Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled.

It was over.

The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.

The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

It doesnt feel real, Gilgeous-Alexander said. So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. Its crazy to know that were all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.

Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.

Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.

Its the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. Theres nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.

RELATED STORY | Kevin Durant is going from the Suns to the Rockets in a blockbuster trade

In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.

The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away.

Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title. The Pacers who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didnt have enough in the end.

Home teams improved to 16-4 in NBA Finals Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.

Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in the pandemic bubble in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last years title.

And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.

The Thunder are the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 12 seasons leading the league. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.

A 26-year-old Detroit man drowned in Cass Lake on Sunday, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office confirmed.

According to the sheriffs office, the man, who did not know how to swim, may have thought the water was shallow when he left the boat, but it was actually 55 feet deep.

Officials say the victim was on a 20-foot boat with four other people, and the boat had been trolling over a sandbar in the lake before moving to deep water. After the victim went in, a friend reportedly tried to help him, but officials say the victim panicked and the friend could not hold him.

Officials say they received the 911 call around 4:15 p.m. After sorting through conflicting location information, the sheriffs office said they got to the victim within six minutes of figuring out his approximate location and began performing CPR.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died, officials say.

With the onset of warmer weather and a substantial increase in water activity, we urge people to employ flotation devices and wear them if they are not strong swimmers, irrespective of the situation, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement. Additionally, it is crucial to have life-saving equipment on board boats to rescue individuals in distress. An enjoyable day on the water can rapidly become a tragic moment.

A Tennessee judge on Sunday ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation has become a flashpoint in President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, while he awaits a federal trial on human smuggling charges. But he is not expected to be allowed to go free.

At his June 13 detention hearing, prosecutors said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would take Abrego Garcia into custody if he were released on the criminal charges, and he could be deported before he has a chance to stand trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to discuss the conditions of Abrego Garcia's release. The U.S. government has already filed a motion to appeal the judges release order.

Holmes acknowledged in her ruling Sunday that determining whether Abrego Garcia should be released is little more than an academic exercise because ICE will likely detain him. But the judge wrote that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a full and fair determination of whether he must remain in federal custody pending trial.

Holmes wrote that the government failed to prove that Abrego was a flight risk, that he posed a danger to the community or that he would interfere with proceedings if released.

Overall, the Court cannot find from the evidence presented that Abregos release clearly and convincingly poses an irremediable danger to other persons or to the community, the judge wrote.

Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges that his attorneys have characterized as an attempt to justify the deportation mistake after the fact.

The acting U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Rob McGuire, argued on June 13 that the likely attempt by ICE to try to deport him was one reason to keep him in jail.

But Holmes said then that she had no intention of getting in the middle of any ICE hold.

If I elect to release Mr. Abrego, I will impose conditions of release, and the U.S. Marshal will release him. If he is released into ICE custody, that is above my pay grade, she said.

RELATED STORY | Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to US to face charges after wrongful deportation

The judge suggested that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security could work out between themselves whether the governments priority is to try him on the criminal charges or deport him. No date has been set for the trial.

Will Allensworth, an assistant federal public defender representing Abrego Garcia at the detention hearing, told Holmes that its not necessarily accurate that he would be immediately deported.

A 2019 immigration judges order prevents Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland, from being deported to his home country of El Salvador, Allensworth said in court. Thats because he faces a credible threat from gangs there, according to court papers.

The government could deport him to a third country, but immigration officials would first be required to show that third country was willing to keep him and not simply deport him back to El Salvador, Allensworth said.

The smuggling charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding in Tennessee during which Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle with nine passengers. Although officers suspected possible smuggling, he was allowed to go on his way with only a warning. He has pleaded not guilty.

At the detention hearing, McGuire said cooperating witnesses have accused Abrego Garcia of trafficking drugs and firearms and of abusing the women he transported, among other claims. Although he is not charged with such crimes, McGuire said they showed Abrego Garcia to be a dangerous person who should remain in jail pretrial.

Abrego Garcias attorneys have characterized the smuggling case as a desperate attempt to justify the mistaken deportation. The investigation was launched weeks after the U.S. government deported Abrego Garcia and the Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate his return amid mounting public pressure.

The U.S. is now expected to try to deport him again with much of the world watching and the outcome hard to predict.

Most people in ICE custody who are facing criminal charges are not kept in the U.S. for trial but deported, Ohio State University law professor Csar Cuauhtmoc Garca Hernndez said.

The U.S. will likely try to deport Abrego Garcia quickly without going before an immigration judge, the professor said. The government would not need a conviction to deport him because Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. illegally.

The legal standard is laxer, Garca Hernndez said. The governments argument is on stronger legal footing.

However an immigration judge rules, the decision can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals, Garca Hernndez said. And the boards ruling can then be contested in a federal appeals court.

In new comments on Sunday, President Trump suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran a step that U.S. officials had said the U.S. had no interest in, as recently as Sunday morning.

"Its not politically correct to use the term, Regime Change, but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldnt there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" the president wrote on social media.

He did not give further details or address how the U.S. would be involved in such an effort.

Those comments differ from statements by other officials in the administration in the aftermath of the bombings.

Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with NBC News on Sunday the U.S. intended to keep its involvement in Iran limited.

