How the police failed 19 children in Texas; gas prices soar; gun control talks begin; Trump ordered to sit for questions in NY; war crimes in Ukraine; Oklahoma governor signs anti-trans bathroom bill
Uvalde paper front page printed in all black; pardon of the last Salem witch; Kevin Spacey charged in UK with sexual assault; first COVID site providing anti-viral; Ray Liotta RIP; Ellen show wraps
Good Friday morning! TGIF!
My take: I am saddened again that police did not protect our children. As you all may be aware, the resource officer at the Parkland, FL high school shooting did not run toward the gun fire. He ran from the gun fire. This week in Uvalde, Texas that nightmare returned. As reports indicate, officers stayed outside the school for an hour while parents were begging the officers to go in and stop the slaughter. These officers instead decided to shirk their duty to protect and to serve. A Border Patrol officer who arrived late into that hour decided to go in and risk his life to save others. It is incomprehensible how these officers can look the parents and anyone else in this town in the face. Their behavior was shameful and cost many lives as the shooter continued his rampage. One parent who complained was handcuffed. It is often the third rail of life to criticize a police officer. My take is we as a society need to hold these officers accountable for the poor decisions that caused children to be murdered. Finally read #7. Joe was married to Irma for 24 years. Irma died shielding students from gun fire. Joe died a day later of a broken heart. What message will this local police department have for Joe and Irma’s family? I simply cannot imagine.
Now to your “1 to…”
Start with a laugh: Aggressive rat sparks chaos at NYC dog park in wild viral video.
Finally! It’s only taken 329 years to pardon the last Salem ‘witch’ who wasn’t: But for some reason, Elizabeth Johnson’s name wasn’t included in various legislative attempts to set the record straight.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?: Both honor U.S. military personnel—but the holidays arose for different reasons.
US gas prices soared by 47 cents over the past month to record highs: The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States hit a new record of $4.60 on Thursday — a whopping 47 cents more than it cost just a month ago.
In late April, a gallon of fuel cost $4.13 while last year at this time the price stood at $3.04. California is by far the most expensive state to fill up the car. The average price of a gallon of gas in the Golden State is slightly more than $6.
Onlookers urged police to charge into Texas school: Frustrated onlookers urged police officers to charge into the Texas elementary school where a gunman's rampage killed 19 children and two teachers, witnesses said Wednesday, as investigators worked to track the massacre that lasted upwards of 40 minutes and ended when the 18-year-old shooter was killed by a Border Patrol team.
“Go in there! Go in there!” nearby women shouted at the officers soon after the attack began, said Juan Carranza, 24, who saw the scene from outside his house, across the street from Robb Elementary School in the close-knit town of Uvalde. Carranza said the officers did not go in. Javier Cazares, whose fourth grade daughter, Jacklyn Cazares, was killed in the attack, said he raced to the school when he heard about the shooting, arriving while police were still gathered outside the building.
Texas DPS officials say it took officers 1 hour to engage with Uvalde gunman: Victor Escalon, Southeast Regional Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said there was no armed officer on campus during Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School: Escalon said the suspected shooter was able to enter the school without anyone stopping him.
Grieving husband of teacher killed in Texas school shooting has died, family says: Joe Garcia had been married to his high school sweetheart, Irma, for 24 years before she was gunned down at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
Uvalde Mom: I was handcuffed while begging cops to storm school.
NO WORDS: Front page of Uvalde newspaper printed solid black.
Why the Kids?’ In close-knit Uvalde, It’s everyone’s loss.
Biden to travel to Texas to comfort families of Uvalde school shooting victims: President Joe Biden will travel to Uvalde, Texas on Sunday to meet with the families of the victims of a mass elementary school shooting. The White House announced Thursday that the president and first lady would visit Texas over the weekend to "grieve with the community that lost twenty-one lives in the horrific elementary school shooting." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Bidens would also meet with community and religious leaders while they are in Texas.
McConnell directs Cornyn to work with Democrats on gun legislation: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has directed Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to work with Democratic lawmakers on a "bipartisan solution" to gun violence. McConnell told CNN he "encouraged" Cornyn to work with Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) "and others who are interested in trying to get an outcome that's directly related to the problem."
