Parents of Michigan school shooter to face trial for involuntary manslaughter.

The parents of Ethan Crumbley, the 15-year-old student who carried out a deadly shooting at a Michigan high school last year, have been ordered to stand trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter. The decision came after a preliminary hearing in which prosecutors argued that the parents' actions, including providing their son with access to a gun, were a significant factor in the tragedy.


The shooting, which took place at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021, resulted in the deaths of four students and injured several others. Ethan Crumbley, who was a student at the school, used a handgun to carry out the attack. After the shooting, he fled the scene but was later apprehended by police.

During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Ethan's parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, were aware of their son's troubling behavior in the weeks leading up to the shooting. They also argued that the parents failed to take appropriate action to prevent their son from accessing the gun that he used in the attack.

According to prosecutors, James and Jennifer Crumbley had purchased the handgun used in the shooting just days before the incident. They had also failed to secure the gun, allowing their son to take it from their home without their knowledge. Additionally, the prosecution presented evidence that the parents had ignored multiple warnings from school officials and failed to attend a meeting about their son's behavior on the day of the shooting.

The defense argued that the parents did not have any knowledge of their son's plans to carry out the shooting and that they could not have foreseen his actions. They also argued that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges of involuntary manslaughter.

However, the judge disagreed and ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed with the trial. The parents now face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The case has sparked a national conversation about gun control and parental responsibility in preventing school shootings. Many have criticized the parents for failing to take appropriate action to address their son's behavior and for providing him with access to a gun. Others have argued that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of school shootings, including mental health issues and access to guns.

Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the tragedy at Oxford High School serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for parents to be vigilant in identifying and addressing concerning behavior in their children. It also underscores the devastating impact that school shootings can have on communities and the urgent need for solutions to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Manhattan DA warns House GOP against interfering in Trump probe with testimony demands

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has made it clear that they believe the House GOP's demands for testimony would interfere with their ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump. The DA's office has been investigating potential criminal activity within the Trump Organization for several years, and House Republicans have recently requested testimony from several individuals involved in the investigation.


In a letter to House Republicans, the Manhattan DA's Office argued that the testimony would compromise their investigation by revealing details and information that should be kept confidential. They also argued that allowing these individuals to testify would give Trump and his legal team an unfair advantage in their defense against potential criminal charges.

The Manhattan DA's Office is not alone in their concerns about the House GOP's demands for testimony. Several legal experts have expressed similar concerns, arguing that allowing individuals to testify in a congressional hearing could compromise ongoing criminal investigations.

It's worth noting that the Manhattan DA's Office has already secured several indictments and convictions related to their investigation into the Trump Organization. In 2019, the office secured a guilty plea from Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who admitted to making illegal hush-money payments on behalf of the former president. More recently, the office has indicted the Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg, on charges related to tax fraud.

Despite these indictments, House Republicans have continued to demand testimony from individuals involved in the investigation. They argue that the American people have a right to know what's going on and that the investigation has been politically motivated from the start.

However, the Manhattan DA's Office has maintained that their investigation is focused solely on potential criminal activity and that they are following the evidence wherever it leads. They argue that allowing individuals to testify in a congressional hearing would compromise their ability to do their job and potentially undermine the rule of law.

The House GOP's demands for testimony are just one example of the ongoing tension between Congress and law enforcement agencies over the scope and limits of congressional oversight. While congressional oversight is an important part of our democratic system, it's important to balance that oversight with respect for ongoing criminal investigations and the rule of law.

TikTok CEO grilled by lawmakers over American privacy concerns.

TikTok CEO Gets Grilled by Lawmakers on American Privacy Concerns

TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media app, has become a hot topic in American politics due to concerns over the app's ability to protect the privacy of its users. These concerns were brought to light in a recent hearing in front of lawmakers from both parties, where TikTok CEO, Zhang Yiming, was questioned on the issue.

Lawmakers expressed concerns over TikTok's data collection practices, which have been accused of allowing the Chinese government to collect sensitive information on American citizens. They also questioned whether the app's data storage and security measures were adequate to protect user information from hackers and other malicious actors.

Zhang Yiming assured lawmakers that TikTok takes user privacy seriously and that the company has implemented numerous measures to protect user data. He explained that all data collected by TikTok is stored on servers located outside of China, and that the company has strict data access policies in place to prevent unauthorized access.

