Tributes honor Pope Francis's legacy, Hegseth reportedly shared attack details in 2nd Signal chat, 3 more states log measles cases
Good morning, everyone. We're starting today with sad news out of the Vatican.
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NEED TO KNOW
Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis dies at 88
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who was known for his efforts to modernize and reform the Roman Catholic Church, died this morning at 88.
The pope's death: It comes a day after he greeted and blessed Easter crowds, and weeks after an extended hospital stay for pneumonia. 'He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love,' the Vatican said. Read about his life and legacy. [Yahoo News/Time]
Tributes: World leaders and celebrities honored the pontiff, including Vice President JD Vance, who saw the pope yesterday, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who remembered him for his efforts 'to bring joy and hope to the poorest.' [Variety]
Mourning period: Pope Francis's funeral will be held after his body lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica during a nine-day mourning period. During that time, cardinals will prepare to choose the next pontiff. Here are some of the candidates. [GMA/Reuters]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Nathan Howard/AP
➡️ Signal controversy continues
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared details of March's attack on Yemen in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer, nearly a month after a separate chat leak raised national security concerns. [Reuters]
🏛️ White House pushback
Over the weekend, the Supreme Court ruled the White House must pause certain deportations, there were over 80 anti-Trump protests nationwide and Sen. Chris Van Hollen argued for Kilmar Abrego Garcia's due process rights. [CNN]
🩺 Measles update
Louisiana, Virginia and Missouri reported their first measles cases of 2025, bringing the total number of states with at least one case to 27. Officials say 96% of this year's cases are in the unvaccinated or those whose status is unknown. [ABC News]
🎵 Coachella's 2nd weekend
Ed Sheeran staged not one, not two but three performances at the festival, while Green Day's frontman playfully referenced his supposed feud with Charli XCX by donning a 'Brat' hat after she wore a 'Miss Should Be Headliner' sash. [Variety/Billboard]
🏀 NBA playoffs tip off
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and defending champ Boston Celtics won Game 1 in the NBA playoffs' first-round series yesterday. Watch Steph Curry sink several threes, and other highlights. [Yahoo Sports]
WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY
⚾ On the field, the Mets face their rival, the Phillies, for the first time since last season's National League Division Series at 7:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [SNY]
🏀 On the court, the first round of the NBA playoffs continues with the Pistons taking on the Knicks and the Clippers going up against the Nuggets, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. [Yahoo Sports]
☀️ And don't forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
AP
In 1934, the Daily Mail printed the 'surgeon's photograph,' an image that reportedly depicted the Loch Ness Monster, sparking global interest in the mythical creature. Though it ended up being a hoax, the search continues, with a big one dubbed 'The Quest' scheduled for next month. [USA Today]
3 QUESTIONS...
about marijuana
Yesterday was 420, the annual marijuana holiday. I asked Yahoo News reporter Mike Bebernes about what he found after looking into Americans' shifting feelings toward the drug.
Jessica: How have attitudes around pot changed over the years?
Mike: Public opinion on marijuana has completely flipped over the past two decades. In 1995, 75% of Americans opposed legalization. Today, strong majorities now support it, and most people say pot is safer than alcohol or tobacco.
Jessica: Where is marijuana legal now, anyway?
Mike: Recreational use is legal in 24 states, and 39 states allow medical marijuana. Even some of the states where it's officially illegal permit medical use of cannabis products with low levels of THC — the chemical in weed that gets you high.
Jessica: So, does that mean more people are using cannabis?
Mike: Yes, but with some caveats. The share of Americans who smoke weed has doubled, but they're still only 15% of the population. Overall, pot use has gone up by only a modest amount, with the biggest increase among people 65 or older.
Go deeper: Read more of Mike's findings.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
KENS 5: Your San Antonio News Source via Youtube
At 10 years old, Alisa Perales will make history next month when she becomes the youngest graduate of Crafton Hills College in California. '[Learning] is very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever,' she said. Read her story. [People]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow.
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: If you're tired of waiting for your avocados to ripen, try pickling them instead. [The Takeout]
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