THREAD: iowa principal

TEEN SHOOTER Kills Four in Georgia School Tragedy

05 September 2024 — A 14-year-old boy opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, killing four and wounding nine. The victims include two students and two teachers.

The shooter, armed with an assault-style rifle, targeted students in a hallway after being denied re-entry to his algebra class. He has been charged as an adult.

Nine injured individuals were taken to hospitals and are expected to survive. The teen will be held at a regional youth detention facility starting Thursday.

TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN

22 August 2024 — A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.

Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.

The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.

Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY President Quits Amid Campus Chaos

15 August 2024 — Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned Wednesday after a brief, tumultuous tenure. Her resignation follows heavy scrutiny over her handling of protests and campus divisions related to the Israel-Hamas war. The Ivy League school faced intense student demonstrations, leading to police intervention and clashes.

The announcement comes days after three Columbia University Deans resigned for exchanging disparaging texts about Jewish life and antisemitism. Shafik was criticized by Republicans in Congress for not adequately addressing antisemitism concerns on campus. She began her role in July last year but announced her resignation just weeks before the new semester starts on Sept. 3.

In an emailed letter, Shafik mentioned progress in important areas but admitted it was difficult to overcome divergent views within the community. She cited the toll on her family as a reason for stepping down, believing it would help Columbia navigate future challenges better. The university has started restricting campus access to curb potential disruptions as classes resume soon.

NEBRASKA COURT Upholds Abortion And Gender Care BAN: Aclu Loses Fight

26 July 2024 — Nebraska’s LB574, combining the Let Them Grow Act and Preborn Child Protection Act, was upheld by the state’s highest court. The bill initially faced a filibuster but was revised to include a ban on gender-affirming treatment for children. The ACLU sued, claiming it violated the single-subject rule, but the court disagreed.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican stated that both abortion and sex-change procedures fall under medical care, satisfying the single-subject requirement. He emphasized that as long as a bill has one general objective and its title reflects its content, it does not violate constitutional rules.

Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman dissented strongly, accusing the majority of hypocrisy based on a 2020 ruling against medical marijuana legalization for violating the same rule. ACLU attorney Matt Segal argued that abortion and transgender care were separate issues until combined out of necessity by legislators.

OKLAHOMA Court BLOCKS First Religious Charter School

25 June 2024 — The Oklahoma Supreme Court halted the establishment of the first publicly funded religious charter school in the U.S. The court ruled that the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board’s approval of St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School violated both state and federal constitutions. This decision is a setback for conservatives and Governor Kevin Stitt, who have supported religious involvement in public education.

Justice James Winchester stated that under Oklahoma law, charter schools must be nonsectarian, making it unconstitutional for St. Isidore to operate as a Catholic school with public funding. The ruling emphasized that public schools cannot evangelize or promote religious curricula while receiving state sponsorship.

Supporters of the school had hoped recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions would allow more flexibility for public funds to go to religious entities. Conservative states like Louisiana have already pushed for more religious content in public schools, such as posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms and teaching the Bible.

In response to the ruling, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Diocese of Tulsa announced they will “consider all legal options.” This case will likely continue to be a focal point in debates over religion’s role in publicly funded education systems across America.

MIT ISSUES Ultimatum: Pro-Palestinian Students Face Suspension

07 May 2024 — MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles has declared the pro-Palestinian encampment at MIT a policy violation. Students have been ordered to vacate by 2:30 p.m. or face immediate academic suspension. This move is part of a broader trend of universities taking action against such encampments nationwide.

Chancellor Nobles stressed MIT’s commitment to free expression but stated the necessity to end the encampment for community safety. Despite multiple discussions with encampment leaders, no resolution has been reached, leading to this decisive action from the administration.

Students who comply with the evacuation order by the deadline will avoid sanctions from MIT’s Committee on Discipline, provided they are not under current investigation or have held leadership roles in the encampment. This serves as a final warning to those involved in violating campus policies.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding Middle East politics and raises questions about finding a balance between free speech and institutional rules.

