Author: Charlie Sam

Active Shooter Reported at Case Western Reserve University; Shelter-in-Place Order Issued

April 11, 2025 | Cleveland, OH — A shelter-in-place order was issued Friday afternoon at Case Western Reserve University following reports of an armed individual inside a campus dormitory.

According to university officials, the incident was first reported around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses claimed they saw a person carrying a firearm inside Michelson House, a student residence hall located on Carlton Road on the south side of campus.

In response, university authorities immediately locked down all buildings on the south side of campus and urged anyone already inside to stay put and secure their locations. Those outdoors were instructed to avoid the south side and use their university IDs to access alternative campus buildings for safety.

As of the latest update, there have been no confirmed injuries or shots fired. However, the situation remains active, and CWRU Police, in coordination with Cleveland police and other law enforcement agencies, are on-site conducting a thorough search of the dorm and surrounding areas.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are treating this situation with the highest level of seriousness,” said a university spokesperson. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.”

Emergency notifications were sent to students, staff, and faculty via text, email, and the university’s alert system shortly after the initial report. The university has asked the community not to call 911 unless they have specific information regarding the armed individual’s whereabouts.

Students on campus described a tense and confusing scene as lockdown protocols went into effect. “It was surreal — we just started closing our blinds and locking our doors. We didn’t know if it was real or not,” said one sophomore who lives in Michelson House but was not in the building at the time of the sighting.

Law enforcement officials have not yet released a description of the suspect, and it is unclear whether the individual is affiliated with the university.

What We Know So Far:

• Time of Incident: First reports surfaced around 2:30 p.m. ET.
• Location: Michelson House, Carlton Road, south side of campus.
• Campus Response: Shelter-in-place order in effect; south-side buildings locked down.
• Suspect Info: Armed individual seen inside dorm; no confirmed identity or motive.
• Law Enforcement: CWRU Police, Cleveland PD, and other agencies are actively responding.

Students, staff, and faculty are urged to continue following safety protocols and monitor official university channels for real-time updates.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Beloved Abington Heights Science Teacher Barbara Moss Dies After Brave Battle With Lung Cancer

Clarks Summit, PA — April 11, 2025 — The Abington Heights School District is mourning the loss of longtime educator Barbara Moss, who passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Moss, a beloved science teacher at Abington Heights High School for over two decades, was 55 years old.

Barbara dedicated 23 years of her life to the Abington Heights community, shaping generations of students with her passion for science, her nurturing presence, and her unwavering commitment to education. Her passing has left a profound impact on students, faculty, and families throughout the district.

In a letter to the community, school administrators expressed their sorrow:

“Barbara was more than an educator — she was a mentor, a colleague, and a caring presence in the lives of countless students. Her passion for teaching, her warmth, and her unwavering dedication to our school community will be deeply missed.”

A Sudden Turn: Diagnosis and Courage

The first signs of illness came nearly a year ago on April 15, 2024 — a day that began like any other in Barbara Moss’s microbiology class. While retrieving a box of books, she noticed her leg trembling. Upon returning to her classroom, the tremors escalated into full-body shaking.

Recognizing something was seriously wrong, Barbara calmly instructed her students to get help. Senior Colin Price quickly called 911, while juniors LeAnna Waters and Skylar Mercado helped guide her safely to the floor. Other students alerted school staff, including the nurse and nearby teachers.

Despite the frightening moment, students recalled Barbara’s calm and steady demeanor throughout the episode. “She was incredibly composed,” said LeAnna, an EMT with the Chinchilla Hose Company. “Even during a seizure, she kept her voice calm and gave clear instructions.”

Barbara was transported by EMTs to the Regional Hospital of Scranton. Just one week later, she received the devastating diagnosis: non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the brain — a serious form of lung cancer that had already spread. Barbara, who never smoked, was stunned.

“I thought it might have been a stroke or seizure — cancer wasn’t even on my radar,” she had shared in earlier interviews.

A Teacher, A Lifelong Learner, A Friend

Barbara Moss was more than a fixture in the science department — she was a beloved friend and mentor to many. She earned her degree from the University of Scranton and brought not only scientific knowledge but also warmth, compassion, and humility into every classroom interaction. She also worked as a Learning Facilitator for the Reading Apprenticeship at WestEd, helping fellow educators nationwide strengthen literacy in the sciences.

She was known for empowering students to ask questions, think critically, and believe in themselves. Her classroom was a safe space where every student felt seen, supported, and challenged.

Community in Mourning, Support in Place

Abington Heights High School has opened its doors to grief counselors and support services for students and staff. Counselors from the district, the NEIU Flight Team, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart are on-site to help the school community process this heartbreaking loss.

Principal Lee Ann Theony reflected on Barbara’s impact: “She had a rare ability to teach with both intellect and heart. Her legacy will live on through the students she inspired and the educators she mentored.”

Plans to honor Barbara Moss’s life and contributions are underway. The school will release more information about memorial services and opportunities for students and community members to pay tribute in the days ahead.

A Lasting Legacy

Barbara Moss is survived by her husband, Ken Moss, a fellow educator in the Hazleton Area School District. The Moss family has asked for privacy during this time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the school and wider community.

As Abington Heights mourns, one thing remains certain: Barbara Moss’s legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to her students will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the Moss family encourages donations in Barbara’s memory to local cancer research initiatives or educational scholarships supporting aspiring science teachers.