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On Tuesday, shortly after 11:30 a.m. CDT, the first reports of gunshots heard at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas—just about 85 miles west of San Antonio—were reported. As of this morning, a total of 21 people, 19 of them children, have been confirmed dead in what is just the latest school shooting, a tragedy that feels like an everyday occurrence in America (and nowhere but America).

While it’s easy to feel helpless in the wake of such a tragedy, a clearly emotional Stephen Colbert took a moment at the very beginning of his Tuesday night show to remind viewers that there’s something very important they can do in helping to curb this national epidemic of violence: vote! Colbert’s message was heartfelt and poignant:

There is NOTHING that can ever be said that can approach the immeasurable grief of those families. But while we’re at it, let’s pray this time our leaders show a modicum of courage in trying to prevent this from ever happening again.

But prayers won’t end this. Voting might. So when you vote, ask yourself this question: Who, running for office, has publicly stated that they’re willing to do anything and everything in their power to protect your children from the criminally insane number of guns in America?

Colbert went on to remind everyone that “This year, your vote is not a theory. Because we’re just a few months away from the midterm elections and tonight there are primaries in five states.”

You can watch his full commentary above.

Riding high on a stream of rave reviews and the prevailing winds of audiences who’ve shown their eagerness to return to theaters, Top Gun: Maverick is locked and loaded to be Tom Cruise‘s best opening weekend ever at the global and American box office. According to analysts, Cruise is looking at a potential $92 to $100 million box office haul in the states with that number virtually doubling when you throw in international box offices for a projected grand total of $180 million, a career best for the actor.

On top of the strong word of mouth, Top Gun: Maverick is also being aided by what Deadline is calling one of, if not the biggest number of theater showings ever. We’re talking a Marvel-scale release and then some:

In U.S. and Canada, the co-financed and co-produced Skydance sequel is booked at 4,727 theaters; arguably the widest release ever, besting the location count of 2019’s The Lion King (4,725 theaters), and the pandemic debuts of Spider-Man: No Way Home (4,336 theaters) and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (4,534 sites). Previews start at 3PM on Thursday. However, yesterday, theaters coast to coast hosted “Top Gun Tuesday,” a special pre-opening fan event which started at 7PM presented in Dolby Cinema, IMAX, and other premium large format screens.

Cruise personally saw that Top Gun: Maverick never went to streaming and reportedly used his clout to prevent the film’s release on Paramount+. He also claims to have called up theater owners during the pandemic and calmed their fears by telling them that Top Gun and Mission: Impossible films are coming. Clearly, Cruise’s strategy worked as theaters are giving Top Gun: Maverick all the runway it needs for a massive opening weekend.

(Via Deadline)

Last summer, it was announced that The Weeknd is starring in The Idol, a new HBO series he co-created with Reza Fahim and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. A few months later, Britney Spears revealed she shot a new film also called The Idol. Although she referred to the project as a movie, there was speculation the Weeknd and Spears projects were actually one in the same. Now, some fuel has been added to that fire.

Yesterday, Spears shared an Instagram post that included a video of her, The Weeknd, and Levinson posing for a photo, with Spears noting the video was shot yesterday.

Furthermore, Spears’ assistant, Vicky T, shared a photo of herself, Levinson, and The Weeknd on what appears to be a set, given the cameras and other equipment seen in the background. On a related note, the house in the photo also looks like it may be the same one from a photo The Weeknd shared on Instagram last week. In an Instagram Story, Vicky T also noted she has known Levinson since she was 16 years old, which gives Spears a stronger connection to the project. (Vicky T, by the way, is also known as Victoria Asher and was a member of the band Cobra Starship.)

So, if Spears was on the same set at The Weeknd and Levinson, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn Spears was involved in the project, especially since it’s about a female pop singer. The Weeknd would seemingly embrace working with Spears, as he previously cited her music as an inspiration for his Dawn FM album.

Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter on Tuesday night to address the mass shooting that left 21 people dead, including 19 kids, at an elementary school in the actor’s hometown of Uvalde, Texas. “Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us,” the note begins.

McConaughey called on “every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state and neighborhood tomorrow?’ We cannot exhale once again, make excuses, and accept these tragic realities as the status quo.” He continued:

“This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better. We must do better. Action must be taken so that no parent has to experience what the parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured. And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort, we’ll keep them coming.”

You can read the entire note from the Texas legend below.

Britney Spears has been open with sharing details about her conservatorship journey and now she has offered another one: The pop star was apparently “forced” to undergo a whopping 840 hours of therapy.

