St. Paul police are investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Thursday morning.

The shooting was reported on the 1500 block of University Avenue West, according to the department’s post on X. One person was found dead.

The shooting marks the seventh homicide this year in St. Paul.

Other recent homicides include the death of 37-year-old Steffon Jennings, who was fatally shot and found July 22, at an encampment near the 1200 block of Jackson Street.

On July 13, a 54-year-old man was struck in the head with a tire iron outside of the alleged perpetrator’s home on the 600 block of Hyacinth Avenue in St. Paul’s North End. The struck man died from the injuries Sunday, and the alleged perpetrator is facing murder charges.

Around this time last year, at least 15 homicides were reported in the city.

Related Articles

St. Paul man charged with murder after man struck with tire iron last month dies

Minnesota included on federal list of ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’

Minnesota man gets 28 years for pandemic-era food fraud

UPDATE: Missing infant in Columbia Heights Amber Alert found safe

Eichorn’s lawyer asks judge to dismiss federal prostitution charges

By MATTHEW PERRONE, Associated Press Health Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is vowing to “fix” the federal program for compensating Americans injured by vaccines, opening the door to sweeping changes for a system long targeted by anti-vaccine activists.

Health experts and lawyers say updates are needed to help clear a backlog of cases in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, created by Congress in 1986 as a no-fault payment system for presumed vaccine injuries.

But they also worry Kennedy’s changes will reflect his history as a leader in the anti-vaccine movement, which has alternately called for abolishing the program or expanding it to cover unproven injuries and illnesses that aren’t connected to vaccines.

Kennedy and other critics believe the program is “too miserly in what it considers to be a vaccine injury,” said Jason Schwartz, a public health expert at Yale University. “That’s created great concern that he could expand what’s included.”

Anti-vaccine groups have long suggested a link between vaccines and autism, despite scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don’t cause the condition. Adding autism to the list of injuries covered by the plan “would dramatically increase the number of compensable cases, potentially bankrupting it,” Schwartz said.

Program is credited with saving the U.S. vaccine industry

Signed into law under President Ronald Reagan, the compensation program is designed to provide quick, efficient compensation to Americans who report known injuries associated with vaccines, such as rare allergic reactions. At the time of its creation, a number of vaccine-makers were exiting the business due to risks of class action lawsuits.

Related Articles

Intel’s stock tumbles after Trump says its CEO must resign

Putin says he hopes to meet Trump as the White House presses for a peace deal on Ukraine

Trump’s broad tariffs go into effect just as US economic pain is surfacing

US is auctioning a seized $325M Russian yacht with 8 state rooms, a helipad, a gym and a spa

Restoration of torn-down Confederate monument will cost $10 million over 2 years, military says

In a recent social media post, Kennedy called the program “broken” and accused federal lawyers and adjudicators who run it of “inefficiency, favoritism and outright corruption.”

Kennedy didn’t specify the changes he’s seeking. But some of the people he’s enlisted to help have a history of bringing vaccine injury cases.

In June, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded a $150,000 contract to an Arizona law firm for “expertise” in the program. The firm’s Andrew Downing, an attorney specializing in vaccine injury cases, was listed in the HHS staff directory for a time.

“We just brought a guy in this week who is going to be revolutionizing the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program,” Kennedy told Tucker Carlson shortly after the award.

Revamping the program would be the latest in a string of decisions that have upended U.S. vaccine policy, including this week’s cancellation of research funding for vaccines using mRNA technology.

Downing and Kennedy have had roles in HPV vaccine lawsuits

Downing has had a leading role in lawsuits against Merck alleging injuries from its HPV vaccine, Gardasil, including a rare movement disorder.

In a podcast last year for people with the condition, Downing lamented that the injury compensation program “has taken a hard line” against such cases, leading lawyers to file injury lawsuits in civil court. Approximately 70% of the Gardasil cases against Merck started as claims filed by Downing in the federal injury program, according to court records.

A judge dismissed more than 120 of those cases, citing “a paucity of evidence” that Gardasil caused patients’ problems.

A spokesman for Kennedy declined to comment on Downing’s hiring.

Kennedy himself has been involved in the Gardasil litigation, as both an attorney and consultant.

Before joining the government, Kennedy received payments for referring potential Gardasil clients to Wisner Baum, one of the law firms suing Merck. Following questions about the agreement during his confirmation hearings, Kennedy agreed to give up his stake in the deal and transfer any future fees to “a nondependent, adult son,” according to his financial disclosures.

