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California Hit By Major Storm
Life-threatening winds and flooding in California are expected to continue throughout the day. At least four people have died from flooding south of Sacramento after levees in the area were damaged, and a young child was killed by a fallen tree in Sonoma County. Governor Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, authorizing the mobilization of the National Guard. Authorities are requesting several times that everybody stay off the roads.
Damar Hamlin Health Update
Team officials with the Buffalo Bills say safety Damar Hamlin has shown what physicians treating him are calling “remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours.” Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during Monday night’s game against Cincinnati. Hamlin’s agent, Ronald Butler, told The Associated Press that Hamlin was awake and had been able to grip the hands of family members at his hospital bedside.
Still No Speaker
After three days of voting, the speakership of the House remains undecided.
El Chapo’s Son Arrested
Alleged major Fentanyl trafficker and son of notorious kingpin “El Chapo,” Oviedo Guzman, has been captured. The Mexican Army says they made the arrest Thursday, just days before President Joe Biden’s scheduled trip to the country for the summit of the three North American leaders.
Michigan Dem Not Seeking Re-Election
Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the chairwoman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, announced Thursday that she will not run for re-election in 2024.
Alleged Jihadist From Maine
Authorities say the Maine teenager accused of attacking three New York police officers with a machete on New Year’s Eve wanted to murder government officials and allegedly shouted “Allahu akbar” during the incident. The suspect faces a mandatory life sentence after he was charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of attempted assault.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Funeral Mass Held Thursday
The Vatican held a funeral mass and celebration of life for Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday. Pope Francis was the lead celebrant, the first time since 1802 that a sitting pope said the mass for his predecessor.
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