Between the lines: Senate Democrats had already expressed interest in having Cornyn as the point of contact for talks, given the shooting happened in his state, Axios' Alayna Treene reports. Cornyn has shown compassion and willingness to work with Democrats on similar issues before.
Student-led gun control group planning nationwide protests, march on DC: Students and youth organizers with the March for Our Lives gun control movement are planning nationwide protests following the Texas elementary school shooting, including a march on Washington, D.C., on June 11.
Organizers and activists also plan to meet with lawmakers in the Capitol from June 7 to June 10 to push for universal background checks, according to the group’s website. “Our message and ask is simple: no longer will we be held hostage by our lawmakers and no longer will we tolerate feeling unsafe in our communities,” the group wrote on the website.
Meadows burned papers after meeting with Scott Perry, Jan. 6 panel told: The unusual move came after a meeting between then-President Donald Trump's then-chief of staff and the Pennsylvania Republican, according to recent testimony.
Trump ordered to sit for questioning in New York civil probe: New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges in the investigation that Trump misstated the values of assets in financial statements.
'Trump picked this fight': Why heavyweight Republicans no longer fear Trump: Bold-face GOP names have never been so comfortable crossing Trump as in recent weeks.
Man convicted of threatening to kill 911 dispatcher: Defendant made the calls on the way to the U.S. Capitol riot
Michael Sussmann defense rests, ex-Hillary Clinton lawyer will not testify: The Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI about his motivation for turning over since-debunked data purportedly linking Donald Trump to Russia declined to testify in his own defense Thursday before his attorneys rested their case. As late as Wednesday, attorneys for Michael Sussmann, a former partner at powerhouse Democratic law firm Perkins Coie, said he was still contemplating whether to take the stand at his single-count trial that’s spanned nearly two weeks in DC federal court.
U.S. Senate Republicans block bill requiring agencies monitor domestic terrorism: U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a bill that would require federal agencies to monitor domestic terrorism incidents, including those potentially related to white supremacy. The failure of the Senate procedural vote showed again how difficult it is for Congress to agree on any response to U.S. gun violence. It followed a racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, earlier this month that took the lives of 10 Black people in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Another mass shooting, this one at an elementary school in Texas on Tuesday, killed 19 children and two adults.
Biden envoy makes the case for Iran nuclear deal as prospects fade: Saying he was “not particularly optimistic, to put it mildly,” of success in the year-long negotiations over reviving the nuclear deal with Iran, the Biden administration’s envoy to the talks insisted Wednesday that ongoing diplomacy remains the best option for U.S. national security. “The military option cannot resolve this issue” and prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, Robert Malley told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “There is no military response … we’ve heard this repeatedly,” including from Israel, he said. “The only option here is the diplomatic one.”
Biden is squaring off with Bezos — and bringing back a top aide with Amazon ties: Anita Dunn is back in the administration, returning from a firm that does work for Amazon.
Ukraine charges 8 Russian soldiers and mercenaries in the killings of a small-town mayor and her family: Eight Russian soldiers and mercenaries were charged on Tuesday with the murder of the mayor of a small Kyiv suburb and her family, Ukraine’s prosecutor general said. The mayor, Olha Sukhenko, was found in a shallow grave in her village, Motyzhyn, about 30 miles west of Kyiv, on April 2, after Russians withdrew from their positions around the capital. Her husband and son were buried with her.
One Ukrainian family’s perilous journey through Russia’s ‘filtration camps’: For many Mariupol residents, Russia’s brutal attack on the city was just the beginning. Next came the interrogations, humiliation, abuse, and forced deportations.
UN Security Council sets vote on tougher North Korea sanctions: Vote was called by the US after Pyongyang launched three missiles in the space of an hour on Wednesday morning, including an intercontinental ballistic missile.
U.S. aims to constrain China by shaping environment around it, Blinken Says: The U.S. secretary of state gave a glimpse of President Biden’s classified strategy on China, in which officials have concluded they cannot change Beijing’s aggressive behavior.
