Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 Thursday night for its only win of the World Cup.

Auston Trusty scored in the third minute and Sebastian Berhalter got a tying goal early in the second half for the Americans, who had already won Group D with victories over Paraguay and Australia. Coach Mauricio Pochettinos team will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

Pochettino fielded nine new starters for this low-stakes game, but Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute. He hadn't played since the first half of the Americans' opener due to a calf injury.

Arda Gler and Orkun Kk scored in the first half of a resilient performance by Turkey, which had already been eliminated.

Turkey won in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Can Uzun got the ball in space on the back post and pushed it past sprawling goalkeeper Matt Turner to Ayhan, who slid to knock it home.

The Livonia Spree has added metal detectors and a stricter curfew policy this year as organizers work to manage large crowds and address concerns about a potential teen takeover at the six-day event.

Watch Megan Lee's video report below: Livonia Spree tightens security and enforces curfew amid teen takeover concerns

Kayleigh Reid, executive director of the Livonia Spree and Livonia City Council president, said the decision to add security measures came in response to crowd sizes that became difficult to manage.

"So our crowds were so large, very unmanageable. So we brought in extra security this year. We've added metal detectors just to make no one is bringing any weapons in," Reid said.

The Livonia Police Department posted on Facebook that it is aware of several social media posts referencing a teen takeover at the Livonia Spree this weekend. The department says there will be zero tolerance and enforcement.

Reid addressed the concern directly.

"You shouldn't have to worry about mobs of teenagers running around," Reid said.

Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The rule will be strictly enforced, and no fine will be issued for violations but unaccompanied minors will be asked to leave.

"We're going to really be enforcing that 17 and under, parent and guardian rule. You're not going to be able to come with 10 of your friends if you're 15 without a guardian," Reid said.

Reid said the response from parents in the community has been positive.

"I've had a lot of feedback from other moms in the community, other dads that say we feel a lot better going in, bringing our little kids with us just knowing that there is that protection," Reid said.

Latonya Scott, who is working at the Spree, said teen takeovers need to stop.

"There's no reason to be out here doing teen takeovers. It's just not. This is a family place. There is just no reason for it," Scott said.

Long-time attendee Martha Diakow said the metal detectors caught her off guard, but she understands the reasoning.

"It's kinda sad. It may be needed, but it's still kinda sad," Diakow said.

Diakow said the event has always felt like a safe, welcoming community gathering.

"It's just the hometown fun atmosphere. You always run into people, neighbors, old school friends," Diakow said.

She hopes everyone in the community has fun this weekend.

"That's so sad and unfortunate. Why would they wanna do that. It's not just their spree it's for everybody. Come and have fun!" Diakow said.

The Livonia Spree is free of charge except on Sunday.

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.

Bradley Kyle Martin, 60, is in the Oakland County Jail after allegedly arranging to meet up with a minor.

The arrest came on June 22 after he allegedly started communicating with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl about a month ago.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Dearborn Heights man, an accused child predator, arrested with help of civilian

Martin, who lives in Dearborn Heights, allegedly arranged to eventually meet her in Highland Township. Unbeknownst to Martin, he had been messaging with a grown woman who goes by Kasper.

He believed it was a real 13-year-old, and he showed up," Kasper told 7 News Detroit.

Kasper is a civilian who works to expose online predators. She posts videos of her encounters with alleged predators.

"He's an EMT, and he's worked in hospitals and he's worked around children," she said.

When asked what inspires her to do this, Kasper replied, "I was the 13-year-old girl online being groomed by multiple old men, and ya know, when youre a minor, that age, you think thats its not going to happen to you, nothing bad will ever happen to you."

However, Sheriff Mike Bouchard said his office sees adults preying on children all the time.

And so, thats the reason, one of the principal reasons I started the computer crimes unit to track down predators that moved into the shadows and heavily prey on children every day all across the world, not just in this area," he said.

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office charged Martin with using a computer or the internet to commit a crime and accosting a child for immoral purposes.

"We encourage anybody that sees this conversation, his picture or anything that may jog a memory to contact us. And were obviously going to dig deep into his devices with search warrants and other kinds of things, the sheriff said.

