The devastating school shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, has left many people wondering how Audrey Hale, the perpetrator of the attack, gained access to the firearms used. WSMV4 Investigates confirmed that Hale had received training at local gun ranges before the tragic incident. Hale took three defensive handgun training classes at the Royal Range USA range in Bellevue before April 2022, and police confirmed that she also trained at other ranges in Middle Tennessee before the deadly shooting. In May 2022, a photograph was taken of a woman attending target practice at Royal Range USA that could have been Hale. The woman who took the photograph recognized Hale in video footage from the shooting. The Royal Range USA owner confirmed that their system is being checked to investigate if Hale had trained at the facility on that same day. It is currently unclear if Hale obtained the firearms used in the attack legally or not. The incident has reignited conversations about gun control and highlighted the importance of keeping track of individuals who express malintentions and exhibit concerning behavior.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' move to take over Walt Disney World's governing board in Florida may have backfired due to a prior agreement that stripped newly-appointed board members of their power. The agreement, approved without fanfare prior to DeSantis' assumption of more control of Disney's land, may have turned the company into the government.
Disney had been operating its expansive theme park and resort in Florida under a specially designated district that gave the board free reign of development processes such as zoning and infrastructure. This district had even controlled their own fire department and operated like a separate municipal government. However, when Disney publicly objected to Florida's proposed ban on the discussion of sexual orientation in public classrooms, it created a rift between them and DeSantis.
The new board members revealed that the old board had made a 30-year development agreement with Disney that stripped them of much of their power, prompting the board to consider legal action.
The episode is the latest in the feud between Disney and DeSantis who has battled the company ahead of his 2024 bid for the Republican nomination. Despite Disney's reassurances that their agreement was appropriate and discussed in open forums, the board is investigating Disney's past behavior and has retained multiple legal and financial firms to counsel them on the matter.
Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond is taking some time away from the Lakers game to work on his mental health. The staunch rebounder announced on Twitter on Tuesday that he would be deleting social media apps, changing his phone number, and handing over control of his social media accounts to his management due to mental health concerns. The player hoped that his fans could also find the courage to ask for help if they too were struggling with mental health.
Drummond's post was met with support from a host of present and former players, including Kevin Love and Danny Green. This announcement comes as the coach for the Chicago Bulls, Billy Donovan, expressed his support for the center, saying it was essential for the team to rally around their teammate.
The NBA team has not issued a timeline for Drummond's potential return to the game, although Donovan noted that the center might travel with the team to Charlotte for Friday's game against the Hornets. With Drummond out, the Chicago Bulls had to readjust and make critical changes in the lineup to win. This announcement by the Bulls' center is a testament to the rising tide of athletes being more open about their mental health journeys, and it underscores the importance of mental health care in sports.
LeBron James made his long-awaited return to the court for the Lakers on Sunday following a month-long absence due to a foot injury. While he was made available for the game against the Chicago Bulls, he was held out of the starting lineup. The NBA's all-time leading scorer played as a reserve for only the second time in his 20-year career, with the first time happening in 2007. James had last played on February 26, where he complained of foot soreness after a win against Dallas. While he had missed 13 games during his absence, the Lakers went 8-5 during that time, even reaching .500 for the first time this season. Furthermore, they broke into the playoff picture in the Western Conference and moved up to eighth place with James' help. The Lakers are looking to make a playoff run, and James, averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, is crucial to that effort. There is no official timeline on when James will return to the starting lineup, but his presence on the team has already had a significant impact.
Recent lineup changes for the Chicago Bulls has resulted in Alex Caruso and Patrick Beverley finding themselves on the court at the same time, creating a unique dynamic. Both players are known for their defensive abilities, constantly tracking one another and ready to cover quickly when the other jumps on a mishandled ball or a lackluster pass. This has allowed them to set an immediate defensive pace for the Bulls, with Caruso stating that he likes the smaller lineup as he is able to have an impact right away on the game. The two players both take risks, leaping into passing lanes and poking the ball out of opponents' hands, and they are both good at covering up mistakes. Bulls guard, Caruso, said that the dynamic is even more interesting when he's on the court with Beverley, with both players able to anticipate each other's moves. Beverley returned to Houston on Saturday night, where he scored his highest-scoring game and first double-double since signing with the Bulls, highlighting the positive impact he has had on the team.
