4 college students on the College of Idaho and three on the College of Virginia died in separate tragedies on Sunday. At UVA, a scholar has been arrested and charged with homicide within the incident; at Idaho, particulars surrounding the deaths stay murky.
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 23, was charged with three counts of second-degree homicide after he allegedly shot and killed three and injured two different UVA college students on a constitution bus returning to the campus, in Charlottesville, Va., from a area journey late Sunday night. The sphere journey was a part of a college class that had attended a play in Washington, D.C., officers mentioned.
Jones was taken into custody after a 12-hour manhunt by the college, native, and state police, together with federal businesses together with the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service. In the course of the manhunt, college students and employees members sheltered in place for greater than 12 hours, lots of them in libraries and educational buildings. Jones was discovered off campus quickly after 11 a.m. on Monday.
Jones is a former member of the college’s soccer crew. The three college students killed have been present members of the soccer crew. D’Sean Perry was a linebacker from Miami. Devin Chandler was a large receiver from Virginia Seashore. Lavel Davis Jr. was additionally a large receiver, from Ridgeville, S.C.
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The college’s police division responded to a name about pictures fired in a campus parking storage round 10:16 p.m. on Sunday. On the scene, cops encountered a number of victims of gunshot wounds.
“Somebody amongst them selected to do an act of violence. And we discovered them useless inside that bus. And for hours, we needed to course of against the law scene,” mentioned Timothy J. Longo, the college’s vice chairman for safety and security and chief of police, at a information convention on Monday.
Two of the victims have been discovered useless on the scene, and a 3rd was transported to a hospital and died there. About 25 college students have been on the bus, based on the college’s president, James E. Ryan.
The 2 injured college students are being handled on the College of Virginia Medical Heart. One is in essential situation. Their names weren’t disclosed by the college.
Jones was additionally charged with three counts of utilizing a handgun within the fee of a felony, based on Longo.
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Longo mentioned Jones had come to the eye of the college’s threat-assessment crew this fall, after an individual unaffiliated with the college reported that Jones possessed a gun. Longo additionally mentioned Jones had been concerned in a hazing investigation that was closed after witnesses wouldn’t cooperate with the method. The college later realized that, in February 2021, Jones confronted a felony cost involving a concealed-weapon violation exterior Charlottesville. He didn’t report the incident to the college.
Geoff Burke, USA Immediately Sports activitiesLavel Davis Jr., one of many UVA victims, throughout a sport in 2020
College students and employees members acquired emergency alerts instantly after the taking pictures was reported, asking them to shelter in place.
“Your entire college neighborhood is grieving this morning,” mentioned Ryan throughout the information convention. “My coronary heart is damaged for the victims and their households and for all who knew and beloved them. And they’re all in my prayers.”
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Julissa Bishop, a third-year scholar, mentioned that when she had learn the emergency alert, which included the phrases “RUN HIDE FIGHT,” she referred to as her mom. She additionally began texting her mates to inform them she loves them.
“They have been simply going to high school, enjoying on the soccer crew, and now they’re gone,” Bishop mentioned. “I’m so in shock. I don’t know what to do.”
Bishop mentioned she couldn’t sleep till 3 a.m. and awakened simply three hours later, hoping the suspect had been discovered. Her members of the family continued to name and textual content her, as they realized the information.
“Shootings maintain taking place, and there’s nothing being achieved to cease them,” Bishop mentioned. “It makes me upset. It’s getting out of hand.”
The White Home launched an announcement in regards to the taking pictures on Monday afternoon. “The president and first woman are mourning with the College of Virginia neighborhood after one more lethal taking pictures in America has taken the lives of three younger individuals,” the White Home press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, mentioned. “Our deepest condolences are with the numerous households, mates, and neighbors grieving for these killed in addition to these injured on this mindless taking pictures.”
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The tragedy struck the historic campus in Charlottesville, simply 150 miles up the interstate from Virginia Tech, the place a mass taking pictures 15 years in the past took 33 lives.
Suspected Homicides in Idaho
The police are investigating the deaths of the 4 Idaho college students, whose our bodies have been present in a home close to the Moscow, Idaho, campus. The police recognized the 4 victims on Monday after notifying their mother and father: Ethan Chapin, 20, from Conway, Wash.; Kaylee GonCalves, 21, from Rathdrum, Idaho; Xana Kernodle, 20, from Avondale, Ariz.; and Madison Mogen, 21, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The deaths are being investigated as homicides, however the police haven’t launched the causes of demise, and a suspect will not be in custody. The college initially advised college students to shelter in place and keep away from the realm for roughly an hour after cops discovered the our bodies, however Scott Inexperienced, the establishment’s president, mentioned on Sunday night in an emailed statement to the college neighborhood that the police not “imagine there may be an energetic menace.”
“An occasion of this magnitude can understandably have vital impacts on these left behind,” Inexperienced wrote. “As Vandals, we should come collectively and raise one another up.”
The college canceled courses on Monday, “out of respect for these fellow Vandals.” Within the assertion, Inexperienced additionally reminded college students of extra help companies and urged those that are apprehensive a couple of scholar or worker to fill out a VandalCare report, which notifies the college about those that might be a hazard to themselves or others, or who may gain advantage from extra help.
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The Moscow Police Division and the college didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
“Thank you as well to our partners in Idaho for their immediate willingness to offer assistance. You helped rebuild this vital infrastructure and respond to others in need.”
Idaho and Wyoming also recently worked together to develop the “Decarbonizing the West” report at the Western Governors Association. You can read and see the presentations here and read the final report here.
The Western Governors Association recently celebrated 40 years with Idaho in attendance. The WGA is comprised of 19 member states and three territories. Member states and their governors can be viewed here.
