The family of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black teenager who was shot while trying to pick up his younger twin brothers, demands justice after he was mistakenly shot by a homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident happened when Yarl went to the wrong house, was mistaken for an intruder, and then shot at that house. The suspect, who is reportedly white, was taken into custody and placed on a 24-hour hold but was released after consultation with the Clay County Prosecutor's Office. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Missouri law requires the formal victim statement, forensic evidence, and completed case file to arrest someone, and since Yarl was injured, they were not able to obtain a victim statement yet. Meanwhile, civil rights lawyers S. Lee Merritt and Benjamin Crump have been retained by the victim, and they criticized the authorities for releasing the shooter, who they claimed to be an "armed and dangerous suspect." The shooting fed a protest in Kansas City on Sunday, demanding swift action from the law enforcement and prosecutors to identify, arrest, and prosecute the shooter responsible for the unjustifiable shooting of a Black teenager.

Akron Public Schools (APS) has announced the closure of all schools on Tuesday, April 18 to ensure “the safety of our scholars and staff” while the grand jury decision will be made in the Jayland Walker case. The grand jury declined to indict the eight officers involved in Walker’s shooting death. APS authorities have sent phone calls to every home to notify families about the closure. The University of Akron has also canceled on-campus classes for the remainder of the day. Akron business leaders and clergy members on Monday called for peace ahead of the grand jury’s decision. Last summer, Walker, a 25-year-old black man, suffered 41 gunshot wounds after a car chase in North Hill neighborhood; his death led to long-term protests and demands for accountability from the police department. In anticipation of possible protests, many business owners in the downtown area began boarding up windows last week. As the city awaits the grand jury decision, it is hoped that peaceful demonstrations will take place to avoid a repeat of last year's unrest.

Dominion Voting Systems is preparing to have its day in court against Fox News over a defamation lawsuit amounting to $1.6 billion. The lawsuit, which is set to start tomorrow, alleges that Fox News repeatedly aired false claims alleging that Dominion was involved in election fraud, a claim that has been widely debunked. Dominion claims that the claims were not only defamatory but also undermined public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. Fox News has denied any liability, claiming that the lawsuit is a "political crusade in search of a windfall" and is a risk to "cherished First Amendment rights". However, the pre-trial rulings have already given Dominion a significant boost in proving its case to a Delaware jury, and many legal experts think this trial is key in determining the future of libel cases against media companies. If Dominion wins its case, it could set a precedent that media companies must fact-check their material before broadcasting in certain circumstances.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama (CFEA) has announced the creation of a new relief fund to support the families and community of Dadeville, Alabama affected by the tragic shooting that took place at a 16th birthday party on April 15th. The shooting resulted in the death of four people, including a high school athlete and the birthday girl's brother, with 28 others injured.

CFEA’s newly created Caring for Dadeville Fund will provide resources to organizations working to heal and address the needs of the families and the greater community. Among the support this fund will provide is financial aid for funeral services, counseling, and other services to help the community rebuild.

CFEA President Katie Whittelsey said Dadeville is a tight-knit community and that the new fund had been set up to help members support each other emotionally rather than worry about finances. She also announced that 100% of the funds received through the Caring for Dadeville Fund (minus credit card fees) will be distributed as grants to organizations working to help the victims and the community recover. Contributions to the fund can be made via the CFEA website or by mail to the CFEA. The organization will work with community leaders and partners to ensure all donated funds make it directly to nonprofit organizations that can help alleviate the burden of expenses.

Two individuals have been arrested by the FBI for their alleged role in operating an illegal police station in New York City for the Chinese government. According to the FBI, there are over 100 similar Chinese police outposts worldwide that harass and threaten, among other things, Chinese nationals residing abroad that they consider "wanted." The Chinese embassy says these centers help Chinese with working and traveling abroad, and that accusations they were police outposts were false. However, the New York Times published an article in January quoting Chinese state media sources as describing the centers specifically as policing facilities operating independently of local authorities. Last fall, FBI counterintelligence agents searched the East Broadway facility in Chinatown. The case against the suspects, Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping, outlined in three separate complaints filed in New York and Washington, is the first time the FBI has brought criminal charges against suspects believed to have operated one of these outposts.

