Gun-Waving St. Louis Lawyer Seeks to Wipe Misdemeanor Conviction from Record
Mark McCloskey, the St. Louis man who garnered nationwide attention for pointing a gun at social justice demonstrators passing by his home, is now trying to have his misdemeanor conviction erased. McCloskey and his wife claimed to have felt threatened by the protesters who were heading to the mayor’s house in June 2020. McCloskey pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and was fined $750. However, he filed a request with a local judge to have the conviction scrubbed from his record. Republican Gov. Mike Parson pardoned McCloskey in 2021. The case sparked a national debate over gun rights and self-defense.
JetBlue Considers Terminating $3.8 Billion Buyout Offer for Spirit Airlines
JetBlue Airways has informed Spirit Airlines that it may terminate its $3.8 billion buyout offer as soon as this weekend, leading to a drop in Spirit’s share prices. Spirit Airlines, however, sees no reason to cancel the deal. Both airlines have expressed their intention to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that blocked JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit. JetBlue stated in a regulatory filing that it could end the merger due to certain conditions not being met by the deadline stipulated in their 2022 agreement. The potential termination of the deal could occur as early as Sunday.
George Carlin’s Estate Files Lawsuit Over AI-Generated Comedy Special
The estate of the late stand-up comedian George Carlin has filed a lawsuit against podcast company Dudesy over a fake hourlong comedy special that purportedly replicated Carlin’s style and material using artificial intelligence (AI). The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, seeks an immediate takedown of the AI-generated special and unspecified damages. According to the suit, the defendants violated Carlin’s right of publicity and copyrights. The audio special claims that an AI engine created it by analyzing Carlin’s work spanning 50 years. Carlin passed away in 2008.
King Charles III Undergoes Prostate Treatment
Queen Camilla has announced that King Charles III is in good health following a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace revealed that the 75-year-old monarch was admitted to the London Clinic, where his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, is currently recovering from abdominal surgery. After arriving at the hospital with Camilla by his side, the king also visited his daughter-in-law, Kate. Charles was diagnosed with the benign condition on January 17, which led to the cancellation of his engagements and an urgent need for rest. The procedure was successfully concluded by Friday afternoon.
Tesla Recalls Nearly 200,000 Vehicles Due to Software Glitch
Tesla is recalling almost 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to a software glitch that can cause the backup camera to malfunction. The affected models are certain 2023 Models Y, S, and X equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving computer 4.0. The company discovered that software instability could prevent the camera from displaying an image while the vehicle is in reverse, which could increase the risk of accidents. Tesla has fixed the problem with an online software update and is not aware of any crashes or injuries. Owners will receive notification via letter starting from March 22.
Former WWE Employee Files Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Company and Vince McMahon
Janel Grant, a former employee of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), has filed a federal lawsuit accusing executive Vince McMahon and another former executive of severe sexual misconduct. Grant, who worked in WWE’s legal and talent departments, alleges that McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship in order to obtain and retain employment, as well as distributed explicit pictures and videos of her to other WWE employees. Similar allegations led to McMahon stepping down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid an investigation. WWE’s parent company has stated that it takes the allegations seriously.
Michigan Bear That Captivated Neighborhood Killed by Hunter
A 350-pound black bear that captured the attention of a Traverse City neighborhood in Michigan has been legally killed by a hunter in September. The bear climbed a tree in May, becoming the center of interest for residents. Ashlea Walter, one of the locals, provided a mattress for the bear to land on after it was tranquilized and relocated. The news of the bear’s death has saddened some residents who had hoped it would be able to live peacefully in the woods.
Man Arrested Outside Taylor Swift’s NYC Home Held Without Bail
David Crowe, a Seattle man accused of stalking and harassing pop star Taylor Swift, has been ordered to be held without bail after being arrested multiple times in front of her Manhattan home. Crowe, 33, was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt in Manhattan Criminal Court. He is also required to undergo a psychiatric examination. Prosecutors stated that Crowe violated a protective order issued on Wednesday that mandated he stay away from Swift and her residence.
Raheem Morris Named Head Coach of Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Raheem Morris, the current defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, as their new head coach. The decision was made after an extensive search process that even included six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick. Morris previously served as the Falcons’ interim head coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season after Dan Quinn was fired. He also had a three-season tenure as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons interviewed 14 candidates before settling on Morris.
