifying that selection.” The vote will be a voice vote, Shoobridge says, and fully transparent, so there won’t be any hiccups in the process.

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Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Public Health celebrates Breastfeeding Week and Month

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World Breastfeeding Week/National Breastfeeding Month

Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Public Health is celebrating and supporting breastfeeding families all year long, but they are celebrating World Breastfeeding Week this week and National Breastfeeding Month in August. The designations offer a special opportunity to recognize the vital role that human milk plays in the health and well-being of infants, children, and families. At Polk-Norman-Mahnomen (PNM) WIC, our commitment to supporting breastfeeding and pumping parents goes beyond this annual observance—we stand by families every step of the way, offering education, encouragement, and resources tailored to each individual’s journey.

Our support includes:

  • Talking about the importance of human milk
  • Providing additional WIC foods to support a lactating parent’s nutritional needs
  • Offering resources to help families reach their pumping and nursing goals

August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time to honor the vital contributions of those who support breastfeeding families. This year, we celebrate Tammy Conn, who is retiring after over 25 years of exemplary service to the Minnesota WIC program as the Breastfeeding Coordinator and Wellness Coordinator for Polk, Norman, and Mahnomen counties. Tammy’s unwavering commitment to maternal and child health has positively impacted countless families. While we will miss her presence and expertise, we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life. Thank you, Tammy, for your dedication to our community and the PNM WIC program!

Polk Norman and Mahnomen counties provide exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities, which include:

  • Providing Mama’s Milk Connection, a monthly lactation support group since 2007, in Crookston. Call 218-281-1673 (for meeting dates and location)
  • Offering WIC families, a breastfeeding peer counselor to support parents and increase breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and duration
  • Providing Rock and Rest tents at the Polk, Norman, and Mahnomen County Fairs
  • Promoting and sharing the updated Minnesota Breastfeeding and Pregnancy laws, to worksites and families
  • Facilitating the Polk County Breastfeeding Coalition, to provide breastfeeding resources for the area
  • Encouraging businesses to sign a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” pledge and display a Breastfeeding Symbol window cling
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge/training for Public Health and WIC staff on lactation education, resources, and best practices

National Breastfeeding Month

Polk- Norman-Mahnomen WIC and the Minnesota WIC Program are celebrating National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week by reminding families to take advantage of the lactation education and support WIC provides for pregnant, breastfeeding, and/or pumping parents.

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, on Thursday, August 7th, Mama’s Milk Connection will host a “Party at the Playground” from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This will be a time to share lactation success stories, connect with others in the community, and play games. Snacks will be provided. This celebration will be at the Head Start Playground, 1407 Erskine Street, Crookston. All who promote, protect and support breastfeeding are welcome to join.  

WIC Supports Families

Polk-Norman-Mahnomen WIC supports breastfeeding in any amount and is here for families feeding their babies with a combination of human milk and formula and families exclusively using formula.  

  • Apply for the WIC Program – MN Dept. of Health early in pregnancy. 
  • Reach out to a WIC breastfeeding specialist or peer counselor for breastfeeding information and support. Creating a plan before birth and reaching out for help as soon as possible after birth can lead to successful breastfeeding.  
  • Attend Mama’s Milk Connection events for continued lactation support
  • WIC can help as parents return to work.  
  • WIC provides formula benefits to supplement breastfeeding when needed and can provide tips to increase milk supply for parents using a combination of human milk and formula. 

Additional statistics and Information:

For more information about WIC or breastfeeding support, contact Polk County Public Health at 218-281-1673.

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UMC Men’s Golfers earn All-American Scholar awards

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The 2024-25 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars for NCAA Division II was announced on Tuesday afternoon. Minnesota Crookston’s Andrew Wilhelm (Fargo, N.D.) and Lucas Justesen (Detroit Lakes, Minn.) were two of just 207 Division II student-athletes from across 78 schools to earn the distinguished award.