A 20-year-old woman lost her life when a homeowner in upstate New York shot her after the car she was in turned into the wrong driveway. Kaylin Gillis and three other people were trying to find a friend's house in Hebron when the group mistakenly entered Kevin Monahan's property. They were attempting to turn the car around when Monahan fired two shots, one of them hitting Gillis. The group had to drive to Salem, to get cell phone coverage and call 911. However, paramedics were unable to save her. When officers arrived at Monahan's house, he refused to come out, and a 911 dispatcher spoke to him before he was finally taken into custody. Monahan has been booked into the Warren County jail on a charge of second-degree murder. Gillis was an "innocent young girl who was out with friends looking for another friend's house," according to Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy. Murphy stated that there was "no reason for Monahan to feel threatened." The sad incident occurred only two days after a 16-year-old was shot and wounded after going to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has presented the House Republican offer to battle over the federal debt ceiling, and the result could be in favor of the GOP if they stick together. The U.S. is not in good financial shape, with public debt reaching over $25 trillion and spending as a share of the economy is rapidly increasing. McCarthy spoke at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday and warned Wall Street of the potential consequences of a bungle over the government’s debt limit, which could result in the very first default in U.S. history. While the financial markets have been closely monitoring the debt ceiling saga, investors still believe the likelihood of a government default is low. McCarthy stated that House Republicans will introduce a bill in the next few weeks to raise the debt limit without input from the White House. The plan could push off the debt limit for a year, limit spending, and include other GOP priorities. However, since Democrats control the Senate, and the White House disproves the plan, it seems the GOP will have an almost impossible task of winning the debt-ceiling showdown.

In a move that marks his third strike against Disney, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has promised to "formally nullify" attempts by the entertainment company to prevent a state takeover of its special governing powers. DeSantis, who had previously sought to take over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, install his allies on the district's board, and limit classroom instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation, announced the new bill on a radio program in Orlando. He also accused Disney of ignoring local state laws regarding the agreement reached under the outgoing board, which made the board powerless to control the amusement park.

Despite the severity of the motion, editorial boards and opinion-makers have accused DeSantis of hypocrisy and greed, pointing out his willingness to engage in corporate power when it suits his interests. The backlash from Republicans has also been evident, with many unhappy with the Governor's stance on Disney and the lack of consistency in his party's position. As DeSantis considers a White House bid, many are concerned that he will use his authority to bully and target corporations, government agencies, and political enemies, undermining any meaningful governance in the country.

In the aftermath of the recent series of mass shootings, the top 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls, including Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, gathered at the National Rifle Association Convention in Indiana, boldly reiterating their commitment to protect the rights of gun owners. Meanwhile, public outrage over gun violence continues to grow. The question arises: why is the NRA so powerful?

Founded in 1871, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of America's most influential and high-profile organizations, with an estimated 5 million members. Its endorsements, which often range from A+ to F, are believed to be a pivotal factor in election campaigns, especially those of Republican candidates. Its current CEO, Wayne LaPierre, is a controversial figure, who recently stated that "gun-hating politicians should never go to bed unafraid of what this association and all of our millions of members can do to their political careers".

Despite its vast power, the NRA has also been criticized for exploiting the country's weak gun laws, and its opposition to gun reform bills. The debate continues as to whether the NRA serves the interests of its members or if it's a tool of the gun industry.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suggested that the Reedy Creek Improvement District look at developing land in the district not owned by Disney. This could include a state park, other amusement rides or, surprisingly, a prison. DeSantis is locked in a battle with Disney over the rights of the special district that has given the company control over the land and assets around its Orlando theme parks. DeSantis wants to take back control of the district which was created more than 50 years ago. He claims that Disney has dodged its authority by making a last-minute deal that gives the corporation almost complete control over development in the district, which is tantamount to defying the people of Florida and state lawmakers. Last year, Disney publicly criticized a Florida law which limits genders and sexuality teachings in the state, known as Parental Rights in Education Act. This led to DeSantis fighting against Disney in what some see as a fight over whether corporations should be granted special treatment under the state's laws. While prison near Disney World is unlikely, it does show that the feud between DeSantis and Disney has spiraled out of control.

