The top five stories FOX 17 is covering this Wednesday:
1. Child accidentally shoots and kills gun range instructor
A 9-year-old girl in Arizona who was learning to fire an Uzi, a submachine gun, accidentally killed her instructor when the weapon recoiled over her shoulder. Charles Vacca, 39, died at a hospital late Monday night after he was shot in the head. Cell phone video captured the moments before he was shot, and it shows Vacca showing the girl how to hold the gun at an outdoor range. She fired several rounds before losing control. Read more: 9-year-old firing uzi at gun range accidentally kills instructor
2. American dies in Syria fighting for ISIS
Douglas McAuthur McCain, 33, died over the weekend fighting for the militant group ISIS. He died in a battle between rival extremist groups. The State Department spokesperson says that possibly up to 100 Americans have tried to join militant groups in the Middle East and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said there are as many as 7,000 foreign fighters in the area. A U.S. official said counterterorrism investigators had been monitoring McCain’s activities for some time before his death. Read more: From American kid to jihadi in Syria
3. Back to school: Testing student athletes for heart conditions
As fall sports get into full swing, the issue of sports physicals and student health is on a lot of parents’ minds. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also known as an enlarged heart, has claimed the lives of several West Michigan athletes over the years, and doctors say that student athletes with a family history of the condition should be screened. Warning signs include dizziness or severe chest pain while working out and heart palpitations. Read more: Enlarged heart screenings ahead of Fall sports, doctors talk about risk
4. ‘School Supply Santa’ to drop off donations today
Denise Kooiker is known as the School Supply Santa: she drops off donation bins throughout areas in Kent County to help families and kids who may be missing key items as they head back to school. The donations she collects helps eight school districts: Kelloggsville, Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, Godwin, Vista Charter Academy, Byron Center, and Kentwood. On Wednesday, she and her elves will load up the sleigh and make deliveries to district administrators who, along with teachers, will hand out supplies to those in need. Read more: School Supply Santa ready to deliver classroom supplies
5. Have mercy! A Full House revival?
The family sitcom that aired from 1987 until 1995 could return to the small screen. According to TV Guide, Warner Brothers TV is talking about a new take on the show that will include some of the original cast. John Stamos, who played Uncle Jesse, is spearheading the idea, along with the show’s original executive producer and series creator. Candace Cameron Bure (D.J.), Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie), and Andrea Barber (Kimmy) are also reportedly on board, as well as Bob Saget (Danny) and Dave Coulier (Joey), who are involved in some way. There’s no word yet on whether the Olsen twins will be involved. Read more: ‘Full House’ cast and producers mulling a revival
