President Donald Trump singled out Brazil for import taxes of 50% on Wednesday for its treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, showing that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader's use of tariffs.

Trump avoided his standard form letter with Brazil, specifically tying his tariffs to the trial of Bolsonaro, who is charged with trying to overturn his 2022 election loss. Trump has described Bolsonaro as a friend and hosted the former Brazilian president at his Mar-a-Lago resort when both were in power in 2020.

This Trial should not be taking place, Trump wrote in the letter posted on Truth Social. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!

There is a sense of kinship as Trump was indicted in 2023 for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The U.S. president addressed his tariff letter to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who bested Bolsonaro in 2022.

Bolsonaro testified before the countrys Supreme Court in June over the alleged plot to remain in power after his 2022 election loss. Judges will hear from 26 other defendants in coming months. A decision could come as early as September, legal analysts say. Bolsonaro has already been ruled ineligible until 2030 by the countrys electoral authorities.

Brazils vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, said he sees no reason for the U.S. to hike tariffs on the South American nation.

I think he has been misinformed," he said. President Lula was jailed for almost two years. No one questioned the judiciary. No one questioned what the country had done. This is a matter for our judiciary branch.

For Trump, the tariffs are personal

Trump also objected to Brazil's Supreme Court fining of social media companies, saying the temporary blocking last year amounted to SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders. Trump said he is launching an investigation as a result under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which applies to companies with trade practices that are deemed unfair to U.S. companies.

Among the companies the Supreme Court fined was X, which was not mentioned specifically in Trump's letter. X is owned by Elon Musk, Trump's multibillionaire backer in the 2024 election whose time leading Trump's Department of Government Efficiency recently ended and led to a public feud over the U.S. president's deficit-increasing budget plan. Trump also owns a social media company, Truth Social.

The Brazil letter was a reminder that politics and personal relations with Trump matter just as much as any economic fundamentals. And while Trump has said the high tariff rates hes setting are based on trade imbalances, it was unclear by his Wednesday actions how the countries being targeted would help to reindustrialize America.

The tariffs starting Aug. 1 would be a dramatic increase from the 10% rate that Trump levied on Brazil as part of his April 2 Liberation Day announcement. In addition to oil, Brazil sells orange juice, coffee, iron and steel to the U.S., among other products. The U.S. ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year, according to the Census Bureau.

Trump initially announced his broad tariffs by declaring an economic emergency, arguing under a 1977 law that the U.S. was at risk because of persistent trade imbalances. But that rationale becomes problematic in this particular case, as Trump is linking his tariffs to the Bolsonaro trial and the U.S. exports more to Brazil than it imports.

RELATED STORY | Trump sets Aug. 1 date for new tariffs, leaves room for negotiation

Trump also targeted smaller trade partners

Trump also sent letters Wednesday to the leaders of seven other nations. None of them the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq and Sri Lanka is a major industrial rival to the United States.

Most economic analyses say the tariffs will worsen inflationary pressures and subtract from economic growth, but Trump has used the taxes as a way to assert the diplomatic and financial power of the U.S. on both rivals and allies. His administration is promising that the taxes on imports will lower trade imbalances, offset some of the cost of the tax cuts he signed into law on Friday and cause factory jobs to return to the United States.

Trump, during a White House meeting with African leaders, talked up trade as a diplomatic tool. Trade, he said, seems to be a foundation for him to settle disputes between India and Pakistan, as well as Kosovo and Serbia.

You guys are going to fight, were not going to trade, Trump said. And we seem to be quite successful in doing that.

On Monday, Trump placed a 35% tariff on Serbia, one of the countries he was using as an example of how fostering trade can lead to peace.

Trump said the tariff rates in his letters were based on common sense and trade imbalances, even though the Brazil letter indicated otherwise. Trump suggested he had not thought of penalizing the countries whose leaders were meeting with him in the Oval Office Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau as these are friends of mine now.

Countries are not complaining about the rates outlined in his letters, he said, even though those tariffs have been generally close to the ones announced April 2 that rattled financial markets. The S&P 500 stock index rose Wednesday.

We really havent had too many complaints because Im keeping them at a very low number, very conservative as you would say, Trump said.

Tariff uncertainty returns with Trump's letters

Officials for the European Union, a major trade partner and source of Trump's ire on trade, said Tuesday that they are not expecting to receive a letter from Trump listing tariff rates. The Republican president started the process of announcing tariff rates on Monday by hitting two major U.S. trading partners, Japan and South Korea, with import taxes of 25%.

According to Trump's Wednesday letters, imports from Libya, Iraq, Algeria and Sri Lanka would be taxed at 30%, those from Moldova and Brunei at 25% and those from the Philippines at 20%. The tariffs would start Aug. 1.

