13 Shot, 4 Killed in Chicago Weekend Violence

October 5, 2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (1) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

At least 13 people were shot, four of them fatally, from Friday evening into Saturday night across Chicago, as the city continues to grapple with relentless gun violence under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.

According to CBS News, the first two fatal shootings took place around 7:45 p.m. Friday on the 900 block of West 85th Street. Police responding to reports of gunfire found a man inside an apartment with a gunshot wound to the head — he was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, found in an alley nearby, was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

The third fatal shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. Saturday on the 100 block of South Pulaski Road. Authorities said two men, aged 21 and 29, were standing on the sidewalk when an unknown assailant approached and opened fire. The 21-year-old victim was struck and killed, while the 29-year-old’s condition has not been publicly disclosed.

Later that evening, around 8 p.m., a 22-year-old woman was shot multiple times in the chest. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that, as of this weekend, 319 people have been killed in the city so far this year — a grim reminder that the city’s violence crisis remains far from resolved.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the latest shootings, and investigations remain ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

Bill Maher Rebukes Dave Chappelle for Saudi Arabia ‘Free Speech’ Comment

October 5, 2025

Saudi Arabia Flag — chingraph/Getty via Canva Pro

Comedian Bill Maher criticized Dave Chappelle after Chappelle praised Saudi Arabia for its “respect for free speech” during a comedy festival in Riyadh. Maher called the remark “absurd,” pointing out the kingdom’s strict censorship laws, human rights violations, and history of punishing dissent. He said that while Chappelle may have been joking, such comments risk normalizing regimes that openly silence journalists, activists, and artists.

Maher argued that comedians have a responsibility to defend genuine free expression, not to praise nations that suppress it. Critics accused Chappelle of hypocrisy, noting his frequent criticism of “cancel culture” in the United States while speaking favorably about one of the world’s most repressive governments. Others suggested that Chappelle’s comment reflected a growing tendency among entertainers to overlook moral inconsistencies for international fame or financial gain.

Supporters of Maher’s stance said his remarks underscore the difference between Western debates over speech and the life-or-death consequences of speaking out under authoritarian regimes. Maher concluded that true free speech means having the courage to tell the truth—especially to those in power—regardless of the audience or setting.

Two Dead, Juveniles Among Wounded in Montgomery Shootout

October 5, 2025

Two people were killed and three others critically injured after a shootout erupted between two groups late Saturday night in Montgomery, Alabama. Nearly ten additional victims were wounded in the exchange of gunfire, including several juveniles, according to local reports.

Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys said the confrontation unfolded in a crowded area where both groups began firing recklessly. “This was two parties involved that were basically shooting at each other in the middle of a crowd,” Graboys told reporters. “They did not care about the people around them when they did it.”

Authorities said the chaotic scene left bystanders running for cover as bullets struck multiple people nearby. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed noted that police were stationed just “within 50 feet” of where the gunfire began, but the shooters were undeterred. “Those who were shooting had no regard for human life,” Reed said.

Emergency responders rushed several victims to local hospitals, where three remain in critical condition. The identities of the deceased have not been released pending notification of their families.

Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made or identified a motive for the shooting. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to witnesses for information that could help track down those responsible.

Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact Montgomery Police or CrimeStoppers. “We need the community’s help,” Chief Graboys said. “This level of violence cannot be tolerated.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Biden-Appointed Judge Criticized for Lenient Sentence in Kavanaugh Assassination Plot

October 5, 2025

A Biden-appointed federal judge is facing backlash from conservatives after sentencing Nicholas Roske—the man who plotted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh—to only eight years in prison. Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence for the 26-year-old, who was arrested outside Kavanaugh’s Maryland home armed with a handgun, ammunition, and burglary tools. The suspect reportedly told police he was motivated by the Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and sought to “give his life purpose” through the act.

Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby defended her decision as “proportionate” to the crime, citing Roske’s lack of prior offenses and cooperation with law enforcement. Critics, however, argue that the leniency sends a dangerous message that political violence against conservative figures will not be punished severely. Prominent Republican lawmakers and legal analysts described the ruling as “outrageous,” calling it another example of judicial bias.

The Justice Department has not indicated whether it will appeal the sentence. Legal experts warn that the decision could undermine deterrence at a time when threats against judges and public officials are rising nationwide. The incident has reignited debate over security for Supreme Court justices, with some conservatives demanding stronger protections and stricter penalties for politically motivated threats or attacks.

