Teen Opens Fire at Bend School: 4 Dead, Shooter Killed by Bystander

An Elementary School Shooting in Oregon Leaves Four Dead

In a tragic event in Bend, Oregon, a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School resulted in the deaths of three children and a teacher. The children were aged 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher also lost their life in the incident. Additionally, a 7-year-old and a 54-year-old were injured and taken to the hospital. Local authorities confirmed that a 16-year-old was responsible for the attack, using a “long gun.” The shooter was eventually shot dead by a bystander who followed him into the school premises. As of now, the shooter’s identity hasn’t been revealed, but officials confirmed he lived in Bend. Any connection between the shooter and the school remains unknown.

Justice Department Challenges California’s Voter Rolls

The Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against California to prevent it from counting ballots allegedly from noncitizens. Just three weeks before the elections, the DOJ provided a flash drive to Los Angeles County’s chief voting official, containing the names of 20,000 individuals suspected to be noncitizens. The DOJ demanded a 48-hour investigation into these names, or it threatened to proceed with legal action, which it did recently.

• Many experts and California officials question the validity of the DOJ’s claims, pointing to President Trump’s history of spreading misinformation on this topic. The DOJ seeks to set aside ballots connected to these claims for further investigation, despite vote-by-mail ballots already being distributed. NPR’s Miles Parks suggests that the DOJ’s success in this lawsuit is unlikely due to clear constitutional provisions that grant states the authority to manage elections.

Trump and the Presidential Records Act Dispute

Lawyers representing the Trump administration are set to argue before a federal appeals court that documents from the White House should belong to Trump rather than the public. This case, with potential implications for the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, follows actions in Trump’s second term challenging post-Watergate presidential restrictions. Historically, presidents had discretion over their records until Congress passed the Presidential Records Act in disputes with Richard Nixon. This year, the Trump administration sought to challenge the law, following Trump’s indictment on obstruction charges related to classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, a case that was later dismissed on technical grounds.

Investigative Spotlight: Mazal Group’s Sales Tactics Scrutinized

Triggered by a tip, NPR conducted a year-long investigation into the sales practices of skincare stores associated with the California-based Mazal Group. These stores, found nationwide, have been accused of coercive sales tactics, particularly targeting the elderly and disabled. The investigation involved conversations with over 50 individuals, including customers, family members, and former employees, and reviewed court cases and consumer complaints. The full findings from this investigation can be accessed through NPR’s detailed report, documentary, or podcast.

Weekend Recommendations and Insights

Important Updates Before You Go

1. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating suspicious mailings sent to election officials and congressional offices, some containing a white powder.
2. Trump has canceled the livestream of Nidal Hasan’s execution, convicted for the Fort Hood shooting.
3. The Smithsonian National Zoo has welcomed five cheetah cubs, with a 24-hour livestream available for viewing.