The Census Bureau reported that last year that the U.S. ran a trade imbalance on goods of $1.4 billion with Algeria, $5.9 billion with Iraq, $900 million with Libya, $4.9 billion with the Philippines, $2.6 billion with Sri Lanka, $111 million with Brunei and $85 million with Moldova. The imbalance represents the difference between what the U.S. exported to those countries and what it imported.

Taken together, the trade imbalances with those seven countries are essentially a rounding error in a U.S. economy with a gross domestic product of $30 trillion.

The letters were posted on Truth Social after the expiration of a 90-day negotiating period with a baseline levy of 10%. Trump is giving countries more time to negotiate with his Aug. 1 deadline, but he has insisted there will be no extensions for the countries that receive letters.

The tariff letters are worded aggressively in Trump's style of writing. He frames the tariffs as an invitation to "participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States," adding that the trade imbalances are a major threat to America's economy and national security.

The president threatened additional tariffs on any country that attempts to retaliate. He said he chose to send the letters because it was too complicated for U.S. officials to negotiate with their counterparts in the countries with new tariffs. It can take years to broker trade accords.

The Trump administration has resumed sending some weapons to Ukraine, a week after the Pentagon had directed that some deliveries be paused, U.S. officials said Wednesday.

The weapons heading into Ukraine include 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets known as GMLRS, two officials told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly. Its unclear exactly when the weapons started moving.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the pause on some shipments last week to allow the Pentagon to assess its weapons stockpiles, in a move that caught the White House by surprise.

RELATED STORY | Russia unleashes biggest drone attack on Ukraine since start of war

Affected was Patriot missiles, the precision-guided GMLRS, Hellfire missiles, Howitzer rounds and more, taking not only Ukrainian officials and other allies by surprise but also U.S. lawmakers and other parts of the Trump administration, including the State Department.

It was not clear if a pause on Patriot missiles would hold. The $4 million munition is in high demand and was key to defending a major U.S. air base in Qatar last month as Iran launched a ballistic missile attack in response to the U.S. targeting its nuclear facilities.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. would continue to deliver defensive weapons to Ukraine. He has sidestepped questions about who ordered the pause in exchanges with reporters this week.

I would know if a decision is made. I will know, Trump said Wednesday. I will be the first to know. In fact, most likely Id give the order, but I havent done that yet.

Asked a day earlier who ordered the pause, he said, I dont know. Why dont you tell me?

Trump has privately expressed frustration with Pentagon officials for announcing the pause a move that he felt wasnt properly coordinated with the White House, according to three people familiar with the matter.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump says US must send more weapons to Ukraine, days after ordering pause in deliveries

The Pentagon has denied that Hegseth acted without consulting the president, saying, Secretary Hegseth provided a framework for the President to evaluate military aid shipments and assess existing stockpiles. This effort was coordinated across government.

It comes as Russia has fired escalating air attacks on Ukraine, with a barrage that the largest number of drones fired in a single night in the three-year-old war, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday.

Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he wasn't happy with him.

"Putin is not, hes not treating human beings right, Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, explaining the pauses reversal. Its killing too many people. So were sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and Ive approved that.

The 155 mm artillery rounds have become some of the most used munitions of the war. Each round is about 2 feet (60 centimeters) long, weighs about 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and is 155 mm, or 6.1 inches, in diameter. They are used in Howitzer systems, which are towed large guns identified by the range of the angle of fire that their barrels can be set to.

Howitzer fires can strike targets up to 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 kilometers) away, depending on what type of round and firing system is used, which makes them highly valued by ground forces to take out enemy targets from a protected distance.

The U.S. has provided more than 3 million 155 mm rounds to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. It has sent more than $67 billion in overall weapons and military assistance to Ukraine in that period.

A police pursuit from Warren to Hazel Park ended in a crash. The stolen vehicle hit an innocent, uninvolved vehicle and then crashed into iconic restaurant Brayz Hamburgers, according to Warren police.

It happened just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Investigators said the vehicle was stolen from the Lafayette Place mobile home park about a mile from the restaurant.

Watch the video report below: Warren police chase ends with 4 teens crashing into Brayz Hamburgers

Throughout the morning and afternoon, customers showed up to Brayz Hamburgers at the corner of 9 Mile Road and Dequindre Road in Hazel Park like any other day.

"Ya know, they got a special today and they burgers real good," frequent customer Michael Williams said.

Rochelle Foy, another frequent customer, pulled the door handle with surprise.

"Oh, they closed?" she said.

Curious customers, some who had already heard about the crash, took time to peer through the windows and hoped they could still get a meal.

Well, the other side of the building facing 9 Mile, which is now boarded up, illustrates part of the story.

"I got a lot of debris in the lobby. So, gotta see what's going on with that first. I'd like to get it up and running 'cause people are gonna kind of be mad today that this happened because they love us and they love this place," owner Paul Mirdita told 7 News Detroit.

Prior to the police chase, investigators said officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspects took off.