"We don't want a regime change," Vance said. "We do not want to protract this... We want to end the nuclear program, and then we want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here."

This mission was not and has not been about regime change, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a briefing on the U.S. bombings on Sunday.

RELATED STORY | Operation Midnight Hammer: What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites

The comments come as the U.S. assesses the effects of an unprecedented strike against nuclear development sites in Iran over the weekend.

In Sunday's briefing, Secretary Hegseth said an array of U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, fighter jets, refueling tankers, decoys and precision guided missiles were used to successfully carry out the overnight strikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites.

"Initial battle damage assessments indicate all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction," said Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the press conference.

In an address to the nation on Saturday, the president said Iran must make peace or face further attacks.

"There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," President Trump said in the address. "Remember, there are many targets left."

President Trump and also warned Iran away from retaliating against the U.S., writing on social media after the strikes "ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT."

The Trump administration is urging Iran to pursue peace, and warning against retaliation, after carrying out strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

Trump announced the US strikes on Irans Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan sites Saturday. There are indirect outreaches to Iran post strikes, according to a source familiar with the efforts.

The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be monumental. The hits were hard and accurate, Trump said in a Truth Social post Sunday.

The military dubbed it Operation Midnight Hammer, marking the first operational use of so-called bunker buster bombs.

It took a great deal of precision. It involved misdirection and the highest of operational security, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said.

The action comes after Trump set a maximum two week timelines as he decided the US next steps towards Iran.

Trump had sought and appeared to prefer a negotiated nuclear deal, but consistently warned that Iran cant have a nuclear weapon. Israels campaign against the country started one day after Iran passed Trumps 60 day deadline to reach a deal with the United States.

There was certainly a moment in time where he realized that it had to be a certain action taken in order to minimize the threat to us and our troops, Hegseth said.

Friday evening, Trump told reporters two weeks would be the maximum and that he was giving time to see whether or not people come to their sense.

Trump returned to the White House 6pm Saturday, and according to reports, went quickly to the West Wing, where he was scheduled to meet with his national security team.

Less than an hour later, the U.S. had started hitting its targets, with an element of surprise maintained, according to defense leaders.

RELATED STORY | Operation Midnight Hammer: What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites

In total, U.S. forces employed approximately 75 precision guided weapons during this operation. This included, as the President stated last night, fourteen 30,000 pound GBU, 57 massive ordinance penetrators, marking the first ever operational use of this weapon, said Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Caine said the operation involved a decoy flight that went to the west, while seven B-2 bombers went east. The combined forces dropped bunker busting bombs on two target areas, while launching more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles against surface infrastructure targets at Esfahan, according to Caine. Caine said they were unaware of shots fired at the strike package.

Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction, he said.

Trump announced the operation on social media less than an hour after the strikes concluded. By 10pm he addressed the nation, warning Iran they must make peace or face future attacks.

There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left, Trump said.

it's nice and critical to have air superiority, but that doesn't translate to ground superiority," said Tom Karako, who direct the missile defense project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "And so there's all kinds of uncertainty there. Now, presumably the Israelis have intel on the ground that will give them insights into that. And again, they are able to bomb with impunity, just about anything. So hopefully they will clean that up. But I think there's still a question of, did they get out some highly enriched uranium? Enriched Uranium? And if so, where is it? We don't know. There's a handful of things like that that still kind of are out there.

There's really all the non nuclear military facilities, as well as potentially some of their economic means, and so the cost, the price, may be literally economic. But also, of course, there's the political leadership themselves, Karako added.

Throughout the lead up to the strikes, there were back channel communications with Iran, according to a source familiar.

The Iranians did not indicate a path towards negotiations following the strikes, but condemned the attacks.

The warmongering and lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression, said Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, after the strikes occurred.

There are indirect outreaches to Iran post-strikes, according to a source familiar with the efforts.

I can only confirm that there are both public and pivot messages being directly delivered to the Iranians in multiple channels giving them every opportunity to come to the table," Hegseth said. "They understand precisely what the American position is, precisely what steps they ca take to allow for peace and we hope they do so."

RELATED STORY | Trump hints at possibility of regime change in Iran, sending mixed messaging from administration

In further comments on Sunday, Trump alluded to the possibility of regime change in Iran.

Its not politically correct to use the term, Regime Change, but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldnt there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The post came hours after his administration indicated the strikes were not intended to pressure such a change.

The Iranians dont have the cards right now," said Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran and a scholar at the Middle East Institutes Iran Program. "Their nuclear program is destroyed. So I think the United States is going to want to dismantle Irans nuclear program, and it was trying to force the Islamic Republic to make a choice. It can preserve its regime or dismantle its nuclear program, and this is part of that equation.

I think that the President wants to escalate it to de-escalate," Brodsky said.

My sense is if the play here is regime survival, which I think it is, I think theyre going to come to the negotiating table and try to wheel out concessions and try to make Trump a stakeholder at this point, said Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump following the strikes, UN Sec. Gen. Antonio Guterres called it a dangerous escalation and said he was gravely alarmed by the use of force, as other allies underscored diplomacy and de-escalation.

It is important that we now de-escalate the situation stabilize the region and get the parties back around the table to negotiate, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

Following the strikes, Trump warned Iran against relation.

ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT. THANK YOU! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, he wrote on Truth Social.

Across the country, state leaders monitored the situation. Cities including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. said they were increasing law enforcement resources to religious and sensitive sites.

The State Department issued a worldwide caution security alert Sunday evening. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution, it stated.

While Republicans generally praised Trumps order, some Democrats criticized it.

President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East, House Democratic leader Hakeen Jeffries said in a statement.

Hegseth maintained that the administration complied with the War Powers Act and notified lawmakers as soon as the planes were out of harm's way.

Riley Greene had three hits and Wenceel Prez and Parker Meadows each homered and drove in three runs and Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak with a 9-3 win at Tampa Bay on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field.

Prez broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run blast in the seventh inning off Garrett Cleavinger (0-3). Dillon Dingler added two hits and an RBI for Detroit, which maintained the best record in the majors (49-30).

All three of Greenes hits, including doubles in the second and ninth, led off run-scoring innings. In left field, meanwhile, he made sliding catches to rob Jake Mangum and Junior Caminero of extra bases. And with two outs in the third, he retired Brandon Lowe on an acrobatic catch in foul territory, nearly flipping into the Tigers bullpen.

Yandy Daz (13 games) and Lowe (11 games) each extended hitting streaks with infield singles for Tampa Bay.

Caminero hit his team-leading 19th homer and reached the 50-RBI mark on the year.

Tigers starter Casey Mize left a 1-1 game in the sixth after a visit from athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades, leaving with an undisclosed injury. He allowed one run and six hits in five innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.

Two Detroit starting pitchers already are on the injured list, right-handers Jackson Jobe (right elbow surgery) and Reese Olson (right ring finger inflammation).

Tyler Holton (3-3) picked up the win in relief.

Key moment

Heavy ninth-inning rain jump-started the Tigers offense. Through the storm, Detroit hit for the cycle in the six-run inning, breaking open a 3-1 game with six consecutive hits. Greene and Spencer Torkelson led off with doubles, Javier Bez tripled and Meadows blasted a three-run homer.

Following the barrage, play resumed after an 18-minute delay.

Key stat

Greene batted .600 (6 for 10) in the series with five runs, two doubles, two homers and four RBI.

Up next

Detroit opens a home series Tuesday against the Athletics, with LHP Tarik Subal (8-2, 2.06 ERA) facing RHP Luis Severino (2-7, 4.42).

Rays RHP Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95) starts Tuesday at Kansas City against LHP Kris Bubic (6-2, 4.12).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

A helicopter with four people inside rolled on its side while attempting to land in Clay Township, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

WATCH: Video of the chopper rolling, courtesy of Russell Toth VIDEO: Helicopter with four people on board rolls onto it's side while landing in Clay Township

We're told that the chopper, a Eurocopter EC-130 helicopter, was attempting to land around 1 p.m. At this time, it's unclear whether or not anyone on board was injured.

The FAA is investigating the incident, and will publish a preliminary accident/incident report in the next few days.

The Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal struck Sunday, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press.

The Rockets are giving up Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and six future picks including the No. 10 selection in Wednesdays opening round of this years draft according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was still pending NBA approval.

It ends weeks of speculation about where Durant would end up. Many teams were involved at various times, including Miami and Minnesota, but in the end Phoenix took the Rockets offer.

ESPN first reported the trade.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander voted as the NBA's MVP, continuing run of international player wins

Fans learned of the news while Durant was on stage in New York at Fanatics Fest NYC, and when they began reacting, Durant started smiling broadly.

We're gonna see, man, Durant said from the stage. We're gonna see.

Boardroom, the ever-growing media company that Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, co-founded in 2019 teams up with Fanatics on a number of projects. The panel that Durant was set to appear on there Sunday was called Global Game Changers.

He certainly figures to change the game for Houston.

Houston finished No. 2 in the Western Conference in the regular season, albeit 16 games behind No. 1 Oklahoma City. It now adds a two-time champion to its young core as it looks to make another jump next season.

Durant averaged 26.6 points this season, his 17th in the NBA not counting one year missed because of injury. For his career, the 6-foot-11 forward is averaging 27.2 points and seven rebounds per game.

The move brings Durant back to the state of Texas, where he played his one year of college basketball for the Longhorns and was the college player of the year before going as the No. 2 pick in the 2007 draft by Seattle.

Houston will become his fifth franchise, joining the SuperSonics (who then became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Golden State, Brooklyn and Phoenix. Durant won his two titles with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, and last summer in Paris he became the highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball history and the first men's player to be part of four gold-medal teams.

An active shooter was killed by church staff after he opened fire outside of a Wayne church on Sunday morning, injuring one person, police say.

Hear the latest from officials in the video player below Wayne police provide update after suspected active shooter killed by church staff

The City of Wayne Police Department said the suspect started driving recklessly near Crosspointe Community Church around 11 a.m., drawing the attention of church staff members. Police said he then exited the vehicle wearing a tactical vest, armed with a long gun and a handgun. According to police, he approached the building and opened fire. That's when a parishioner reportedly struck the suspect with their vehicle.

