Wednesday Scoop: Old Coach, New President

The big story…

A Football Coach Is Reinstated as a University President Leaves

On Wednesday October 30th, Coach DJ Durkin was reinstated at the University of Maryland, College Park. (image: Wikimedia Commons)

The University of Maryland football team has been reeling amidst allegations of toxic culture and abuse since the death of Jordan McNair, a 19-year-old defensive lineman who died of exertional heatstroke after a team workout earlier this year. Yesterday, the months of argument ended (at least for now) with the reinstatement of head football coach DJ Durkin and the resignation of the university’s president, Wallace D. Loh.

While investigators did not conclude that there was a toxic culture within the football team, they did uncover instances of abuse committed by the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Rick Court. In light of the incident, Loh recommended to the University System of Maryland Board of Regents that Durkin be let go. However, the regents rejected Loh’s recommendation, giving the university president an ultimatum to reinstate Durkin if he wanted to finish out the academic year.

Several players walked out in protest yesterday during the coach’s first meeting with the team, who is already preparing for the ninth game of the season. While the athletic depar and the university continue to deal with the death of a player and student, the rest of the country is left wondering how a university can prioritize athletics over administration and what precedent this sets for university athletic departments across the country?

In politics…

President Trump to Change Birthright Citizenship

In an interview with Axios, President Trump announced a plan to use executive order to deny birthright citizenship to people born on U.S. soil who are the children of non-citizens and undocumented immigrants. However, because of the 14th Amendment, many believe this move would be unconstitutional — including Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan. This announcement is another push in Trump’s immigration agenda right conveniently timed before the midterm elections.

In national news…

Infamous Boston Gangster Found Dead in Prison

Mobster James “Whitey” Bulger was slain after being transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia. At age 89, Bulger was serving two life sentences in prison for extortion, money-laundering, racketeering, drug dealing, and weapons possession, with the jury finding him culpable in 11 different killings.

In human rights…

Switzerland Declares Homophobia and Transphobia a Hate Crime

The Swiss National Council has voted to criminalize all forms of transphobia and homophobia in an effort to combat hate against the LGBTQIA+ community. Although same-sex marriage is still illegal in the country, Switzerland has taken strides to end employment and housing discrimination as well as conversion therapy for youth. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In global politics…

The German Chancellor to Step Down in 2021

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that she will not be seeking re-election at the end of her fourth term in 2021. Read more about what this means for Merkel’s party and the German country in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In food…

Ben & Jerry’s Unveils a Timely New Ice Cream Flavor

Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has released a new ice cream flavor just in time for the midterm elections. The flavor, called Pecan Resist, is a response to President Trump and a call to activism with the tagline: “Together, Pecan Resist!” Read more in Tamia Heard’s report for CMN.

In politics…(sort of)

Kanye West Is Leaving the Spotlight

Kanye West has announced that he’ll be stepping away from politics, saying that he feels “used.” This comes as a surprise to many, as West was an outspoken Trump supporter who even recently shared a hug with the president.

Trending today…

The King of Horror Has Some Writing Advice

Note to writers: "Amazing" is very tired. "Amazing" needs a long vacation. Therefore, please don't write about your amazing party, your amazing girlfriend's amazing dress, or your amazing vacation. Something more pungent & specific, please.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 29, 2018

Last but not least…

What’s Going on This Week in the NFL

Check out the NFL Panic Meter for Week 8 in Tom Spurling’s report for CMN.

Wednesday’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Duane Paul Murphy, Tamia Heard, Tom Spurling, and the CMN Staff. In recent news, China plans to launch an artificial moon to replace the need for streetlights by the year 2020. Talk about over the moon.