Bouchard said civilians, like Kasper, who act as decoys should involve law enforcement as soon as they have proof that the alleged predator plans to meet and of course, for safety.

For parents and guardians, he and Kasper encourage them to always keep tabs on what their children are doing online.

Go through your kids' phones. Have the talk with them. Dont ever be upset with them. Let them come to you and know that its safe to come to their parents if, or when, something like this happens," Kasper said.

Bouchard said, Make sure that your child understands that no matter what happens to them, they should feel comfortable to come and talk to you.

The sheriff said the investigation is ongoing, and they're encouraging anyone with information about predatory behavior targeting children to come forward.

Telehealth providers like Hims and Hers could soon see more business, now that more and more employees are losing insurance coverage for weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.

Reuters reports rising costs are forcing some of those insurance companies to end their coverage for certain weight loss drugs next year. That may force people to buy drugs directly from the manufacturer or from telehealth providers.

Hims is one of the largest such providers in the country. It joined forces recently with Wegovy to offer the drug directly through its platform.

RELATED STORY | CVS to cover Eli Lillys anti-obesity pill, reinstate Zepbound later this year

Meanwhile, CVS announced in May is would expand weight-loss options in its drug plans.

The provider will begin covering Eli Lillys anti-obesity pill next month and will reinstate coverage of injectable Zepbound later this year.

Customers with CVS Caremark plans will still have access to Wegovy injections.

Detroit police say an officer-involved shooting is under investigation on the city's west side.

It happened in the 18900 block of Rosemont, near 7 Mile and the Southfield Freeway. Police say that at around 6:30 p.m., officers were serving a search warrant on a home where an assault suspect was.

Watch the video report below: Detroit police say suspect killed after opening fire on officers serving a warrant

When the officers made entry, police say the suspect opened fire. Police say the officers returned fire, killing the suspect. No officers were injured, and police are not releasing any information on the officers involved at this time.

RAW VIDEO: Detroit police provide details after suspect fatally shot after firing at officers Detroit police provide details after suspect fatally shot after firing at officers

Police are also not releasing any more information about the suspect. They do say he was the only person inside the home at the time of the incident.

Body camera video is being reviewed as part of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Stay with 7 News Detroit and WXYZ.com for the latest on this breaking news.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was at the White House Thursday, meeting with President Trump to try to break the congressional logjam over the SAVE America Act and a recently passed bipartisan housing bill.

Johnson called Thursday's meeting "very productive."

Were on exactly the same page, Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

The meeting comes after President Trump on Wednesday abruptly canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill designed to make homeownership more affordable. He said he wants Congress to first pass the SAVE America Act, which would place new restrictions on voting eligibility and ID requirements. The bill has faced resistance in the Senate.

RELATED STORY | Trump cancels bipartisan housing bill signing, sparking reported shouting match

Business in the House also effectively stalled when some GOP representatives signaled they would oppose debate until the SAVE America Act passed.

In a Thursday post directed at Republican lawmakers in the House, President Trump urged unity.

No more grandstanding, President Trump said.

Johnson said the House would send the outstanding housing bill to President Trump for signature. He will have 10 days to either sign it into law or veto.

America is about to turn 250. The countdown is on for the official July 4th anniversary. Across the USA, celebrations are being planned to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will be festivals, concerts, historical exhibits, and family gatherings galore!

And here at Channel 7 our team is excited to share so many inspiring stories leading up to the big day, including wall-to-wall coverage on the anniversary itself. WXYZ Channel 7, ABC, and the Scripps News Group will be a key part of the 250-year celebration. Using our platforms to share powerful storytelling right here in our communities and across our great nation.

On Friday, July 3, we invite you to watch, 7 News Detroit's Celebrating America 250 at 4:00pm on WXYZ Channel 7 and streaming at WXYZ.com

And starting this Sunday at 10am, Chuck Stokes shares Your American Story, profiling six Detroit companies that started from humble beginnings. See how their business and community commitments epitomize the American dream.