Police say the suspect started firing at the vehicle, and at least two church staff members then opened fire on the suspect, killing him.

Video shows crowd dispersing from inside the church following shooting in Wayne: VIDEO: Watch crowd disperse after shooting at Wayne church

One of the security guards was shot in the leg, police say. He was taken to a nearby hospital with reportedly non-life-threatening injuries.

We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church's staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting, said Chief Ryan Strong. "Their actions prevented dozens of people from being murdered."

Police say the suspect is a 31-year-old man from Romulus who they believe was suffering from a mental health crisis.

Here's what we know about the shooting at a Wayne church: 1 injured in shooting at Wayne church on Sunday

Multiple agencies responded to the scene.

"Our leadership and support teams are on the ground, at the scene, in Wayne, Michigan providing assistance and investigative support," said FBI Director Dan Bongino in a statement released Sunday afternoon.

We're told that Vacation Bible Study kids were performing, and the performance was interrupted to clear the church.

Aerial video of the scene from Chopper 7 Chopper shows scene after active shooter shot & killed by security guard at Wayne church

"The VBS kids were up on stage giving the little songs that they learned, and I had to use the restroom and I was on my cell phone," said Wendy Bodin, who was in the church at the time of the events. "I went out to the front of the building where the grass is, and I saw a man on the ground. I heard a big boom and I thought he got hit or crashed his car or was hurt, and another lady saw and pointed to me and said 'oh my, call 911!'"

Investigators have asked residents of Wayne to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

Web Extra: Witnesses and Wayne mayor react after active shooter shot & killed at Wayne church Web Extra: Witnesses and Wayne mayor react after active shooter shot & killed at Wayne ChurchThis is a developing story. 7 News Detroit has crews at the scene; we will update this story as we learn more.

Israel remains on high alert following overnight airstrikes by the United States aimed at Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

Early Sunday morning, around 30 ballistic missiles were launched by Iranian forces targeting Tel Aviv and the countrys third largest city. Some missiles evaded Israel's multi-layered air defense system, resulting in significant destruction on the ground.

Fortunately, there are no reports of any deaths, although approximately 80 individuals sustained injuries, according to local ambulatory services.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Operation Midnight Hammer: What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Home Command reported that most citizens were able to reach designated shelters in time. However, the heightened state of alert stretches beyond Israel, affecting neighboring Gulf states including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, which host thousands of U.S. service personnel.

In response, Iranian officials have threatened potential retaliation against U.S. military bases in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard asserted that the extensive U.S. military presence is a vulnerability rather than a strength.

Iran's foreign minister stated that diplomatic avenues have closed following the airstrikes.

IN RELATED NEWS | Trump warns Iran against retaliating after US struck 3 of its nuclear facilities

As tension escalates, the coming hours and days are critical for Israel and its neighbors, who anxiously await Iran's response to the U.S. intervention in this conflict.

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.

A 44-year-old Detroit man was shot and killed during a party at Royal Oak Township Park early Sunday morning, according to Michigan State Police. We're also told that three other people were shot at the party.

Watch the story in the video player below: 1 dead, 3 injured after shooting at party at Royal Oak Township Park

Troopers responded to the shooting just before 2 a.m. and found the man, who had been shot in the head. He was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injury.

Police say there was a large crowd at the scene, who authorities say did not leave the crime scene.

Police were able to determine that three more people had been shot and transported to the hospital by partygoers: a 33-year-old male from Detroit, a 15-year-old from Macomb and a 19-year-old from Detroit.

Detectives are gathering more evidence now; they say they don't have suspect info or a motive at this time.

Several close U.S. allies urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehrans nuclear program. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.

U.S. President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israels war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days. Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Operation Midnight Hammer: What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites

While the amount of damage remained unclear, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the U.S. had crossed a very big red line, the time for diplomacy was over and Iran had the right to defend itself.

Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at U.S. targets scattered across the Gulf region.

Here is a look at reactions from governments and officials around the world.

United Nations

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States.

There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world, he said in a statement on the social media platform X. I call on Member States to de-escalate.

There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Iran to return to the negotiating table to diplomatically end the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region.

The U.K., along with the European Union, France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to broker a diplomatic solution in Geneva last week with Iran.

Starmer said Irans nuclear program posed a grave threat to global security.

Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat, Starmer said.

Russia

Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy head of President Vladimir Putins Security Council, said several countries were prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons.

He didn't specify which countries, but said the U.S. attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

Russias Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned the airstrikes and called them a a gross violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Iraq

The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. strikes, saying the military escalation created a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East. It said it poses serious risks to regional stability and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world, government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in the statement.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern about the U.S. airstrikes, but stopped short of condemning them.

The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia had earlier condemned Israels strikes on Irans nuclear facilities and military leaders.

Qatar

Qatar, which is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, said it regrets escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war.

Its Foreign Ministry in a statement urged all parties to show restraint and avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.

Qatar has served as a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war.

Hamas and the Houthis

Both the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas have condemned the U.S. strikes.

In a statement on Sunday, the Houthi political bureau called on Muslim nations to join the Jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance.

Hamas and the Houthis are part of Irans so-called Axis of Resistance, a collection of pro-Iranian proxies stretching from Yemen to Lebanon that for years gave the Islamic Republic considerable power across the region.

Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the U.S. bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear and called for negotiations.

Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region, Aoun said in a statement on X. It is unwilling to pay more.

Pakistan

Pakistan blasted the U.S. strikes as a deeply disturbing escalation just days after it nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic intervention with the India-Pakistan crisis.

These attacks violate all norms of international law, the government said in a statement. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the U.N. Charter.

China

China condemned U.S. strikes on Iran, calling them a serious violation of international law that further inflamed tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all parties especially Israel to implement a cease-fire and begin dialogue.

China is willing to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, the ministry said.

European Union

The European Unions top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.

I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.

Italy

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Irans nuclear facilities represented a danger for the entire area but hoped the action could lead to de-escalation in the conflict and negotiations.

European Council

President Antonio Costa said he was deeply alarmed by the bombings and called on all parties to show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety.

Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation, Costa added. The EU will continue engaging with the parties and our partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table.

Netherlands

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country is hosting a summit of NATO leaders including Trump on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the governments national security council would meet later to discuss the issue.

He said said the U.S. attacks amounted to a further escalation of a worrying situation in the Middle East.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday that it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.

Ishiba, asked if he supports the U.S. attacks on Iran, declined to comment.

The Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peters square, calling for international diplomacy to silence the weapons.

After an open reference to the alarming situation in Iran, the first American pontiff stressed that today more than ever, humanity cries out and invokes peace and it is a cry that demands reason and must not be stifled.

Pope Leo urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.

A 20-year-old Wayne man has been charged after shooting two Southgate police officers earlier this week, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced on Sunday morning.

WATCH THE FULL ARRAIGNMENT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW Arraignment: Wayne man charged after shooting two Southgate police officers

On Thursday, July 19, three Southgate officers were sent to 13200 Village Park Drive apartments for reports of a man on the second floor with a handgun.

Prosecutors say that Jeremiah Kemp shot officers Matthew Dube (left in photo above) and Jason Jones. Both officers were shot in the leg.

Watch our previous coverage: Southgate police officer speaks out after being shot 'Within seconds, we were taking gunfire': Southgate officer recalls being shot

Kemp jumped out of a window and fled from the area before being arrested a few hours after the double shooting.

Kemp has been charged with:

Assault with Intent to Murder, Three counts of Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm One count of Discharge of a Firearm Causing Serious Impairment One count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon Seven counts of Felony Firearm.

If convicted, Kemp faces life in prison.

Kemp appeared at 36th District Court in Detroit earlier this morning, where he pled not guilty. The judge placed him on house arrest and GPS tether, issuing a million-dollar bond cash/surety. Kemp is set to appear in court two more times next month.

Less than 24 hours after the United States joined Israel's conflict with Iran by striking three of the nation's key nuclear sites, the Pentagon provided more details into what it is calling Operation Midnight Hammer.

WATCH | Pentagon details strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

Pentagon details strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

Speaking during a briefing from the White House early Sunday morning, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said an array of U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, fighter jets, refueling tankers, decoys and precision guided missiles were used to successfully carry out the overnight strikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites.

Pentagon officials claim it was the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history, which included dropping over a dozen Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump warns Iran against retaliating after US struck 3 of its nuclear facilities

While damage assessment is still ongoing, Hegseth said the strikes appear to have "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program.

"For the entirety of his time in office, President Trump has consistently stated for over 10 years that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon, full stop," Hegseth said. "Thanks to President Trump's bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran's nuclear ambitions have been obliterated. Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran's nuclear program, and none could until President Trump."

Hegseth would not say when the president gave the mission the green light, but claimed that Iran had plenty of time to negotiate before the White House realized action had to be taken to "minimize" the threat.

His comments came hours after President Donald Trump shared a screenshot from Open Source Intel, a site that monitors publicly available intelligence, claiming that "Fordwo is now gone."

"I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," President Trump said in a brief address to the nation Saturday night.

He followed up the address with a post on Truth Social that warned Iran against retaliating.

"ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT," he posted.

Iran confirmed the nuclear sites were hit, but did not elaborate on the extent of the damage. However, the country's foreign minister had warned that American involvement in its conflict with Israel could prove very, very dangerous for everyone.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

President Donald Trump has said U.S. forces attacked three Iranian nuclear and military sites, further upping the stakes in the Israel-Iran war.

Trump said the strikes, which he described as very successful, had hit the Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan sites, with Fordo being the primary target.

RELATED STORY | US strikes 3 nuclear sites in Iran, Trump says

Irans state-run IRNA news agency confirmed there were attacks early Sunday at Iran's Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites.

IRNA quoted Akbar Salehi, Isfahans deputy governor in charge of security affairs, saying there had been attacks around Isfahan and Natanz. He did not elaborate. Another official confirmed an attack targeting Irans underground Fordo nuclear site.

Israel launched a surprise barrage of attacks on sites in Iran on June 13, which Israeli officials said was necessary to head off what they claimed was an imminent threat that Iran would build nuclear bombs.

Iran, which has long insisted its nuclear program is peaceful, has retaliated with a series of missile and drone strikes in Israel, while Israel has continued to strike sites in Iran.

