Entertainment

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was the subject of FBI searches Wednesday morning, with agents executing warrants at his home in the San Pedro neighborhood and the district’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters. A separate search also took place at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, according to law enforcement sources. The investigation, which predates the current administration, centers on allegations of kickbacks Carvalho may have received even as serving as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

The FBI’s actions have prompted questions about the future leadership of the nation’s second-largest school district, which serves approximately 600,000 students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. While the investigation appears focused on Carvalho’s prior role in Florida, the searches have understandably raised concerns within the LAUSD community and prompted a response from district officials.

Images from the scene showed FBI agents on the front porch of Carvalho’s San Pedro home as early as 6 a.m. Pacific Time, according to a neighbor, John Schefer. The purpose of the searches remains unknown, as the underlying affidavit supporting the warrants remains sealed, the FBI confirmed. As of Wednesday, authorities have not publicly accused Carvalho of any wrongdoing.

According to sources with direct knowledge of the investigation, the probe is not currently tied to LAUSD or Carvalho’s work within the district. The focus is reportedly on potential financial improprieties that occurred during his tenure with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which spanned from 2008 to 2022. The investigation is examining allegations that Carvalho may have received kickbacks from a business during his time leading the Florida school district.

LAUSD confirmed the “law enforcement activity” at its headquarters in a statement, adding that the district is fully cooperating with the investigation. “The District is cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time,” the statement read. Employees at LAUSD headquarters reported being asked to exit the building due to the law enforcement presence, but were not provided with specific details regarding the nature of the investigation.

The office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that LAUSD operates as an independent body and that the Mayor’s Office has no information regarding the FBI’s actions. This underscores the separate governance structure of the school district within the city of Los Angeles.

Carvalho assumed the role of LAUSD superintendent in early 2022, succeeding Austin Beutner. His early leadership was largely defined by navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, his focus has shifted to addressing concerns related to immigration enforcement, a move that has drawn both support and scrutiny.

The timing of these searches comes as LAUSD continues to grapple with ongoing challenges related to student achievement, budget constraints, and the evolving needs of its diverse student population. The district is currently working to implement various initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to resources for all students.

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The FBI has not released a timeline for the completion of its investigation. It remains unclear what, if any, charges may be filed as a result of the searches. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the FBI continues its work. The LAUSD community and the public will be closely watching for updates on this developing story.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely turn to the potential impact on the LAUSD and its ongoing efforts to serve the students of Los Angeles. The district’s ability to maintain stability and continue its progress on key initiatives will depend, in part, on the outcome of the FBI’s inquiry and the leadership response in the coming weeks and months.

Please share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

Murphy, North Carolina native Braden Rumfelt is bringing his American Idol journey back home with a pop-up concert at Western Carolina University (WCU) on March 5th. The 22-year-old singer announced the performance via social media, promising a lively demonstrate for students and a slightly pricier experience for their parents.

Rumfelt’s announcement comes as he awaits the results of a recent American Idol episode, where his rendition of Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” earned a standing ovation from judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. The performance, part of Hollywood Week, has positioned him as a strong contender in the competition’s 24th season, according to Audition Centre.

“Hey, BarstoolWCU and the rest of y’all Catamounts, what’s going on? I’m Braden Rumfelt. I’m on American Idol this season, doing really well, and I’m bringing my band up soon,” Rumfelt shared in a social media post. He encouraged students to spread the word about the free concert, playfully adding that parents would need to purchase tickets to attend.

From Baseball Dreams to the American Idol Stage

Rumfelt’s path to American Idol wasn’t a straightforward one. A promising baseball career was cut short by a congenital leg condition and subsequent surgeries, leading him to pursue music as a new passion. He now works as a substitute teacher while chasing his musical dreams. His audition, a cover of Little Huge Town’s “Girl Crush,” showcased his mature vocal style and earned praise from the judges. He performed the song alongside his twin brother, Kellen Rumfelt, who accompanied him on guitar, a tradition rooted in their upbringing singing bluegrass gospel music at their church in Murphy, North Carolina, as reported by WLOS.

Luke Bryan, after Rumfelt’s Hollywood Week performance, famously predicted, “He may just win!” while looking at Underwood and Richie, according to Music Mayhem Magazine. The episode concluded on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers waiting until March 2nd to learn if Rumfelt will advance to the “Golden Room” and continue his journey on the show.

Local Support for a Rising Star

Rumfelt and his brother are asking for the support of their community as they navigate the competition. Several watch parties were planned in the Murphy area following their initial audition on February 2nd. Braden Rumfelt secured a golden ticket after his audition, as reported by The Cherokee Scout.

The WCU pop-up show is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 p.m. In the University Center Grand Room. American Idol continues on WLOS on Monday nights at 8 p.m., with only 30 contestants remaining in the competition.

As Braden Rumfelt awaits the outcome of the next round of American Idol, his local performance offers fans a chance to experience his talent firsthand and show their support for the rising star. The coming week will be pivotal as the competition narrows, and Rumfelt’s fate on the show hangs in the balance.

Share your thoughts on Braden Rumfelt’s journey and the upcoming WCU performance in the comments below!