Father Kills Seven of His Kids in Louisiana
A community in the southern United States is in mourning after a gunman killed eight children in a domestic shooting rampage in Shreveport.
Police in Louisiana say the children, ranging in age from just one to twelve years old, were shot across three homes early Sunday morning. Authorities confirmed that seven of the victims were the suspect’s own children.
The gunman has been identified as Shamar Elkins. He was later fatally shot by police after allegedly carjacking a vehicle and leading officers on a chase into a neighboring parish.
Investigators say the attack appears to be domestic in nature, though a motive has not yet been determined.
Two adult women were also shot in the incident, including the children’s mother, who remains in very serious condition. The second victim is reported to have life-threatening injuries. Police describe the scene as extensive and deeply disturbing, with victims found across multiple locations. Authorities say some of the children attempted to escape during the attack.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the incident one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history, saying it has shaken the entire community.
The shooting is the deadliest mass killing in the United States since early 2024, according to officials.
Investigations remain ongoing, with Louisiana State Police reviewing the officer-involved shooting, while local detectives continue processing the crime scenes. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the community grapples with what officials describe as a heartbreaking and unimaginable loss.
Angel Reese Is Heading To the Atlanta Dream
Two-time All-Star Angel Reese is heading to the Atlanta Dream after being traded by the Chicago Sky in a major offseason move.
According to team officials, Chicago will receive Atlanta’s first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028 in exchange for Reese. The Dream will also gain the right to swap second-round picks with the Sky in 2028. Reese confirmed the move, calling it “an Angel’s dream” to play for Atlanta, and expressed excitement about the next chapter of her career.
The 23-year-old forward has quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s most dominant players since being selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft. She earned All-Star honours in each of her first two seasons and led the league in rebounding both years.
As a rookie, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. She followed that with an even stronger sophomore campaign, posting 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game while improving her shooting efficiency and continuing her dominance on the boards. Despite her individual success, team results were limited, with the Sky going 23-61 over the past two seasons and missing the playoffs both years.
Reese’s time in Chicago was also marked by some controversy. She was briefly suspended by the team after comments deemed detrimental, in which she publicly called for roster improvements. She later clarified and apologised, stating her remarks were misconstrued. She also served a one-game suspension after accumulating eight technical fouls, as required under league rules.
In Atlanta, Reese joins a rising team coming off a strong 30-14 season under head coach Karl Smesko. The Dream,, finished with the Eastern Conference’s top record before falling in the first round of the playoffs to the Indiana Fever.
Atlanta general manager Dan Padover described Reese as a “dynamic talent” whose competitiveness and production align with the team’s vision.
Reese, who rose to national prominence after leading LSU to the 2023 NCAA championship over a Caitlin Clark-led Iowa team, is now expected to play a key role in the Dream’s pursuit of a deeper playoff run in 2026.
Stepbrother Charged in Stepsister's Murder
A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in connection with the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, during a family vacation aboard the Carnival Horizon in November 2025.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the teen allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner while the ship was in international waters between November 6 and 7. The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed due to his age, was initially charged in juvenile court but has since been indicted by a grand jury as an adult on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.
Prosecutors allege that Kepner’s body was later discovered inside the cabin she shared with her stepbrother and another sibling. Reports indicate she was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests.
An autopsy conducted by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kepner died from mechanical asphyxia. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Authorities say the family had been travelling together on the cruise, including Kepner’s father, stepmother, grandparents, and siblings. Family members previously described their relationship as close-knit, stating there were no apparent conflicts between the teens.
Kepner, a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, was described as a vibrant and outgoing student. She was a cheerleader and had plans to join the United States military after graduation.
Court documents indicate the accused teen had been sharing a room with Kepner during the trip, while their parents stayed in a nearby cabin. Following the ship’s return to Miami, the teen was reportedly admitted to a medical facility and allegedly told his mother he could not remember what happened.
Prosecutors have since filed a motion seeking to have the teen held in pretrial detention, arguing that he poses a danger to others. The case was transferred to adult court in recent days.
If convicted, the teen faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line said it continues to cooperate with investigators and extended sympathies to Kepner’s family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Shooting At Carnival Party in Jamaica
Three men were shot during an altercation at the Big Wall Revolution carnival after-party on Sunday April 12, 2026 night at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Jamaica, leaving a prominent podcaster hospitalised under police guard and a dancehall producer in custody.
Police say podcaster Jhaedee Richards, also known as “Jaii Frais,” is being treated at the University Hospital of the West Indies for what have been described as superficial injuries. The other victims have been identified as Jeremy Watson, a 39-year-old visitor from Arizona who was shot in the hand, and Trevor Twaite, who is reportedly in critical condition undergoing surgery.