Russell Westbrook is one point away from a triple-double in the Clippers' victory against the Trail Blazers. However, it seems his presence on the team has been inconsistent. In 11 games, Russ is averaging 13.1 points, 7.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 3.8 turnovers. Despite his mixed performances, the Clippers have won five in their last six games, putting them at fifth place in the Western Conference. Fans and experts have been criticizing the Clippers for signing Westbrook due to his defensive abilities, in which he has proven them wrong. Coach Ty Lue needs to balance Westbrook's presence on the court to elevate their offensive game. In addition, the Clippers' defensive rating has improved since Westbrook's arrival. With five championships and 11 All-NBA nods, Westbrook is surely a capable asset for the Clippers, especially in the playoffs.
The Bulls have won nine of their last 14 games after acquiring Patrick Beverley, who has been a game-changer and a profitable addition at both ends of the court. With every game being vital for their playoff hopes, expect the Bulls to bring their A-game. Alex Caruso’s return from injury will boost their defense, as the Beverley-Caruso tandem has proven to be elite. Despite being mid-table, the Bulls have a chance to be the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers have won three straight games but are plagued by injuries, including key players: LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell. Although Russell may return to the starting lineup, the Lakers are still without James. Despite this, the Lakers have been consistent and can still pose a challenge to any team in the league.
Chicago hopes to take advantage of the Lakers’ disruptions and exploit their poor defense, especially with Anthony Davis expected to dominate Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond in the post. Meanwhile, the homecoming trend continues for the Bulls, as DeMar DeRozan returns to Los Angeles. It would be nice to see Zach Lavine and Coby White replicate their scoring efforts from the last game. With a 5.5-point underdog status at the bookies, Chicago may just cause an upset in this game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been accused of tanking by the rest of the NBA world due to their star player's injury management. However, head coach Mark Daigneault has explained that if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injury had happened earlier in the season, he would not be playing in games right now. The Thunder do not have the luxury of resting their max contract point guard due to the tight standings, but they are still staying competitive and managing him the same way every team does in the modern era. SGA has missed significant time this season with an MCL injury, an abdominal strain, and a sore ankle, but he has played in two contests since being placed in health and safety protocols. Despite losing top draft pick Chet Holmgren for the season and having multiple players miss time due to injury, the Thunder remain a game out of the NBA play-in tournament. Resting SGA is impactful long-term for Oklahoma City, and their response to tanking allegations demonstrates their commitment to staying competitive.
Averianna Patton, a former basketball teammate of Audrey Hale, received a message from the shooter on Instagram the same morning of the deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. Hale's message to Patton stated, "So basically that post I made on here about you, that was basically a suicide note. I'm planning to die today," followed by "THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!!!" Patton screenshot the message and sought the advice of her father, who advised her to contact the national suicide prevention line. However, Patton was later directed to contact the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, where her tip went unacknowledged. While Patton was attempting to organize a follow-up conversation with a deputy, the shooting had already occurred, and Hale was dead.
Police revealed that 28-year-old Audrey Hale entered The Covenant School on Burton Hills on Monday and murdered three children and three adults before being confronted by Metro Nashville Police officers and killed. The tragedy left a heartbroken Nashville community grappling with the massacre and police to uncover more details about the pre-planned attack.
New members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight board, who were appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, claim that Disney executives and attorneys got the upper hand over them shortly before they started their new roles. According to the incoming board, Disney has inordinate power inside Walt Disney World, with the maximum possible density and building heights permitted, and only the entertainment giant can grant permission if other developers want to expand within the district. Meanwhile, these developers, along with Reedy Creek leaders, must request Disney’s approval for changes to the appearance of their properties within the region. The district is also prohibited from displaying ads for any businesses that compete with any organisation working within Reedy Creek. Board members said they were shocked to learn about the development agreement, which was signed on February 8, and are considering legal action. Disney, which vacated its supervisory role of the Reedy Creek improvement district in March 2023, may face serious legal hurdles over the contract. Governor DeSantis said the move was intended to make the district more accountable to elected representatives.