Oklahoma GOP governor signs anti-transgender bathroom bill into law: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law a bill that requires students at public schools and public charter schools to use restrooms and locker rooms that match the sex listed on their birth certificates. The law specifically applies to students in pre-K through 12th grade at public and public charter schools in the state. Transgender students who decline to use the restroom required under the measure would have to use "a single-occupancy restroom or changing room" provided by the school.
Alabama man ordered to pay $12M, serve 15 years for fraud: An Alabama man who pleaded guilty to using bank fraud to live an opulent lifestyle that included a private jet and luxury cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $12 million in restitution.
Texas man guilty of lewd acts on flight from Seattle to Phoenix: Antonio Sherrodd McGarity, 34, of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty last week to Lewd, Indecent, or Obscene Acts While on an Aircraft and was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Fine to 48 days in prison, followed by one year of probation. McGarity is also prohibited from flying commercially in the United States while on probation. A conviction for this offense carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.
How old are you really? Meet your ‘Biological Age’: Biological age won’t help you live forever, but a ‘credit score for your body’ might prolong your lifespan, some scientists say.
Rhode Island to open first federally backed COVID site providing anti-viral pills: The first federally backed "test to treat" site is slated to open in Rhode Island on Thursday, an initiative aimed at expanding access to COVID-19 anti-viral pills as virus cases are rising across the country. The pills dramatically reduce the chances that someone with COVID will become severely ill, making the medication a key tool for living with the virus, writes Axios' Caitlin Owens The clinic in Pr.ovidence, Rhode Island, that will serve as the "test to treat" site currently offers vaccinations. The federal support will help transform it "into being a true one-stop shop for individuals to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19," according to a White House fact sheet.
Type 2 Diabetes can accelerate natural brain aging: Presence of type 2 diabetes could accelerate natural brain aging by 26%, according to the results of a new study.
Google Maps has launched a cool and fascinating new ‘time travel’ feature: To celebrate the 15th birthday of Street View, the company is letting users travel 15 years back in time.
The Island where 10 percent of the population can only see in black and white: In 1775, a typhoon struck the atoll of Pingelap in the Pacific Ocean, leaving as few as 20 survivors – one of whom was King. Hundreds of years later, this population bottleneck would be the cause of total colorblindness in a significant number of the population. Colorblindness – as most people understand it – is the decreased ability to see colors or differences in color. Green-red color blindness affects around 8 percent of men and 0.5 percent of women with Northern European ancestry, according to the National Eye Institute. However, on the atoll of Pingelap, around 10 percent have a much rarer condition known as complete achromatopsia, or total color blindness.
More than 70 Sears stores to close across country: Dozens of Sears Hometown stores are closing and holding liquidation sales, according to Facebook posts from the shuttering locations. Sears and Kmart have closed thousands of stores and cut around 250,000 jobs over the last 17 years. The two iconic retailers were owned by Sears Holding, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 and escaped liquidation when Eddie Lampert's Transformco acquired them out of bankruptcy. Transformco also acquired Sears Hometown stores in 2019. Sears Hometown was touted in a November 2019 news release as a "network of more than 400 independently-owned and operated, dealer-managed smaller-format stores" selling "a range of home products, including appliances, lawn & garden, tools and sporting goods."
The best college town burgers in America ranked: College towns have a life of their own, one that can put even the smallest and most obscure of towns in the national spotlight. With college sports fueling the majority of foot traffic in university cities, it's no surprise that they have become food hubs for great bar food and restaurants. From big-ticket schools like Ole Miss, Loyola, Texas A&M, and The Ohio State University, there is more attracting students and locals to these college towns than just sports.
Oreo, Ritz team up to make limited edition cookie-cracker snack: '50% sweet, 50% salty'.
German surfer smashes world record by riding 86-feet monster wave: Sebastian Steudtner from Germany rode the wave in October 2020, but the world record was officially announced on May 24, 2022.
Small Connecticut town in contract to buy $100M private island.