"At 9 Mile and Dequindre, the Kia disregards a solid red traffic signal, strikes an uninvolved Lincoln and from that impact, the Kia ends up crashing into Brayz Hamburger restaurant," Lt. John Gajewski told 7 News Detroit.

He said of the driver of the Lincoln, "Thankfully, she sustained very minor injuries. She was transported to the hospital for very precautionary reasons."

See video from the scene and hear from the owner of Brayz Hamburgers in the video player below: 4 teens arrested after stealing cars, crashing into Brayz Hamburgers following chase with Warren police

Gajewski said police arrested four juveniles suspects who were in the vehicle and recovered a weapon. He said some of the teens have recent contact with law enforcement. One of them has been in trouble for auto theft.

"I think we can only speculate at this point but obviously, when there's a loaded gun and gloves in the car, I think the indicators of them trying to probably commit a more serious violent crime are there," the lieutenant explained.

He said a second Kia stolen at the complex stalled out and that suspect was also arrested.

The owner of Brayz is now left literally picking up the pieces of those suspects' selfish actions as he questions the actions of police.

"Why they would chase in rain, ya know. Nascar drivers, everybody knows that they have a car, you cannot chase in the rain. That made absolutely no sense to me. So, I don't know. I don't like this though. This is not right," Mirdita said.

City officials say relief is coming to a stretch of road that has been plagued by potholes for more than two years, but businesses along the route say the damage has already been done.

The nearly one-mile stretch of Mount Elliott, which turns into Conant on Detroit's east side near I-94, is riddled with potholes that appear every few feet, creating a traffic nightmare for drivers and businesses alike.

"It's a big mess. Yes, there's huge potholes, don't even have barricades for the potholes," said Sam Saleh, owner and operator of Hawk Auto Sales.

Saleh says the road has been in this condition for more than two years, causing significant harm to his business.

"We're losing a lot of business, no one is coming through to buy cars," Saleh said.

His auto sales shop sits right on Conant, and he says customers are avoiding the area because of the road conditions.

One driver I spoke with said they've had to repair their car three times this month alone due to the road conditions.

"It's pretty bumpy, especially for low cars," another driver said.

A viewer even emailed us saying, "If this were anywhere else, it would not be allowed to be left in this condition."

City officials acknowledge the problems and say they're working on a solution.

"Once we get done reconstructing this road, they're gonna have something that's gonna last for the next 50 years," said Richard Doherty, city engineer for the city of Detroit.

Doherty explained that the road is in poor condition because of a major project to replace water mains.

"They're doing all this because we're investing $10 to $11 million to replace the road out. The road has been in rough shape for quite a few years now," Doherty said.

Gary Brown, director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, admitted the project has taken too long.

"They haven't been forgotten, and we're one of those businesses. Our offices, we have hundreds of employees who drive this road. We want it fixed, also," Brown said.

When asked about the timeline for repairs, Doherty said they're waiting for the final approval from the city council.

"Still waiting for the last step to get in on the council agenda. Once that's done, we'll be able to cut them loose, start end of July, first of August, should be done before the snow flies this fall," Doherty said.

Meanwhile, Saleh and other businesses continue to suffer.

"One day it's piping, one day it's different lines. We're waiting for this to come, for that. As you can see, the road here, it's not as busy as it used to be. People are taking other roads," Saleh said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

By FARNOUSH AMIRI

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it is issuing sanctions against an independent investigator tasked with probing human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories, the latest effort by the United States to punish critics of Israel’s 21-month war in Gaza.

The State Department’s decision to impose sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, follows an unsuccessful U.S. pressure campaign to force the international body to remove her from her post. It also comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington this week to meet with President Donald Trump and other officials about the war in Gaza and more.

It’s unclear what the practical impact the sanctions will have and whether the independent investigator will be able to travel to the U.S. with diplomatic paperwork.

Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer, has been vocal about what she has described as the “genocide” by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. Both Israel and the U.S., which provides military support to its close ally, have strongly denied that accusation.

The U.S. had not previously addressed concerns with Albanese head-on because it has not participated in either of the two Human Rights Council sessions this year, including the summer session that ended Tuesday. This is because the Trump administration withdrew the U.S. earlier this year.

Albanese has urged countries to pressure Israel

In recent weeks, Albanese has issued a series of letters urging other countries to pressure Israel, including through sanctions, to end its deadly bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

She has also been a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, for allegations of war crimes. She most recently issued a report naming several large U.S. companies as among those aiding what she described as Israel’s occupation and war on Gaza.

“Albanese’s campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media. “We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defense.”

Albanese’s July 1 report focuses on Western defense companies that have provided weapons used by Israel’s military as well as manufacturers of earth-moving equipment that have bulldozed Palestinian homes and property.

It cites activities by companies in the shipping, real estate, technology, banking and finance and online travel industries, as well as academia.

“While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel’s genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many,” her report said.

A request for comment from the U.N.’s top human rights body was not immediately returned.