Unverified footage of the fire at a migrant centre in Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez has caused outrage after it appeared to show uniformed officials walking away from a locked door as flames spread, leaving men locked inside. The fire killed 38 people, with migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador among the dead. Twenty-nine people were also injured in the blaze. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador suggested that the fire was started by migrants themselves as they learned they faced deportation. The centre was built to hold 100 migrants awaiting deportation to their home nations.
The interior minister, Adan Augusto Lopez, did not deny the authenticity of the footage when questioned, stating that the government had seen the video shortly after the fire. The footage and claims have sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with calls for further investigation into what happened.
The recent shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, which killed six people, including three children, has reignited the debate on gun control. However, history shows that political responses to shootings tend to align with party affiliation. Democratic-led states tend to implement or advocate for stricter gun control measures, while Republican-led states prioritize less regulation on guns. For example, following the Nashville shooting, Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee called for action on gun control, while Republicans introduced bills that would make it easier to arm teachers and allow college students to carry weapons on campus. However, due to the GOP’s recent takeover of Congress and Supreme Court decisions weakening gun control laws, federal gun control legislation is unlikely. Meanwhile, shootings at schools continue to occur at an alarming rate, with 405 child gun deaths already recorded in the first months of 2023. Nevertheless, some experts argue that the high number of shootings and deaths may eventually be a tipping point for gun control legislation at the federal level.
In a recent episode of the Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions podcast, veteran sports journalists Dan Le Batard and Stephen A. Smith had a heated argument over the impact they have had on the sports journalism industry. Le Batard accused Smith and Skip Bayless of ruining sports television with their antics, spawning an industry of imitators who lack journalism credentials and believe that every sports headline must be turned into an argument on TV. Smith fired back, saying that they were not responsible for this trend, and that they always upheld journalistic ethics in their work. He argued that it's not their fault that the entertainment industry has created platforms such as podcasts and YouTube where people can gain popularity without a background in journalism.
While debate shows such as First Take, which both Smith and Le Batard co-hosted at different times, prioritize entertainment and drama over journalism, Smith maintained that he and Bayless were always journalists at their core. Le Batard conceded that journalism isn't ignored on such shows, but it shrinks in the shadow of the argument during a made-for-TV debate. The clash underscores the ongoing tension between entertainment and journalism in sports media.
Former NBA player and ESPN analyst, Jay Williams, has spoken out about his recent heated debate with Stephen A. Smith on the ESPN First Take show. The argument took place after Smith repeatedly criticized Kyrie Irving following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks. Williams accused Smith of making the issue personal, leading to tensions between the two analysts.
Speaking on the Front Office Sports Today Podcast, Williams declared that he wasn't intimidated by Smith and wouldn't back down from any debate. Williams insisted that he had experienced similarly heated discussions during his time playing against some of the best athletes in the world. Williams acknowledged that Smith was one of the best in the business, but argued that he was one of the best at what he did too.
The pair have since made appearances on other podcasts, where Smith admitted that he and Irving had personal differences. Fans of the ESPN show are eagerly anticipating their next debate, as it seems that Williams is happy to continue to spar with his colleague.
Audrey Hale, the 28-year-old suspect who killed six people, including three children, in a mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, had previously been under mental health treatment, according to police chief John Drake. The shooter, also a former student of The Covenant School, was killed by police at the scene. The motive of the attack remains unclear, but Hale was not believed to be targeting anyone specifically at the school.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Council Member Russ Pulley organized a candlelight vigil to mourn and honor the victims and lift up survivors and families of The Covenant School. The vigil was attended by several artists, including Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, and Old Crow Medicine Show frontman Ketch Secor, all of whom have been vocal on the issue of gun violence. Crow specifically called for "sensible gun laws" in the wake of the shooting. Additionally, a photograph of pediatric surgeon Dr. Britney Grayson with students in the classroom just hours before the shooting has since gone viral.
