
California man linked to Wisconsin school shooting apologizes for connection without explaining his role
CBSN
A California man apologized Friday for his connection to a 15-year-old girl who fatally shot a teacher and fellow student at a religious school in Wisconsin, telling a judge that he was prepared to accept the consequences of his actions without explaining his precise role.
Alexander Paffendorf expressed regret for his involvement when a judge offered a chance for final words before keeping an order to confiscate his guns and ammunition in place until April 4. He didn't elaborate in his brief statement but authorities have said he told FBI agents that he had been messaging Natalie Rupnow, the Wisconsin shooter, about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives. Rupnow was a student at the school and went by Samantha, Madison police said.
The shooter at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison killed Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and 42-year-old teacher Erin Michelle West, before fatally shooting herself, police said. At least six others were hurt in the shooting, authorities said, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Police have not disclosed a motive.

President Trump is promising that his April 2 "Liberation Day" volley of tariffs will "make America wealthy again" by repatriating manufacturing jobs and reviving demand for American-made products. But many economists are taking a different view, warning that the tariffs could lead to more dire economic scenarios, including a recession or stagflation.

Washington — The Department of Education warned state education commissioners Thursday that federal financial assistance for their K-12 schools may be at risk unless they confirm they're complying with "antidiscrimination obligations," including getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Trump's tariffs target Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Australian territory inhabited by penguins
With his announcement of widespread new tariffs on Wednesday, President Trump spared very few places on the globe from his effort to upend global trade — even the remote Heard Island and McDonald Islands, a sub-Antarctic Australian territory inhabited by penguins, but no people.

Researchers are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, likely producing stronger and more frequent storms than a typical year but at the same time with less intensity expected than last season. The annual prediction is closely watched in Florida and other coastal states at risk when hurricane season officially starts June 1.