To be eligible for Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination, an individual must be a sophomore, junior or senior both academically and athletically in NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA, or receiving their associate’s degree and in their last year of athletic eligibility in the NJCAA. In addition, they must participate in 50% of their team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 78.0 in NCAA Division II, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at their college or university.

Justesen and Wilhelm are two of five NSIC student-athletes named to the All-America list and the Golden Eagles join Bemidji State as the only two NSIC schools with representatives on the list.

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Mary Kuehn – OBIT

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Mary F. Kuehn, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 31, 2025, in Wahpeton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND. Interment is at the Calvary Cemetery in Wahpeton. 

Mary Frances Simonitch was born on October 5, 1933, to Carl and Ann (Geister) Simonitch, in Wahpeton, ND. She completed elementary school at St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1951. She attended St. Cloud School of Nursing and worked as an RN for St Francis Medical Center, Breckenridge Clinic, and Wahpeton MeritCare. On June 9, 1956, Mary married Ken Kuehn. They made their home in Wahpeton until retirement in 2000. They then moved to Pickerel Lake, MN, and wintered in Mesa, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken Kuehn; brother, Jack Simonitch, and sister-in-law, Darlene; sister, Norma Kuehn and brother-in-law, James Kuehn; brother-in-law, Bruce Kuehn.

Mary is survived by her children: Vicki (Rick) Kielb of Wahpeton, ND; Kaye (Mark) Roeder of Bismarck, ND; Kyle Kuehn of Bismarck, ND; Dave (Allyson) Kuehn of Underwood, MN; Linda (Steve) White of Hermiston, OR; Marla (Jeff) Hagler of Cando, ND; and Maria Saville of West Fargo, ND; sister-in-law, Jean Kuehn of Parker, Colorado; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who love her dearly. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. John’s Catholic School, Wahpeton, ND; Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, Fergus Falls, MN; or CHI Health at Home, Breckenridge, MN.

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2 men arrested in connection to suspect-at-large in murder of 4 relatives of abandoned infant in Tennessee

Tennessee state trooper vehicle. Knoxville^ TN - October 12^ 2024

Officials said on Sunday that two men have been arrested in connection with the murders of the parents, grandmother and uncle of an abandoned infant found alive in Tennessee, while the manhunt continues for the suspected killer, identified as 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) charged Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Investigators allege both men “assisted” Drummond in the murders. The bureau said in a Saturday news release announcing charges against Thomas that “hee should be considered armed and dangerous,” while Brown, who also faces one count of tampering with evidence, was arrested one day earlier.

Authorities have not disclosed how the men allegedly helped Drummond, how the relatives were killed and how the baby ended up in a car seat in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles from the bodies. Thomas was in custody at the Madison County Jail on an unrelated charge and would be transferred to the Lake County Jail to be arraigned on the new charges; while Brown was booked into Lake County Jail.

Authorities earlier reveled that they located the vehicle Drummond was believed to be driving, a white 2016 Audi, which was found unoccupied in Jackson, Tennessee. A second vehicle sought in the hunt for Drummond, a 1988 white Ford pickup truck with a red stripe, has been located in Dyer County, the TBI said Saturday.

The TBI said they are continuing their search for Drummond in connection with the deaths of James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15, whose bodies were found Tuesday in Tiptonville, a town in northwest Tennessee’s Lake County. Drummond is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has brown hair, blue eyes and a goatee, according to the TBI.

TBI Director David Rausch said authorities believe it was a targeted attack by Drummond, who had a relationship with the family. The baby is safe and being cared for, authorities have said. Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the infant’s parents, and Rose was Adrianna and Braydon Williams’ mother.

Authorities obtained warrants for Drummond, charging him with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses. His criminal history includes prison time for robbing a convenience store and threatening to go after jurors. He was also charged with attempted murder while behind bars.

The TBI and the U.S. Marshals are offering a combined reward of up to $17,500 for information leading to Drummond’s arrest.

Editorial credit: Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com