Israel strongly refutes Albanese’s allegations

Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva, where the 47-member Human Rights Council is based, called Albanese’s report “legally groundless, defamatory, and a flagrant abuse of her office” and having “whitewashed Hamas atrocities.”

Outside experts, such as Albanese, do not represent the United Nations and have no formal authority. However, they report to the council as a means of monitoring countries’ human rights records.

Albanese has faced criticism from pro-Israel officials and groups in the U.S. and in the Middle East. The U.S. mission to the U.N. issued a scathing statement last week, calling for her removal for “a years-long pattern of virulent anti-Semitism and unrelenting anti-Israel bias.”

The statement said Albanese’s allegations of Israel committing genocide or apartheid are “false and offensive.”

Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, celebrated the U.S. action, saying in a statement Wednesday that Albanese’s “relentless and biased campaign against Israel and the United States has long crossed the line from human rights advocacy into political warfare.”

Trump administration’s campaign to quiet criticism of Israel

It is a culmination of a nearly six-month campaign by the Trump administration to quell criticism of Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza. Earlier this year, the administration began arresting and trying to deport faculty and students of U.S. universities who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and other political activities.

The war between Israel and Hamas began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters stormed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people captive. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead but does not specify how many were fighters or civilians.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and European Union.

Nearly 21 months into the conflict that displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, it is nearly impossible for the critically wounded to get the care they need, doctors and aid workers say.

“We must stop this genocide, whose short-term goal is completing the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, while also profiteering from the killing machine devised to perform it,” Albanese said in a recent post on X. “No one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

A teen is dead and another is injured after a shooting in White Lake Township when they and five others allegedly broke into a homeowner's detached garage Tuesday.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Teen killed after garage break-in raises questions about self-defense laws

According to neighbors, this was the third time the garage had been burglarized. Police are now investigating the shooting. All of it raises questions about when homeowners can legally use deadly force.

Michigan's self-defense laws provide specific guidelines for when lethal force is justified, according to Jim Makowski, a defense lawyer who specializes in Michigan firearm and use of force laws.

Makowski said the use of deadly force is justified if someone kicks open the door or pushes their way inside after you answer the door.

"Deadly force is authorized. Your home is being invaded and you've got a reasonable presumption that you're in danger," he said.

Hear more from Jim Makowski about Michigan's self-defense laws in the video player below: Web extra: Legal expert explains Michigan's self-defense laws during break-ins

Makowski explained that two legal doctrines outline when deadly force can lawfully be used: if there's an honest and reasonable belief it's necessary to prevent immediate death, great bodily harm or rape of yourself or someone else.

The first doctrine is commonly known as "Stand Your Ground."

"You have the right to defend yourself with no duty to retreat as long as you're not committing a crime and you have the legal right to be there," Makowski said.

The second is the "Castle Doctrine."

"Your home is your castle. You have the right to defend it if someone is breaking into your house. There's the presumption they are meaning harm to you and you can use deadly force to repel that threat," Makowski said.

The Castle Doctrine applies to the curtilage, or immediate surroundings of your home, but there are important distinctions when it comes to detached structures.

"Now, if you've got a detached garage, that's outside the curtilage of your house. It's not attached to your house. If it was an attached garage and someone was breaking in with a doorway into the house, again that's part of the dwelling," Makowski said.

He said deadly force can not be used in a situation where someone is in the home and you see them, but they're quickly taking off.

"If they're retreating, you cannot use deadly force because you're no longer in fear of your life. I mean, if someone is trying to get out of the situation, you have to let them go," Makowski said.

Furthermore, Michigan law does not allow the use of lethal force solely to protect property including pets and cars with one key exception: when someone is inside like a spouse, loved one or child.

"Different story altogether. It's more of a carjacking than an auto theft. Defense of others absolutely comes into play," Makowski said.

Derek Miller, a former Macomb County prosecutor, shared what he would look for in a case where a homeowner uses lethal force.

"When you're looking at a homeowner that uses deadly force, you gotta look at the nature of the crime," Miller said. "Was this person reacting to an immediate fear of death or great bodily harm within their house, or were they hunting?"

Hear more from Derek Miller in the video player below: Web extra: Derek Miller on gun rules

Makowski emphasized that there's one almost sure-fire way to avoid legal and emotional trouble when it comes to using a firearm in what you believe is a self-defense situation.

"Always consider retreating if you can. No one wants to take a life," Makowski said. "If you have to use deadly force, don't hesitate to use it to protect yourself. But if you can avoid using deadly force, always try to do so."

A 12-year-old cancer survivor is making a difference at the same hospital where he and his family spent many long days and nights during his treatment.

Hudson Brown and his family delivered 385 Lego sets to Henry Ford St. John Children's Hospital this year as part of their annual "Hudsy Strong" Lego drive, an initiative they started after Hudson's own experience with cancer.

