Happy Saturday! On this date in 1841, Edgar Allan Poe’s story, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue“ first appeared in Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Magazine. The tale is generally considered to be the first detective story, and it served as partial inspiration for Sherlock Holmes and Batman. (Read More)
Last week, we mentioned the glorious spring weather and all the barbecue thoughts it inspired. This week, we’re thinking about our favorite vacation spots; in true Western spring fashion, snow has replaced our sunshine. Maui, the Florida Keys, and Puerto Vallarta all received votes, and all that happy vacation talk put us in the mood for a giveaway.
At the end of next week, one Flyover reader who clicks a special contest link in each of next week’s editions (Mon-Sat) will receive a $250 Visa gift card (use it for a flight if you’d like ✈️). Keep an eye out for it in Monday’s edition!
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Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Trump Trial
Authorities have identified the man who set himself on fire outside a Manhattan courthouse Friday as Max Azzarello, a self-described investigative researcher from Florida.
According to reports, Azzarello entered the Collect Pond Park around 1:30 p.m., opened a backpack full of pamphlets, and threw them around the park. He then poured a liquid accelerant on himself before setting himself on fire.
The pamphlets included a link to a digital newsletter where Azzarello published a manifesto. He wrote that he set himself on fire outside the Trump trial to draw attention to various conspiracy theories involving Hollywood, cryptocurrency, COVID, and politics.
First responders on the scene treated Azzarello and transported him to a burn unit at New York-Presbyterian Cornell Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Israel and Iran Downplay Missile Strike
U.S. officials confirmed Israeli forces carried out a promised counter-strike on Iran late Thursday, five days after hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones struck Israel.
One report indicated bombs allegedly fell near a major Iranian air base and a nuclear site in central Iran. Both Iran and Israel downplayed the report, signaling they were avoiding further escalation.
Israeli officials remained mostly silent about the strike but did say the attack showed Iran that “Israel can attack its territory.”
During a speaking engagement on Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi didn’t reference the Israeli strike. Instead, he praised the Iranian bombardment of Israel.
Russian Spies Arrested in Germany
German authorities arrested two individuals believed to be Russian spies Thursday on suspicion they collected information on possible targets for attack, including U.S. military facilities.
One suspect has been accused of several offenses, including plotting an explosion, arson, and maintaining contact with Russian intelligence. The other is accused of helping to identify targets. The German foreign ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador.
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➤A $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan will receive a final vote in the House this weekend after embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson secured bipartisan support. (More)
➤ The Biden administration announced new restrictions on oil and gas leasing on 13 million acres of an Alaskan federal petroleum reserve Friday, saying the move will protect wildlife such as caribou and polar bears. (More)
➤The EPA designated two chemicals used in cookware, carpets, and firefighting foams as hazardous substances Friday, and it required the release of the chemicals to be reported. (More)
➤Week one of former President Trump’s so-called “hush money trial” concluded Friday with the final alternate jurors selected and opening statements expected to begin Monday. (Complete Trial Recap Here)
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➤ Jack Leiter, son of former MLB pitcher Al Leiter, had his major league debut cut short Thursday against Detroit when he gave up seven runs in four innings of work. The Rangers went on to beat the Tigers 9-7. (More)
➤ The first round of the 2024 NHL playoffs begin today as 16 teams, including the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights, contend for the Stanley Cup. (See Bracket)
➤ Officials for the Beijing half marathon disqualified Chinese runner He Jie and three African runners after determining the three slowed down near the finish line to allow He Jie to finish first. (More)
➤ FedEx announced a five-year $25 million investment with University of Memphis athletics Friday, in what is believed to be the largest corporate NIL partnership. (More)
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Ladies and Gentlemen: our most-clicked stories of the week. Enjoy!
➤ #1: A German tourist found the world’s oldest message in a bottle, adrift at sea for 108 years. It contained instructions on what to do if found and promised a reward if returned. (More)
➤#2: Witness thespectacle of Emperor penguin chicks leaping from a towering 50-foot Antarctic cliff, captured by a National Geographic cinematographer. (See Video)
➤ #3: Experts shared their favorite six compliments and why they resonated with people—they also recommended saying thank you when receiving a compliment. (More)
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➤ White House officials admitted President Biden was wrong when he implied, on two separate occasions, that his uncle was eaten by cannibals in New Guinea. (More)
➤ An anti-crime organization distributed special decks of playing cards printed with information on 56 cold cases to seven Mississippi jails, to generate new leads for investigators. (See Photos)
➤ The city of San Francisco filed a trademark lawsuit against the city of Oakland to prevent a proposed plan to rename the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport to the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. (More)
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Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside Trump Trial 
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