My 80th post: Nephew of Illinois mayor killed after shooting five people

Rick O. Smith, the nephew of a small-town Illinois mayor, killed five people in a public housing apartment in Manchester, 85 miles north of St. Louis on Wednesday (April 24, 2013). The 43-year-old man shot the victims at close range with a shotgun after entering the home through the back door. The dead included a grandmother, a young couple and their two small children. Two bodies were found in a bedroom, two in a second bedroom and the man in the hallway. A sixth victim, a 6-year-old girl, was seriously wounded and taken to a Springfield hospital. Gunman Rick O. Smith put the injured girl in the hands of a neighbor before leading police on a chase. He was shot by the officers in the gunfire and later died at a hospital. You can share with us your information on the victims via Twitter if you know about them.

185 people killed in the fighting between Nigeria's military and Islamic extremists

At least 185 people were killed in the fighting between Nigeria's military and Islamic extremists in Baga on Friday (April 19, 2013). The attack in the country’s far northeast lasted for hours and sent people fleeing into the arid scrublands surrounding the community on Lake Chad. Homes, vehicles and businesses were burned throughout the area while many of the bodies had been burned beyond recognition in fires that razed whole sections of the town.The killings mark one of the deadliest incidents ever involving Boko Haram extremists, who earlier had killed a military officer in the assault. They used heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades as well as used civilians as human shields during the fighting.

“Star Wars” actor Richard LeParmentier dies while visiting his children in Austin

Richard LeParmentier, who famously played a choking victim of Star Wars villain Darth Vader in 1977 film “A New Hope,” died at the age of 66 at his home in Austin on Tuesday morning (April 17, 2013). Circumstances of his death are unclear at this point. However, according to Opera, the actor was visiting his children when he suddenly passed away. He was even working as a screenwriter for a British TV station when he died. Richard LeParmentier starred in more than 50 films and TV shows throughout his career, including "Octopussy", "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Superman II," "Capital City" and "We'll Meet Again." The actor, who loved meeting "Star Wars" fans and traveling around the world, also had roles in “Rollerball” and “The People That Time Forgot” alongside his wife, British actress Sarah Douglas. Please tweet this post to share this news with your friends.

Iconic fashion designer Lily Pulitzer dies at the age of 81 in Palm Beach

Lily Pulitzer Rousseau, an iconic fashion designer, died at the age of 81 in Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday (April 7, 2013).  The free-spirited socialite was known for making sleeveless dresses from bright floral prints, which became known as the "Lilly" design. Lily Pulitzer got married with Peter Pulitzer, grandson of newspaper mogul Joseph Pulitzer, and they have 3 children Peter, Minnie and Liza. According to Opera, the couple divorced in 1969 and the designer then wedded Cuban lawyer Enrique Rousseau. Lily Pulitzer ‘s career sprang from her husband Peter’s citrus groves as she opened an orange juice stand. The Palm Beach socialite designed herself colorful cotton shirts to work in comfortably. The dresses received so many compliments that she began a collection of informal dresses, called "Lillys." Lily Pulitzer’s brand expanded to include country club attire, swimsuits, children's clothing, home goods and a men's sportswear line. However, it reached new heights when her schoolmate Jackie Kennedy was photographed wearing one of her dresses while on vacation.

Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members go crazy (again)

I bet the new season of Real Housewives of New Jersey is going to be very very crazy. Three cast members of the Bravo show will face charges following a bloody attack at the grand opening of a clothing boutique Saturday. Johnny Karagiorgis, 38, claims Jacqueline and Christopher Laurita and Joe Gorga attacked him as cameras rolled at “Housewives” regular Kim DePaol’s Posche 2 party in Ridgewood, N.J., according to Davis. The Paramus man told The Record newspaper he still has a mark on his forehead from a stiletto heel. “It was a huge brawl. Three of Kim D’s clothes racks were destroyed and three of our custom sinks were broken,” said Jennifer Dunn, a hair salon owner. The entire cast from the reality show will return for season 5 and Bravo has yet to announce if there will be any new cast members next season.

Newly discovered Poecilotheria rajaei tarantula in Sri Lanka has the size of a human face

Photo source: Polyvore

Poecilotheria rajaei, a large species of tarantula, has been discovered in Sri Lanka. Poecilotheria are tree-dwelling tarantulas that are known for their potent venom but not lethal to humans. The goliath birdeater tarantula of South America’s leg span is a reported 8 inches and it may be the largest spider in the world. The spider’s covered in a variety of colors including yellow, pink and gray. The tarantula was technically first uncovered by a villager in 2009 while live spiders were recently discovered in an old hospital, among other places. Deforestation is one of Sri Lanka's chief environmental concerns that have made the number of the tree-dwelling spider dwindle. Besides, the tarantula is also threatened due to lack of suitable habitat. Let's share this post on Twitter so your friends can see the picture of this big spider.

“ER” actor Mekhi Phifer and girlfriend Reshelet Barnes are married

“ER” actor Mekhi Phifer and his longtime girlfriend Reshelet Barnes tied the knot at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday afternoon (March 30, 2013). Congratulations! The 38-year-old star and his bride exchanged vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony in front of 100 friends and family. Mekhi Phifer, best known for his roles in “8 Mile” and “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” was dressed in a crisp white suit and took his spot under an alter of yellow flowers. Meanwhile, his fiancee Reshelet Barnes looked absolutely stunning in an ivory. This is the second marriage for Mekhi Phifer, who has a son named Omikaye with ex-wife Malinda Williams and another son Mekhi Jr. with ex-girlfriend Oni Souratha.

Photo via Pinterest

A man killed in a shooting outside a church in northeast Ohio

A 52-year-old man was killed in a shooting outside a church in northeast Ohio on Sunday (March 31, 2013). The victim was identified as Richard Riddle, who was shot around 1:15 p.m after Easter services ended. His body will be transferred to the Cuyahoga County coroner's office for autopsy. Meanwhile, the shooter, who taken into custody, was identified the victim’s son. There were no immediate reports of any other injuries. According to Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell, at least six law enforcement agencies rushed to assist local police after dispatchers received multiple calls about the shooting from inside the church. People at the church, which has about 175 members, didn't know what led up to the shooting.

Photo credit: Pinterest