Here's the Scoop...

I still can't believe the news. The tragedies that occurred in Orlando over the weekend are just shocking.

I just want to say that my heart goes out to all of the victims and their families.

Be Well,
Steve

Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve

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James Corden calls Orlando mass shooting an 'atrocity' as he opens Tonys show
British comedian James Corden opened Sunday's 70th annual Tony Awards ceremony with a heartfelt message about the weekend's mass shooting at a prominent gay nightclub in Orlando, which left 50 patrons dead and dozens injured.

Standing alone on the stage at New York's Beacon Theatre, with the audience seated behind him, the gala's host said in a voice that quivered at times: "Good evening. All around the world, people are trying to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in Orlando this morning.

"On behalf of the whole theater community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. All we can say is you are not on your own right now," he went on. "Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved. Hate will never win. Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle. This is the Tony Awards."

The cast of Hamilton -- which is up for a leading 16 Tony Awards -- then performed a spoof of the hit musical's song "Alexander Hamilton," in which they mused about how Corden ended up as the host of the Tony Awards.



'Hamilton' storms the Tonys, wins 11 statuettes
Broadway's history-themed blockbuster Hamilton was named Best Musical at the Tony Awards gala in New York Sunday night.

Legendary entertainer Barbra Streisand bestowed the top honor. The show had been nominated for a record-setting 16 Tonys and ultimately won 11.

Hamilton mastermind and star Lin-Manuel Miranda won the trophies for Best Original Score and Book of a Musical, while Thomas Kail earned the honor for Best Direction of a Musical, Leslie Odom Jr. took home the statuette for Best Actor in a Musical, Renee Elise Goldsberry was deemed Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Daveed Diggs scored the statuette for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

The show also picked up the prizes for Best Choreography, Orchestrations, Lighting Design of a Musical and Costumes of Musical.

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama introduced the Hamilton cast members before they took the stage and performed a montage of songs from the show.

The Color Purple won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical and its leading lady Cynthia Erivo received the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.

"For the first time in #TonyAwards history, all four musical acting awards have gone to people of color," the Tonys organizers tweeted after the ceremony.


'Voice' contestant Christina Grimmie shot dead after performance in Orlando
Singer Christina Grimmie, who competed on NBC's "The Voice," died after being shot following a concert in Orlando on Friday night, according to police.

Grimmie, 22, was signing autographs and selling merchandise with the band Before You Exit at the Plaza Live Theater when a man armed with two guns walked up to her and opened fire, Orlando Sgt. Wanda Miglio said.

"This should have been something that was fun and exciting, and for something like this to happen is just a tragedy," Migilio said.

Grimmie's brother tackled the gunman, who fatally shot himself, and was credited with preventing anyone else present from being injured.

"Her brother is a hero for saving and stopping him from not hurting anyone else," Orlando police spokeswoman Wanda Ford told CNN.

Grimmie was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition and died a few hours later.

"It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord," her publicist Heather Weiss said.

Before finishing in third place on Season 6 of "The Voice" in 2014, Grimmie was discovered on YouTube where she gained a following for her music.

The day of the shooting Grimmie shared a video to her Twitter account encouraging fans to attend the show.

Police are unsure how the gunman, who remained unnamed, was able to bring the weapons into the venue and are not aware of his motives.

"We don't know if he was just a crazy fan that followed her on Twitter or on social media," Ford said. "We really don't know ... it's undetermined at this point."



Elton John, Ellen DeGeneres, Idris Elba, John Barrowman react to Pulse nightclub massacre
Dozens of high-profile artists took to social media Sunday to voice their horror at this weekend's massacre, which left 50 patrons dead at Pulse, a prominent gay nightclub in Orlando.

While some celebrities simply offered their condolences and emphasized their support of the victims and their families, many others demanded the reform of U.S. gun laws, a move they insist could prevent future violent deaths.

"Sobbing," tweeted talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.

"Our hearts go out to all the families and loved ones of those lost in Orlando. #prayfororlando #loveisthecure," singer Elton John added.

"The tragedy in Orlando is just beyond sad. My deepest regrets to all those suffering. There are no words that suffice. I'm...stunned," Neil Patrick Harris posted.

"My heart and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence in Orlando. We cannot let this continue," offered Danai Gurira, cast member of The Walking Dead.

"These shootings are a regular occurrence. You don't get to be 'shocked' anymore unless you take action to stop them. Ban automatic weapons," said filmmaker Seth MacFarlane.

"My thoughts go out to the families of the victims in Orlando. That is an insane loss of life. Senseless," commented actor Idris Elba.

"I'm an ex Marine. Both of my brothers served in the military. I was raised with guns. And I tell you we have a gun problem. A big problem," playwright John Patrick Shanley said.

"I'm too sad. Feeling helpless. I want a better world for my son. I want to take away the pain of the mothers of Orlando sons. so so sorry," said singer-actress Idina Menzel.

"Our thoughts are with our friends in Orlando at this very sad and tragic moment. Our love and support to the Orlando LGBT Community and our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones," Arrow actor John Barrowman and his husband Scott Gill said in a Facebook message.

Fifty people were killed and dozens were seriously injured when gunman Omar Mateen opened fired on club-goers early Sunday morning. The shooter was killed in an exchange of fire with law-enforcement officials.