Dancehall producer and manager Jahvel Morrison, also known as “Jahvy Ambassador,” is currently in police custody as investigations continue. No charges have been laid.
According to police reports, the incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. and allegedly stemmed from a confrontation involving Richards shortly after he exited a restroom at the venue. Richards reportedly told investigators that he was slapped by Morrison and then attacked by a group of men.It is further alleged that one of the individuals pulled a firearm and pointed it at Richards, who claimed he managed to disarm the attacker. He also alleged that Morrison then drew a firearm and opened gunfire in his direction. Richards reportedly returned fire while fleeing the scene.
Investigators say at least two firearms were involved. A Glock 9mm pistol was allegedly seized from Morrison, who is said to be a licensed firearm holder, while another firearm was reportedly handed over to police by Richards after he sought assistance from an officer at the event. Police confirmed that Watson is believed to have been a bystander caught in the crossfire. He has since raised concerns about safety measures at the event, stating that what was meant to be a celebratory evening turned into a traumatic experience. Watson also alleged that the on-site emergency response was inadequate.
Organisers of the Big Wall event described the incident as “deeply traumatic” and “unacceptable,” while apologising to patrons. In a statement, they said the incident does not reflect the standards of the event and confirmed that security protocols are being reviewed in collaboration with law enforcement.
The shooting has sparked renewed concerns about safety and emergency preparedness at large public events, particularly during Jamaica’s busy Carnival season.
Police say investigations are ongoing
The 2026 WNBA Picks
The 2026 WNBA Draft brought a new wave of talent into the league, with Azzi Fudd selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during a star-studded event at the The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Fudd’s selection marked a historic moment, as she reunites with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, making them the first college teammates to be drafted No. 1 overall by the same franchise in consecutive years. The top of the draft saw elite talent come off the board quickly. Olivia Miles went No. 2 to the Minnesota Lynx, followed by Spain’s Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3 to the Seattle Storm.
A strong showing from UCLA highlighted the first round, with national champion Lauren Betts going fourth to the Washington Mystics and teammate Gabriela Jaquez selected fifth by the Chicago Sky.
One of the night’s notable moves involved former LSU standout Flau'jae Johnson, who was selected eighth overall by the Golden State Valkyries before her draft rights were traded to the Seattle Storm.
Other first-round selections included Raven Johnson to the Indiana Fever at No. 10 and Madina Okot to the Atlanta Dream at No. 13.
The draft also made history for UCLA, which set a record for the most players selected in a single WNBA draft, underscoring the program’s dominance at the collegiate level.
With three rounds completed and rosters beginning to take shape, teams will now look to integrate their new talent ahead of the 2026 WNBA season.
Reform UK Proposes a Halt On New Visas For Countries Who Requested Reparations
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has proposed denying visas to nationals of countries seeking slavery reparations from Britain, placing the long-running issue of reparatory justice at the centre of a growing political and diplomatic dispute.The party said a future Reform government would halt the issuance of all new visas including work, study, and visitor visas to citizens of countries that formally pursue reparations claims against the United Kingdom.
Reform’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf defended the proposal, arguing that calls for reparations overlook Britain’s role in abolishing slavery in the early 19th century. The policy would affect several Caribbean and African nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, and Ghana, among others identified as advancing reparations discussions.
The move comes shortly after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity” and supporting reparatory justice. The resolution passed with 123 votes in favour, while the UK abstained.
The Caribbean Community and its CARICOM Reparations Commission strongly condemned the proposal. Chairman Hilary Beckles described it as part of a “legacy of toxic racism,” arguing that it effectively punishes nations seeking justice for historical wrongs.
CARICOM has long advocated for reparatory justice through its 10-point plan, which includes calls for a formal apology, debt cancellation, and investment in education and public health to address the enduring impacts of slavery.
The proposal has also faced criticism within the UK, with opposition figures warning it could damage diplomatic relations and economic ties. The issue remains a contentious one globally, as momentum builds among former colonies seeking acknowledgment and redress for the lasting impacts of slavery and colonialism.
Tensions rise in CARICOM over Secretary-Generals Reappointment
A major dispute has emerged within the Caribbean Community, as Trinidad and Tobago takes a firm stance against CARICOM over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has refused to participate in regional discussions on the matter and has stated that it will not recognise Barnett’s reappointment beyond the end of her current term in August 2026.