One of Kennedy’s sons is an attorney at Wisner Baum.

Experts see need for reform

Experts who study vaccine compensation say real changes are needed to modernize the 40-year-old program.

The cap on compensation remains $250,000 for injury or death, the same as in 1986. Similarly, the program still has eight adjudicators, known as special masters, to review all cases before the government. On average, the process takes two to three years.

The fund has paid out $5.4 billion, compensating about 40% of all people who filed claims.

The U.S. has an “ethical obligation” to promptly pay those harmed by government-recommended vaccines, says Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law.

“Plus, I think it increases trust in the vaccination program if you have quick, generous compensation,” Reiss said.

One possible change: Adding injuries

As health secretary, Kennedy has broad powers to reshape the program.

One approach could be adding new diseases and illnesses to the government table of payable injuries.

In the early 2000s, the program ruled against more than 5,000 claims from families who said vaccines led to their children’s autism, citing hundreds of scientific studies discrediting the link.

Critics of Kennedy say he could claim that he has new evidence of harm — perhaps from a large autism study he’s commissioned — and add the condition to the program.

In response, the federal government might have to increase taxes on vaccines to replenish the compensation fund, which would make the shots more expensive and less accessible.

“Then you will start to watch the vaccine program infrastructure in this country disintegrate until someone steps in,” Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine researcher at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who has clashed with Kennedy for years.

A recent Senate hearing titled “Voice of the Vaccine Injured” appeared to make the case for expanding the program. Witnesses included two representatives from Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit group that Kennedy previously chaired and has repeatedly sued the government over vaccines.

The group’s chief science officer, Brian Hooker, told lawmakers he tried unsuccessfully for 16 years trying to get compensation for his son’s autism, which he attributes to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Another possible change: Removing vaccines

Another approach would involve removing certain vaccines from the program, making it easier to bring lawsuits against vaccine-makers. Under current law, people claiming injuries from vaccines covered by the program must first pursue a compensation claim before they can sue.

In cases where the science doesn’t support a connection to vaccines, lawyers might be more successful before a jury.

“Jury trials take advantage of the fact that most jurors don’t know anything about science or medicine,” Offit said. “They are not going to be as easily moved by the data.”

Still, attorneys who bring cases before the compensation program say the process has become more burdensome and adversarial over the years.

Even small changes could improve things. For instance, the statute of limitations for claims could be extended beyond the current three years, which lawyers say cuts off many potential clients.

“I’m hoping there will be changes put in place that make the program easier for petitioners to navigate” said Leah Durant, a vaccine injury attorney.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

If the late, great astronomer Carl Sagan were still around, and dabbling in the fantasy football arts, he’d point out there are billions and billions of difficult decisions to be made while crafting faux gridiron teams.

Figuring out the top rookie from the Class of 2025 is not one of them.

His name is Ashton Jeanty. He singlehandedly carried mid-major Boise State into the College Football Playoff last season, And he’s going to be doing nearly all of the major lifting for the mostly minor Las Vegas Raiders offense.

Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. The Raiders, and Jeanty’s fantasy backers, would be quite pleased with half that. That’s possible thanks to a much improved offense led by new quarterback Geno Smith and sophomore tight end Brock Bowers.

Here’s how our list of top 15 newcomers looks in early August:

1. Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB)

Need another reason for optimism? Jeanty proved quite proficient as a pass catcher over his last two seasons in Boise, logging 66 receptions for more than 700 yards and six touchdowns. Even more reason why this rookie will be taken in the first round of every fantasy draft, including yours.

FILE – Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty (2) carries the ball in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Laramie, Wyo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

2. Omarion Hampton (Chargers RB)

This North Carolina standout tallied more than 4,000 total yards and 33 TDs in his last two years as a Tar Heel, and he’ll likely be the No. 1 run option in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Former Steeler Najee Harris could challenge for goal-line carries, but Hampton is going to be Justin Herbert’s favorite running option for a while.

FILE – North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley, File)

3. Travis Hunter (Jaguars WR)

Why do we rate the Heisman Trophy winner so highly, when he’s believed to be a better defensive standout than offensive threat? Because we don’t believe Jacksonville gave up so much draft capital to take a shutdown cornerback. They need him on offense to help revive the career of QB Trevor Lawrence. Hunter’s upside as a receiver? All-world.

