Dharmesh Patel, a 41-year-old motorist, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff in Northern California, nearly killing himself, his wife and two children. The incident occurred on January 2nd and has been described as “miraculous” as all four passengers survived the plunge. Patel is expected to appear before a San Mateo County judge later in the afternoon in connection with the crash.
News Mash
The White House announced on Monday that it plans to end the nation's COVID-19 public health emergency and national emergency on May 11, providing a 60-day notice period to allow local governments and health care providers to transition back to pre-pandemic operations. The extension of the emergency declarations will not impose any restrictions on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19, and the White House has opposed two Republican measures to end the emergencies.
On Monday afternoon, a targeted drive-by shooting in Lakeland, Florida left at least 10 people injured, two of whom are in critical condition. Four shooters fired from a dark-blue Nissan four-door sedan, and the Lakeland Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Chief Taylor expressed his sadness at the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the police department.
Key takeaways: Republican leadership is facing a difficult task of instructing their rank-and-file on the difference between debt default and a government shutdown. Tax cuts,…
Ira "Bob" Born, the "Father of Peeps" and executive of Just Born Quality Confections, passed away peacefully on Sunday. Born was born to Russian immigrant Sam Born, who founded the family-owned company shortly before his son's birth. He is best known for mechanizing the process to make marshmallow chicks, a popular Easter treat, and for his dedication to the company.
Cindy Williams, best known for her role in the iconic ABC sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," has passed away at the age of 75. Her family confirmed the news in a statement released by family spokesperson Liza Cranis, and Williams is survived by her two children and grandchildren. During its eight-season run, the show earned Williams two Golden Globe nominations and the chant of "Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!" became a catchphrase.
Five Memphis police officers have been fired and two are still under investigation, while three personnel from the Memphis Fire Department have also been fired, in response to the death of Tyre Nichols, a young Black man beaten by police officers during a traffic stop. The District Attorney's office is continuing to investigate, and encourages the public to come forward with any information they may have.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) has called out Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) for their opposition to abandoning the filibuster, which has hindered Democrats' ability to pass police reform and other legislation. Protests and vigils are continuing in response to the incident, but the future of police reform remains uncertain.