ALDERMAN’S Anti-Israel Stance Sparks Outrage

04 May 2024 — Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez was spotted at an anti-Israel gathering at the University of Chicago. This event comes after his participation in a March rally where the American flag was desecrated. Critics are now questioning his ability to uphold American values.

Sigcho-Lopez has received criticism from fellow aldermen and veterans, who are alarmed by his actions. Army veteran Marco Torres expressed dismay, questioning Sigcho-Lopez’s commitment to veterans given his recent behavior. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the alderman’s judgment and priorities as a public servant.

The alderman’s involvement in these events is particularly controversial as it precedes the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August. His behavior has ignited discussions about whether it is appropriate for someone in his position, especially during such a critical time leading up to elections.

Observers are keenly watching how these controversies might affect both the DNC and Sigcho-Lopez’s political future. The stakes are high for party unity and public trust, with significant interest from local voters and national commentators.

CRUMBLEY VERDICT: Parents Face Historic Accountability for Child’s Deadly Actions

15 March 2024 — In a landmark decision, a Michigan jury found James Crumbley guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter. This verdict stems from the fatal shooting carried out by his son, Ethan Crumbley, at Oxford High School in November 2021. The case marks an unprecedented moment in which parents are held liable for their child’s violent behavior.

James and Jennifer Crumbley faced charges after their 15-year-old son tragically ended the lives of four students and wounded seven others. Keith Johnson, a criminal defense attorney, suggests that this case could establish a new standard for parental accountability when weapons brought into homes result in mass shootings.

The Crumbleys have made history as the first parents to be tried in relation to a mass school shooting incident in the U.S. James was indicted for failing to properly secure his firearm at home and neglecting his son’s mental health concerns.

In line with his wife’s earlier decision during her separate trial in February, James elected not to testify during his trial. Jennifer was also found guilty on all charges and is set to receive her sentence next month.

IDAHO Supreme Court REJECTS Appeal in Shocking Student Murder Case

13 March 2024 — The Idaho Supreme Court dismissed the pretrial appeal of Bryan Kohberger on Tuesday. Kohberger’s public defenders had argued that his indictment on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary was improperly handled by prosecutors.

The grand jury was guided to indict if they found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a more stringent criterion than probable cause. The reasoning behind the Idaho Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal was not disclosed.

Kohberger, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student hailing from Pennsylvania, stands accused of committing an unspeakable crime in Moscow, Idaho. He allegedly infiltrated an off-campus residence and brutally murdered four University of Idaho students in November 2022. His bid to stall proceedings by challenging the judge’s refusal to discard the indictment proved futile

As Kohberger awaits trial for his purported heinous acts, this case continues to evolve. This latest ruling signifies another stride towards justice for the victims.

CLARKE COUNTY Sheriff Concedes: ICE Policy ‘Needs Improvement’ Following Student’S Tragic Death

07 March 2024 — The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office has conceded that its policy on declining Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests for undocumented immigrants “needs improvement”. This admission follows the murder of Augusta University nursing student, Laken Riley. The 22-year-old was allegedly slain by an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela on the University of Georgia campus.

Sheriff John Williams, who ran his campaign on a platform of non-cooperation with ICE detainers, issued a statement in response to the public outcry. In 2018, his office altered its policy regarding foreign nationals booked into jail. This resulted in a refusal to hold inmates based solely on ICE detainers unless there was a judge-signed order. The change was influenced by public feedback, best practices review, relevant case law and legal advice.

Although Clarke County Sheriff’s Office is required by law to inform ICE when someone suspected or known to be a foreign national is booked into jail, holding someone solely based on an ICE detainer is seen as a warrantless arrest unless there’s a court order or warrant signed by a judge. Despite recent controversy and events, Sheriff Williams has upheld this policy since assuming office in 2021.

