Gaza & Iran, Passover, and Earth Day facts.

Adam Rogers
April 22, 2024

Happy Monday! Today’s edition is 766 words, a 3 minute read.

First-time reader? Sign up here!

Big Stories

Israeli airstrikes in Rafah killed 18 people, including 14 children.

These airstrikes are part of Israel's near-daily air raids on Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza's population has sought refuge from ongoing conflicts. Despite international calls for restraint, including from the US, Israel plans to expand its ground offensive into Rafah.
Meanwhile, the US is considering imposing sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s Netzah Yehuda battalion due to allegations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. If implemented, the sanctions would restrict the transfer of US military aid to the unit and prohibit soldiers and officers from participating in US-funded training programs.
On Friday, Israel conducted a strike near a major air base and nuclear site in Iran, its first apparent military response to Tehran's recent attack. While Iranian officials downplayed the incident, Israel said the attack was muted to avoid escalating tensions. Military experts say it was a warning shot from Israel signaling that it could hit Iran where it would hurt.

The US House of Representatives approved a $95 billion foreign aid package on Saturday.

The Senate is expected to consider and likely pass the bill next week, sending it to President Biden for signing. The package includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific.
The Biden administration plans to announce a new aid package for Ukraine soon after the bill becomes law. Hardline Republicans opposed the package, arguing for prioritizing US interests and debt reduction. Despite threats of being ousted, House Speaker Johnson secured enough votes for passage.
The package also includes potential bans on TikTok and the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine. Additionally, defense contractors are expected to benefit from the increased funding.

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins tonight.

Passover starts at sundown on Monday, April 22nd, and ends on Tuesday, April 30th. This year, Passover coincides with heightened security concerns due to recent threats and antisemitism.
Passover is an eight-day holiday commemorating the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. The main ritual is the Seder, a festive meal with a specific order and rituals that retells the story of Exodus from Egypt. Seder is only held on the first two nights of the festival. After candles are lit, the 15-course feast follows, according to Chabad.
Observant Jews traditionally avoid leavened bread ("chametz") and eat matzah, a flatbread, during Passover. It is to remind them that there was no time for dough to “rise” when the Jews fled Egypt.

The first round of the NBA Playoffs tipped off on Saturday. All four top-seeded teams won their opening games with the defending champion Denver Nuggets beating the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103. Denver’s Nikola Jokic is also up for his third MVP award in four years. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are also nominated for the award. (More)

A tram carrying tourists crashed at Universal Studios Hollywood on Saturday night. Over 15 people were injured, with most being minor but some reported as moderate. The cause is under investigation, but it seems the last car of the tram hit a railing while turning, causing it to tilt and eject passengers. (More)

The Supreme Court will hear a case today determining if cities can ticket homeless people. The case considers if such ticketing violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The decision will be impactful for both cities struggling with homelessness and the homeless population itself. (More)

Governor Newsom plans to introduce legislation in California to streamline the licensing process for abortion providers from Arizona. The initiative is in response to a recent court decision in Arizona limiting access to abortions. With an anticipated increase in patients from Arizona, California plans to recruit more doctors to meet the demand. He hopes to enact the law by May 1st. (More)

A new study suggests a link between faster aging and a rise in cancers diagnosed in younger adults (under 55). Researchers found people born in recent decades are more likely to show signs of accelerated aging, which may contribute to these early-onset cancers. While this builds on existing research, there's still more to learn about this connection. (More)

Quiz: Is this an Olympic sport?

10 surprising facts about Earth Day.

A tiny scribble from Michelangelo sells for 33x its value at auction.

Uber’s 2024 lost and found index details crazy things people leave behind.

Your feedback helps us provide the best newsletter possible.