Our Scripps News Group will also be presenting a one-hour celebration of America 250. Host Alisyn Camerota will take you on a coast-to-coast journey. Her uplifting stories profile everyday people who have helped to make this nation great. Well showcase the special on Channel 7 and TV-20 Detroit on June 29th.

And then, it all leads up to the 4th, with ABC's 24-hour non-stop Disney Celebrates America event featuring World News Tonight's David Muir.. Celebrations, fireworks, stories that make us proud.

For a full list of America 250 stories, programming, and events happening in Metro Detroit, go to our website at wxyz.com.

However, you celebrate this special July 4th holiday weekend, cherish this milestone designed to engage every American in the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Im Mike Murri. Regional V.P. & General Manager

Broadcast: Jun e 25 - 28, 2026

Construction is getting underway on a new community center on Detroit's west side that city leaders say will bring major resources to children and families in the area.

City leaders and the Detroit Pistons celebrated the start of construction Thursday for the new $20 million Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit leaders break ground on new Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park

"A place where thousands of residents will have the opportunity to access recreation, educational programming, mentorship, workforce development, financial literacy and opportunities that can change the trajectory of our youths' lives," Mayor Mary Sheffield said.

The 25,000-square-foot facility will be built next to the Brennan Pool. Construction is funded by Pistons owner Tom Gores and the Gores Family Foundation.

Former Pistons coach Dwane Casey said the vision for the project started with Gores asking players how they would like to make a difference in the community.

"What it did, and this was Tom's idea, was to empower them. To give them the opportunity to make big decisions on something other than basketball," Casey said.

The community center will include a multi-purpose gym, classrooms and spaces for activities like dance and reading. It will be the only indoor recreation center in Detroit's 7th District.

Crystal Perkins, director of general services for the city of Detroit, said the year-round access the new facility will provide is a significant upgrade for the area.

"We have the pools here, we have the pool house, but this not something that's open all year round. So now in 2027, they'll have a space they can gather any time of the year," Perkins said.

Leaders with Friends of Rouge Park said there is a serious need for a center like this in the area.

"We have so many youth, we have so many seniors that need a place, that need something to do," Sally Petrella, president of Friends of Rouge Park, said.

Lindsay Pielack, executive director of Friends of Rouge Park, said the new space will have a lasting impact on the community.

"It's just going to build amazing opportunities for children and families to have lifelong exciting memories built here in the park," Pielack said.

Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem said the groundbreaking represents something bigger than construction.

"Today is about much more than turning dirt; it's about hope," Tellem said.

The Brennan Community Center is expected to open in fall 2027.

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.

Novi police have concluded their investigation into the death and hospitalizations connected to the DaVita Dialysis Center in Novi, finding no evidence of suspicious activity, foul play or criminal conduct. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is now handling the matter as a public health investigation.

The Novi DaVita facility remains closed, as recommended by the Oakland County Health Department, while the state's investigation continues a process experts say could take months.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report below: DaVita Novi dialysis center closed amid state investigation

A 72-year-old woman from Livonia died after receiving treatment at the center last Friday. Multiple others were hospitalized, including one patient who remains in the intensive care unit.

Larry Greenberg, DO, a nephrologist who has treated patients with kidney disease for decades, said investigators will likely cast a wide net as they work to determine what happened.

"They would probably start with looking for problems at the level of the dialysis unit, then they'll move on to problems with individual supplies used, the water system," Greenberg said.

Greenberg described dialysis as an inherently complex process with many potential points of failure.

Watch our previous report about the death and illnesses below: Police investigating death, multiple illnesses after treatments at Novi dialysis center

"Dialysis really is a complex system. It relies on not only industries, suppliers, the city, the individual center," Greenberg added.

Alethea Walls, an advocate for those with kidney disease and the policy committee chair for Dialysis Patient Citizens, receives dialysis treatments at the Royal Oak DaVita location four times a week. She was receiving treatment during our interview and said her location has seen an influx of patients as those from the Novi center are redirected to other facilities.

"I definitely would like to know what happened. I'm extremely curious," Walls said. "It's a very concerning situation," she said.

DaVita is one of the largest U.S. providers of dialysis treatments, with over 2,600 centers nationwide. In 2018, the company was ordered to pay $383.5 million to the families of three patients who died after treatment. The company had no updates when reached Thursday except that the facility remains closed.