The brother of Laken Riley’s alleged murderer is reportedly connected to Venezuelan crime gangs. There are concerns within the FBI that members

TEXAS TRAGEDY: Young Girl’s Mysterious Death Leads to Capital Murder Charges

21 February 2024 — The small Texas community is in shock after the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was found on Tuesday. Her remains were discovered in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge, according to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons. Audrii had been missing since February 15th, when she failed to catch her usual school bus.

42-year-old Don Steven McDougal is now facing arrest by Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton in relation to Audrii’s case. McDougal, who was taken into custody last Friday on separate charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, has had numerous chances to aid the investigation into Audrii’s disappearance but chose not to cooperate.

Sheriff Lyons revealed that McDougal was likely one of the last people to see Audrii alive and would sometimes drive her to school or the bus stop. Despite this connection, he emphasized caution and patience as they continue their work towards building a strong criminal case against McDougal.

Our primary goal is justice for Audrii,“ Sheriff Lyons stated firmly. ”We will persistently process all evidence collected and ensure that justice prevails for this young girl’s untimely death.

CHIEFS FAN Shattered: Friends’ Mysterious Deaths Ignite Wild Speculation

28 January 2024 — Jordan Willis, a loyal Kansas City Chiefs supporter, is said to be “shattered” and in a state of deep despair after three friends were found lifeless in his backyard. Despite the absence of charges or solid evidence against him, Willis finds himself under the public’s harsh gaze.

Ricky Johnson (38), Clayton McGeeney (36), and David Harrington (37) were discovered outside Willis’ residence on January 9. The last sighting of the trio was at a Chiefs game watch party just two days earlier. This grim news stunned Willis’ family who initially feared he might be among the victims.

Critics argue that many are too quick to point fingers without waiting for official reports or facts from an ongoing police probe. As they await answers about what led to these sudden deaths in frigid temperatures, the families and friends of the deceased are filled with anxiety.

While experts have suggested potential causes ranging from drug use to lethal weather conditions, all theories remain speculative until authorities investigating this case release official results.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

TRUMP’S EYE on Burgum: A Potential Power Player in Second Administration

21 January 2024 — Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has recently been spotlighted by former President Trump as a potential key player for his possible second term. This news emerged following Trump’s unprecedented victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Responding to conjecture about a potential role in Trump’s administration, Burgum, who had previously endorsed Trump just before the Iowa Caucuses said, “Well, it’s very flattering... but you know, these are all hypotheticals.”

The Governor underscored his dedication to his current position and to backing Trump’s nomination and election endeavors. He further explained that his previous campaign was motivated by concerns about the economy, energy and national security issues that America is facing.

SELFLESS Iowa Principal SHIELDS Students from Gunfire: A Heroic Tale of Bravery

06 January 2024 — Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger was critically injured on Thursday. He was shielding students from a teenage shooter in a harrowing incident. The 17-year-old student, armed with both a shotgun and handgun, injured six other staff members and students before ending his own life.

Marburger’s act of bravery has been praised by the state Department of Public Safety. Currently, he is receiving treatment in a Des Moines hospital. The principal is being hailed for his selfless decision to place himself in harm’s way to protect his students.

The small town of Perry is mourning this devastating event. Classes across the district have been suspended until next Friday as the community grapples with this shocking incident.

Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks spoke about the pain and grief impacting their school community. Counseling has taken precedence over classes as they take time to remember those affected by this senseless act of violence.

IOWA SCHOOL Shooting: Innocent Lives Lost in Heart-Wrenching Attack, Community in Shock

04 January 2024 — A day of learning turned into a nightmare when a 17-year-old student unleashed gunfire at Perry High School in Iowa. The first day back from winter break was marred by the death of a sixth-grader and injuries to five others, including the school’s principal, Dan Marburger. The shooter, Dylan Butler, also died due to what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The tranquil town of Perry, home to approximately 8,000 people and situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, was plunged into turmoil by the shocking incident. Families were reunited at the McCreary Community Building after the shooting that has left this close-knit community devastated.