Trump Administration of ‘Creating a War Zone’ in Chicago

October 5, 2025

The "Trump" logo on the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago (Quinn Kampschroer via Wikimedia Commons)

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) accused the Trump administration on Sunday of deliberately escalating tensions in Chicago to justify deploying more federal troops to the city. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Pritzker said federal agents were turning routine policing operations into scenes of chaos and fear.

“Instead of going after the bad guys, they’re just picking up people who are brown and black and then checking their credentials,” Pritzker said. “Are you a U.S. citizen? I don’t know about you, but I don’t carry around papers that say I’m a U.S. citizen.”

The governor described a recent federal raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, claiming it targeted a handful of gang members but instead terrorized residents. “They broke windows, they broke down doors, they ransacked the place,” he said. “Elderly people and children were zip-tied — elderly people held for three hours at a time. They are the ones that are making it a war zone.”

Pritzker alleged that the Trump administration’s goal is to “create mayhem on the ground” as a pretext for militarizing Chicago. “They want to create the war zone so that they can send in even more troops,” he said. “Now they’re claiming they need 300 of Illinois National Guard. Well, we didn’t need them before they showed up.”

The Illinois governor rejected Trump’s characterization of Chicago as lawless, arguing the administration’s tactics are manufacturing unrest for political gain. “He’s saying that Chicago is a war zone — none of that is true,” Pritzker said. “They’re just making this up. And then what do they do? They fire tear gas and smoke grenades, and they make it look like it’s a war zone.”

Pritzker vowed to resist further federal intervention, accusing Trump officials of using fear and force to score political points rather than addressing the city’s real challenges.

Federal Judge Blocks President Trump’s National Guard Deployment to Portland

October 5, 2025

A federal judge has temporarily halted President Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, citing questions over presidential authority. The ruling follows legal challenges from Oregon officials claiming the move violated the Posse Comitatus Act. The decision temporarily restricts federal involvement as the city faces ongoing unrest and escalating violence in parts of its downtown area.

The deployment was intended to address renewed rioting, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement facilities. Federal lawyers argued the president acted within his constitutional powers to restore order, emphasizing the federal government’s duty to protect its property and personnel. The court, however, issued a temporary restraining order blocking the mobilization pending further review.

The Justice Department plans to appeal, maintaining that the president holds authority to deploy the Guard to protect federal property and enforce federal law. Legal analysts say the ruling could set a precedent for how far a president can go in using federal forces to address civil disorder within states that resist assistance. The White House reiterated that restoring safety in American cities remains a top priority and that federal resources will be used “lawfully and decisively.”

Gov. Youngkin Calls on Democrat Jay Jones to Withdraw After ‘Disgraceful’ Texts Surface

October 5, 2025

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has called on Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones to withdraw from the race after leaked text messages surfaced showing Jones mocking the death of former Republican House Speaker Kirk Cox. The texts, reportedly sent in 2021, referred to Cox’s passing as “good news,” sparking bipartisan outrage and calls for accountability. Youngkin said the remarks “disgrace the office” Jones seeks and show “a complete lack of respect for public service.”

Jones issued an apology after the texts were made public, calling his words “stupid and insensitive.” He stated that they do not reflect his values and that he regrets sending them. Despite the apology, Youngkin urged Democrats to take responsibility and demand Jones’s withdrawal, saying, “If this is who Democrats choose to elevate, it says everything about their priorities.” Republican leaders echoed the governor’s call, describing the messages as “cruel and unbecoming of a leader.”

Political observers noted that the controversy could derail Jones’s campaign, which had sought to portray him as a unifying candidate. Several Democratic officials have so far declined to comment, while GOP strategists said the episode underscores what they describe as a growing culture of contempt toward conservatives within Democratic circles. The incident adds new tension to Virginia’s already heated election season as candidates navigate the fallout.

Russia Bombards Ukraine with 500 Drones in Deadly Strike

October 5, 2025

At least five civilians were killed and several others injured after Russia unleashed a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine overnight into Sunday, striking civilian infrastructure across nine regions. Ukrainian officials said the barrage included more than 50 ballistic missiles and roughly 500 drones — one of the largest single assaults in recent weeks.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Sunday statement that the overnight strikes once again targeted civilian infrastructure, calling it part of Moscow’s ongoing “aerial terror” campaign. “We need more protection, a rapid implementation of all defense agreements, especially on air defense, to make this aerial terror pointless,” he urged Western allies.

