On Saturday afternoon, a police pursuit of a stolen vehicle driven by a 13-year-old boy ended in a fiery crash in Woodland, California, resulting in one death and 10 people hospitalized. The Woodland Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them and reminding the public to drive safely and responsibly.
News Mash
On Sunday, tensions between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem reached a peak, with simultaneous religious rituals at a volatile shrine and Israeli warplanes and artillery striking targets in Syria in response to rare rocket fire. The IDF reported that six rockets had been launched from Syria, three of which were intercepted, and hundreds of Jews visited the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police guard. Simultaneously, thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall for a mass priestly benediction prayer service. The events have further heightened the tension between Israel and Syria, and between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem.
The Biden administration is facing a legal challenge that could restrict access to the leading abortion drug in the U.S. A 19th century “anti-vice” law, the Comstock Act, has been revived by anti-abortion groups and conservative states in an effort to block the mailing of mifepristone. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has said that all options are on the table to ensure access to the drug, including Supreme Court intervention. Pro-choice advocates have criticized the ruling, arguing that it will have a negative impact on women’s health and rights.
Pope Francis celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, decorated with 38,000 flowers from the Netherlands, and was joined by prelates and thousands of worshippers. His message of hope and peace invoked prayers for the Ukrainian and Russian people, and called for Israelis and Palestinians to forge a “climate of trust”.
The Tennessee state House of Representatives voted last week to expel two Democratic lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, for their involvement in protests on the chamber floor. The expulsion resolution was sponsored by Republican Representative Andrew Farmer, and passed despite criticism of his comments during the vote. A vote to expel a third Democrat, Gloria Johnson, fell short. The expulsion of Jones and Pearson has sparked debate over the role of activism in the legislature and its effect on the balance of power in the chamber.
Early Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, a domestic violence incident resulted in the death of three people, including a young child. The suspect came out of the house and fired shots at the officers, who returned fire, resulting in the suspect's death. Two officers were unharmed, but the three victims were fatally shot. The Orlando Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
At least four people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a building that collapsed following an explosion in Marseille, France, early Sunday morning. Rescue efforts are being hindered by a fire deep within the rubble, and more than 100 firefighters and rescue workers are on the scene. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation and the French government has promised to provide all necessary resources to aid in the rescue efforts.
Tiger Woods withdrew from the Masters Tournament on Sunday due to an injury caused by a 2021 car accident. Woods had completed all 72 holes of every tournament he had played at Augusta National as a professional until Sunday's withdrawal, and his fans and supporters have wished him a speedy recovery. His next tournament is scheduled for June at the U.S. Open.