A man has shot dead seven of his own children and another child in a mass shooting in Shreveport, in what authorities have described as a domestic incident.

Police in the U.S. state of Louisiana said the suspect, identified as Shamar Elkins, opened fire early Sunday morning, killing eight children aged between one and 14 years old.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, the gunman shot a total of 10 people before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. Two adult women, including the children’s mother, remain in critical condition.

Authorities said the suspect first shot a woman on the street before entering a nearby residence, where the children were killed. One of the victims managed to escape and alert emergency services, while another child reportedly jumped from a roof and was taken to hospital.

Police later pursued Elkins into a neighbouring area, where officers shot and killed him after he attempted to evade capture.

Officials have not confirmed a motive, but family members told U.S. media the suspect had been distressed following a separation from his wife and an impending court appearance related to their divorce.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the incident as one of the most devastating in the city’s history. “This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport,” he said, adding that the entire community is mourning alongside the affected families.

The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in the United States since early 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more victims are shot, excluding the perpetrator.

Fresh signs of diplomatic movement have emerged as Israel and Lebanon prepare to hold talks today, despite earlier uncertainty raised by officials in Beirut.

U.S. President Donald Trump was the first to outline a timeline, stating in a social media post late Wednesday that Israeli and Lebanese leaders would be speaking “tomorrow.”

That assertion was reinforced by Galia Gamliel, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, who told Israeli Army Radio that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak directly with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun later today.

If confirmed, such a conversation would mark a highly significant development, as direct communication between leaders of the two countries has been rare and politically sensitive, reflecting decades of tension and conflict.

The planned talks come amid broader diplomatic efforts in the region, with the United States playing a central role in facilitating dialogue.

At the same time, Washington has indicated that a second round of discussions with Iran remains “ongoing” and “productive,” following an initial round of talks that failed to yield an agreement during meetings in Islamabad last weekend.

Authorities in Australia have rolled out emergency cost-of-living measures—including halving fuel taxes and offering free public transport in some states.

The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announced a temporary cut to the fuel excise tax, reducing it by 26.3 cents per litre for petrol and diesel over three months. The move is expected to save motorists between A$10 and A$20 per tank, though it will cost the government about A$2.55bn.

The spike in fuel prices has been driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, alongside disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical corridor for around 20% of the world’s oil and gas.

At the state level, Victoria has announced free travel on trains, trams, and buses throughout April. Premier Jacinta Allan said the measure aims to ease pressure on households and reduce fuel demand.

Similarly, Tasmania will provide free public transport—including buses, coaches, and ferries—until the end of June. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the policy is designed to shield residents from rising living costs, with additional savings for families using school transport services.

However, other states have stopped short of adopting similar measures. In New South Wales, Transport Minister John Graham said offering free public transport would impose significant daily costs, arguing funds must be preserved for longer-term economic resilience.