At just 5 years old, doctors found a cancerous tumor in Hudson's brain. During his treatment, which included months of radiation and chemotherapy, Legos became more than just toys.

"It made me sit up and have something to do, and I think it'd be nice if other people had the same thing that I had," Hudson said.

Doctors noted that building with Legos helped keep Hudson's brain and fine motor skills sharp throughout his treatment.

Trying to bring the joy of Legos to a child whos going through a tough time and just to brighten their day," said his mom, Megan Brown.

This marks the fifth year the Brown family has made this special delivery to the hospital, with each year surpassing the last. Their donation has grown from 192 sets in 2021 to 385 sets this year.

"I was just excited to bring the Lego sets," Hudson said. "I just, like, when we come home from something, seeing a ton of boxes on our porch and then knowing that most of them are going to be Lego sets for the kids in the hospital."

Hudson's parents remember how meaningful these small gifts were during their own hospital stay.

"I remember what a weight was lifted off of us when we were able to hand him a set from a neighbor or a friend or a coworker and have him feel happy," his dad, Patrick Brown, said.

For the children receiving care at the hospital, Shay Jerzy, a child life specialist at the hospital, says these donations make a significant impact.

"Here in pediatrics, we do have a play room that is funded through all donor funds or gifting kind donations, so there's no hospital budget for the play items that we have, but we know we need to normalize the environment. Families like the Browns giving their generosity just guarantees that patients in the future will have the play items they need to start their coping journey while they're here in the hospital," Jerzy said.

The Brown family plans to continue their mission and hopes to break their record again next year.

"People have come out of the woodworks just to be kind and generous all over the place," Patrick Brown said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

By TARA COPP

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has resumed sending some weapons to Ukraine, a week after the Pentagon had directed that some deliveries be paused.

The weapons now moving into Ukraine include 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets known as GMLRS, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly.

It’s unclear exactly when the weapons started moving.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the pause last week, which affected a specific recent shipment of weapons to Ukraine, to allow the Pentagon to assess its weapons stockpiles, in a move that caught the White House by surprise.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. would continue to deliver defensive weapons to Ukraine. He has sidestepped questions about who ordered the pause in exchanges with reporters this week.

“I would know if a decision is made. I will know,” Trump said Wednesday. “I will be the first to know. In fact, most likely I’d give the order, but I haven’t done that yet.”

When asked a day earlier who ordered the pause, he said: “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

Trump has privately expressed frustration with Pentagon officials for announcing the pause — a move that he felt wasn’t properly coordinated with the White House, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Pentagon has denied that Hegseth acted without consulting the president.

The U.S. has sent more than $67 billion in weapons and military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.

Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that have disrupted lives and communities. The road to Camp Mystic, once a bustling pathway, now reveals the destruction left behind by the floodwaters.

As the flood's power becomes evident, twisted tree limbs and personal belongings litter the roadside. Items once cherished now lie abandoned, stark reminders of the lives affected by this natural disaster.

RELATED STORY | Remembering some of the lives lost in the Texas flood tragedy

The Guadalupe River, a serene fixture in the region, has transformed into a force of destruction. Nearby, Camp Mystic's dormitories stand in disarray, with campers' possessions piled on the lawn, evoking a deep sense of loss.

Search and rescue teams have been tirelessly working to account for the staggering number of individuals affected, with reports of 160 people still missing nearly a week after the flooding. The emotional toll on these dedicated crews has been profound, as they navigate the recovery efforts amidst tragedy.

Among the wreckage, remnants of festivities like 4th of July t-shirts and party favors remind the community of celebrations that were to take place, now overshadowed by sorrow. The date will hold a different meaning for Kerr County moving forward, serving as a somber reminder of what was lost.

RELATED STORY | 'Terrifying experience': Texas flood survivors share stories of courage and resilience

The sheer force of the waters is illustrated through the sight of vehicles, some as heavy as two tons, lodged in precarious positions, underscoring the overwhelming impact of the flooding.

With so much ground still to cover, the search and rescue efforts continue, reflecting a communitys resilience amidst heartache.

The devastating floods in central Texas have left families and communities in urgent need of support. Scripps News and the Scripps Howard Fund are partnering to provide critical relief to those impacted. Every dollar donated 

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 will go directly to helping victims recover.This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Rain may have shortened this year's Metro Detroit Youth Day, but thousands of kids still enjoyed a day of games, entertainment, and educational opportunities at Belle Isle Park.

The annual event, now in its 41st year, began after tensions arose between some Detroit stores and youth in 1980, when Mayor Coleman A. Young asked community leader Ed Deeb for assistance.

"They got together and they got a group together and decided they were going to do something to show the kids that there were more positive things in life," said Michele Simon, secretary for Ed Deeb, who is the founder of the event.

What started with about 1,100 participants has since grown to more than 30,000 attendees. The event has become a multi-generational tradition for many Detroit families.