A 20-year old woman named Kaylin Gillis was fatally shot in Hebron, Washington County after the car she was riding in mistakenly pulled into the wrong driveway. Gillis and her friends were going to a friend's house when they made a wrong turn onto the property of Kevin Monahan, 65, who subsequently fired two shots from his porch. One of the bullets fatally hit Gillis. The group then drove several miles away to a neighboring town to call for help, due to the limited cellular service in the area. Emergency crews arrived at the site and tried to save Gillis, but were unable to. Meanwhile, Monahan refused to come out of his house when the police arrived to investigate the shooting. After an hour, he was taken into custody and booked into the Warren County jail on second-degree murder charges. According to the Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy, there was no interaction between the homeowner and the group of friends who were visiting the area.

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, will attack Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, in a field hearing in Manhattan on Monday. The Republican representatives argue that Bragg's prime focus is the prosecution of Donald Trump, resulting in inadequate protection of New York citizens from violent crimes. However, this seems far from the truth. Bragg's office defends the Trump probe and asserts that recent police data proves that crime in Manhattan has decreased significantly. Murders have decreased by 15%, robbery by 10%, and shootings by 14% since Bragg's term began in 2022. Moreover, the office's Witness Aid Services Unit's internal referrals have risen significantly, and it has requested an extra $1.1 million in funding to advance that work. Bragg's prosecution contains relevant and crucial issues that ought to be dealt with appropriately. Trump has been indicted for falsifying New York business records, which he denies. Bragg has received multiple death threats and had to sue Republicans led by Jordan to block subpoenas that he views as an attempt to undermine Trump's ongoing felony criminal prosecution and investigation.

A young woman was shot and killed in an unfortunate incident after the car she was in mistakenly drove up to the wrong address while looking for a friend's house in Hebron, New York. Kaylin Gillis, 20, was in the car with three friends when they mistakenly drove up to the house on Patterson Hill Road. Kevin Monahan, a 65-year-old resident of the area, emerged from his porch and fired two shots at the car, one of which hit Gillis. No one had left the car or tried to enter Monahan's home before he opened fire. The rural section of Washington County where the shooting took place is dark at night, and many properties are only accessible by unpaved driveways. With Gillis injured, the group drove to Cemetery Road in the neighboring town of Salem to report the shooting to 911. Emergency services arrived and began administering CPR to Gillis, but she did not survive. Monahan has been charged with second-degree murder. Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy asserted that "there was no reason for Mr. Monahan to feel threatened".

The most significant libel trial in decades has commenced – and it’s money that talks. The $1.6 billion lawsuit Dominion Voting Systems has lodged against Fox News Network centers on whether the channel spread false claims that the 2020 election was rigged against then-President Donald Trump. The case hinges on whether Fox defamed Dominion by promoting these claims. Dominion could lose out on a significant payout if the court rules against it. Meanwhile, Fox is embarrassed by allegations that several of its executives and presenters didn't believe in the supposed fraud claims that the network put out on air. There is also the looming prospect of 92-year-old founder Rupert Murdoch testifying, something Fox doesn't want to happen.

As Dominion and Fox News head to court, the two sides might instead attempt to settle before the trial goes before a jury. According to someone close to Fox, the presiding judge suggested trying to mediate the problem with Dominion. If a settlement doesn’t happen, then the jurors will determine whether Fox’s promotion of Trump’s lies meets the actual malice standard set by the Supreme Court in its 1964 ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan. Actualmalice requires Fox to prove it knew its false claims were false, or that it recklessly disregarded the accuracy of the claims.

