Orlando rampage reflects convergence of terrorism and mass shootings
Washington Post – June 12
The deadly attack at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday is raising serious concerns among global security experts and criminologists about a convergence between terrorism and the American phenomenon of mass shootings. Armed with an AR-15 — the weapon of choice for mass shooters — Omar Mateen pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during an attack that killed 50 people at a popular gay club called Pulse, authorities said … “It’s becoming increasingly apparent that mass shootings can be just as deadly as bombings,” said Adam Lankford, a University of Alabama criminal justice professor and author of a book on mass shooters and suicide bombers. “And the scary part is that it’s often much easier to pull off.”
New Zealand Herald – June 12
Why the Orlando Shooting Was So Deadly
New York Times – June 12
The attack at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday was the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. One out of every three people at the Pulse nightclub was killed or injured after the shooter, Omar Mateen, opened fire … The police did not stop the gunman until three hours after Mr. Mateen started shooting, an unusually long time, Adam Lankford, a professor at the University of Alabama who studies mass shootings, said. At some point after the first shots were fired, Mr. Mateen went outside the club and later returned, creating “a hostage situation,” Chief John Mina of the Orlando police said. It is unknown if the shooter killed more people as the police prepared for a confrontation.
Why the U.S. has the most mass shootings
CNN.com – June 12
When a gunman opened fire Sunday at a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 50 people, the shooter joined a long line of attackers in the U.S. who have taken multiple lives in one incident. When it comes to gun massacres, the United States is tragically exceptional: There are more public mass shootings in the United States than in any other country in the world, according to a study published recently … “People have been a little surprised by these statistics,” said Adam Lankford, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Alabama, who did the analysis. Lankford presented his work at the American Sociological Association’s annual conference last year and says it’s the first research of its kind to do a global comparison.
Ozarks.com – June 12
Magzter – June 12
University of Alabama law school recognized as one of the best in the nation
Yellowhammer News – June 11
The University of Alabama School of Law has once again received national recognition as one of the top law schools in the country. Above the Law released its fourth annual list of the 50 best law schools in the nation, largely based on the success law students have finding jobs after graduation. The site believes “potential students should prioritize their future employment prospects over all other factors in deciding whether and where to attend law school. The relative quality of schools is a function of how they deliver on the promise of gainful legal employment.”
Democrats must embrace Sanders to win, experts say
Florence Times Daily – June 12
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will face each other in the presidential election in November. How they accomplish a win will depend largely on who supports them. For Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, a win could hinge on Clinton and the party embracing the supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Without them, observers say, her base might not be so deep. . . . Sanders’ resonance with young people must be translated to Clinton’s mainstream candidacy if she is to win. “They need to get Sanders’ folks solidly behind the Clinton candidacy and show it was not a wasted effort, that it is having an effect on the Democratic Party that the left is interested in,” said Bill Stewart, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Alabama.
White House considers sending illegal immigrant children to Sessions’ home state
AL.com – June 11
The White House is considering a plan to relocate thousands of illegal immigrant children to the home state of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, causing some to question whether presidential politics is at play. Sessions has for years has led the opposition to immigration policies supported by President Barack Obama. The plan would send the children to Baldwin County, across the bay from Sessions’ home in Mobile County. . . . Said William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama: “You can’t take politics out of politics. At the highest levels of government, staffers are paid to be aware of the political implications of what they propose. They are aware of the places their critics call home.”
Women of The Daily Home’s newsroom reflect on Hillary Clinton’s historic achievement
Anniston Star – June 11
In case you missed it, history was made this past week. Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be named a major political party’s presumptive nominee for president of the United States of America. Elayne Smith – A long time coming. It’s about time … Elayne Smith is a University of Alabama student working as a reporter intern for The Daily Home.
‘Here I Sit, Brokenhearted’ play on bathroom graffiti to debut at UA
Tuscaloosa News – June 11
Of the four actors in “Here I Sit, Brokenhearted: A Bathroom Odyssey,” three admit it’s the oddest premise they’ve yet performed. “I did a show with Russians, speaking in Russian, and didn’t understand a word,” said Ian Anderson, a current MFA acting grad student at the University of Alabama, talking about a Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) production of “The Inspector General.”
Energy regulation is necessary, but should be fact-based
Al.com – June 10
Throughout my career – beginning when, at age 26, I became president of the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce – bringing good, well-paying jobs to Alabama has been of paramount importance. As Alabama recruited Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Airbus, Google, Remington Arms and others, it was clear that a key element in the state’s ability to attract industry is our reliable and affordable energy supply … Our Senior Policy Advisors are Chuck Karr, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Alabama; Oliver D. Kingsley Jr., Associate Dean for Special Projects in the Office of the Dean for the Auburn University School of Engineering; Jim Sullivan. (By Seth Hammett, chairman of the Energy Institute of Alabama, former Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives and former chief of staff for Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley.)
Their summer project: Improve Montgomery
Montgomery Advertiser – June 11
The problems on the white board were serious, from Montgomery charities without enough money and resources to small business startups here that are struggling to find their audience. The mood was less serious. A packed room of community leaders exploded into laughter at some of the unique ideas that were floated during the brainstorming session. One involved a downtown goat race … Like Hilton, fellow Gumptioneer Alysheia Gray trained in graphic arts at Auburn Montgomery. Gray has lived here for about 11 years and talked about how there’s more to do now, especially for young people. The third member of the group is University of Alabama senior Michael Tyner, who’s studying public relations.