A Penn State student poised to begin his senior year tragically lost his life while attempting to retrieve his phone from robbers, who later discarded it under a car.

Billy Schmidt, 22, was captured on surveillance footage being confronted by assailants just steps away from his family’s residence in South Philadelphia around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. Moments after he was heard pleading, “Give me back my phone,” a gunshot echoed through the night.

Schmidt was swiftly transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“It’s unconscionable,” said Ezra Roulinavage, a neighbor who spoke to NBC 10. “It’s just beyond belief that someone would take a life over a phone.”

His father, Bill Schmidt, recounted that his son had been returning home after watching the NBA Finals with friends when the incident occurred. The phone, the object of the deadly confrontation, was later found tossed aside under a nearby car.

“He was a really good person who cared about everybody and never hurt or bothered a soul, never bothered anyone and for him to get shot like that is a travesty,” the grieving dad told ABC 7.

“I’m shocked when they stole his phone that he chased them,” the grieving father added. “Supposedly when he got to the corner another came out and he shot him.”

No arrests have been made yet over the shooting, with the investigation ongoing.

Family and neighbors described Schmidt as a “really good kid” who was studying journalism at Penn State and set to graduate in December.

“We are heartbroken this morning to learn of the tragic death of William Schmidt, and we share are deepest condolences with his family and friends. William was a fourth semester student from Philadelphia studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus,” the school said in a statement.

One neighbor urged the public to help identify the men involved in Schmidt’s death to give his family closure.

“I want the kid that shot Billy to be found,” the neighbor told NBC 10. “If anyone has any information or recognizes anything about the kids, I would love for them to come forward and give his parents some justice.”

Stacey King, who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and became a cherished television broadcaster for the team, has died at the age of 59.

The tragic announcement was made on Sunday afternoon by NBA Insider Shams Charania, leaving the basketball world in mourning. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.

King was instrumental in the Bulls’ 1990s era of success, having been selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. He was part of the team during its peak before moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 1993–94 season.

Throughout his eight-year NBA career, King played a vital role, partnering with legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the Bulls’ triumphant championship seasons in 1991, 1992, and 1993.

After his time on the court, King’s legacy only grew as he became a beloved commentator, capturing the hearts of a new audience through his work on Bulls TV broadcasts.

Tributes have already begun pouring in from heartbroken fans online, who are mourning the tragic loss of a franchise icon.

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and a beloved longtime television broadcaster for the franchise, has passed away at the age of 59

King played eight seasons in the league and played alongside Bulls legend Michael Jordan during the Bulls’ historic 1991, 1992 and 1993 championship runs

King stayed with the franchise during their most dominant period, before being traded to the Timberwolves during the 1993–94 campaign

In a statement, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said: ‘Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.

‘His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades – first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. 

‘We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.’

Meanwhile, team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf said: ‘Stacey loved being a Bull. You could feel it in everything he did – the way he played, the way he called games, and the way he connected with our fans. 

‘He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation, or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued. 

‘We were fortunate to know him not only as a player and broadcaster, but as a friend. Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the Chicago Bulls forever.’

During his eight-season playing career – that included stops with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks – King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.

While his playing career cemented his place in Chicago folklore, King found a new generation of fans in his post-playing career – as a commentator for Bulls TV broadcasts

However, it was the start of his career with the Bulls were he found most his success. 

King played all 82 games as a rookie, after being the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, coming off the bench to earn NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.

He averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.

King later went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season. 

GLP-1 medications, renowned for aiding significant weight loss, have become more accessible to those who dislike needles.

Previously, these drugs—known under brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound—were exclusively injectable. Yet, despite this, a 2024 survey revealed that one in eight American adults had tried a GLP-1 drug via injection.

Now, pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have introduced pill versions, offering a simpler alternative for those wary of needles. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Which is more effective: the GLP-1 pills or injections?

For instance, those opting for the Wegovy pill must adhere to specific guidelines. It should be consumed on an empty stomach each morning with just a few sips of water, and one must wait half an hour before consuming anything else, including coffee.

Conversely, Eli Lilly’s new GLP-1 pill, branded as Foundayo, does not impose such dietary restrictions.

Then there’s the matter of efficacy. Early studies show the pills aren’t quite as effective as their injectable counterparts.