"We actually have parents that were here when they were kids that bring their own kids. So we know that they're enjoying it," Simon said.

Wednesday's event featured booths filled with games, giveaways, career professionals, and educational activities. Young participants found different aspects of the day appealing.

"The mascots, the food, drinks," said Terry Davis, a Metro Detroit Youth Day participant.

For older students, the college information section was particularly valuable.

"It's a good opportunity, you can see different colleges, get free stuff, that's nice. Free stuff is always nice. So yeah, I definitely appreciate it," said Tary Simpson, a Metro Detroit Youth Day participant.

Many youth expressed feeling inspired by the event.

"Adults working with kids. It's something I'll remember for sure and I can tell my family about," Simpson said.

For the organizers, seeing the joy on participants' faces makes all the effort worthwhile.

"It's very fulfilling for us and makes everything worthwhile," Simon said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit City Council is taking a bold step to make the process of opening a small business easier and more affordable.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Detroit council approves plan to make licensing easier for small business owners

It's part of a goal to help more Detroiters invest in the city's business opportunities.

Councilman Fred Durhal III co-sponsored the ordinance to create a better path for those seeking to start a small business.

He said new rules help with less paperwork, interest-free options for fees, removal of licensing redundancy, simplified food service regulations, improved patio service regulations and more.

Not requiring business owners to apply for a license every year, but extended to two years. Now, you dont have to apply to state and city health departments. The state health license is adequate enough," Durhal said.

Another major change, he said, is that there will be a business concierge team that will walk owners from start to finish and help navigate the process.

Detroit also celebrated its 190th Motor City Match awardee on Wednesday. Tiffani Patterson, a proud mom of two, cut the ribbon to a new wine shop on Kercheval.

I feel really good. Really good," Patterson said.

At the location, there will be a tasting room for Detroit-made wine, made possible by $75,000 in grant funding for a second-generation Detroit business owner.

Id say keep pushing forward. Being a part of Motor City Match was very helpful. It helped me get through the different channels to be open today," Patterson said.

Council said this step is a result of a lot of discussion with business owners who are looking to support more neighborhood investment.

Where Your Voice Matters

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EAST LANSING – They are a bit past being “Sweet 16,” but they are once again in the “Sweet 16” of the Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship presented by Carl’s Golfland at Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center.

There’s the usual ample collection of collegiate players, but five of the 16 golfers who won round of 32 matches Wednesday are experienced former college players, including three with past champions credentials.

Stroke play medalist Kimberly Dinh of Midland heads the group of veteran players after a 6 and 5 win over Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll of Haslett, the golf coach at Michigan State who is the winningest golfer in GAM history and a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. Dinh, the 2021 state champion and 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion, is 32.

Two-time state champion, Laura Bavaird of Trenton, is the oldest player to advance. She is 39, won in 2007 and 2008, had a career as a professional tour player, and is a reinstated amateur who is now the GAM Foundation director. The GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur champion from earlier this season, turned back Alena Li of Okemos, a recent winner of her second Michigan Girls’ Junior Amateur title, 3 and 2.

Elayna Bowser of Dearborn, the 2019 champion, was a professional briefly before being reinstated a year ago. She is 28, a real-estate broker, won the GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur in 2024, and she powered past Abigail Slankster of Northville and Duquesne University 6 and 5.

Anika Dy of Traverse City, the 2019 Michigan Women’s Open champion, and a former University of Michigan golfer, advanced with a 3 and 2 win over Ava Weeks of Troy and Northwood University. She will be 24 on Saturday and is doing post-graduate work and deciding on her future. She reached the final match of the 2022 Michigan Women’s Amateur only to fall to her younger sister, Anci Dy, who is in graduate school this summer and missing the tournament.

Rounding out the experienced fivesome is Mary Kartes of Kentwood, who is an LPGA Tour representative for Callaway Golf and former Mercer University (Ga.) golfer. She is 28 and topped Lily Bargamian of Grosse Ile and Oakland University 3 and 2. She and Dinh have been teammates in the U.S. Women’s Four-Ball Championship the last two years.

The remaining 11 players are currently on college teams (see the list below) and include defending champion Shannon Kennedy of Beverly Hills and Michigan State University, as well as last year’s runner-up, Elise Fennell of Caledonia and Illinois State University.

Kennedy topped Brook Morris of Canton and Central Michigan University, 5 and 4, and Fennell advanced with a 5 and 4 win over Chaille Payne, a high school golfer from Spring Lake who has committed to the University of Findlay (Ohio).

Kennedy said she played her best golf of the week so far and is excited about moving on.

“I hit the ball the best I have all week and feel good, ready for what’s ahead,” she said. “Having gone through the long week, two matches a day the last two days last year, I know what to expect. I’m giving it my best shot.”

Dinh and Slobodnik-Stoll gave it their best shots in the banner match of the day, and Dinh continued her hot play.