Patients and the community are hoping for clarity from the state and the company soon.

Several families who were impacted have retained Fieger Law, the firm said Thursday. Fieger Law released the following statement:

"Our hearts are with every patient and family impacted by these tragic events," said James Harrington, President and CEO of Fieger Law. "Individuals receiving dialysis place immense trust in their healthcare providers. Something went wrong and families deserve answers. Hopefully, DaVita Dialysis Center will cooperate and give us the truth of what happened."

_________________

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.

Neighbors on Gaylord Street say they complained about smells and feral cats for years before officials acted.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Welfare check reveals deplorable conditions at Redford Township home

A welfare check at a Redford Township home on Gaylord Street uncovered deplorable living conditions and an unknown number of cats inside the residence.

Animal control and firefighters entered the home Thursday afternoon and found the property in deplorable condition. The homeowner was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Martez Moore, who has lived on Gaylord Street off West 8 Mile for 14 years, said he had been complaining to Redford Township officials for years about the smell and feral cats coming from the neighboring home.

"I felt like it was something deceased, feces, animal smell, just horrible," Moore said.

Moore said the odor was unlike anything he had experienced before.

"Like a smell I never smelt before, flies on the house, winter time, just horrible," Moore said.

Moore said he was not surprised by what officials found inside.

"I figured they were going to find out what I kept calling and complaining about; it just took some time," Moore said.

He described the homeowner as someone who rarely interacted with neighbors.

"He was just weird acting, you know, would come out, cut the grass, and then leave. That's it," Moore said.

Another longtime neighbor, Lorrie Jackson, said she rarely saw anyone at the home and had no idea cats were inside.

"You barely seen anyone come out of the house, so I didn't know if anyone was living here or if it was empty, so it was quite a shock to find that out," Jackson said.

Animal control will work with the Redford Township Building Department to clean up the property and rescue the cats.

Moore said he hopes the situation leads to lasting change at the home next door.

"It's probably going to take a lot to get it back together, but hopefully it won't be as bad," Moore 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.

Theres a new effort in Lansing to prevent county officials from lobbying other local leaders as their outside jobs.

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Following 7 Investigations, lawmakers move to stop county leaders from lobbying

For the last year, the 7 Investigators have been exposing stories about the Oakland County Commission Chairs outside consulting business that works with private companies, including the Sheetz gas station chain that has been expanding throughout southeast Michigan.

PREVIOUS STORY: Did commission head use position to help along possible Sheetz in Waterford? Did commission head use position to help along possible Sheetz in Waterford?

Lawmakers say the new legislation would prevent county officials like Commission Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) from lobbying in any way for compensation on behalf of anyone outside of county business.

House Bill 5506 had bipartisan support and passed the House 98-9.

The bills sponsor says it does not require the lobbyist to be registered, which means if it passes, it would apply to someone doing business consulting with local governments like Woodward.

My work with Sheetz or any of my clients is completely separate from my role as a County Commissioner, Woodward told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo during an interview in August 2025.

The long-time commission leader and powerful Oakland County politician denied that his outside work was a conflict of interest and would not reveal any of his other clients except for Sheetz. But Woodward did describe how he helps businesses connect with other local government leaders.

As they are coming to the Michigan market, giving them a lay of the land, recommendations of the best opportunities to grow and get approvals at a local level, said Woodward.

The 7 Investigators have revealed how Woodward was appearing at local city council meetings on behalf of the Sheetz gas station chain and even made introductions to Oakland County officials.

Has Dave Woodward talked to you at all about this project? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo during an interview with Oakland County International Airport Manager Cheryl Bush in 2025 about allegations of Woodwards involvement with a proposed Sheetz location next to the county-owned airport.

PREVIOUS STORY: 'Oakland County is better than this.' Coulter unveils sweeping ethics reforms after 7 Investigation 'Oakland County is better than this.' Coulter unveils sweeping ethics reforms after 7 Investigation

Dave Woodward has not talked to me under any pressure on this project, said Bush. He made introductions to the Sheetz folks.

To you? asked Catallo.

