News Roundup 11/6/18
Photo Courtesy By: Steve Cannon/ AP Photo
By: Kenya Staley
1. Florida Yoga Studio Shooter Identified
On Friday, November 2 a gunman killed 2 people and injured 5 others when he entered Hot Yoga studio in Tallahassee, Florida. Tallahassee Police Chief, Michael DeLeo, confirmed the gunman was 40 year-old Scott Beierle, who later died from a self inflicted gunshot wound. The two women fatally shot were identified as Nancy Van Vessem 61, a faculty member at Florida State University and Maura Binkley 21, a student from the same University. According to NBC News, the police received a phone call about the gunman sexually harassing young women. It was later revealed that he uploaded several misogynistic and racist videos to his Facebook account. The police have yet to find a motive.
Source: NBC News
2. Georgia Accused of Voter Suppression
U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross ruled on Friday, November 2 that Georgia must ease voter restrictions that were recently implemented under state law. The legislation had the potential to flag more than 3,000 people as non-citizen and prevent them from voting in the upcoming election. Residents of Georgia called for the resignation of Republican Governor candidate, Brian Kemp, because he oversees the vote as Georgia's secretary of state. They expressed worry of voter suppression and favoritism. Several civil rights groups filed suits against the legislation arguing that it focuses on minorities. Ross's ruling stated the law raised "grave concerns for the Court about the differential treatment inflicted on a group of individuals who are predominantly minorities. ... The election scheme here places a severe burden on these individuals."
Source: NPR
3. San Jose To Offer Jobs to the Homeless
The city of San Jose introduced a program with Downtown Streets Team and Goodwill on Thursday, October 25 that pays their homeless residents $15/hr to pickup litter. Mayor Sam Liccardo announced the initiative launches in November and will hire 25 people to work 4 to 5 hours a day. In a statement, he reiterated the importance of keeping the city clean while combating homelessness, "We intend to show that our work-ready homeless residents can become, and want to become, part of 'the solution'—both for themselves, and for our community."
Source: San Francisco Gate
4. Anaheim Synagogue Bomb Threat
Makom Shalom Synagogue in Anaheim evacuated 200 attendees on Saturday, November 3 after an anonymous call was made with a bomb threat. The call was received during their nightly service and authorities were immediately notified. The police conducted an extensive search of the area but no device was found and services reconvened about an hour later. According to NBC, the police have not identified who made the bomb threat.
Source: NBC
5. Amazon Offers Free Shipping On Holiday Orders
From November 1 to December 22, Amazon is offering free two-day shipping on all holiday orders. Amazon Prime members are already eligible for free shipping but last year non-prime members had to spend at least $25 to receive free shipping. On Monday November 5, Amazon announced they are expanding free shipping with no minimum purchase to anyone who makes an online purchase.
Source: CNN