However, lawmakers remained skeptical, pointing out that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has been accused of sharing user data with the Chinese government in the past. They also noted that TikTok's privacy policy allows the company to collect a wide range of user data, including location data, device information, and browsing history.

In response to these concerns, Zhang Yiming pledged to work with lawmakers to address their concerns and improve the app's privacy policies. He also emphasized TikTok's commitment to transparency, noting that the company regularly publishes transparency reports detailing its data collection practices.

Despite these assurances, lawmakers remained unconvinced, with some calling for TikTok to be banned outright due to its Chinese ownership. Others have called for stricter regulation of the app, including increased oversight and data privacy requirements.

The debate over TikTok's privacy practices is likely to continue for some time, as lawmakers and tech experts grapple with the complex issues surrounding data privacy and security in the digital age. In the meantime, TikTok users will need to be vigilant about protecting their personal information and carefully consider the risks and benefits of using the app.

Federal Reserve raises interest rates to curb inflation amidst banking turmoil

The Federal Reserve has recently announced that it will be raising interest rates by 0.25 points in an effort to curb inflation. This move comes amidst a period of banking turmoil and uncertainty, as the world's major economies continue to grapple with the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the decision to raise interest rates may seem counterintuitive in the midst of such uncertainty, it reflects the Federal Reserve's commitment to maintaining long-term economic stability.

Inflation has been a growing concern for the Federal Reserve in recent months, as rising prices have put pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Inflation can erode the value of currency over time, making it more difficult for people to save and invest. This can ultimately lead to slower economic growth, as people are less willing to spend and invest in the future. By raising interest rates, the Federal Reserve hopes to slow down inflation by making borrowing more expensive. This can help to reduce spending and investment, and ultimately help to bring inflation back under control.

However, the decision to raise interest rates comes at a difficult time for the banking industry, which is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Many banks are struggling to keep up with demand for loans and other financial services, while others are dealing with high levels of bad debt and other financial losses. The Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates could exacerbate these problems by making it more difficult for banks to borrow money from other banks and financial institutions. This could ultimately lead to more bank failures and financial instability.

Despite these risks, the Federal Reserve has maintained that its decision to raise interest rates is necessary to maintain long-term economic stability. The Federal Reserve has argued that inflation poses a greater risk to the economy in the long run, and that it is better to take steps to control inflation now rather than wait for it to spiral out of control. The Federal Reserve has also emphasized that it is taking a cautious approach to raising interest rates, and that it will continue to monitor the economy closely in the coming months to ensure that the effects of the rate hike are not too severe.

Overall, the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates by 0.25 points reflects the challenges and complexities of managing the economy in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the decision may carry some risks for the banking industry and other sectors of the economy, it also reflects the Federal Reserve's commitment to maintaining long-term economic stability and keeping inflation under control. The coming months will be critical in determining the effects of the rate hike, and it will be important for businesses and consumers alike to remain vigilant and adaptable in response to changing economic conditions.

"John Wick 4" Cast Honors Lance Reddick with Ribbons at L.A. Premiere.

At the Los Angeles premiere of "John Wick 4," the cast and crew paid tribute to actor Lance Reddick, who plays the character of Charon in the film series. Reddick was honored with ribbons worn by the cast members, including Keanu Reeves, who plays the lead character of John Wick.


Reddick has been an integral part of the "John Wick" franchise since its inception, playing the concierge at the Continental Hotel where Wick often seeks refuge. He has also appeared in other popular TV series and movies, including "The Wire" and "Lost."

The ribbons worn by the cast members were black with a white stripe, which is a symbol of mourning and remembrance. The gesture was a fitting tribute to Reddick, who has been a beloved member of the "John Wick" family since the beginning.

During the premiere, Keanu Reeves, who is known for his quiet and reserved nature, spoke about the impact Reddick has had on the franchise. "Lance brings so much to this world. He's such an amazing actor and an amazing person," Reeves said. "He's one of those people who just elevates everything he's a part of, and we're so lucky to have him with us."

Reeves also talked about how Reddick's character, Charon, has evolved over the course of the franchise. "Charon has become such an important part of this world," Reeves said. "He's more than just a concierge at a hotel. He's a friend to John Wick, and he's someone we can always count on."