Yes, said Bush.

The project did not go forward after inquiries by the 7 Investigators.

Now, a new bill has passed the Michigan House of Representatives that would prevent county officials from lobbying for compensation outside of the course or scope of the county officials office.

The bottom line is, it's not a good practice to have elected officials serve as lobbyists, said Representative Tom Kuhn (R-Troy), who introduced the legislation. When you have somebody who's elected to the public office, they're representing the citizens. They're not representing a special interest group. And when you had such a clear conflict, it undermines public trust.

Other lawmakers told the 7 Investigators that the recent stories about Chair Woodwards outside business interests prompted them to support the legislation.

We're always concerned about anything that undermines public trust. That's what we're really concerned about, said Kuhn.

Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford) said he supported the legislation because of whats been happening in Oakland County government.

Elected officials have to be held to a higher standard to maintain public trust. That trust understandably erodes when officials moonlight as lobbyists for special interest groups. House Bill 5506 ensures local officials are focused on representing their constituents, not their own bank accounts, said Harris in a statement.

Rep. Kuhn says hes encouraging his Senate colleagues to pass the legislation.

We want good government, and this is very simple. It's very practical, it's very focused on something that I think has wide, broad bipartisan support and benefits the public, said Kuhn.

The bill is now with the state senate government operations committee. Its not clear when the Senate will take a vote on the legislation.

Three shootings in one hour on Detroit's west side left two people dead and a 9-year-old boy severely injured after he was caught in the crossfire.

The violence began just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when Malik Sterling was shot and killed on Monica Street near Six Mile Road. Police say gunfire erupted after a fight between Sterling and another man. Officers took a suspect into custody at the scene.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: 2 dead, 9-year-old injured in 3 shootings in one hour in Detroit

Sterling's mother, Rena Frazier, remembered her son.

"Malik, everybody came before him. He always put himself last. He was kind of silly, goofy. Loved kids. Loved his family," Frazier said.

About an hour later, a gunman in a blue Ford Fusion shot a man while he was walking on Burgess Street near 8 Mile Road.

The hour of violence reached its peak just before 10 p.m. in the Brightmoor neighborhood, where a 9-year-old boy and his 20-year-old cousin were shot during a dispute between the cousin and another man. The boy was struck in the stomach and leg. His cousin was killed.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the boy is stable but still has a difficult road ahead.

"I'm glad and thankful that the 9-year-old is alive and from what I'm being told, he's stable. But he still has a ways to go," Bettison said.

Watch our extended interview with Rena Frazier below: Web: Mom speaks out after son shot and killed in Detroit

The suspect in the Brightmoor shooting remains at large. Bettison urged the suspect to surrender and warned anyone helping to shield them that they could face charges.

"To the suspect, I have very, very strong leads," Bettison said. "If you know who the suspect is or if you're involved and you try to help shield them or anything like that, you'll be culpable as well. And so to the suspect, just turn yourself in."

Police say ShotSpotter technology may have saved the 9-year-old's life. Officers did not receive a 911 call for the double shooting in Brightmoor but were alerted by ShotSpotter, allowing them to get the boy medical attention quickly.

Bettison said the city is seeking to extend its ShotSpotter contract with Detroit City Council.

"Gun detection technology ShotSpotter, we do have a contract where we're asking city council to extend it, and we know that around the country, some cities have decided to lean away from it. It's expensive technology, but I can't put the price on a life. That technology saved that one life, and if it's worth saving, if it saves one life, it's worth it to me, but we know that it saved many more lives in the city of Detroit," Bettison said.

Previous coverage: Man fatally shot and child critically injured, Detroit police say Man fatally shot and child critically injured, Detroit police say

Anyone with information about the shootings on Burgess near 8 Mile or the shootings in Brightmoor is asked to call Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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.

In todays Health Alert, a new study is challenging a belief many people have held for years: that fish oil and omega-3 supplements can help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that older adults at risk for Alzheimer's who took omega-3 supplements did not experience improvements in memory or cognitive function.

