Residents of a small community in Southeast Oklahoma are in shock after secret recordings revealed violent threats against newspaper reporters and jokes about killing Black people. The recordings have sparked a national outcry and prompted the FBI to launch an investigation, as well as the governor of Oklahoma calling for the resignations of the three officials involved. The sheriff's office has released a statement on Facebook, claiming the recording was illegally made and tampered with, and predicting felony charges will be filed. The community is still reeling from the scandal and many are waiting to see what the outcome of the investigation will be.
News Mash
Safety Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills has been cleared to resume playing after suffering a cardiac arrest in December. General Manager Brandon Beane said Hamlin has been cleared by three specialists and is now attending the team's voluntary workout program. The Bills are confident that Hamlin is ready to return to the field and will be a key contributor to the team's defense this season.
Ralph Yarl, a Black high school junior from Kansas City, Missouri, was shot in the head and arm last Thursday night after mistakenly ringing the doorbell of a home. Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) has condemned the incident, calling for an end to gun violence and injustice in the United States. Despite his injuries, Ralph is doing well and the Kansas City Police Department is still investigating the incident.
Experts believe the spiral was caused by a rocket launch, and photographer Christopher Hayden was able to capture the moment on camera. The sight was a "once in a lifetime experience" for Hayden, and the photo has since gone viral, with many people marveling at the beauty of the phenomenon.
The FDA has authorized a second dose of the updated Covid booster for older adults and people with weakened immune systems, which is designed to protect against the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron. This new bivalent formula will replace the multi-dose primary series for those who have not yet been vaccinated, and can be administered as early as four months after the first shot. It is hoped that this will help to reduce the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable.
On Sunday, a Florida boat captain was killed and a passenger injured when their vessel was struck by lightning on the Indian River. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the captain, but were unsuccessful. The passenger was transported to a hospital with minor injuries and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the incident.
In Game 2 of the Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors series, Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected after a controversial incident with Kings forward Domantas Sabonis. Green appeared to stomp on Sabonis' chest, and Sabonis was given a technical foul for grabbing Green's leg. The incident has sparked debate among NBA fans, with some arguing for a harsher punishment for Green. Game 3 of the series will take place on Thursday, and it is unclear if any further action will be taken against Green.
The Supreme Court is set to consider a case involving a Christian former postal worker who claims the U.S. Postal Service violated a federal civil rights law by failing to accommodate his religious beliefs. The outcome of the case could have a major impact on how employers accommodate the religious practices of their workers, and is being closely watched by religious groups and civil rights advocates alike. The court's decision could also set a precedent for how religious claims are handled in the future.