The U.S. and Iran had been in talks that could have resulted in the U.S. lifting some of its crushing economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran drastically limiting or ending its enrichment of uranium. Until Saturday, Washington had helped shoot down Iranian strikes on Israel but had not launched direct attacks on Iran.

Heres a look at the sites Trump said the U.S. struck and their importance to Iran's nuclear program.

Natanz enrichment facility

Irans nuclear facility at Natanz, located some 220 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Tehran, is the countrys main enrichment site and had already been targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Uranium had been enriched to up to 60% purity at the site a mildly radioactive level but a short step away from weapons grade before Israel destroyed the aboveground part of the facility, according to the U.N.s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Another part of the facility on Irans Central Plateau is underground to defend against potential airstrikes. It operates multiple cascades, or groups of centrifuges working together to more quickly enrich uranium. The IAEA has said it believes that most if not all of these centrifuges were destroyed by an Israeli strike that cut off power to the site.

The IAEA said those strikes caused contamination only at the site itself, not the surrounding area.

Iran also is burrowing into the Kh-e Kolang Gaz L, or Pickax Mountain, which is just beyond Natanzs southern fencing. Natanz has been targeted by the Stuxnet virus, believed to be an Israeli and American creation, which destroyed Iranian centrifuges. Two separate attacks, attributed to Israel, also have struck the facility.

Fordo enrichment facility

Irans nuclear facility at Fordo is located some 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Tehran. It also hosts centrifuge cascades, but isnt as big as Natanz. Its construction began at least in 2007, according to the IAEA, although Iran only informed the U.N. nuclear watchdog about the facility in 2009 after the U.S. and allied Western intelligence agencies became aware of its existence.

Buried under a mountain and protected by anti-aircraft batteries, Fordo appears designed to withstand airstrikes. Military experts have said it could likely only be targeted by bunker buster bombs a term for bombs that are designed to penetrate deep below the surface before exploding such as the latest GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb in the American arsenal. The roughly 30,000 pound (13,600 kilogram) precision-guided bomb is designed to attack deeply buried and hardened bunkers and tunnels.

The U.S. has only configured and programmed its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to deliver that bomb, according to the Air Force. The B-2 is only flown by the Air Force and is produced by Northrop Grumman, meaning that Washington would have to be involved in such an operation.

Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center

The facility in Isfahan, some 350 kilometers (215 miles) southeast of Tehran, employs thousands of nuclear scientists. It also is home to three Chinese research reactors and laboratories associated with the countrys atomic program.

Israel has struck buildings at the Isfahan nuclear site, among them a uranium conversion facility. The IAEA said there has been no sign of increased radiation at the site.

Other nuclear sites

Iran has several other sites in its nuclear program that were not announced as targets in the U.S. strikes.

Irans only commercial nuclear power plant is in Bushehr on the Persian Gulf, some 750 kilometers (465 miles) south of Tehran. Iran is building two other reactors like it at the site. Bushehr is fueled by uranium produced in Russia, not Iran, and is monitored by the IAEA.

The Arak heavy water reactor is 250 kilometers (155 miles) southwest of Tehran. Heavy water helps cool nuclear reactors, but it produces plutonium as a byproduct that can potentially be used in nuclear weapons. Iran had agreed under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers to redesign the facility to relieve proliferation concerns.

The Tehran Research Reactor is at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the civilian body overseeing the countrys atomic program. It initially required highly enriched uranium but was later retrofitted to use low-enriched uranium over proliferation concerns.

President Donald Trump said Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities were "totally obliterated" after the U.S. struck three of the country's nuclear sites on Saturday.

"I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," President Trump said in a brief address to the nation Saturday night.

He followed up the address with a post on Truth Social that warned Iran against retaliating.

"ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT," he posted.

Several hours before addressing the nation, the president revealed on social media that the U.S. had officially joined Israel's campaign to make sure Iran is not capable of producing a nuclear weapon. He said the attacks targeted Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites.

To destroy Fordow, experts said the U.S. would have needed to utilize its B-2 bombers, which can drop a bunker-busting bomb that can reach targets underground. The B-2 bombers, which are based in Missouri, reportedly took off Friday night and flew over the Pacific on Saturday.

"There's no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight, not even close," President Trump said in his address to the nation. "There's never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago."

The president also congratulated the "American warriors" who carried out the mission and called for peace.

"Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," he said. "If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. For 40 years, Iran has been saying, 'Death to America, Death to Israel.'"

He added, "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left."

In new comments on Sunday, President Trump suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran, but did not offer specific details.

"Its not politically correct to use the term, Regime Change, but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldnt there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" the president wrote.

Those comments differ from those by other officials in the administration in the aftermath of the bombings.

Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with NBC on Sunday the U.S. was not interested in that step.

"We don't want a regime change," Vance said. "We do not want to protract this... We want to end the nuclear program, and then we want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here."

RELATED STORY | How close is Iran to a nuclear weapon? Experts and officials disagree

Iran confirmed the nuclear sites were hit, but did not elaborate on the extent of the damage. However, the country's foreign minister had warned that American involvement could prove very, very dangerous for everyone.

The strikes mark a significant escalation in the conflict that started on June 13, with Israel taking out Iranian military leaders and scientists.

