Two people have been killed in a shooting at a St. Louis high school. A new British Prime Minister has been elected. And the nation’s report is in.
Hello! Laura Davis here. It’s time for Monday’s news!
But first, sad news about Leslie Jordan: The larger-than-life Southern actor and Emmy winner, best known (by me) for his role as Beverly Leslie in “Will & Grace” has passed away. He was 67. Read more here.
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2 killed, 6 injured in St. Louis high school shooting; suspicious death
A gunman broke into Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis Monday morning, shooting a woman and a teenage girl and injuring six others. The gunman was shot dead by police in the school, Police Commissioner Mike Sack said. Officers were busy notifying the victims’ families and the gunman has not been positively identified. Law enforcement officers arrived at the school “within minutes” and entered the school “immediately,” Sack said. After students told police the gunman had a “long gun,” officers rushed to the sound of gunfire and eventually ended the attack after an exchange of gunfire. More updates here.
DOJ indicts alleged Chinese spies after double agent operation
Justice Ministry officials on Monday opened charges against 13 Chinese agents involved in three separate influence campaigns, including two intelligence officers accused of brazenly attempting to obstruct a federal criminal investigation. This is what we know.
- The case of obstruction: Federal authorities said the case represents a stunning attempt at intervention in the US justice system, with the two Chinese intelligence officers allegedly attempting to steal files and other information from the US Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York, in connection with the ongoing investigation and prosecution of Chinese telecom company Huawei.
- Alleged bribery to a double agent: The suspects in the obstruction case, who are still at large, are said to have paid $41,000 in Bitcoin bribes to a US government employee, who actually worked as a double agent for the FBI.
- The other two cases: One involved an attempt to force the repatriation of a Chinese national living in the United States. The other involved a long-running operation to recruit US residents to act as agents for China.
What is everyone talking about?
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US reading and math test scores fell during the pandemic
Pencils down. The nation’s report is in. As children catch up on the learning loss caused by the pandemic, national test scores published Monday show how much ground remains to be made up for. The National Assessment of Educational Progress gave scores for 4th and 8th graders showing the largest math declines since NAEP testing began in 1990, and no state or jurisdiction was left untouched. Reading scores also fell, but there is a glimmer of hope. How was your state??
🍎 ‘Effort beats skill.’ “Never give a gun to a duck.” What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher? This is what people from all over the country told us.
Rishi Sunak Appointed British Prime Minister, First Leader of Color
He was the British Chancellor of the Exchequer. And now he is prime minister. Rishi Sunak made a political comeback on Monday when he was elected to be prime minister by Britain’s ruling Conservative Party – just seven weeks after being sacked into office by Liz Truss. After Truss resigns on October 20, Sunak, 42, will become the fifth British Prime Minister in six years and the third in less than two months. He is the first British leader of South Asian descent, the first Hindu Prime Minister, the country’s first Colored leader and the youngest Prime Minister of modern times. Sunak takes over on Tuesday.
Very quick
What’s the weather up to in your neck of the woods? View your local weather forecast here.
May Diwali’s light brighten your day
It is Diwali time. Members of the Indian community celebrate Diwali (also known as Deepavali or Dipavali), the festival of lights that begins Monday. The holiday lasts five days and is arguably the most wonderful time of the year for millions of people around the world. As one of the most important festivals in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. To prepare for the holiday, Indian families clean and decorate their homes, dress in traditional clothing and enjoy an extensive array of delicacies. Read more about Diwali here.
Just out of the news
Laura L. Davis is an audience editor at USA TODAY. Email her at [email protected] or follow her adventures – and misadventures – on Twitter. Support such quality journalism? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.
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