New study casts doubt on whether omega-3 supplements help prevent Alzheimer's

This study followed older adults who were considered at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and examined whether omega-3 supplements could help preserve memory and thinking abilities. Researchers found that while the supplements increased omega-3 fatty acid levels in the body, they did not improve cognitive performance or slow memory decline compared with placebo. In other words, the supplements changed blood levels, but they did not translate into measurable benefits for brain function.

Now, this is important because millions of Americans take fish oil supplements specifically for brain health. The findings suggest that simply taking an omega-3 supplement may not be enough to prevent Alzheimer's disease or age-related cognitive decline. That said, this does not mean omega-3s are "bad" for you. Omega-3 fatty acids remain important nutrients that support overall health, and previous research has linked higher dietary intake of omega-3-rich foods with better long-term brain health.

The good news is that we already know several lifestyle habits that have much stronger evidence supporting them than any single supplement.

Regular physical activity, controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar, getting quality sleep, staying socially connected, and following a Mediterranean-style diet have all been associated with better brain health and a lower risk of cognitive decline. I tell my patients to think about brain health the same way we think about heart health. There is rarely one magic pill. Instead, it's the combination of daily habits that makes the biggest difference over time.

And when it comes to omega-3s specifically, I generally prefer getting them from food whenever possible. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel provide omega-3s along with many other nutrients that work together to support health.

The bottom line is this: don't rely on a supplement alone to protect your brain. Focus on the fundamentals. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and staying mentally engaged remain some of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining cognitive health as we age.

The post Detroit Evening Report: Mayor Sheffield gives update on road improvement plan appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The post Metro Events Guide: Art events, tours of the Jackson Home and more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The death toll continues to rise as crews search for survivors after Venezuela was hit by back-to-back earthquakes.

The quakes that struck the country overnight were the most powerful in more than a century.

Right now, at least 188 people are dead and thousands have been injured. Both tolls are expected to rise.

International correspondent Andreina Fermin was on the ground in Caracas on Thursday, where intense rescue and safety responses were underway.

"We are in Los Palos Grandes in Caracas, where two buildings collapsed. The rescue people are trying to find four people in one building that just brought messages to the rescuers that they are alive and they are under the building collapse," she said.

"The situation here is very chaotic. The people are doing long lines to get gas, doing long lines to get into supermarkets and the pharmacies everywhere to try to find supplies, to get gasoline, and try to find the people that are missing. Over 7,000 people are missing in Venezuela at the moment."

"La Guaira State was the most affected area in Venezuela, where more than 20 buildings collapsed. The rescue teams are overwhelmed with the situation. They are not allowing people to go there until the rescue team can do something for the people that are trapped in the buildings," Fermin said.

MORE ON THE EARTHQUAKES | At least 164 dead and 971 injured after powerful quakes rock Venezuela, acting president says

How aid is getting to Venezuela after earthquakes leave infrastructure in tatters

Venezuela's main airport was closed and in some places, evacuation orders stretched more than 1,000 miles away from the capital.

UN rescue teams were on their way to assist, as were teams and other resources from the U.S.

The U.S. was sending search and rescue teams, airlift support and at least $150 million in immediate support funds for local relief organizations.

"The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating disaster and will continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical time," the State Department said in a statement.

Jeffrey Epsteins power extended far beyond his crimes.

For years, he cultivated relationships with politicians, prosecutors, business leaders and other influential figures, building a network that opened doors and now raises questions about who knew what and when.

Now, Justice Department records, combined with ongoing investigations and survivor testimony, are shining new light on those connections.

Epsteins New Mexico ties

In New Mexico, where Epstein maintained his sprawling Zorro Ranch and developed ties to some of the state's most prominent political figures, former investigators are examining whether influence and access may have shaped decisions behind the scenes. The focus is no longer solely on Epstein himself, but on the powerful people around him and whether their relationships helped insulate his world from accountability.

You can see where politics and excuses seem to perpetuate decade after decade, former New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas told Scripps News during an interview in April. And I know survivors are just tired.

In 1993, Epstein bought a ranch in New Mexico from then-Governor Bruce King. He soon enmeshed himself with the states local elites, donating to local and statewide political races and developing a relationship with now-deceased former Governor Bill Richardson.