Authorities disclosed that during his assault Butler was armed with both a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. A crude homemade explosive device was also discovered on-site but was safely deactivated by authorities.

This latest episode of gun violence once again puts America’s gun ownership rights under the microscope. As such events persistently occur nationwide, they cast an ever-growing shadow over other fundamental rights.

OBERLIN College DUMPS Former Iran Official Amid Shocking Mass Murder Scandal

12 December 2023 — Ohio’s Oberlin College has dismissed Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, a former Iranian official and religion professor. This decision comes after a persistent three-year campaign by Iranian Americans. They were outraged by Mahallati’s alleged involvement in the cover-up of the mass execution of at least 5,000 Iranian political prisoners in 1988.

Mahallati was also scrutinized by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. He was accused of harassing Jewish students and supporting Hamas, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and EU. On November 28, Oberlin College spokesperson Andrea Simakis confirmed that Mahallati had been put on indefinite administrative leave.

In less than four weeks, Oberlin College removed all traces of Mahallati from its website. This included his profile and a fact sheet that allegedly downplayed his reported crimes against humanity, antisemitism, and genocidal rhetoric targeting Iran’s Baha’i community. His nameplate was also removed from his office door — another signal pointing to the college’s disassociation with him.

This move is seen as an acknowledgment by Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar that her defense for Mahallati over three years was unsustainable. The administration has been dealing with various controversies involving Mahallati

PEARL HARBOR Hero Returns at 103: An Unforgettable Tribute to Fallen Comrades

07 December 2023 — World War II veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, a Pearl Harbor survivor, recently journeyed back to Hawaii for the 82nd anniversary of the infamous attack. At an impressive age of 103, Schab received a warm welcome and applause upon his arrival in Honolulu from Portland.

Schab was just a young man of 21 when Japanese pilots launched their devastating attack on the naval base on Dec. 7, 1941. Now, more than eight decades later, he vividly remembers that fateful day — some memories are painful yet indelible.

During the attack, Schab wasn’t just playing his saxophone in the band aboard the USS Dobbin; he also assisted in loading his ship’s anti-aircraft guns. Despite harboring painful memories from that day, he remains committed to honoring and remembering those who tragically lost their lives.

SMITH’S Triumphant Return: Reclaims Mayoral Seat, AMO Breaks Barriers in Rhode Island, and Beshear Clinches Kentucky Governorship

08 November 2023 — Mr. Smith has successfully reclaimed his position as mayor, defeating the current office holder Kimberly Mata-Rubio. This victory marks his third term in office, having previously served from 2008 to 2010.

Rhode Island is now home to its first black congressman, Mr. Amo. Despite this historic achievement, Amo maintains that he didn’t run for recognition but to champion women’s rights and the interests of the working class.

In a nail-biting Kentucky gubernatorial race closely watched nationwide, Mr. Beshear came out on top. As the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, he managed a slim victory over incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin by a margin of roughly 5,000 votes.

The recent U.S ballot initiative establishes individual rights relating to reproductive decisions following last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — a move that returns abortion regulation power back to individual states.

NATWEST CEO Falls: ICO Rules Against Dame Alison Rose, NO More Actions Planned

28 October 2023 — The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has ruled against former NatWest CEO, Dame Alison Rose. She was found to have breached data laws in her dealings with Brexit leader Nigel Farage. However, since Rose has already stepped down from her role, the ICO plans no further action.

Rose twice broke data laws by sharing the bank’s decision to debank Farage with a reporter. She revealed sensitive personal financial details about Farage and gave misleading information about why his account was closed.

According to the ICO report, these actions violated Farage’s rights. But as Rose has resigned and NatWest is conducting its own investigation, the ICO doesn’t plan any additional regulatory action at this time.

Despite potential hefty payouts from NatWest in coming years, critics believe it would be inappropriate to reward Rose with a large sum due to her violations of Financial Conduct Authority code and data laws.