Idaho was represented by former Governor Butch Otter (WGA 2011 Chairman) and current Governor Brad Little. Otter praises the WGA, saying,
“As a former Chairman of the WGA, I have seen firsthand how the organization elevates and expands our platform and brings solutions to a wide range of public policy issues vital to our citizens and our states. Jumping in and getting involved in the WGA has been one of the best decisions I ever made as Governor.”
Current Idaho Governor Brad Little (WGA 2022 Chairman) adds,
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“The power of the Western Governors’ Association is in the power of collaboration. Oftentimes we wear our political “jerseys,” so to speak, but when we get together as Governors through the WGA, we take off those jerseys and work together on what’s best for the West. The WGA reinforces that we can get things done when we stay focused on issues where we agree – which, by the way, happens to be a lot.”
“Joining Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, WGA’s current chair, was former Governors Steve Bullock of Montana, Gary Herbert of Utah, David Ige of Hawaii, Matt Mead of Wyoming, Bob Miller of Nevada, Butch Otter of Idaho, and Brian Sandoval of Nevada. Their discussions, which were moderated by Judy Woodruff, the former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, focused on the importance of bipartisanship when dealing with many of the country’s complex problems.”
Pictured Governors: Nevada Joe Lombardo, North Dakota Doug Burgum, New Mexico Michelle Lujan Grisham, Wyoming Mark Gordon, Idaho Brad Little
Gordon unveils ‘Decarbonizing the West’ report, seeks climate flexibility
Another major connection between these two states is TerraPower. Their website describes them,
“TerraPower was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries that decided the private sector needed to take action in developing advanced nuclear energy to meet growing electricity needs, mitigate climate change and lift billions out of poverty. Advanced reactors and other isotopic applications are now possible with technology and enhanced computing capabilities that were unimaginable a few decades ago. At TerraPower, we are innovating in nuclear to improve the lives of people everywhere and to build the clean energy of tomorrow – today.”
Gates said of the Idaho National Labratory,
“TerraPower has many cooperative projects and there are lots of partnerships, but our work with INL is singularly important,” Gates said.
Wyoming will be the first state TerraPower builds a nuclear reactor site.
“TerraPower is building its first reactor near the site of a retiring coal facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in a joint effort with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project.”
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The United States Department of Interior is working with both states to develop power transmission lines. The article below details construction of a project called TransWest Express that in function looks similar to Lava Ridge in Idaho.
Gov. Gordon, Biden officials hail clean energy project as essential
“The Interior Department is moving quickly to meet President Biden’s goal of permitting at least 25 gigawatts of onshore renewable energy by 2025,” Haaland told attendees of a groundbreaking event Tuesday as the southern Wyoming wind whipped across a stage. “The project that we are all here to celebrate — the TransWest Express transmission project — is a momentous milestone in our effort to make that goal a reality.”
With so many projects between Idaho and Wyoming, the Idaho Dispatch began to investigate who is reporting on these similarities, and who owns the media in Wyoming. Similar to our exposé articles on Idaho media found here, here, here, here, here, and here, we decided to look at Wyoming as well.
Watch for our upcoming findings on the media parallels between the two states.
David Pettinger and Sarah Clendenon co-wrote this article.
Tags: Bill Gates, Brad Little, Butch Otter, Decarbonizing the West, Idaho, Idaho National Laboratory, INL, Lava Ridge, Media, Power, TerraPower, Teton Pass Highway, TransWest Express, Western Governors Association, WGA, Wyoming
BOISE, IDAHO — Idaho Governor Brad Little has announced the launch of a new initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026.
According to the Governor’s office, the new initiative, America250 in Idaho, aims to advance projects and foster community engagement opportunities to honor this national milestone and Idaho’s significant role in American history.
“The United States of America is the greatest nation in the world and worthy of celebration. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, Idaho is proud to recognize our nation’s triumphant history and the contributions of the Gem State,” Governor Little said. “I look forward to seeing the America250 in Idaho initiative inspire patriotism, build civic participation, and celebrate freedom.”
On Wednesday, Idaho Statehood Day, Governor Little signed a proclamation establishing a multi-agency task force to plan, encourage, coordinate, and promote statewide observances and activities as part of the national commemoration.
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The task force, led by the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS), will collaborate with several Idaho state agencies, including the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Education, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and others.
“The task force will collaborate with the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council, established through the 2024 Idaho Legislature’s passage of House Concurrent Resolution 31, to inspire statewide participation and patriotism,” Governor Little added.
More information about America250 in Idaho is available here.
Idaho stopped investigating pregnancy-related deaths after its Legislature allowed a law to expire but is re-creating its Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
The committee, created in 2019, analyzed the deaths and made recommendations. It ceased operating July 1, 2023, when the law creating it expired.
That made Idaho the only state without a review committee, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute.
The committee’s latest report said Idaho’s maternal mortality rate per 100,000 live births was 40.1 in 2021, up from 18.7 in 2018.
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From 2018 to 2022, Idaho’s rate was 20, below the national average of 23.2; Wisconsin’s was 13.2.
Idaho legislation signed in March created a new committee effective July 1. The state began recruiting members June 28.
The Idaho claim was made June 29 by Democrat Kristin Lyerly. She is running for the northeast Wisconsin seat vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, who resigned in April.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
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KFF Health News: Idaho Drops Panel Investigating Pregnancy-Related Deaths as US Maternal Mortality Surges
Maternal Mortality Review Committee: 2021 Matneral Deaths in Idaho
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Maternal Mortality Review Committee
Boise State Public Radio: Idaho dissolves maternal mortality review committee, as deaths remain high