One clinical trial of more than 3,000 people compared adults who received the highest dose of orforglipron (the generic name for the Foundayo pill) with people who received a placebo. Over 72 weeks, the people who received the weight loss pill lost about 25 pounds on average, or 11% of their body weight. Those taking the placebo lost less than 5 pounds, or about 2% of their body weight.

Those are real results, but not as impressive as clinical trials for the GLP-1 injectables. Participants who injected Zepbound once a week for 72 weeks lost 50 pounds on average, and those who injected Wegovy lost 33 pounds.

On the other hand, if you’re looking at taking a GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes rather than lose weight, the oral versions may be a better fit. One study of 100 people found those taking oral semaglutide had bigger reductions in their blood sugar, even when those taking the injectable version lost more weight. The difference was small, however, the study points out.

Which has worse side effects?

Side effects between the pill and injection may also differ. A study comparing the two last year found “patients receiving oral semaglutide had a significantly higher risk of treatment discontinuation due to side effects.”

In a clinical trial of the injectable Zepbound and Wegovy, 6% to 8% left the trial because of adverse side effects. The most commonly reported effects were gastrointestinal, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting.

In a study of the pill form, about 5% to 10% discontinued treatment because of side effects.

Which is cheaper?

With insurance, the cost of both available oral medications starts at $25 per month. Without insurance, the lowest doses are $149 per month, with the price increasing for higher doses.

The injections also start at $25 per month with insurance but are pricier for self-pay patients. Wegovy, for example, has an intro deal for $199 per month for the first two months of its low doses. The highest dose is $399 per month.

Zepbound self-pay prices are $299 to $449 per month, depending on dosage.

In California’s contentious congressional races, two Republican contenders have successfully moved forward to the general election, defying concerns that GOP candidates might be sidelined by the state’s top-two primary system.

Chuong Vo and Ritesh Tandon, both Republicans, have earned their places on the November ballot, where they will face off against incumbent Democrats in California’s 45th and 17th Congressional Districts.

In the 17th District, which encompasses Silicon Valley and leans heavily Democratic, incumbent Representative Ro Khanna emerged as the clear frontrunner in the primary race.

As approximately 82% of the votes have been tallied, Khanna secured 61,338 votes, translating to over 60% of the total vote count. Ritesh Tandon, in second place, claimed 15,539 votes, ensuring his spot in the upcoming general election.

The Cook Political Report classifies California’s 17th Congressional District as Solid Democratic. This district, covering areas within Santa Clara and Alameda counties, has not been represented by a Republican since Charles Pashayan held the seat in 1979, nearly half a century ago.

Meanwhile, in California’s 45th Congressional District, incumbent Democratic Rep. Derek Tran finished first with 71,454 votes, or 52.3%, while Republican challenger Chuong Vo secured second place with 21,408 votes, or 15.7%.

Before the primary, the Cook Political Report rated the 45th District as Lean Democratic, though the race remains one of the more competitive congressional contests in California.

The district, which Katie Porter flipped from Republican to Democratic in 2018, later swung back when Republican Michelle Steel won the seat in 2020. In the 2024 election,Tran defeated incumbent Steel, marking another shift in control.

Following the 2020 redistricting process, the district includes a large Asian American electorate and covers portions of Garden Grove, Westminster, Cerritos, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Cypress, Placentia, Artesia, La Palma and northern Fullerton.

The advancement of both Republican candidates ensures that voters in each district will see a Democrat-versus-Republican matchup on the November 5 general election ballot.

California uses a top-two primary system, often referred to as a “jungle primary,” in which all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party.tyere din wah where caodfate iwth top two votes regaless of party adacne to gvemrned election

A man suspected to be a Hamas operative, who reportedly received asylum after the Gaza conflict, has been detained by Greek authorities. He is accused of planning an attack on an Israeli cruise ship.

The 37-year-old from Gaza was captured on the island of Crete on Sunday. He is believed to be linked to four other individuals suspected of being Hamas members who were arrested earlier in Cyprus. The group allegedly trained in Malaysia to create explosives using readily available chemicals.

The intended target of the foiled attack was the Israeli cruise ship, MS Crown Iris, which was set to dock in Crete on Tuesday. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or confirmed the intended target in their initial announcements.

During searches conducted in Crete and Athens, police seized several mobile phones, a laptop, external hard drives, and bank cards, as reported by The Associated Press.

On Wednesday, a protest occurred at the port of Piraeus near Athens, opposing the arrival of the Crown Iris cruise ship. This demonstration preceded the arrest of the individual accused of orchestrating the attack.