FDA Approval of Abortion Pill Revoked

An abortion pill may be taken off the market just seven days after a federal judge in Texas suspended FDA approval of the drug.

Mifepristone is taken during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and is used to commit 53% of abortions in America. If the ruling stands, the drug would become illegal nationwide.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk has garnered widespread support from pro-life groups and spokespersons for this decision. Regarding his verdict, Kacsmaryk said “Simply put, FDA built on its already-suspect 2000 Approval by removing even more restrictions related to chemical abortion drugs that were present during the final phase of the investigation. And it did so by relying on studies that included the very conditions FDA refused to adopt.”

President Joe Biden has vowed that his administration will fight the decision, stating that “The lawsuit, and this ruling, is another unprecedented step in taking away basic freedoms from women and putting their health at risk.”

Biden’s appeal will likely send the case to the Supreme Court.

Chinese Christians Given Asylum on Good Friday

Sixty-three Chinese Christians experienced the promise of new beginnings this Easter after being granted protection in the United States.

The persecuted Christians (28 adults and 35 children) fled from China to South Korea to Thailand – where they were hoping to obtain refugee status. Instead, the members of the Shenzhem Holy Reform Church, known as “Mayflower Church”, were arrested by Thai officials for violation of immigration law, with the intention of deportation back to China. While incarcerated in Bangkok, the congregation faced looming threats of kidnapping by the Chinese Communist Party.

After an agreement was reached between the State Department, Homeland Security, the U.N, and Thailand, the Mayflower Church community arrived in Dallas on Good Friday.

Mayflower Church pastor Pan Yongguang spoke about his congregation’s journey over the last three years, saying “On earth, Christians are sojourners. We can keep moving forward, but Thailand isn’t my destination; neither is the United States. We are walking toward our heavenly home.”

Jon Rahm Wins The Masters

At one point on Sunday, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm was four strokes behind the leader. He ended the day four strokes ahead.

Wearing his newly-earned green jacket, he spoke about getting the win on the 40th anniversary of his hero (and fellow Spaniard) Seve Ballesteros’s victory at the Masters.

“Never thought I was going to cry about winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole. And a lot of it because of what it means to me and Spanish golf.”

Brooks Koepka led for most of the tournament, but he was shaky in the final round and couldn’t hold off Rahm’s steady climb up the leaderboard.

As Rahm was being interviewed in the famous Butler cabin after the final round, he sat next to Sam Bennett—an amateur golfer who captured audiences with his story and excellent play. Bennett finished at -2 and inside the top 20—the first amateur to do so since 2005.

➤ China held a second day of major military exercises off the coast of Taiwan. Over 70 aircraft participated, and animations of the simulated attack were broadcast on official Chinese media accounts. The drills are widely believed to be a response to Kevin McCarthy’s meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai. (More)

➤ According to a bombshell report, Kevin McCarthy thinks that Steve Scalise is “ineffective” and doubts that Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) can deliver a budget proposal. The report has the Speaker in hot water with several House Republicans. (Read More)

➤ UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal managed to get a “Let’s go Brandon” chant started at UFC 287 in Florida. Donald Trump was in attendance, and Masvidal didn’t miss the chance to show support for the former President. (More)

➤ Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) broke his femur at a parade celebrated UConn’s NCAA championship. He’s expected to recover fully after surgery. (More)

➤ The Warriors’ Klay Thompson is the third NBA player to make 300 three-pointers in one season. He needed five more headed into the last game of the year, and he got all five in the first quarter. (Watch)

➤ The Odell Beckham Jr. free agency drama is over. He’s headed to the Ravens on a 1 year, $15 million dollar deal. (More)

➤ It was a busy day for the Golden State Warriors. After Thompson broke 300 threes, Jonathan Kumingas threw down one of most powerful dunks of the NBA season and had the bench going crazy. (Watch)

Market Report   Previous Week

➤ Tesla is building another factory in Shanghai. This one will produce Megapacks—”powerful batteries that provides energy storage and support, helping to stabilize the grid and prevent outages.” (More)

➤ The Super Mario Bros. Movie dominated the box office this weekend. It brought in $146 million in the U.S. (More)

➤ Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is considering new ways to win his revenue battle with Disney. Additional taxes and toll roads are on the list. (Read More)

➤ Pharmaceutical companies are making huge strides with blood tests that detect cancer early. There are around 20 companies working in the space, and FDA approval may be approaching. (More Info)

➤ Restaurants are looking to robot waiters to solve labor crisis issues, but many in the industry think it’s a doomed concept. (More)

➤ The data is in: America’s favorite Easter candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. (More)

➤ The last living prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials has died at 103. (Read)

Today’s Trivia

Who shot the lowest round in Masters history?