Hale had bought seven guns from five different stores in the last few years ahead of the attack and had repeatedly trained at local gun ranges before the mass shooting, according to WSMV4 Investigates. Her parents were said to be against her owning weapons.
Justine Bateman, the former actress of "Family Ties" fame, spoke out about her choice to age gracefully without the aid of cosmetic procedures. Bateman, now 57, stated that she enjoys looking her age and feels sad for those who obsess over retaining youthfulness with Botox or fillers. In a recent interview with "60 Minutes Australia," Bateman spoke of her initial shock at seeing "looks old" as an autocomplete entry when she Googled herself at 42. Instead, Bateman sees beauty in aging and believes that confidence in oneself should grow as they age, not diminish.
While Bateman has considered cosmetic procedures in the past, she realized that such procedures would erase part of who she is now as well as who she was in her youth. Bateman's message is one of self-love and acceptance, encouraging women to focus on living their lives to the fullest rather than on being consumed by fears of aging. As plastic surgery remains widely popular, Bateman's story serves as a reminder that beauty takes on different forms at different stages of life.
EDM icon Skrillex has announced his return to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado for a special performance on April 29th, 2023. Skrillex's Red Rocks appearances are legendary, with the venue even serving as the location for his live album in 2014. The upcoming show, however, promises to be an even more immersive experience, as Skrillex will be performing for an unprecedented five hours, something that's rare for electronic music artists. Fans are excited to see what kind of exciting performance he'll deliver and how he plans to top his previous performances at the iconic venue.
Skrillex's unique sound, characterized by heavy basslines, glitchy synths, and intense drops, has earned him a massive following around the world. He has also collaborated with an array of artists, from pop stars Justin Bieber and Halsey to electronic music producers Diplo and Boys Noize. Skrillex's recent run of shows in New York City, which saw him drop two full-length albums, received massive acclaim from fans and critics alike, and his upcoming Red Rocks show is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Tickets for the show go on sale March 31st at 10am MT.
Tom Watson, the retired American golfing legend, suffered a go-kart accident on his farm in Kansas, leaving fans worried about his participation in the upcoming Masters Tournament in April. However, according to sources, the 73-year-old golf star is now fit enough to hit the honorary tee shot at Augusta National on the first day of the tournament. Watson has a separate fan base among professional golfers and enthusiasts, and fans are excited to see him back on the field. The Masters is already enthralling with the presence of LIV Golf players on the same field as PGA Tour players. The feud between the PGA Tour and breakaway LIV Golf Series has left the sport in turmoil, but Masters champions Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson do not expect any animosity when players from both circuits tee it up at Augusta National. The iconic 13th hole has received an upgrade, and Augusta National will demand a driver given the added length for anyone thinking about reaching in two. Nevertheless, every golf fan is eager to know whether Tom Watson will display his unbeatable skills once again at the Masters.
Transparency International has called on participating governments to take immediate action against corruption at the Summit for Democracy, which runs from 28th to 30th March. The virtual summit takes place across the US, South Korea, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Zambia, featuring leaders from around the world. The non-governmental organisation has suggested concrete measures such as transparent beneficial ownership registers and greater cross-border cooperation to combat transnational corruption and illicit financial flows. The group warns that corruption is one of the greatest threats to democracy and that the failure to take meaningful action has led to the rise of authoritarian regimes, state capture, and human rights violations. The summit will also include the Cohort on International Cooperation for Anti-Corruption, with a focus on financial transparency and wider international cooperation. However, some commentators have queried the US’s credentials as a leader for democracy after recent events, including the abandonment of Afghanistan and chaos during the withdrawal of American troops.
There has been a lot of confusion and speculation surrounding the sudden disappearance of FOX News in 2023. Some are wondering if it was a deliberate decision by the network, while others are concerned that something more sinister may have taken place.