The other cast members also spoke about Reddick's impact on the franchise. Ian McShane, who plays the owner of the Continental Hotel, called Reddick a "true gentleman" and said that he was honored to work with him. Halle Berry, who joins the franchise in "John Wick 3," said that Reddick was "one of the best actors" she had ever worked with.

The tribute to Reddick at the "John Wick 4" premiere was a touching moment that showcased the camaraderie and respect that the cast and crew have for each other. It was a reminder that, while movies are made up of individual performances, they are ultimately a team effort that requires everyone to be at their best.

Cam Newton's Potential NFL Landing Spots

Former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton made headlines on Tuesday when he showed up at Auburn's Pro Day, sparking speculation that he is ready to make a comeback to the league. Newton, who was released by the New England Patriots last year, has been a free agent since then.


Although he didn't participate in the Pro Day events, Newton was seen chatting with scouts and coaches from several NFL teams, adding fuel to rumors that he is gearing up for a return to the field. Here are six potential landing spots for the former MVP quarterback:

Washington Football Team

The  Washington Football Team has been linked to Newton several times in the past, and they are currently in need of a starting quarterback after releasing Alex Smith. Head coach Ron Rivera, who coached Newton during his MVP season with the Carolina Panthers, could be interested in bringing him to Washington.

New England Patriots

 

The  patriot's experiment with Newton didn't go as planned last season, but they could be interested in giving him another shot. With quarterback Cam Newton's future in doubt and a lack of depth at the position, the Patriots could see Newton as a solid backup to whoever they bring in as their starter.


Denver Broncos

 The Broncos have been looking for a franchise quarterback since the retirement of Peyton Manning, and Newton could be the answer. With a strong defense and a promising young core of offensive players, Newton could help lead the Broncos back to playoff contention.


Chicago Bears

 The Bears have been in quarterback purgatory for several years now, and Newton could be the bridge they need to get them to their next franchise quarterback. With head coach Matt Nagy's offensive creativity and a solid defense, the Bears could be a good fit for Newton.


Houston Texans

 The Texans are in a state of chaos right now, but they could use a veteran quarterback like Newton to stabilize their offense. With the uncertain future of quarterback Deshaun Watson, Newton could provide a temporary solution until the Texans find their next franchise signal-caller.


Pittsburgh Steelers 

The Steelers' quarterback situation is currently up in the air, as Ben Roethlisberger's future with the team is in doubt. If Roethlisberger does decide to retire, Newton could step in as the starter and help guide the Steelers through a transition period.

Overall, there are several teams that could benefit from signing Cam Newton, and it will be interesting to see where he lands. Newton's size, arm strength, and experience make him an attractive option for teams looking for a starting quarterback or a solid backup.

"Meet Alvin Bragg: Manhattan's Progressive District Attorney"

Alvin Bragg is the current Manhattan district attorney, having been elected to the position in November 2021. Prior to his election, Bragg served as the chief deputy attorney general in New York State, where he focused on criminal justice reform and police accountability. His tenure as Manhattan DA has been closely watched by both the legal community and the public at large, given his progressive platform and promises to reform the criminal justice system.

One of the key issues that Bragg has pledged to address is the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. He has promised to end the practice of cash bail, which disproportionately affects low-income and minority defendants, and to increase transparency in the DA's office. He has also pledged to reduce the number of people who are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses, and to focus on diversion programs and restorative justice initiatives that aim to address the root causes of crime.

Another area of focus for Bragg is police accountability. As a former prosecutor in the state attorney general's office, he has experience investigating and prosecuting cases of police misconduct. He has promised to create a new unit within the DA's office that will focus specifically on police misconduct, and to increase transparency around police disciplinary proceedings.

Bragg's platform has drawn criticism from some who argue that his policies could lead to an increase in crime. However, he has emphasized that his approach is based on data and research, and that he believes that investing in prevention and diversion programs is ultimately more effective than relying on harsh punishment.

In addition to his policy goals, Bragg's personal background has also been the subject of attention. He grew up in Harlem and attended Harvard Law School, and has spoken publicly about his experiences with racism and discrimination. He has also been open about his struggles with addiction and his efforts to overcome it, which he has said inform his approach to criminal justice reform.

Overall, Bragg's tenure as Manhattan DA has already been marked by significant changes and reforms. It remains to be seen how successful he will be in achieving his ambitious goals, but his efforts to address longstanding problems in the criminal justice system have already garnered national attention and praise.