“Stacy made me earn it and I knew she would,” Dinh said. “She’s a great competitor and she played well. I made a lot of pars early, then started making birdie putts, including a bomb on 12 and on 13 I hit it to like an inch. I didn’t really like seeing her in the first round. She’s not the usual 32 seed. I would prefer to play her later. It was unfortunate to see her in the first round of match play.”

Bavaird had a birdie binge, too, in her win. She is playing in her first Michigan Women’s Amateur since 2008, her second win.

“I missed one green and made far more putts today than I did the first couple of days,” she said. “It’s great to be back for the first time since 2008. It’s nice to see the girls and just get back to that competitive feel of match play.”

Bowser won four consecutive holes starting at No. 2 in her win, including birdies on the two par 3 holes in that stretch.

“I hit every fairway and every green and rolled in a few putts early in the round,” Bowser said. “I think the game has been coming along. It was a little slow to start the year with the spring weather we had, but it is coming to form at the right time and it is fun to play like I did today.”

THE SWEET 16

Kimberly Dinh, 32, Midland, Associate Research Scientist at DOW

Laura Bavaird, 39, Trenton, Director of the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation

Kamryn Shannon, 21, Jackson, Golfer at Ferris State University

Elayna Bowser, 28, Dearborn, Working as a real estate agent

Bridget Boczar, 21, Canton, Golfer at Baylor University

Sophie Stevens, 19, Highland, Golfer at University of Florida

Olivia Stoll, 21, Haslett, Golfer at Grand Valley State University

Jessica Jolly, 19, Rockford, Golfer at University of Nebraska

Kate Brody, 20, Grand Blanc, Golfer at University of Wisconsin

Rachel Krieger, 22, Milford, Golfer at Grand Valley State University

Shannon Kennedy, 22, Birmingham, Golfer at Michigan State University

Macie Elzinga, 19, Byron Center, Golfer at Bowling Green State University

Elise Fennell, 19, Caledonia, Golfer at Illinois State University

Ashleigh Duflo, 19, Ada, Golfer at University of Findlay

Anika Dy, 23, Traverse City, Recent post-graduate student

Mary Janiga Kartes, 28, Kentwood, LPGA Tour Representative

Diners at the classic 24-hour Hazel Park burger spot, Brayz, were interrupted Wednesday morning when a Kia that was involved in a pursuit by Warren police drove through the wall of the restaurant.

According to a statement from the department, at 4:35 a.m. on July 9, officers responded to a report of multiple Kia thefts in progress at the Lafayette Mobile Home Community near Eight Mile and Dequindre roads.

Upon arrival, officers observed a black Kia Optima fleeing the area and attempted a traffic stop. The Kia then fled from officers with a brief vehicle pursuit ensuing.

The Kia traveled northbound on Warner Avenue before turning west on Nine Mile Road.

 

At the intersection of Nine Mile and Dequindre roads, the stolen Kia allegedly disregarded a red light and collided with a white Lincoln sedan traveling southbound on Dequindre.

The impact caused the Kia to then strike Brayz Hamburgers building before coming to a stop on Nine Mile Road.

Four juvenile suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Inside the stolen Kia, officers recovered a handgun.

The female driver of the Lincoln sustained very minor injuries and was transported to Henry Ford Madison Heights Hospital where she is in stable condition. The restaurant was closed Wednesday afternoon with a sign affixed to the front door stating it was could not be entered due to the damage.

In addition to the stolen Optima, officers also recovered another stolen Kia from the area.

This incident remains under active investigation.

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The best of the Macomb Area Conference came out on top, 9-4, in the second edition of the MAC vs. OAA All-Star softball game held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Oakland University.

A Downriver family is making a desperate plea to the community for answers after their son was murdered and left in an abandoned building on Detroit's west side.

Watch Whitney Burney's video report: Family pleads for answers in murder of 31-year-old man found in abandoned building

The body of 31-year-old Bradley Tucker was found on Beechton Street near Livernois and Warren Avenue in December 2023, but his remains weren't identified until last month.

His family says Tucker had been shot to death and wrapped in a blanket before being left in the abandoned building.

"It's a little unnerving. To see where he last was, it's hard," said Tracey Tucker, Bradley's mother, as she stood near the abandoned building Wednesday.

Tracey Tucker says the pain of losing her son remains deep nearly two years after his disappearance.

"It's just been hard. Everybody, any male that resembled him, I would have to take double takes thinking it was him and still to this day, I'm still seeing him everywhere," Tracey Tucker said.

According to family members, Bradley Tucker had been missing for more than two months when his body was discovered. His mother recalls the last time she heard from him was a strange phone call in September of 2023. She says it was unlike him.

"When he called me the last time, he called me on a private number and he doesn't usually call me on a private number. He usually calls me from the Coney Island here on Warren or his cellphone," Tracey said.

Tracey Tucker says although her son called her frequently, she never heard from him again.