In an Instagram post from last night, Spears wrote, “Clarity is such a beautiful WORD !!! No ??? I choose to look at my hands when I’m searching for such ??? As you all have HEARD about my awful therapy sessions … I will have to say I am not at all against therapy !!! I’m just not for being forced to unwanted 840 hours of against your will therapy [shrugging emoji] !!! Guess what ??? 7 months before that I met and had a two hour meeting with two charities that I wanted to help Hillary Clinton with and cut the red string for the key to Las Vegas … then 7 months later they sent me away !!! That’s Hollywood for you !!! Anyway … through it all I must say clarity is what I strived for.”

The post also includes a video of herself with The Weeknd and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, which Spears says was taken yesterday. Levinson and The Weeknd are working on an HBO series called The Idol, while Spears previously said she was shooting a new film with the same name.

Earlier this year, Dreamville released their fourth compilation project as a group with D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. The 15-track release features the entire label’s roster of J. Cole, Ari Lennox, JID, Earthgang, Cozz, Bas, Lute, and Omen. It also presented additional contributions from 2 Chainz, ASAP Ferg, Young Nudy, G Perico, Reason, Kenny Mason, and Sheck Wes. Nearly two months after the project arrived, Lute arrives with a visual for “Like Wine,” one of his contributions to the project.

In the video, Lute proves that many things in life, like himself and a nice bottle of wine, get better with time. He delivers this message as he drives around in an old BMW while also posing in a body shop filled with throwback vehicles. Lute’s latest video comes after he added to the experience behind his 2021 sophomore album Gold Mouf with visuals for “Eye To Eye” featuring fellow Dreamville rapper Cozz and “Changes” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid.

Lute’s newest video arrives he completed the North American stretch of Saba’s Come Back Home tour as an opening act alongside Enny.

You can watch the video for Lute’s “Like Wine” above.

D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape is out now via Interscope and Dreamville. You can stream it here.

Nick Cave has not had an easy life, and this is evident in his work — whether it be his music or poetry — which often explores the depths of grief. He has dealt with the passing of his 15-year-old son Arthur in 2015 after he fell off a cliff after taking LSD, as well as the loss of his 31-year-old son Jethro just this month.

Following the more recent tragedy, he made the statement: “With much sadness, I can confirm that my son, Jethro, has passed away. We would be grateful for family privacy at this time.” An outpour of sympathy has ensued for Cave from worried, heartbroken fans, coming through on the internet, especially on his blog Red Hand Files.

A fan named Teresa from Uralla, Australia wrote to him on his blog: “I have no question for you today. I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Jethro. All I can do is offer the collective love of all who read your letters.” According to Rolling Stone, Cave replied, writing: “Thank you for your letter. Many others have written to me about Jethro, sending condolences and kind words. These letters are a great source of comfort and I’d like to thank all of you for your support.”

On Tuesday, The United States was once again hit with news of a mass shooting, and this time, it sadly occurred at an elementary school. An 18-year-old gunman entered Texas’ Robb Elementary School and began shooting at students and teachers in the building. The suspect, Salvador Ramos, was eventually shot and killed during a stand-off with officers. According to AP, the incident is the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since 20 students and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut back in 2012.

The shooting at Robb Elementary School occurred just ten days after a racially-motivating shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo left ten dead. Unfortunately, both cases are examples of the mass shootings that occurred over and over again in the United States over the last decade. The shooting has left the music world to send condolences and extend a loving hand to a community, and a country, that could really use it.

Taylor Swift offered her words after she watched Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr speak passionately and criticize government leaders during a press conference. “Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde,” Taylor wrote. “By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others. By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep.”

Missy Elliot also shared a message of her own on Twitter. “We living in some TRYING TIMES… It’s heavy,” she wrote. “I am praying for everyone that is struggling MENTALLY/FINANCIALLY/PHYSICALLY that some PEACE be RESTORED! So many in the world is dealing with pain & I don’t have the answers but I send you LOVE virtually.”

You can view more messages from artists in the posts below.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

On Sunday evening, the Golden State Warriors took a commanding 3-0 series lead with a road win over the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. With no team ever erasing a 3-0 deficit in an NBA playoff series, the Mavericks face an exceptionally difficult task to turn the tide. But in Game 4 on Tuesday, Dallas struck the first blow necessary to close the gap. The Mavericks rode a hot three-point shooting night to a sizable lead for the majority of the night, eventually winning by a 119-109 final margin to send the series back to San Francisco.

