NRA breaks silence after shootings, may now offer 'meaningful contributions'

As the nation sent up a collective wail of grief over the 26 people slaughtered in a Newtown, Connecticut, school last week, the nation's leading gun rights lobby remained silent.

Until now.

The National Rifle Association, with roughly 4.3 million members, deactivated its Facebook page, had stopped tweeting on its Twitter account and had been issuing a "no comment" to any media outlet, including CNN, seeking a response.

But late Tuesday, the group broke that silence with a statement:

"The National Rifle Association of America is made up of four million moms and dads, sons and daughters -- and we were shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders in Newtown. Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting. The NRA is prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again," the group said. It plans to hold "a major news conference" on Friday and both their Facebook and Twitter presences are active again.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/18/politics/nra-silence-regrouping/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

Families hold funerals as school resumes for some Newtown students

Attendance was taken at schools across this devastated town on Tuesday as most students returned to the classroom for the first time since the deadly school shooting.Not everyone was there.Sandy Hook Elementary students won't resume classes until January, and victims of last week's massacre will never return.

At other schools, students went back to class with their sense of normalcy shattered. They were met by police, counselors and teachers, who all face a tremendous burden.

1ST Grader Shows His Support To Newtown

Santa Clarita, California

 

My son Aaron Ayala is a 1st grader at Pinetree Elementry in Santa Clarita, Ca. Aaron's teacher Mrs. Bottino died suddenly a few months ago. He was affected greatly by her loss and when he learned of the Newtown tragedy the first thing Aaron said to me was "Heaven must have needed teachers to take care of the of the children killed". He then said "I wish they survived but Mrs. Bottino will take care of them". Aaron helped me make a shirt to show his support. It has Newton's core character attributes on the back (we got it from the school districts web site) and a ribbon on the front. Aaron wants to show Newtown and Sandy Hook his love and support.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-898255

Cassadee Pope Wins 'The Voice'

Star-studded finale included performances from Rihanna, Smokey Robinson, Peter Frampton and Bruno Mars.

"I don't know [what to say]," Pope said smiling but looking stunned. "I feel amazing. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Thank you Blake, the producers, hair and makeup, Carson, the band, Christina, thank you so much!"
In the moments before her name was announced, Pope admitted she was anxious in leaving her band to try her hand at being a solo act but now feels validated.
"I was nervous to step out on my own and this experience made me feel like I could do it," she said. "All four of you [judges] have made me feel like I could do it. Thank you."

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1699159/the-voice-winner-cassadee-pope.jhtml

The Voice 2012 Finales

http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/video/live-final-performances/1427242/