FILE – Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, left, pulls in a pass ahead of Baylor linebacker Keaton Thomas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

4. Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers WR)

The former Arizona standout could be set up for fantasy stardom. After 26 TDs in his three years in Tucson, McMillan comes to a Carolina team in need of a No. 1 receiver, and with a quarterback (Bryce Young) who made great strides at the end of last season. He’ll challenge former Viking Adam Thielen for the title of Young’s Favorite.

FILE – Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) reaches for the ball over West Virginia cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr. in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

5. TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots RB)

Henderson is one of two RBs on this list who led Ohio State to the national championship. Henderson is set up for more immediate success in an improved New England offense under new head coach Mike Vrabel. HIs main competition, Rhamondre Stevenson, had but one TD run in his last seven games of ‘24.

Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (0) pursues Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

6. Matthew Golden (Packers WR)

This former Texas standout may have landed in the perfect spot. Green Bay QB Jordan Love has had plenty of No. 2 and No. 3 receiver types, but they haven’t had a true No. 1 since Davante Adams left town. Golden could eventually prove to be that, though for now he’s one of many mouths to feed in the Packers’ receivers room.

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) makes the catch against Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II (1) during the first half in the quarterfinals of a College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

7. Tyler Warren (Colts TE)

Our next two picks are tight ends, and the ex-Penn State star should step right into the Indy lineup. He caught 104 passes and ran 26 times as a senior in Happy Valley, and he could eventually emerge as the top pass-catching option for the Colts’ QB, who we’re guessing will be Daniel Jones before too long.

FILE – Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) hurdles Maryland defensive back Kevis Thomas (25) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

8. Colston Loveland (Bears TE)

Some consider this Michigan product a better pro prospect than Warren, mostly because he’ll be playing for Chicago’s new coach, offensive whiz Ben Johnson. Loveland’s problem, at least initially, is he’s behind TE Cole Kmet on the depth chart, and lags behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze as Bears receiving options.

Northwestern linebacker Xander Mueller (34) tackles Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

9. Kaleb Johnson (Steelers RB)

While all the talk in Pittsburgh has been about offensive additions Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf, this Iowa rookie could have as much impact on the team’s 2025 fortunes. He had more than 1,700 total yards and 23 touchdowns last season in Iowa City, and he could quickly supplant Jaylen Warren as the Steelers’ No. 1 back, especially near the goal line.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Northwestern defensive back Devin Turner (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

10. Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers WR)

Talent-wise, you could argue this former Buckeyes star is the second-best talent in this class. His problem is Tampa Bay already has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Two perennial all-pros. But the latter suffered an ugly dislocated ankle to end his ‘24 season and might not be 100 percent to start. That could be the opening Egbuka needs.

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) is tackled by Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., bottom left, and defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

11. R.J. Harvey (Broncos RB)

There was a lot of hype about this guy who tallied more than 4,500 total yards in his last three seasons at Central Florida, with 47 touchdowns. Looked like a sure starter in Sean Payton’s run-first offense. But then the Broncos added former Chargers standout J.K. Dobbins. We’re guessing Harvey may have to wait until Dobbins goes down with injury, as is his wont.

Central Florida running back RJ Harvey, left, is tackled by Utah cornerback Smith Snowden (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

12. Luther Burden III (Bears WR)

Burden has also received a lot of hype because of Ben Johnson’s success with slot receivers (see Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown). But there are an awful lot of mouths to feed in Chicago, and no guarantee that QB Caleb Williams will suddenly regain his Heisman Trophy form as a pro.

Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a touchdown pass over Vanderbilt cornerback Tyson Russell (8) during overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

13. Tre Harris (Chargers WR)

While Harris posted solid numbers at both Louisiana Tech and Mississippi, his fantasy hype is mostly tied to the fact that, thanks to the surprising retirement of Mike Williams, he was boosted up the Chargers’ wide receiver depth chart, though he’ll have to edge out the newly-signed Keenan Allen for Los Angeles’ No. 2 receiver spot behind ‘24 rookie stud Ladd McConkey.

Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris (9) is hit by Florida defensive back Dijon Johnson (27), forcing an incomplete pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

14. Cam Ward (Titans QB)

He’s clearly the best rookie quarterback prospect. By a mile. And he’ll clearly be a big improvement at the position for Tennessee. But by any standard there are at least two dozen better options at the position. Has no fantasy value except in the deepest of dynasty leagues.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks to pass as Florida State defensive lineman Sione Lolohea (13) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

15. Quinshon Judkins (Browns RB)

TreVeyon Henderson’s Buckeyes teammate had the misfortune to be drafted by one of the league’s perennial trainwrecks. Then he was arrested last month on a domestic violence charge. The latter is very likely to lead to a suspension. But even if that is a ways down the road, it’s already a good time to forget about this alleged abuser.

Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs with the ball against Notre Dame during the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Other notable rookies

Cam Skattebo (Giants RB), Jaydon Blue (Cowboys RB), Jayden Higgins (Texans WR), Dylan Sampson (Browns RB), Jack Bech (Raiders WR), Jaxson Dart (Giants QB), Kyle Williams (Patriots WR), Jaylin Noel (Texans WR),  Savion Williams (Packers WR), Woody Marks (Texans RB).

Arizona defensive back Gavin Hunter (10) tackles Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow)

Coming up

August 17: Veterans we’re not especially high on this fantasy season.

August 24: Veterans we’re rating higher than experts’ consensus.

August 31: Our annual Nipsey Russell-inspired NFL Preview.

(Screen grab from YouTube)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

By STAN CHOE, Associated Press Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rising on Wall Street Thursday, even as President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs kicked into effect on dozens of countries.

The S&P 500 was 0.5% higher in early trading and sitting just a bit below its record, which was set late last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 254 points, as of 9:31 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.8% higher.

Related Articles

Students have been called to the office — and even arrested — for AI surveillance false alarms

Americans get more than half their calories from ultra-processed foods, CDC report says

US applications for jobless benefits up modestly but remain at a healthy level

Today in History: August 7, Twin Tower tightrope walk

More than 1,000 United Airlines flights delayed in the US due to technology problem

Worries are still high that Trump’s tariffs are damaging the economy, particularly after last week’s worse-than-expected report on the job market. But hopes for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve and a torrent of stronger-than-expected profit reports have been overshadowing the concerns on Wall Street, at least for now. Lower interest rates can give the economy and investment prices a boost, though the downside is that they can also push inflation higher.

The Bank of England cut its main interest rate on Thursday in hopes of bolstering the sluggish U.K. economy.

The U.S. tariffs that took effect Thursday morning were also already well known, as well as lower than what Trump had initially threatened. Some countries are still trying to negotiate down the tax rates on their exports, and continued uncertainty seems to be the only certainty on Wall Street. All the while, the U.S. stock market faces criticism that it’s climbed too far, too fast since hitting a bottom in April and left prices looking too expensive.

The latest reports on the U.S. economy came in mixed, meanwhile, which left Treasury yields relatively stable in the bond market.

One said that slightly more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, which could be an indication of rising layoffs. But the number remains within its recent range.

“There is nothing to see here!” according to Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics. “These are not nearly recession readings.”

A separate report said that productivity for U.S. workers improved by more during the spring than economists expected. That could help the U.S. economy grow without adding more pressure on inflation, which is particularly important when Trump’s tariffs look set to increase prices for all kinds of things that U.S. households and businesses buy.

On Wall Street, Apple again helped lead the market amid hopes that its massive size can help it navigate the new economy Trump is trying to fashion. Its stock rose 1.8% after its CEO, Tim Cook, joined Trump at the White House on Wednesday to say it’s increasing its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years.

DoorDash climbed 7.3% after the food delivery app topped Wall Street’s profit expectations for the latest quarter. It attracted new customers and saw the total number of orders increase.

Duolingo, the language-learning app, soared 31.3% after it crushed Wall Street’s expectations. The company said its subscription revenue grew 46% over the same period last year.

They helped offset a drop for Eli Lilly, which fell 11% even though the drugmaker reported a stronger profit than analysts expected. Analysts said some investors were disappointed with results that Lilly provided for a late-stage study of orforglipron, its potential pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Zepbound.

Intel slipped 1.2% after Trump called for its CEO to resign, while accusing him of being “highly CONFLICTED,” though he gave no evidence.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Stocks rose 0.2% in Shanghai and 0.7% in Hong Kong after China reported that its exports picked up in July, helped by a flurry of shipments by businesses taking advantage of a pause in Trump’s tariff war with Beijing.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.6%. Toyota Motor’s stock fell after it cut its full-year earnings forecasts largely because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but Sony rose after the entertainment and electronics company indiciated it’s taking less damage from the tariffs than it had expected.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.22%, where it was late Wednesday.

AP Business Writers Teresa Cerojano and Matt Ott contributed.