The standoff between French police and an al-Qaida linked gunman in Toulouse is over after more than 30 hours. The office of President Nicolas Sarkozy and police officials confirm that Mohammed Merah, the 24-year-old man suspected of killing seven people, is dead. In other headlines, city commissioners in Sanford, Florida, have voted “no confidence” in their police chief Bill Lee; the Republican budget plan has been approved by the Budget Committee; last year’s Texas drought was the costliest in state history; and a NASA probe on Mercury has found new evidence of possible ice.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!