What we’re reading: Michigan State University shooting, College Board responds to Florida Education Department

AP

Current and former Michigan State University students rally at the capitol in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Alexandria Verner, Brian Fraser and Arielle Anderson were killed and other students remain remain in critical condition after a gunman opened fire on the campus of Michigan State University Monday night. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Published Feb 15, 2023

Shooting at Michigan State University

A gunman opened fire at Michigan State University Monday night, killing three and injuring five. Students received an alert from the university on Monday night around 8:30 p.m. to “run, hide, fight”, according to The Detroit Free Press.

One of the deceased was identified as Alexandria Verner from Clawson, Michigan. The Grosse Pointe, Michigan school district released a statement saying two graduates from the district have been identified as the other two victims, according to Fox 2 News. Those injured have undergone surgery and are still in critical condition. 

The gunman was identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae. McRae was found dead with self-inflicted gunshot wounds and his motive is still unknown, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

College Board responds to Florida officials’ rejection of AP African American Studies course

 The College Board has responded to the state of Florida following its rejection of a new AP African American Studies curriculum. 

College Board officials are accusing the Florida Education Department of slander and spreading misinformation for political gain, according to CNN.  

Florida rejected the course last month, alleging that it lacks educational value and goes against state law, according to clickorlando.com. 

Following the rejection of the course, Brandi Waters, senior director of AP African American studies for the College Board, has clarified what the course would offer students and how it would explore African American history.  

Pedestrians hit by U-Haul driver in New York City

Eight people were injured on Monday morning when the driver of a U-Haul vehicle ran into them in New York City.

Officials said the incident occured early Monday morning. Officers pulled over the rented van after the driver had hit at least one pedestrian in Bay Bridge. Before fleeing from the police, the suspect told them he “wanted to die” and said “shoot me, I’m not stopping,” according to ABC 7 NY. He then hit seven more pedestrians and was eventually arrested.

The seven pedestrians and one police officer have been hospitalized with injuries. Two of them are in critical condition, according to The New York Times. 

Officials say the act was not terroristic and the suspect is a 62-year-old homeless man who has been living in the U-Haul truck, according to ABC News.