According to sources, the network was facing financial trouble and had been struggling to maintain its audience. Despite attempts to rebrand and pivot their content to appeal to a younger demographic, FOX News continued to lose viewership.
Additionally, rumors circulated that there were internal conflicts within the network, with some accusing top executives of fostering a toxic work environment.
However, the official statement from FOX News is that they are under new management and undergoing a reorganization process. They state that the network will return in the near future, with a focus on unbiased reporting and journalistic integrity.
Whatever the reason for its disappearance, the absence of FOX News has left a void in the media landscape, with many questioning the role and responsibility of the news media in our society.
President Joe Biden's criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan has sparked a rare public clash between Israel and the United States. Biden warned that Israel "cannot continue down this road" if it wishes to preserve its democracy. Netanyahu paused the legislation and opened negotiations with opposition parties, yet also promised to pass a reform in some form by summer. In response to Biden's rebuke, Netanyahu asserted that Israel would make its own decisions. The public dispute has opposition leaders fearing it could endanger the country's friendship with the US and its security. Months of protests against the right-wing government and military reservists have raised concerns, with tens of thousands of protesters gathering in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv last weekend. The move towards judicial change has injected an inconvenient set of circumstances into Biden's democracy celebration, with fears in the White House that the far-right coalition governing Israel may have authoritarian leanings.
Will Israel's government safeguard its democracy, or will it fall prey to authoritarianism?
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a string of 911 calls that led to several schools receiving threats of an active shooter or bomb threat. This resulted in lockdowns and evacuations of the schools, and response from many law enforcement agencies. Although all claims in these calls have been determined to be false, the FBI is taking these "swatting calls" very seriously, as they put innocent people at risk. These swatting calls are computer-generated hoaxes designed to draw a large police response to a particular location - in this case, schools across the state. The police believe that the calls came from out of state and the FBI will be getting involved in the investigation.
Multiple schools across Pennsylvania, including Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic, Hopewell, Laurel Highlands, and New Castle schools, received such threats. Many Pennsylvania schools went into lockdown as a result, citing the abundance of caution. The University of Pittsburgh was also put on lockdown after a threat was made about a shooter at a nearby school. The calls are believed to be a hoax and the police are taking each incident with standard law enforcement protocols.
by Sarah Lee
March 23, 2023, 4:45 pm
Keanu Reeves is often known for keeping his personal life private, but in a recent interview, the actor opened up about the devastating loss of his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Syme. The 28-year-old was killed in a car accident while driving home from a party in 2001, just a year after giving birth to their stillborn daughter.
Reeves shared some of his thoughts on grief, saying, "Grief changes shape, but it never ends." He went on to talk about how the experience has affected him, stating, "I think the way that we deal with it is how we grow. It's always with you, but hopefully, you're moving forward."
The couple had dated for a year and were said to have remained friends afterward. Syme was described as a passionate filmmaker and actress, and Reeves has spoken highly of her talents in the past.
Despite the loss he suffered, Reeves has continued to work in Hollywood and has had significant success with films like the Matrix series and John Wick. He has also been in a relationship with artist Alexandra Grant since 2017, and the couple has been very private about their romance.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday that "no progress" has been made in debt ceiling negotiations between House Republicans and the White House. The U.S. is getting closer to risking a first-ever default. A raise is required periodically to provide a maximum amount the federal government is allowed to borrow while covering spending obligations. However, House Republicans have refused to lift the debt ceiling without a commitment to spending cuts. The White House is expecting Republicans to raise the cap on borrowing, while Republicans are insisting on attaching spending cuts before raising the limit.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, emergency measures will be exhausted by the administration this summer, potentially leading to a default unless lawmakers raise or suspend the ceiling. While Democrats are calling for a lift on the debt ceiling, they argue that Republicans only make it an issue when a Democratic president is in power. It is crucial to find common ground, drop partisanship, and come up with a solution to address the urgent challenge. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the country may risk a significant crisis that may rattle markets globally and trigger a potential recession in the United States.