President Trump said he worked with Israel in carrying out the strikes, which he says have gone a long way to "erasing" Iran's nuclear threat.

The international community has long been concerned about Irans nuclear ambitions. While Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian energy use, critics worry it could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon.

In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow inspections in exchange for relief from international sanctions. But after President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018, Iran began enriching uranium at higher levels and scaled back access for inspectors.

President Trump and Israel have called for Iran to stop enrichment completely, arguing it's a security threat to the region.

Reaction to U.S. strikes on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump for carrying out the strikes, saying it was an example of "peace through strength."

"History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons," he said.

In the U.S., top Republicans also praised President Trump for the move.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the operation should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.

He added, The president gave Irans leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed support for President Trumps decision.

The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing death to America and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace. The mullahs misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons must be stopped, Thune said.

However, at least one Republican did not back the move. Rep. Thomas Massie said the action was not constitutional. He introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution last week aimed at prohibiting President Trump from authorizing military strikes on Iran without congressional approval, arguing that only Congress has the power to declare war.

Summer is here, and many families are looking for ways to keep kids entertained without emptying their wallets. Some families are even choosing to skip traditional vacation plans this year to save money.

According to Cincinnati adventure expert and content creator Nedra McDaniel with Adventure Mom Blog, creating memorable summer experiences doesn't require deep pockets just a bit of planning and creativity.

"It's just making a plan. It's just thinking about checking the weather, being able to plan in advance," McDaniel said.

WATCH | Summer Fun Savings

'You can definitely save': Free and low-cost summer activity ideas

McDaniel recommends starting with parks, many of which offer completely free access to nature's playground.

"There are so many different opportunities to be able to get outside and enjoy all the different elements they have, whether it's the playgrounds, nature trails, bike trails," McDaniel said.

Budget-friendly cultural experiences

Beyond green spaces, McDaniel points to often-overlooked cultural experiences that won't break the bank.

"Definitely with a lot of museums, museums and local libraries offer a lot of different programming that's for families that at a low cost or free," McDaniel said.

Money-saving travel tips

For families still craving a weekend getaway, McDaniel suggests strategic timing to maximize savings.

"If you're able to do a midweek visit, you can definitely save," McDaniel said. "Also, if you're booking attraction tickets, do that online in advance because a lot of times you'll see a greater savings. If you're looking for a hotel or vacation rental, you could compare prices on Booking.com is one that we go to a lot."

Even popular attractions like amusement parks can be more affordable with the right approach.

"I would recommend looking online because again they're gonna probably have lower prices online in advance before you go and midweek tends to be the best value," McDaniel said.

This story was originally published by Taylor Nimmo with the

Scripps News Group.

Belarus has freed Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a key dissident figure and the husband of exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and 13 others following a rare visit by a senior U.S. official, Tsikhanouskayas team announced on Saturday.

Tsikhanouski, a popular blogger and activist who was imprisoned in 2020, arrived in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside 13 other political prisoners, his wife's team said. The release came just hours after Belarusian authorities announced that authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko met with U.S. President Donald Trumps envoy for Ukraine in Minsk. Keith Kellogg became the highest-ranking U.S. official in years to visit Belarus, Moscow's close and dependent ally.

A video published on Tsikhanouskaya's official Telegram account showed Tsikhanouski disembarking a white minibus, smiling broadly despite his shaved head and emaciated frame. He pulled his wife into a long embrace as their supporters applauded.

My husband is free. It's difficult to describe the joy in my heart, Tsikhanouskaya told reporters. But she added her team's work is not finished while over 1,100 political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Belarus frees American woman from detention as strongman leader looks to extend 30-year rule

Tsikhanouski, known for his anti-Lukashenko slogan stop the cockroach, was jailed after announcing plans to challenge the strongman in the 2020 election. Following his arrest, his wife ran in his stead, rallying large crowds across the country. Official results of the election handed Lukashenko his sixth term in office but were denounced by the opposition and the West as a sham.

A crackdown snuffed out protests after 2020 election

Tens of thousands of people poured into the streets in the aftermath of the August 2020 vote, in the largest protests in the country's history. In the ensuing crackdown, more than 35,000 people were detained, with many beaten by police. Prominent opposition figures either fled the country or were imprisoned. Tsikhanouski was sentenced to 19 1/2 years in prison on charges of organizing mass riots.

Lukashenko has since extended his rule for a seventh term following a January 2025 election that the opposition called a farce. Since July 2024, he has pardoned nearly 300 people, including imprisoned U.S. citizens, seeking to mend ties with the West.

At the meeting in Minsk, Lukashenko hugged and warmly welcomed Kellogg and the American delegation to his residence.

I really hope that our conversation will be very sincere and open. Otherwise, what is the point of meeting? If we are clever and cunning in front of each other, we will not achieve results, Lukashenko said. You have made a lot of noise in the world with your arrival.

Lukashenkos press secretary, Natalya Eismont, told Russian state media hours later that he freed the 14 prisoners following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump.

IN RELATED NEWS | US involved in the release of 3 'political prisoners' with Belarus

It was not immediately clear whether Kelloggs visit might pave the way for the lifting of some U.S. sanctions against Minsk, imposed over the brutal crackdown against the 2020 protests and Lukashenkos support of Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine.

