Tuesday Scoop: What Happened in Jacksonville?

Welcome to the Morning Scoop for August 28, 2018. Keep reading for news on the Jacksonville shooting and North Carolina voting. And we’re still trying to digest this pumpkin spice latte news. 

We’re also getting ready to begin the fall semester, and we want you to be a part of the team; it’s definitely not too late to join us. To enroll in our contributor program, go here.


Jacksonville Shooting Details Emerge 

Taylor Robertson, left, and Eli Clayton (Image: EA Sports)

Following a shooting at a “Madden NFL” tournament in Jacksonville, Fla. Sunday afternoon, details — but no clear motive — are emerging about the incident that left three people (including the gunman) dead and more than 10 injured.

Authorities said Taylor Robertson, a 27-year-old from Giles, West Virginia, and Eli Clayton, a 22-year-old from Woodland Hills, California died in the shooting. Robertson won over $80,000 in his gaming career, including the Madden Classic championship in 2016. Clayton was a former high school football player who won over $51,000 in his career. The gaming community mourned both victims. 

The gunman was identified as David Katz, and reports said he had been hospitalized for mental illness. The incident has highlighted the lack of security at many gaming tournaments, despite thousands of dollars in prize money available.


North Carolina Court Rules Congressional map Illegally Favors Republicans 

A panel of three judges in North Carolina ruled Monday that the state’s congressional map unfairly favors Republicans via gerrymandering and may order that districts be redrawn before November elections.

CNN reports, “Republicans hold 10 of the state’s 13 seats in the House of Representatives, and a redrawn map could put more seats in play for Democrats – potentially affecting control of the House.”

The court came to this same conclusion in January of this year, but in June the Supreme Court declined to hear the case. This new decision could result in an appeal to the Supreme Court, but is evenly split down ideological lines, and the court rarely rules in favor of judicial action so close to an election that could affect the outcome.


Rapper Vic Mensa Gives Away Thousands of Shoes at Anti-Bait Truck Event

Kids in the West Inglewood community on the South Side Chicago were gifted new pairs of shoes during an “Anti-Bait Truck” event over the weekend.

The SaveMoneySaveLife Foundation (SMSL) founded by rapper Vic Mensa put together the event after news stories and footage emerged of Norfolk Southern Railroad and police placing bait trucks in the neighborhood. According to police, the bait trucks filled with Nike shoes were left near the rail yards with only a single twist tie to hold the door shut. The placement was made in an effort to catch individuals in the act of stealing.

Tamia Heard ties up all the details in her CMN report. 


Today in a Tweet: Too Soon? 

Pumpkin Spice Latte is back today and Twitter is divided…

Last But Not Least: Last Blockbuster in America Gets its own Beer

The last standing Blockbuster Video in Bend, Oregon announced it will get its own craft beer called “The Last Blockbuster” by 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

The 22-oz black ale honors the once popular chain by pairing “perfectly with with buttery theater popcorn” and “movie-sized chocolate,” 10 Barrel Brewing cofounder Chris Cox said.

CMN’s Kelly Rosenblatt has more in her report. 


Wednesday’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Kelly RosenblattTamia HeardNatalia Kolenko, and the CMN Staff. Just checked the weather and the heat index is supposed to be 103 today. Is a frozen pumpkin spice latte a thing? 

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