Tag: News

Galina Smirnova sits in a wheelchair in court. A police officer stands guard behind her.
News

95-year-old Woman Charged with Murder after Killing Nursing Home Roommate

Social Media Manager: Samantha McCarthy Email: smccarthy12@umassd.edu Galina Smirnova, 95, has been charged with second-degree murder as well as fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon after allegedly killing her nursing home roommate Nina Kravtsov, 89. On Sunday, September 14th, Kravtsov was observed by nursing home staff “alive and asleep in her bed” in her room at Seagate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Coney Island, Brooklyn, … Continue reading 95-year-old Woman Charged with Murder after Killing Nursing Home Roommate

 
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A panda bear is sitting on its grassy zoo habitat staring into the camera.
History, News, Skyler Pereyra

Xin Xin, the Last Giant Panda in Latin America

The Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico was the first outside China to breed Giant Pandas, starting with Pe-Pe and Ying-Ying in 1975. Their offspring included Xen Li and Xin Xin, the oldest panda in captivity at 35 years. Attempts to breed Xin Xin have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about future panda replacements as China no longer gifts them. Continue reading Xin Xin, the Last Giant Panda in Latin America

 
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Families grieve as the war rages on between Palestine and Israel.
News, Politics, World News

UN Commission Finds that Israel has Committed Genocide Against Palestinians

(Image via BBC) Staff Editor: Gwen Pichette Email: gpichette@umassd.edu The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has released a report confirming that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians. The Commission is headed by Navi Pillay, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, former International Criminal Court judge, and former judge and president of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for … Continue reading UN Commission Finds that Israel has Committed Genocide Against Palestinians

 
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News, Politics

Trans People to be Labeled as “Nihilistic Violent Extremists” by FBI

Emerging FBI reports suggest that transgender individuals may be labeled as “Nihilistic Violent Extremists.” This piece delves into controversial statistics, exploring the connection between violent incidents and the transgender community, sparking a debate on the broader implications for civil rights and identity. Continue reading Trans People to be Labeled as “Nihilistic Violent Extremists” by FBI

 
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News

Animal Shelter Evacuated After FBI Burned Two Pounds of Meth in the Same Building

Fourteen staff members at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter were hospitalized after the FBI burned methamphetamine in the facility’s incinerator, filling it with smoke. The shelter’s director, Triniti Halverson, expressed concerns about the incinerator’s safety, emphasizing she was unaware of the drug disposal. The shelter awaits damage assessments for necessary repairs and remediation. Continue reading Animal Shelter Evacuated After FBI Burned Two Pounds of Meth in the Same Building

 
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News, Skyler Pereyra

Shooting at Church of the Annunciation Catholic School 

(Image via NDTV World) Staff Writer: Skyler Pereyra Email: spereyra@umassd.edu On August 27th, 2025, 23-year-old Robin M. Westman fired through the windows of the Church of the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a semi-automatic rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun. 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel were killed, and 21 other people were injured.  On the scene of the shooting, Westman shot … Continue reading Shooting at Church of the Annunciation Catholic School 

 
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An older male doctor gives a vaccine to a baby in his leg. The mother holds her son on her leg with a hand on his head and holding both his hands.
News, Politics, Science & Tech

Florida Officials Vow to End Vaccine Mandates, Causes Uproar

Florida is set to become the first state in 80 years to repeal vaccine mandates, including for school-aged children, announced by Surgeon General Joseph Lapado and Governor Ron DeSantis. This controversial decision raises concerns among health experts about the potential return of preventable diseases, despite celebrations from anti-vaccine advocates emphasizing personal freedom. Continue reading Florida Officials Vow to End Vaccine Mandates, Causes Uproar

 
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Senator John Kennedy stands at the podium on the Senate floor. He points to a propped picture of the creature from the Alien movie franchise.
News, Politics

Louisiana Senator Claims Eating Foreign Shrimp Will Turn You into an Alien

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy warned on the Senate floor that eating foreign shrimp might cause bizarre health effects, referencing recalls due to cesium-137 contamination. He emphasized the importance of consuming local shrimp. Despite the fearmongering, no serious health risks were reported, and the FDA confirmed imported shrimp remained safe prior to detection. Continue reading Louisiana Senator Claims Eating Foreign Shrimp Will Turn You into an Alien

 
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News

Illinois Teacher Charged With Sexual Abuse of Student, Keeping “Memoir” of Instances

(Image via people.com) Social Media Manager: Samantha McCarthy  Email: smccarthy12@umassd.edu This past Monday, Downers Grove South High School teacher Christina Formella pleaded not guilty in court on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault against a minor.  The alleged abuse began in December of 2023 between Formella and a 15 year-old student. Formella was 28 at the time.  … Continue reading Illinois Teacher Charged With Sexual Abuse of Student, Keeping “Memoir” of Instances

 
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News

Brooklyn Man Shot After Stabbing Nieces With a Knife

On April 6th, New York police shot a mentally ill man, Luan Chen, after he attacked and injured his four nieces with a meat cleaver. Responding to a distress call, officers found the children wounded. Chen faced multiple charges, while all parties received medical treatment at a local hospital. Investigators are exploring the attack’s motive. Continue reading Brooklyn Man Shot After Stabbing Nieces With a Knife

 
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