Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams passed away at the age of 36 on Tuesday following a construction site accident in Florida two weeks ago. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for whom Williams played from 2004-2010, released a statement expressing their sadness at the news. His former teammates also shared their condolences on social media. Williams is survived by his 8-year-old daughter, and the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
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The National Book Foundation has rescinded its invitation to Drew Barrymore to host its 74th National Book Awards ceremony due to her decision to resume production on her daytime talk show despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that the focus of the Awards remains on celebrating writers and books, and is currently searching for a new host for the ceremony.
The CDC has approved an updated booster for COVID-19, urging everyone aged 6 months and older to get the vaccine this fall. The updated vaccine is expected to more closely match the currently circulating variants and the CDC's advisory committee voted 13-1 in favor of the recommendation. The shots are expected to be available soon and the CDC is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and continue to follow safety protocols.
Five former Memphis police officers have been indicted on federal civil rights violations in the death of Tyre Nichols, nine months after his violent beating in police custody. The officers have been charged with deprivation of rights, conspiracy to witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. The family of Tyre Nichols is seeking justice and the officers could face up to life in prison if convicted.
Owen Shroyer, a host on the conspiracy platform Infowars, was recently sentenced to 60 days in prison for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was charged with several misdemeanors for violating a deferred prosecution agreement from 2019. More than 1,100 defendants have been charged in connection with the attack, and more are expected to be charged in the coming weeks.
A group of Minnesota voters have filed a lawsuit with the assistance of the liberal organization Free Speech for People, arguing that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to run for office due to his violation of his oath of office following the 2020 election. The suit is part of a larger effort by Free Speech for People and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) to disqualify Trump from ballots across the country, and the organizations plan to file similar lawsuits by the end of 2021. The Minnesota Supreme Court has yet to rule on the suit, but the suit is part of a larger effort to hold Trump accountable and prevent him from running for office again.
Aerosmith's "Peace Out" farewell tour has been postponed due to frontman Steven Tyler's vocal cord injury sustained during a performance on Saturday. Tyler announced the news on Instagram, saying he had received "strict doctor's orders not to sing for the next thirty days." The band has yet to announce when the postponed dates will be rescheduled, and fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Aerosmith's website and social media accounts for updates.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has announced an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, citing the need to gather facts and answers for the American public. The inquiry will seek bank records and other documents from the president and his son Hunter Biden, though the scope of the inquiry is yet to be determined. The move comes as a surprise to many, as the allegations against President Biden have been largely unsubstantiated.