Dallas enjoyed a solid start in the first quarter, though neither team dominated the early proceedings. The Mavericks built a 28-24 lead after 12 minutes, making seven three-pointers with four players scoring at least six points. On the other end, the Warriors scuffled to just 38 percent shooting, though Golden State committed only one turnover to minimize the overall damage.

Golden State threatened early in the second quarter, briefly taking the lead, but it was all Dallas from there until halftime. The Mavericks used a 19-2 run to take a double-digit advantage, and the Warriors scored only two points in more than five minutes of game action.

Dallas led by as many as 17 points in the first half, holding a 15-point edge at the half. The biggest swing came from beyond the arc, with the Mavericks making 11 triples in the first half and the Warriors shooting only 3-of-16 from long distance. Dallas also generated 14 assists compared to only three turnovers, winning on the margins.

Though the second half was delayed by a leaky roof, Dallas was not deterred. The Mavericks opened the third quarter on a 10-3 run, taking the team’s largest lead to that point at 72-50.

After 33 minutes of action, the result was virtually assured. Dallas had a 28-point advantage with 19 (!) three-pointers, and every member of the Mavericks rotation (sans Dwight Powell) converted at least one long-range attempt.

The extremely odd nature of the evening also continued during the Mavs’ marrage when Draymond Green attempted a free throw and, well, it got stuck on the rim.

By the end of the third quarter, the Mavericks led 99-70 and Steve Kerr pulled the plug in removing his starters. That seemingly set the stage for extended garbage time in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors weren’t quite done yet as they attempted to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 29-point fourth quarter deficit.

Golden State’s bench-heavy unit keyed a 15-2 run to begin the fourth quarter, slashing the margin to 16 fairly quickly. Then, with the likes of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green still on the bench, the Warriors pulled it within eight after a Jonathan Kuminga three-pointer with 3:23 to play.

That was enough to prompt Kerr to bring Curry back onto the floor following a Dallas timeout, further heightening the tense situation. Almost on cue, however, Doncic picked up a dunk on the first play after the stoppage and, following a charge on the other end, the Mavericks created a Reggie Bullock three-pointer that helped to maintain a bit of safety for the home team. Golden State kept fighting, bringing Thompson and Andrew Wiggins back into the game, but Dallas managed to hold on for the 10-point victory.

All in all, it was an offense-focused victory for Dallas, headlined by three-point shooting. The Mavericks shot 20-of-43 from long distance, out-scoring the Warriors by 30 points from beyond the arc. Dallas also shot 50 percent from the floor overall and, with their trade ball security and only eight turnovers, it was a very strong and efficiency offensive effort. Individually, six members of the Mavericks scored in double figures, headlined by 30 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists from Doncic.

Though the final margin was closer than the game flow indicated, the Mavericks can take solace in picking up an impressive victory at home and lengthening the series. Dallas still faces an immense challenge ahead of Game 5 in San Francisco on Thursday, but at the very least, the Warriors will have to suit up and play at home, rather than simply enjoying an extended break before the 2022 NBA Finals.

On Tuesday, American suffered its worst school shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre of 2012: A gunman stormed an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students and two adults. The tragedy, coming so soon after a recent weekend that featured two separate mass shootings, shocked the nation, inspiring one Democratic lawmaker to straight-up beg the GOP to do something, anything. The GOP, meanwhile, offered thoughts and prayers. Among them was Texas governor Greg Abbott, who has it happens is scheduled to speak at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in only a few days.

Another key speaker at the event will be Donald Trump, but as per Jezebel, there’s one catch: Advocates for the right to bear arms will not be allowed to bear arms, at least during his stint. A note on the event’s website includes the following disclaimer:

Per the U.S. SECRET SERVICE, firearms, firearm accessories, knives, and other items WILL NOT BE PERMITTED in the General Assembly Hall. For a full list of prohibited items, please click here. Read the list of prohibited items carefully before traveling to the event. You will not be allowed in the General Assembly Hall with any of the items on this list.

It also notes that “There is no storage available for firearms.”

Obviously, there’s a reason for this: Trump is a former president, and Secret Service, who continue to protect, don’t want to take any chances. Despite the ban on weapons during his speech, Trump has long been a fervent advocate of the second amendment, once even so far as to once “joke” that someone should shoot his 2016 presidential opponent Hillary Clinton, which caused someone who was actually affected by the gun violence, former Arizona lawmaker Gabby Giffords, to accuse him of stoking violence.

Will any of Trump’s gun-loving supporters mind that they have to give up the right to bear arms in his presence? If they’ve put up with everything else he’s done, then probably not.

(Via Jezebel)