The heaviest casualties were reported in Lviv, a city in western Ukraine often viewed as a refuge from front-line fighting. Regional authorities said four people — including a 15-year-old — were killed when drones and missiles hit residential areas and a business complex described as a civilian facility. At least six more were injured, and parts of the city lost power and public transport for several hours.

In Zaporizhzhia, a drone and guided bomb strike killed one woman and injured nine others, including a teenage girl. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said the attack destroyed homes and knocked out power for more than 73,000 households.

Further east in Sloviansk, a guided bomb hit an apartment building, wounding six people, including a child. Local prosecutors said over two dozen residential buildings, cars, and businesses were damaged.

The Kremlin has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid and rail network as winter approaches — a tactic Kyiv says is meant to “weaponize the cold” and cripple daily life. Ukrainian officials say Russia is deliberately targeting infrastructure vital to heat, electricity, and transport.

Ukraine has continued its own long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities, which have contributed to fuel shortages inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow’s latest escalation has renewed calls for Western partners to provide more advanced air defense systems.

As Zelenskyy emphasized, “The Russians again targeted everything that ensures people can live a normal life.”

UK Tightens Protest Laws After Mass Palestine Arrests

October 5, 2025

The British government announced Sunday that police will gain stronger authority to restrict repeated protests following the arrest of nearly 500 demonstrators at a rally supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The move comes amid growing tension between public safety and free speech as unrest continues over the Israel-Hamas war.

The Home Office said the new rules will allow police to consider the “cumulative impact of frequent protests” when imposing restrictions on marches and demonstrations. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that while the right to protest remains a core British freedom, it must be balanced against citizens’ safety and peace of mind.

“The right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country,” Mahmood said. “However, this freedom must be balanced with the freedom of their neighbors to live their lives without fear. Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe, intimidated and scared to leave their homes.”

Since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have become a regular feature in major British cities. While most have remained peaceful, authorities say some protests have created an atmosphere of intimidation and provided cover for extremist sympathies. A small number of participants have been arrested for supporting Hamas, a banned terrorist organization in the UK.

Tensions escalated further after a deadly terror attack on a Manchester synagogue Thursday that left two Jewish worshippers dead. Despite appeals from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and police to postpone demonstrations out of respect for the victims, about 1,000 protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to oppose the government’s ban on Palestine Action.

Police detained 488 individuals for supporting the outlawed group, and several others for related offenses. More than 2,000 people have been arrested since Palestine Action was officially designated a terrorist organization in July, with over 130 facing terrorism charges.

Critics argue the government’s crackdown undermines free speech, while supporters contend the measures are necessary to prevent antisemitic incitement and protect vulnerable communities.

The ongoing war in Gaza — triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed over 1,200 people — continues to fuel political unrest across Europe. Hamas recently stated it is willing to return all remaining hostages and the bodies of the dead as part of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan.

ICE Agents Surrounded by Vehicles During Operation in Chicago Suburb

October 5, 2025

columbus — Chicago (Pedro Lastra/Unsplash)

Federal officials say ICE agents were “boxed in” by about 10 vehicles in Broadview, Illinois, during an enforcement operation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed no arrests were made, but tensions escalated as agents tried to leave. Local activists reportedly confronted the agents, accusing them of targeting illegal immigrants.

DHS said the agents were conducting a lawful operation under federal authority when several cars intentionally blocked them in. The agency described the situation as “unsafe” and under investigation. ICE emphasized that interfering with federal operations could lead to criminal charges.

Witnesses say the standoff lasted for several minutes before local police arrived to clear the vehicles. ICE agents were eventually able to exit the area without further confrontation. Authorities did not confirm whether those who blocked the agents’ cars would face charges, but federal officials indicated that obstruction of law enforcement can carry serious penalties.

The confrontation highlights ongoing friction between federal immigration authorities and local activists in sanctuary areas around Chicago. DHS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing federal immigration law while ensuring agent safety. Officials noted that ICE operations will continue in the region as part of national efforts to locate and remove individuals violating immigration laws.