Leland Dudek

Mississippi Mass Shooting: Four Arrested in Connection, FBI Says

AP News reports that the FBI has arrested Teviyon L. Powell, William Bryant, and Morgan Lattimore on capital murder charges, and Latoya A. Powell on attempted murder charges following a mass shooting in Leland, Mississippi, that left six dead and over a dozen injured during homecoming weekend celebrations. Authorities indicate the gunfire was likely triggered by a disagreement, but have not disclosed a specific motive, with further arrests anticipated as the investigation continues. The shooting, one of several over the weekend, occurred shortly after a high school football game, leaving a devastating scene in the small town. Additionally, other shootings occurred at two Mississippi universities, Alcorn State and Jackson State, with one fatality reported at Alcorn State and a juvenile injured at Jackson State.

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Mississippi Shootings: 9 Dead Amid Homecoming Celebrations

Homecoming celebrations in Mississippi were marred by a series of shootings across the state on Friday and Saturday nights, resulting in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries. In Leland, six people died and approximately 20 were injured after a shooting downtown following a high school football game. Another shooting occurred at Alcorn State University, claiming one life, while a separate incident in Heidelberg during their homecoming weekend resulted in two deaths. Law enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, are actively investigating these incidents.

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Emails Reveal Social Security Contract Cancellations as Political Retribution

Emails reveal that the Social Security Administration (SSA), under Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, canceled contracts with Maine in apparent retaliation against Governor Janet Mills’ public disagreement with President Trump. Dudek, despite warnings about increased fraud and improper payments, proceeded with the cancellation, framing it as punishment for Mills. The White House subsequently defended the action, while Connolly called for Dudek’s resignation. Although the contracts were quickly reinstated due to public outcry, the incident highlights a politically motivated decision impacting essential services for Maine residents.

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Trump Official Threatens Social Security Shutdown Over DOGE Ruling

Acting SSA Commissioner Dudek threatened to shut down the agency after a judge blocked the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to SSA data, citing a “fishing expedition.” This followed a lawsuit filed by labor and advocacy groups challenging DOGE’s data access. Critics, including several advocacy groups, condemned Dudek’s actions as a reckless attempt to please Elon Musk and the Trump administration, jeopardizing the benefits of millions of Americans. The threatened shutdown underscores the escalating conflict between the SSA and DOGE over data access and raises serious concerns about the agency’s future.

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Social Security Data Breach: Unsecured Information Fuels Dark Web Fears

A leaked audio recording reveals that the acting head of the Social Security Administration, Leland Dudek, acknowledged the “DOGE kids,” young staffers with broad access to sensitive data, are learning and making mistakes. Dudek, appointed by the Trump administration, stated that he would investigate and potentially prosecute any illegal activity involving Social Security data. Concerns were raised regarding the agency’s deep cuts and potential system collapse due to the DOGE takeover, prompting assurances from Dudek but also highlighting the president’s influence on agency decisions. Former employees have voiced serious concerns about data security and the potential disruption of benefit payments.

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Trump Appointee Aims to Dismantle Social Security

Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek reportedly ordered plans for a 50% agency workforce reduction, potentially closing local field offices. This directive, prompted by alleged improper information sharing with Elon Musk’s team, risks severely disrupting benefits access for millions of Americans. The planned cuts are opposed by advocates and lawmakers who warn of significant delays and denials of benefits, citing the already strained agency resources. Several regional SSA commissioners have already resigned in protest.

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