Before her death in 2025, Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused Richardson of sexual abuse in her memoir, writing that his face was among those preserved ... in an airtight vault in my head.

Guiffre also named Richardson repeatedly during a 2016 deposition, telling lawyers that she was trafficked by Epstein to Richardson more than twice between the ages of approximately 17 and 18 years old. She said she gave the FBI Richardsons name, too.

Richardson consistently denied the allegations before his death in 2023, and his estate did not respond to a request for comment.

Those connections between Epstein and politicians in New Mexico among others are troubling to Balderas.

He was conducting his own investigation on behalf of the state in 2019 when he was told by federal law enforcement officials at the Southern District of New York that it was also looking into Epstein in New Mexico and asked Balderas to stand down.

Former New Mexico AG says feds kept him out of the loop

Now, Balderas says documents released by the Department of Justice connected to Epstein portray a concerning relationship between federal authorities probing the Epstein case and Richardsons legal team.

RELATED STORY | Former New Mexico AG says he was told to stand down in Epstein ranch probe

They shared more information with defense attorneys than they did with prosecutors and law enforcement in New Mexico, Balderas said.

One of those defense attorneys was Jeffrey Brown, a former federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorneys Office. Records show he communicated about a statement his client, Bill Richardson, released, absolving the former governor of wrongdoing.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Brown emailed someone from the Southern District of New York.

In the email, Brown appears to be discussing a statement Richardson released, absolving the former governor of wrongdoing related to Epstein.

The statement says that Richardson was informed by the Assistant U.S. Attorney responsible for the case that Governor Richardson is neither a target, subject, nor witness in the case and that there is no allegation against Governor Richardson about which the government is seeking a response from Gov. Richardson at this time.

Someone from the Southern District of New York responded to Brown and said they believe some of the statement remains inaccurate, noting that they hinted to Brown that Richardson was neither a witness nor a target, but they didn't rule him out as a subject of the investigation.

Richardson put out the statement himself without consulting his attorney, according to a source.

There's something wrong with the system when witnesses, defense attorneys and Epstein associates have more access to influence those prosecutions and those decisions, Balderas said. It's concerning that as they're ghosting me and withholding information, a U.S. Attorney's Office is sharing critical information about the investigation with potential defense attorneys or potentially witnesses that still need to be interviewed.

The Department of Justice did not respond to a request to discuss this matter.

State probe may expose high-profile local names

A commission of New Mexico lawmakers is continuing its investigation into what happened at Zorro Ranch.

New Mexico State Rep. Andrea Reeb, who is a prosecutor herself and is one of four members on the panel, says the commission will be paying attention to big names in her state.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Bondi says Blanche led Epstein review, cites privilege on Trump discussions

Reeb says shes very concerned that there are so many New Mexico politicians in the files who had relationships with Epstein.

"It just makes you wonder what more we're going to find, and it makes me know the corruption is out there, Reeb said.

She said once the commissions probe is complete, it wont hold back from naming high-profile names.

The post The Metro: The Senate Theater kicks off summer with ‘Hot, Sweaty, and Weird’ Film Series appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Passing through airport security checkpoints is about to get easier for Android phone owners.

The TSA is now accepting PreCheck touchless IDs stored in Google Wallet. Touchless ID eliminates the need to present physical documents and helps reduce wait times.

Our collaboration with Google helps our trusted TSA PreCheck travelers enjoy the fastest route through airport security. Delivering seamless experiences like this is one more way TSA is working to deliver the Golden Age of Travel, said TSA Modernization Acting Chief Innovation Officer Shelu Patel.

RELATED STORY | Summer vacation feels out of reach for many Americans. Here's how to save

How it works:

Travelers check in as usual with a participating airline and add their boarding pass to Google Wallet.

Those with an eligible digital ID will see a Get Started button and will be redirected to the TSA consent page. From there, they can authorize their digital ID and boarding pass.

To be eligible for a touchless ID, you must be a current TSA PreCheck traveler with a valid passport.

RELATED STORY | US airfares are at their highest in years as the Iran war shocks oil and energy prices

Touchless ID is currently available at 65 airports across the nation.