Miley Cyrus may be the most famous of her siblings, but her entire family is talented in their own right. Brandi Cyrus, Miley's older sister, is a DJ and former Bachelor contestant who co-hosts the podcast "Your Favorite Thing". Trace Cyrus, Miley's brother, is a musician who was the bassist for Metro Station and now releases music independently. Braison Cyrus, Miley's younger brother, has appeared in television shows and films, as well as focusing on his music career. Noah Cyrus, Miley's youngest sibling, has acted in films and TV shows, but is best known for her music. Recently, Noah was announced as a celebrity mentor on the upcoming episode of American Idol season 21. The Grammy-nominated singer will be helping the contestants impress the judges and America with their voices. Despite being known as Miley Cyrus's sister, Noah has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with her acting and music career.

As the Philadelphia 76ers gear up for the playoffs, they appear to have found a reliable backup for Joel Embiid in Paul Reed. After experimenting with several options, coach Doc Rivers has consistently turned to Reed since early February due to his improved understanding of the scouting report and ability to focus on where he needs to be on the court defensively. Reed has also benefited from the team simplifying their defensive coverages when he is on the court. In addition to his energy and ability to give the team a spark, Reed has earned the trust of the coaching staff by eliminating mental mistakes and doing what he's supposed to, including rolling quickly off screens and being ready for passes. Although the backup center position may still be fluid as the playoffs approach, Reed's recent performance suggests that he has earned his spot.

The Boston Bruins' playoff hopes may be in peril as several key players, including Patrice Bergeron and Jeremy Swayman, are dealing with an illness that has hit the team's locker room. Coach Jim Montgomery recently stated that he doesn't have a definitive lineup for Game 1 against the Florida Panthers because of it, leaving many fans wondering if they'll have to face the Panthers without their star players. While Bergeron has been battling a nagging injury, he is also contending with the "bug" that is going around. Meanwhile, some players, like Swayman, have missed practice due to illness. With Linus Ullmark's status also in the air, the Bruins may have to rely on their depth to carry them through the playoffs. Montgomery has emphasized that the team has "incredible depth" and whoever ends up being healthy enough to play will have an opportunity to contribute. For now, fans will have to wait and see who takes to the ice for Game 1 and if the Bruins can secure a win despite the illness plaguing the locker room.

After the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series, Joel Embiid flirted with a triple-double (20 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists). However, he expressed disappointment in his three blocks, saying, "I need the Memphis scorekeeper." It appears that Embiid was taking a shot at Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies' scorekeeper, who were involved in a controversy earlier this season for allegedly padding Jackson's defensive stats. Specifically, his blocks on home court were questioned in comparison to his blocks during away games. Embiid's comments add to the recent trolling he's been doing during post-game interviews, including his jabs at the Nets after they called out the referees following Game 1. While Embiid continues to play at an MVP level, his off-court antics might draw increasing attention in the playoffs.

On April 12, 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2, losing their chance at a 17th consecutive postseason appearance. The record-breaking streak in the NHL was the longest of any of the four major North American sports leagues, and the end of the streak is attributed to a combination of subpar goaltending and questionable management decisions by the new ownership group, Fenway Sports Group. Despite the Penguins' aging core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the players remained effective on the ice, with Crosby earning 91 points this season and Malkin earning 83. However, this was not enough to secure a playoff spot. The Penguins will face the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 13, the earliest end to a season since Crosby's first year in the NHL. Fans are disappointed to see the team's streak come to an end, but are proud of the massive impact the trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang have had over the years.

The Boston Bruins have secured the Atlantic Division, won the Presidents' Trophy, and have home-ice advantage throughout their stay in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With five games left in the regular season, the Bruins still have some business to attend to and are three wins away and seven points away from setting NHL records in both. David Pastrnak, who recently signed an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $11.25 million, has an opportunity to reach the 60-goal total for the season, needing just four more. Jake DeBrusk, on the other hand, has an opportunity to set a new career-high with 28 goals in the final five games. The Bruins' depth shined during their load management phase, allowing players like Charlie Coyle, Tyler Bertuzzi, Trent Frederic, Jakub Lauko, and Oskar Steen to showcase their worth in different roles. Health and resting veterans who are banged up should be prioritized, as injuries could derail their path to the Stanley Cup. It remains to be seen who will step up during these final 5 games, but with the Bruins' impeccable depth, anything can happen.