In a letter dated April 9, 2026, addressed to CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, officials outlined serious concerns about the process used to reappoint Barnett, describing it as “surreptitious, corrupted and flawed.”
The correspondence, signed by Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers on behalf of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also made clear that Trinidad and Tobago would not attend any emergency meetings until full documentation is provided.
That position was reflected on April 10, 2026, when CARICOM leaders convened a 25th Special Emergency Meeting to address the issue without Trinidad and Tobago in attendance.
According to CARICOM, all member states were properly informed of the February 24–27 summit in Basseterre, where the reappointment was discussed during a leaders-only retreat. Officials say the decision was made in keeping with Article 24 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which allows the Conference of Heads of Government to appoint and reappoint the Secretary-General.
However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has strongly challenged that account.
She maintains that Trinidad and Tobago was not properly included in the process, arguing that the reappointment was not listed as an agenda item and was handled outside formal procedures. She has pointed to what she describes as documentary evidence, including communications that focused on logistical matters such as attire for the retreat while making no mention of the Secretary-General’s reappointment.
Persad-Bissessar also cited a WhatsApp message sent on February 26, indicating that the retreat was for Heads of Government only, which she argues contradicts CARICOM’s claim that her country could have been represented in her absence.
She has repeatedly called for transparency, demanding key documents including meeting minutes, performance appraisals, and records of the 2021 appointment process.
In response, Prime Minister Drew said efforts were made to contact Persad-Bissessar following the retreat and that her Foreign Minister had been given the option to attend but did not.
The disagreement has since escalated into the public domain, with Trinidad and Tobago warning that the issue could have serious implications for its role and financial commitment within the regional bloc.
Despite the standoff, Trinidad and Tobago says it remains committed to CARICOM, but insists that the matter must be resolved transparently.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Cautions Residents From Circulating Indecent Material Online
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is strongly cautioning members of the public to desist from putting into circulation, or causing to be circulated, any graphic images or pornographic material, whether via social media or any other medium. Engaging in such activity constitutes an offence under the Sexual Offences Act (Chapter 3:25). The Act states, inter alia: Section 47 (1): It is an offence for a person to disclose a private sexual photograph or film if the disclosure is made: (a) without the consent of an individual who appears in the photograph or film; and (b) with the intention of causing that individual distress. Section 47 (9) further provides that a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable: (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine of $10,000, or to both; or (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine, or both.
The public is further advised that, for the purpose of the law, it is immaterial where the offending material originates. Once an individual shares, forwards, or otherwise disseminates such content, they may be committing an offence. Members of the public are also put on notice that where material is defamatory in nature, any person who shares or republishes it may be liable for defamation. This includes dissemination via WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), email, or any other platform. The RT&CIPF reminds the public that online behaviour is subject to the same laws as offline behaviour. Posting, sharing, or forwarding content that is abusive, indecent, threatening, or intended to incite harassment, violence, or public disorder may constitute a criminal offence
Minister of Energy discusses the US-Iran War impact on TCI
With the recent war between the US and Iran concerns have been raised about how this will affect TCI and its oil and gas prices. We sat down with Minister of Energy Hon. Ejay Saunders to hear his response to the war and its impact on TCI.
While many experts are optimistic and suggest the war will not go on for long others criticize the uncertainty and point to the already increased gas prices and the declaration of energy emergency like in the Philippines.
Two Men Found Guilty For Firearm Related Offences
The RTCIPF has shared that ROODVENS SINAUS and WILDER DIEUVEUIL have been found guilty by a jury following trial proceedings in the Supreme Court, in Grand Turk.
The trial commenced on Monday, 13 April 2026, during which several police officers gave evidence for the prosecution.
On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both accused on the following:
• Two (2) counts of Possession of a Firearm,
• Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
• One (1) count of Unlawful Entry.
The matter has been adjourned for sentencing on 12 May 2026. Both accused have been remanded in custody pending sentencing.
Mr. Sinaus, 38, a Haitian national, was originally charged on 11 July 2024 with the following:
• Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm
• Three (3) counts of Possession of Ammunition
• One (1) count of Unlawful Entry
Mr Dieuveuil, also known as “Baligaz”, 26, also a Haitian national, faced the same charges:
On the third count for Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Ammunition, Dieuveuil and Sinaus were found not guilty.
These charges followed consultations between police officers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Both men were arrested by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) on the morning of 8 July 2024 at a residence in Dock Yard, Providenciales, while executing an Authority to Search for Firearms.
The Police force encourages members of the public to report on any illegal activity. Individuals can contact the nearest police station, call 911, reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to submit anonymous tips.