To date, police have been unable to make an arrest in the case, leaving the family with unanswered questions and seeking closure.

"We will not stop until justice is served, but we can't do it without you," said Patricia Lee, Bradley Tucker's aunt. "And to Brad's murderer, I'm talking to you: do the right thing. Turn yourself in."

The family is now partnering with Crime Stoppers to offer a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.

Bradley Tucker's mother remains hopeful that someone will be held responsible for her son's death.

When asked what she would say to her son now, Tracey responded: "I love you and I'm glad that he was found and I'm glad that I have him at home now."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Callers will remain anonymous.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Where Your Voice Matters

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A man awaiting trial on federal charges of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course is seeking to get rid of his court-appointed federal public defenders.

A hearing for Ryan Routh’s motion regarding the proposed termination of his appointed counsel is scheduled for Thursday in Fort Pierce, according to court records. The motion requesting the hearing didn’t say why Routh, 59, no longer wished to be represented by Kristy Militello and Renee Michelle Sihvola.

The attorneys didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether Routh was hiring a new attorney or planned to represent himself.

Prosecutors have said Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. Before Trump came into view, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.

Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who prosecutors said informed officers that he saw a person fleeing. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested and the witnesses confirmed it was the person he had seen, prosecutors have said.

Routh faces charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Besides the federal charges, Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

Routh’s trial is set for September. If convicted, he could face a sentence of life in prison, federal officials have said.

By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are urging seven U.S. universities to cut ties with a Chinese scholarship program that lawmakers call a “nefarious mechanism” to steal technology for the Chinese government.

In letters to Dartmouth College, the University of Notre Dame and five other universities, leaders of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party raise concerns about the schools’ partnerships with the China Scholarship Council, a study abroad program funded by China.

The program sponsors hundreds of Chinese graduate students every year at U.S. universities. After graduating, they’re required to return to China for two years. In the letters sent Tuesday, Republicans described it as a threat to national security.

“CSC purports to be a joint scholarship program between U.S. and Chinese institutions; however, in reality it is a CCP-managed technology transfer effort that exploits U.S. institutions and directly supports China’s military and scientific growth,” wrote Republican Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the committee.

The Chinese Embassy didn’t immediately respond to a request by The Associated Press for comment.

Dartmouth said Wednesday it has had fewer than 10 participants in the program over the last decade and already had decided to end its participation. Notre Dame said it began the process of terminating its association with the program earlier this year. University of Tennessee said it had also received the letter and was reviewing the committee’s request.

Letters were also sent also to Temple University and the University of California campuses in Davis, Irvine and Riverside. The committee said it’s opening a review into the program’s “infiltration” of U.S. universities and demanded records related to the program from all seven institutions.

The universities’ partnerships with the council bring up to 15 graduate students a year to Dartmouth, along with up to 60 at Temple and 40 at Notre Dame, according to the letters. Some schools split the cost of attendance with China. Dartmouth, for instance, covers 50% of tuition and provides a stipend to doctoral students.

Among other records, lawmakers are demanding documents showing whether scholarship recipients worked on research funded by the U.S. government.

President Donald Trump and House Republicans have stepped up scrutiny of Chinese students coming to the U.S. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would revoke visas from some Chinese students studying in “critical fields.” During his first term, Trump restricted visas for students affiliated with China’s “military-civil fusion strategy.”

Many U.S. universities acknowledge a need to improve research security but caution against treating Chinese scholars with hostility and suspicion, saying only small numbers have been involved in espionage.

China is the second-largest country of origin for foreign students in the U.S., behind only India. In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 270,000 international students were from China, making up roughly a quarter of all foreign students in the United States. For a majority of them, their college tuition is paid by their families, rather than by the Chinese government. Many stay to work in the U.S., while some return to China after graduation.

Moolenaar has made it a priority to end partnerships between U.S. universities and China. In May, he pressed Duke University to cut its ties with a Chinese university, saying it allowed Chinese students to gain access to federally funded research at Duke. Under pressure from the committee, Eastern Michigan University ended a partnership with two Chinese universities in June.

Last year, House Republicans issued a report finding that hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding had gone toward research that ultimately boosted Chinese advancements in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology and nuclear weapons. The report argued China’s academic collaborations served as a “Trojan horses for technology transfer,” accusing China of “insidious” exploitation of academic cooperation.

Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to allow Florida to enforce an immigration law making it a crime for people who are living in the U.S. illegally to enter the state.

The high court's action will keep the law on hold while a legal challenge continues. The court did not explain its decision and no justice noted a dissent.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February in support of President Donald Trumps push to crack down on illegal immigration.

Immigrants rights groups filed lawsuits on behalf of two unnamed, Florida-based immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, arguing that immigration is a federal issue beyond the power of the states.

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U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams barred the enforcement of the new law in April. The attorney generals office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision.

The law is similar to a Texas law that also has been blocked by a federal appeals court.