Mikal Bridges recently opened up about his disappointment when the 76ers traded his rights to the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft. Against his expectations, Bridges was selected in the top 10, but he was still thrilled because he had grown up in the Philly suburbs and his mother worked for the Sixers. So, when the trade went through 15 minutes later, he was, in his own words, “pissed off” and “couldn’t control [his] emotions”. Not only did Philly lose out on his skills, but all plans for creating the feel-good story of the evening, that of a son uniting with a mother in the same professional league, were tossed aside. Since then, Tyneeha Rivers, Bridges’ mother, has gone on to work as the Chief People Officer at Cureleaf in NY.

Now, after being traded to the Nets, Bridges and Rivers will get the chance to take on the 76ers in the NBA Playoffs on Sunday. Bridges has played the 76ers 11 times during his career, averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals. In the Nets’ only game versus the 76ers this season, Bridges scored 23 points in his debut.

The St. Louis Cardinals didn't include Paul Goldschmidt in their starting lineup for Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the reason for his absence wasn't explicitly stated, Tyler O'Neill was named in his place in left field. The rest may have been part of a larger plan to rotate players since the Cardinals are off to a fantastic start this season. Even without Goldschmidt during the game, the Cardinals managed a victory on Monday night against the Diamondbacks with a score of 3-1. Goldschmidt had an impressive start to the season and was hitting .322 with 10 runs, 8 RBIs, and a .910 OPS through 73 plate appearances in the first few weeks of the season. The Cardinals are expected to provide more details on Goldschmidt's absence in the coming days.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) traveled to the New York Stock Exchange on April 17 to warn about the debt ceiling crisis, stating that there is a growing chance of the US "bumbling into the first default in our nation's history." McCarthy and President Joe Biden have settled into a standoff over the issue, with little communication in the last 75 days, and a market-rattling debt limit fight possibly coming within weeks. During his speech, McCarthy announced that House Republicans will try to pass a bill in the coming weeks to raise the debt limit without input from the White House, but even if he is able to reach an agreement, the plan is likely to be rejected by Democrats in the Senate and the White House. The financial markets have watched the debt ceiling saga warily, but investors still consider a default as less likely to happen, according to Morgan Stanley Capital International's credit default swaps. While Wall Street appears unruffled so far, the question remains: Is the US really headed towards its first default in history?

Former President Donald J. Trump's request for a one-month delay in the trial of a lawsuit brought against him by E. Jean Carroll, a magazine writer who has accused him of raping her in the mid-1990s, has been denied by a federal judge. Lawyers for Trump had argued that a "deluge of prejudicial media coverage" concerning his recent indictment in Manhattan would prevent a fair trial. However, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan noted that this coverage was mostly provoked by Trump himself and therefore rejected the request. Carroll's lawyers had also opposed the delay and argued that there was no reason to assume that adverse publicity concerning Trump would abate soon, citing criminal and federal investigations he currently faces. Kaplan further warned that a postponement may not be beneficial for Trump, as "events happen during postponements. Sometimes they can make matters worse." The trial is currently set to begin on April 25.

Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis announced on Monday that the Fox-Dominion defamation trial will begin on Tuesday after the trial’s opening statements were abruptly postponed on Sunday evening. Although no mention was made of potential settlement talks, speculation surrounding a potential out-of-court settlement has grown due to the delay, compounded by Sunday’s Wall Street Journal report that Fox is attempting a last-second deal to avoid trial. The $1.6 billion lawsuit is the most significant libel fight in decades and could have alarming implications for media companies’ sweeping protection provided by the Supreme Court’s landmark First Amendment decision in New York Times v. Sullivan. Dominion Voting Systems' claim alleges that Fox News spread lies about Dominion machines being rigged, after the 2020 election, knowing that these claims were false or acting with carelessness towards their truth, it also alleges Fox News caused them economic harm. The case is consequential not only for Fox News' reputation and financial position, but also for those Supreme Court rulings' viability in future media-related cases.