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US News

Are Parents Responsible? Prosecutors Charge Georgia School Shooter's Dad

What's going on: Last week, Georgia prosecutors arrested the father of the 14-year-old Apalachee High School shooting suspect on cruelty to children, manslaughter, and murder charges. Colin Gray, 54, is accused of giving his son access to firearms despite knowing he “was a threat to himself and others,” according to the arrest warrant. In May 2023, the FBI investigated the minor after receiving a tip that he made online threats to attack a school. Officials questioned both the teen and his father, who said his son did not have “unfettered” access to firearms in the home. Law enforcement officials said on Christmas, Gray gifted his son the semi-automatic AR-15 that was used in last week’s shooting — killing four people and injuring nine others. The suspect’s mother, who has not been charged, said she contacted the high school the morning of the shooting to warn them about an “extreme emergency” after receiving cryptic texts from her son.

What it means: Prosecutors are starting to look at parental accountability in the aftermath of school shootings. Earlier this year, the parents of a teenage school shooter in Michigan were convicted on manslaughter charges — the first parents in the country to be tried and charged for their child’s actions in a mass shooting. In Colin Gray’s case, The Washington Post reports police charged him within less than 36 hours after his son's attack. Meanwhile, this is all putting a spotlight on gun control laws. In Georgia, lawmakers considered safe gun storage laws a couple of weeks before the shooting happened. But even after the attack, there is still no consensus in Georgia despite 26 states having a similar law in place.

Related: Nearly 50 People Have Been Killed in School Shootings in 2024 (USA Today)

Health

The Doctor Will See You Now…Or in a Few Months

What's going on: Need to see a doctor? It’s likely going to take some time. Patients across the country are experiencing longer wait times to see their doctor as more people schedule health care visits post-pandemic, according to an Axios-Ipsos survey. It found that nearly one in five respondents said they had to wait over two months to see a primary care physician or specialist. Some patients have also had their primary care visit time cut in half. Gothamist reported that NYC Health + Hospitals ordered PCPs to limit appointments to 20 minutes instead of 40 so they can take on more patients. Meanwhile, about 100 million Americans struggle to secure a PCP due to physical or financial barriers, according to a recent estimate. For those who get access, studies suggest that a negative experience makes patients less likely to return — an issue common among people of color who often expect to experience discrimination during their visits. 

What it means: The US spends more on health care than most countries, and yet its medical system is facing a crisis with symptoms that aren’t letting up, putting the American public’s well-being at risk. Clinical evidence shows that having a consistent primary care relationship can make a difference in patients’ health and longevity, but medical services have become inaccessible to many. It comes as fewer medical students are pursuing primary care, opting instead for higher-paying specialties. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of between 21,100 and 55,200 primary care doctors by 2032. Yikes.

Related: Manage To See Your Doctor But Got a Hefty Bill? It Could Pay to Challenge It (NBC News)

Sports 

The Paralympics Come to a Historic Close 

What's going on: We’ll always have Paris. In a cosmic testament to our emotions about the 2024 Paralympic Games ending, it poured during yesterday's closing ceremony (at least giving us the parting gift of these incredibly meme-able umbrella-holders). But mostly, the event paid tribute to the athletes who made history this year. There was Jodie Grinham of Great Britain, who became the first pregnant person to earn a Paralympic medal. We saw Taekwondo fighter Zakia Khudadad win bronze to become the first medalist for the Refugee Paralympic Team. We witnessed incredible athletic feats in archery, wheelchair rugby, and blind football (aka soccer in the US). We also saw the sweetest proposals, and this true power couple moment. Plus, countless other highlights for the reel. 

What it means: The Paralympic Games have come a long way since they started in 1948, when a doctor working with injured World War II veterans organized a small competition for sixteen athletes using wheelchairs. Over time, the event grew and underwent several name changes before officially becoming the Paralympics. And this year, the Games were bigger than ever with a record 4,400 athletes from over 160 countries competing in 22 sports. Many say there’s still room for the Paralympics to be even more inclusive. Currently, the classification system excludes some people with disabilities from participating. But as the event keeps expanding, we’ll see if any changes are made to include more athletes in the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. 

Related: Why These Athletes With Disabilities Can’t Qualify for the Paralympics (PS)