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Americans woke up Monday morning to news of a horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. At least 59 people have been confirmed dead, along with over 500 injured, which is the largest mass shooting on American soil. The shooting occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival when Jason Aldean was performing. There were nearly 20,000 people at the concert.
The shooter, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, was found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound when police entered his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Paddock shot a SWAT officer in the leg before taking his own life, according to the Las Vegas Police Department. More than 10 weapons were found in his hotel room, and at least 19 more were later found in his Mesquite, Nevada home.
ISIS immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but U.S. intelligence has said that there is no current evidence to corroborate their claim. However, reports have surfaced that Paddock’s father was a “psychotic bank robber” in Nevada, who spent time on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list.
Local News:
Former U.S. attorney Peter Neronha announced that he is running for attorney general in Rhode Island. Neronha said that he wants to focus on political corruption, the opioid crisis, human trafficking, and violent crimes.
Neronha, a graduate of North Kingstown High School, has taken on high profile cases over the years, and was responsible for the federal charges against multiple Providence politicians, as well as organized crime members. He resigned from his position as a U.S. attorney due to departmental overhaul by new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Another humpback whale carcass washed ashore on Block Island Tuesday. This whale, which was found on Ballard’s beach, is the second to be found in just over a month, with the other being found on the Mohegan Bluffs.
National:
Puerto Rico is still struggling to recover after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Both the Puerto Rican government and the United States federal government are involved in relief efforts; however, due to the widespread nature of the disaster, coordinating such efforts have proven difficult.
In some areas, whole towns are relying on daily deliveries of food and drinking water, and even then, food must be rationed off because of how many citizens are in need.
The governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo A. Rossello, said that communication has been difficult with some towns following the storm, saying that he “recognize[s] there are still people that might not have gotten resources”.
As a whole, 95 percent of the island is still without power. A little over 50 percent of the island is still without phone service. Travel is still difficult, as much of the infrastructure was severely damaged.
Some lawmakers are calling for more funds or additional military aid to be delivered to the island, but it currently remains unclear if the U.S. will play a larger role in the relief efforts.
Tom Petty, a well known rock musician, died at 66 years of age on Monday. Petty is believed to have suffered a heart attack in his home, and was unresponsive to following medical attention. Petty had sold millions of albums and was still performing at concerts this past summer.
There was originally speculation as to whether rumors of his death were untrue. However, his spokesperson confirmed his death.
International:
North Korea, which has recently increased its threats against the United States, has been a source of concern for many, who are unsure of exactly the danger they pose. It was discovered earlier this week that the U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has been in “direct contact” with the North Korean government about possible diplomatic resolutions.
However, President Donald Trump told Tillerson on Sunday to “save his energy,” and that the U.S. will “do what has to be done.”
Catalonia, which is a northeast region of Spain, attempted to vote on Sunday on whether or not they would become an independent state.
However, the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, stated that “There will be no referendum.” Rajoy sent in both troops and police to shut down voting. Ballots were seized, at least a dozen separatists were arrested and informative websites regarding Catalonian independence were censored by the Spanish government.
This has resulted in massive protests in the area. Thousands have flooded the streets after the government’s interference with the attempted election. Since Sunday, hundreds of protesters have been injured as police equipped with riot gear attempt to gain control of the crowds. Despite government intervention, protesters remain determined to acquire separation from Spain.