Five Things You Need To Know: October 29

*photo courtesy of MCT Campus

1.  Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting 

Robert D. Bowers shot and killed 11 victims at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh during a Saturday morning service — the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history.

He was armed with an AR-15 and three pistols, screaming anti-semitic slurs during the shooting. After being captured by authorities, Bowers claimed he “wanted all Jews to die,” and showed no remorse for the victims.

Before the shooting took place, Bowers frequently posted anti-semitic remarks on his Gab account — a far right social networking service promoting and supporting free speech. This led officials to believe Bowers had been planning the attack for weeks.

Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II made a statement denouncing Bowers’s actions, and declaring a moment of silence before the Steelers’ game on Sunday.

“Our hearts are heavy, but we must stand against anti-semitism and hate crimes of any nature and come together to preserve our values and our community,” Rooney said.

Bowers faces 29 charges, including 11 counts of using a firearm to commit murder, and 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. The story is still developing.

Cesar Sayoc was often arrested over the years, generating a gallery of mugshots in the process. (Handouts/Miami Herald/TNS) *photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

2. Pipe bomb suspect taken into custody
   

Cesar Sayoc Jr., a DJ and bouncer in West Palm Beach, FL., was taken into custody on Saturday for allegedly sending pipe bombs to Democratic officials and supporters.

Bombs were sent to former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Robert DeNiro and 11 others. Sayoc’s Twitter account was full of threats to Democrats and Twitter released a statement claiming it “made a mistake” in leaving Sayoc’s account on their platform.

Sayoc was processed in South Florida after being taken into custody, and faces charges that implicate up to 48 years in prison.

Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids, here in an image from her campaign website. (shariceforcongress.com). *photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

3. Kansas midterm top election polls

*polls from FiveThirtyEight.com, percent=forecasted vote share

Governor

Kris Kobach (R) – 45.1%

Laura Kelly (D) – 41.9%

Greg Orman (Ind.) – 11.2%

Others – 1.8%

House of Representatives (3rd District)

Sharice Davids (D) – 51.0%

Kevin Yoder [incumbent] (R) – 45.8%

Chris Clemmons (Lib.) – 3.2%

House of Representatives (2nd District)

Steve Watkins (R) – 47.5%

Paul Davis (D) – 46.9%

Kelly Stanley (Lib.) – 5.6%

House of Representatives (4th District)

Ron Estes [incumbent] (R) – 57.0%

James A. Thompson (D) – 43.0%

House of Representatives (1st District)

Roger Marshall [incumbent] (R) – 66.9%

Alan LaPolice (D) – 33.1%

4. SHARE all-school Dodgeball Tournament to take place Thursday

The annual SHARE Dodgeball Tournament will take place this Thursday at 5:30 in the main gym. Eight players are allowed per team, and the entry fee is a cereal box given by each player. All players must be students, teachers, staff and/or administration and school-appropriate team uniforms are allowed.

SHARE is prioritizing the donation aspect of the tournament by giving teams that donate more than eight boxes an extra life in the tournament — meaning an extra opportunity to stay in the running despite losing a game. The winning squad will receive a dozen donuts, details included upon winning.

Registration forms are due by third period on Wednesday. Grab sign up sheets outside the SHARE room, or click here.

5. Yearbook picture retakes in library during seminar Thursday

All students will be able to retake or make up their yearbook photos this Thursday. Whether you don’t like your current photo, or you haven’t gotten it taken, this is the last opportunity to have your picture taken this year.

Photographers will be stationed  in the library from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.