Lukashenko is clearly trying to get out of international isolation, and the release of such a large group of political prisoners signals a desire to start a dialogue with the U.S. in order to soften international sanctions, Belarusian political analyst Valery Karbalevich told The Associated Press.

After five years, Lukashenko is trying to loosen the knot with which the Kremlin tied him, using him for the war against Ukraine, Karbalevich said.

Belarus has allowed the Kremlin to use its territory to send troops and weapons into Ukraine, and also to station its forces and nuclear weapons there.

Others remain behind bars

Many other prominent dissidents still languish in Belarusian jails, among them Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, a human rights advocate serving a 10-year prison sentence on charges widely denounced as politically motivated.

Bialiatski, founder of Viasna, Belarus oldest and most prominent rights group, was arrested in 2021 during raids by the country's main security agency that still goes by its Soviet-era name, the KGB.

In March 2023, he was convicted on charges of smuggling and financing actions that grossly violated public order, and sentenced to 10 years. Authorities labeled him especially dangerous because of alleged extremist tendencies.

He, his family and supporters say the charges against him are politically motivated, and a U.N. panel of human rights experts called on Belarus to release him. In 2022, when Bialiatski was behind bars, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with the prominent Russian rights group Memorial and Ukraines Center for Civil Liberties.

Bialiatski has been serving his sentence at a penal colony for repeat offenders in the city of Gorki. The facility is notorious for beatings and hard labor. Bialiatskis wife warned last year about his deteriorating health, saying the 62-year-old battles multiple chronic illnesses.

Also behind bars is Viktor Babaryka, a former banker who was widely seen in 2020 as Lukashenkos main electoral rival, and Maria Kolesnikova, a close ally of Tsikhanouskaya and charismatic leader of that year's mass protests. With her close-cropped hair and trademark gesture of forming her hands into the shape of a heart, Kolesnikova became an even greater symbol of resistance when Belarusian authorities tried to deport her. She responded by tearing up her passport at the border and walking back into Belarus.

A journalist walks free, but many more languish

Released alongside Tsikhanouski was longtime Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty correspondent Ihar Karnei, the U.S. government-funded broadcaster confirmed. Karnei, who had also worked with prominent Belarusian and Russian newspapers, had been serving a three-year service on extremism charges he rejected as a sham.

RFE/RL's Belarusian service had been designated extremist in the country, a common label handed to anyone who criticizes Lukashenko's government. As a result, working for it or spreading its content has become a criminal offense.

We are deeply grateful to President Trump for securing the release of this brave journalist, who suffered at the hands of the Belarusian authorities, the broadcaster's CEO Stephen Capus said Saturday in a press release.

EARLIER THIS YEAR | Russia and Ukraine swap hundreds of prisoners in first phase of a major exchange

Karnei was detained several times while covering the 2020 protests. Unlike many of his colleagues, he chose to stay in Belarus despite the ensuing repression. He was arrested again in July 2023, as police raided his apartment seizing phones and computers.

The group Reporters Without Borders says Belarus is Europes leading jailer of journalists. At least 40 are serving long prison sentences, according to the independent Belarusian Association of Journalists. Many face beatings, poor medical care and the inability to contact lawyers or relatives, according to activists and former inmates.

Belarus also freed an Estonian national who had set up an NGO to raise funds for Belarusian refugees. According to the Estonian Foreign Ministry, Allan Roio was detained last January, and sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison on charges of establishing an extremist organization.

A hot-air balloon caught fire and tumbled from the sky on Saturday in Brazil s southern state of Santa Catarina, killing eight people, firefighters said.

Footage shared by local news outlet G1 showed billows of smoke coming from the balloon in flames as it hurtled toward the ground in the municipality of Praia Grande.

On a video on social media, two people can be seen falling through the air as the fire spread onboard the aircraft.

Three people died hugging each other, said Ulisses Gabriel, chief of Santa Catarina's civil police force, on X. It hurts the soul.

Thirteen people survived and were taken to hospitals, Santa Catarinas military fire brigade said, adding that 21 people were on board including the pilot.

We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened. We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened. But the important thing now is for the state structure to do what it can, Gov. Jorginho Mello said in a video on X.

Mello said he has asked authorities to head to the municipality to do as much as possible to rescue, to help, to take to hospital, to comfort the families.

According to the pilot, who is one of the survivors, a fire started inside the basket and then he began to lower the balloon. When the balloon was very close to the ground, he ordered people to jump out of the basket, Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper quoted Praia Grande head police officer Tiago Luiz Lemos as saying.

"Some of them didnt manage to jump. The fire increased and the balloon ended up falling, Lemos added.

G1 reported that the balloon's expected flight time was 45 minutes, with the balloon reaching 1000 meters, and cost 550 reais (around $100) per passenger.

Praia Grande is a common destination for hot-air ballooning, a popular activity in some parts of Brazil's south during June festivities that celebrate Catholic saints such as St. John, whose feast day is on June 24.

Last Sunday, a balloon came down in Sao Paulo state, killing a 27-year-old woman and injuring 11 other people, G1 reported.