Oakland School Shooting, Flying Car, Cheerleader Scandal: What’s Spiking (Tuesday)

The weekday report for the topics and people that are trending on
Yahoo! and across the Web for Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Research by Search editor Mahlon Chute

Tragedy struck another school campus when a gunman opened fire on Monday in Oakland, Calif. A former NFL cheerleader faces charges in the latest sports scandal. Science fiction meets reality in the Netherlands as an innovative flying-car prototype takes to the sky. Catch up with what's happening today across the Web.

STANDOUT SPIKES

  • Oakland School Shooting: On Monday morning, 43-year-old suspect One L. Goh entered Oikos University, a small Christian school in Oakland, Calif., and opened fire. Seven were killed and three are recovering from injuries. Related searches: one l goh, oikos university

  • Cheerleader Sarah Jones: Former Bengals cheerleader has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual abuse and unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity. Related searches: nfl cheerleader arrested, cheerleader scandal

  • Flying Car: A Dutch company has successfully test flown its prototype Personal Air and Land Vehicle (PAL-V). The "flying car," if it goes to market, will use existing roads and airstrips.


NEWS & POLITICS

  • Oaksterdam: Federal agents raided Oaksterdam University in Oakland, Calif., as well as the home of the school's founder yesterday and removed a number of items, including marijuana plants. The university is known for teaching courses on medical marijuana.

  • Mega Millions Mess: The $656 million Mega Millions jackpot yielded three winning tickets. Two of the winners have yet to be identified. The third, Mirlande Wilson of Baltimore, is involved in a bit of controversy -- 15 fellow McDonald's employees assert that the ticket was purchased as part of a pool and not individually, as Wilson claims. Wilson is currently "in hiding" and has not yet offered proof of any winning numbers. Related searches: mega lottery winners

  • GSA Scandal: The chief of the General Services Administration has resigned, and several of her top officials were also sacked or placed on leave, following the revelation of excessive spending at a Las Vegas conference.

  • Wisconsin Recall: As an important Republican primary takes place in Wisconsin today, many voters are reportedly more interested in the vote to recall Gov. Scott Walker taking place on June 5.


BUSINESS & MONEY

  • Pinnacle Airlines: The company has filed for bankruptcy and plans to cut its labor and operating costs, while renewing contracts to fly for Delta Airlines.

  • 'Pink Slime' Bankruptcy: Beef processing company AFA Foods of King of Prussia, Penn., has filed for bankruptcy, citing the recent backlash against the ground beef filler.


ENTERTAINMENT


CELEBRITIES

  • Harper Lee: "Harper Lee: Hey, Boo," a documentary about the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," premiered on PBS's "American Masters" series Monday night.

  • Doris Day: Today is actress Doris Day's 90th birthday.

  • Alec Baldwin: The actor, age 54, has become engaged to his girlfriend, Hilaria Thomas, 28.

  • Adam Levine and Anne Vyalitsyna: The couple have announced that they have separated amicably.

  • Aziz Ansari: Ansari has released a Web-only standup special, "Dangerously Delicious," and will begin a multicity tour. Also, the "Parks and Recreation" star recently joined forces with the New York City field maintenance department to mow lawns in Central Park in preparation for spring.

  • Bruce Willis and Emma Heming: The couple have welcomed a baby daughter, Mabel Ray Willis.

  • Sarah Palin: The former governor of Alaska and VP candidate is scheduled to co-host the "Today" show Tuesday morning.

  • Arsenio Hall: Hall unloaded his frustrations on Aubrey O'Day during the boardroom segment of "Celebrity Apprentice."


SPORTS

  • NCAA Basketball Championship:

    • Kentucky Wildcats: The Wildcats won the NCAA national championship title following a 67-59 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. The victory marks the first successful national title for the coach. Related searches: University of Kentucky, John Calipari

    • Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: The freshman forward pushed his team to a prehalftime lead by scoring 11 points in the championship game's first half.

    • The Fray: Rock band the Fray performed the national anthem for the NCAA basketball championship -- reviews, however, have not been good. Related searches: NCAA national anthem

  • Joe Posnanski: The baseball writer is leaving Sports Illustrated to join USA Today.

  • Matt Cain: The pitcher has signed an extension with the San Francisco Giants in a five-year, $112.5 million extension (although since his current contract was "ripped up," the deal's technically for six years plus a possible seventh-year option).

  • Skylar Diggins: The point guard pushed Notre Dame to victory during overtime in a matchup against Connecticut.

  • Joey Votto: Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is close to signing an extension with the Reds worth $225 million for a 10-year contract.


HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE WEB
What's popular on Yahoo!, Twitter, Google Trends, CNN, BBC, Hollywood Reporter, and other sources.

Yahoo! News Most Popular

Twitter Trends (USA)

CNN

BBC

Catch up with the latest Trending Now video

Man's $5 garage sale find could be worth $2 million