Justin Timberlake sells song catalog to Hipgnosis: The star lauded Hipgnosis founder and former music manager Merck Mercuriadis, saying he "values artists and their creative work and has always been a strong supporter of songwriters and storytelling.
Ellen DeGeneres ends daytime show with plea for compassion: Ellen DeGeneres brought her nearly two-decade daytime talk show to an end Thursday with a celebrity lovefest.
Kevin Spacey charged with four counts of sexual assault: US actor Kevin Spacey has been charged with four counts of sexual assault against three men, Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Thursday. Spacey was also charged with one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, the CPS said. The charges relate to two alleged incidents in London in 2005, another two in 2008, and a further incident in Gloucestershire, western England, in 2013.
Ray Liotta, 'Goodfellas' star, is dead at 67: Ray Liotta, the actor known for his roles in "Field of Dreams" and the Martin Scorsese mob classic "Goodfellas," has died. He was 67. "Ray was working on a project in the Dominican Republic called 'Dangerous Waters' when he passed. He passed in his sleep. He is survived by his daughter, Karsen, and his fiancée, Jacy Nittolo," his publicist Jennifer Allen told CNN.
Jeff Bridges' wife Susan says she told doctors to 'save his life no matter what' as he battled COVID and cancer: The actor’s wife of 45 years was by his side as he faced a nearly-fatal health crisis.
Country Music Association announces 49th 'CMA Fest' to air on ABC: The Country Music Association has announced the 49th "CMA Fest," the music event of the summer, to air Wednesday, August 3, at 8/7c on ABC. The three-hour prime-time concert special will bring Country Music's Ultimate Fan Experience to a national television audience, hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King.
‘Creed 3’ promo poster brings Michael B. Jordan back as Boxing champion Donnie Creed: We can almost hear the bell ring.
A burn-proof edition of 'The Handmaid's Tale' goes up for auction: Margaret Atwood has imagined apocalyptic disaster, Dystopian government and an author faking her own death. But until recently she had spared herself the nightmare of trying to burn one of her own books. With a flamethrower, no less. She failed, and that was the point.
Chelsea: L.A. Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly's bid approved by UK government.
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels declines to discuss Colin Kaepernick workout: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is not shedding any insight into Colin Kaepernick's recent workout in the desert. McDaniels declined on Thursday to comment to reporters on Kaepernick's workout with the Raiders, stating that he does not discuss players who are not currently on roster. "Just by standard procedure, we will only talk about the people that are on our team," McDaniels said. "[General manager] Dave [Ziegler] and his staff have worked out tons of guys this spring, and we really don't make comments about the evaluations that we've made; or what they look like, what they didn't look like.
James Worthy has hot take on life of today’s NBA players: As the old saying goes, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” Apparently, Hall of Famer James Worthy holds that adage true of today’s basketball players. Worthy spoke with Detroit radio show Stoney & Jansen and talked about the state of today’s NBA. The three-time champion offered a critical assessment of contemporary players, particularly their preparedness upon entering the league.
Josh Donaldson apologizes to Jackie Robinson's wife, family for 'Jackie' remark to Tim Anderson: Josh Donaldson has apologized to Jackie Robinson's wife and family for using the barrier-breaking Hall of Famer's name in reference to Tim Anderson last week, saying Robinson "was a true American hero" and that he holds his name "in the highest regard." Donaldson issued his apology as part of a statement released by his agency, MVP Sports, on Thursday, three days after the New York Yankees' third baseman was suspended one game by Major League Baseball for his "inappropriate comments" to Anderson the previous weekend.
16 brutal Teddy Roosevelt insults: Theodore Roosevelt had a way with words. Over his lifetime, the eminently quotable president and author popularized many witty turns of phrase. And though he wasn’t fond of swearing, Roosevelt didn't always speak softly, either—he was capable of delivering a brutal insult when he felt it was appropriate (though usually he saved his irritation for letters and didn't deliver the insult to his enemy’s face). Here are just a few of them.
That’s a wrap for the week. Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate it! Have a great long weekend unless you have other plans.