The Uplift: A chain of giving

Deputy Jessica Ikner of the Leon County Sheriff's Office has taken personal leave to process the situation involving her stepson, Phoenix Ikner, who is the suspect in a shooting at Florida State University that left two dead and six injured. Phoenix, 20, had access to one of his stepmother's weapons, which was found at the scene. The Leon County Sheriff's Office is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, expressing condolences for the victims while acknowledging Deputy...

As President Trump pursues what he calls "the largest mass deportation in history," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly expanded the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. By April 17, 2024, there were 456 active agreements, a threefold increase since December 2024, with many local agencies in Florida participating due to a state law mandating compliance. The program has faced criticism for potential racial profiling, with some jurisdictions...

U.S. Army Sgt. Ivor D. Thornton, a soldier from Virginia, has been accounted for 81 years after he went missing during D-Day on June 6, 1944. Thornton, who was 34 at the time, landed at Omaha Beach with Company H, 2nd Battalion, and was last seen wading ashore; his remains were later recovered but remained unidentified until recent DNA analysis confirmed his identity. He will be honored with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery, and...

A harrowing incident unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, where students were seen hiding under desks during a mass shooting that resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, remains a mystery regarding his motive. In the aftermath, FSU President Richard McCullough condemned the violence, expressing grief for the victims and announcing a vigil scheduled for April 18 at Langford Green, while students were allowed to retrieve...

Approximately 429,200 Casely wireless portable phone chargers are being recalled due to reports of overheating lithium-ion batteries, which have caused six minor burn injuries. The recall affects the Casely Power Pods 5000mAh (model number E33A), sold online between March 2022 and September 2024 for $30 to $70. Consumers are advised to stop using the chargers immediately and contact Casely for a free replacement, with disposal instructions for the hazardous batteries provided by local waste centers....

In a significant development, Indiana authorities have identified Fred Allen Lienemann as a suspect in the 1972 murder of Phyllis Bailer, who was found dead after going missing while traveling with her young daughter. DNA advancements led to a strong profile from Bailer's clothing, which linked Lienemann, a deceased individual with a criminal history, to the crime. Although Lienemann was murdered in 1985, the case offers closure to Bailer's family, as the Indiana State Police...