madison
Sixteen-year-old Andrew Pirsch, accused of taking part in a drive-by shooting that wounded three in Oregon, Wis., has returned to class at Madison East High School after posting $25,000 bail, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Charged with opening fire on a group outside of a home in the village of Oregon on Aug. 9, Pirsch faces three counts of first-degree attempted intentional homicide as well as three counts of endangering safety by reckless use of a weapon.
Pirsch's presence at Madison East High School has made many uncomfortable. Lorie Graham, East High's educational resource officer says she is \ just appalled that he's back in the same building.""
School officials, while concerned about Pirsch's return, have no grounds to deny Pirsch from attending school. According to Clarence Sherrod, lead attorney for the school district, since the crimes Pirsch are accused of have no relation to the school, state law stipulates he cannot be denied enrollment.
Despite community concerns, Fred Rosevear, treasurer of the board of directors for Madison's Teachers Inc., says Pirsch's attendance has not been much of a problem among the faculty.
""God only knows what a kid may or may not do outside of class,"" Rosevear said. ""But in chemistry class, he's just a kid.""
WASHINGTON, D.C.
President Bush took responsibility Tuesday for any mismanagment of Hurricane Katrina, admitting that the storm showed deficiencies permeating all levels of U.S. government four years after Sept. 11.
The president's acknowledgment came after his approval ratings took a sharp dip during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane itself, the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, killed hundreds and displaced some 1 million people. According to the most recent Washington Post-ABC news poll, 57 percent of Americans think that state and local officials should take responsibility for problems resulting from the hurricane. Nevertheless, 54 percent still disapproved of Bush's handling of the disaster.
""To the extent that the federal government didn't do its job fully right, I take responsibility,"" Bush said at a White House news conference.
Bush went on to express doubt over whether the U.S. could manage another severe storm or 'attack.' He plans on addressing the nation from Louisana at 8 p.m. Central Daylight Time Thursday. It will be his fourth visit to the state since the hurricane's Aug. 29 arrival.
