Biggest news you missed this weekend
'Obama out': President ends last 'Nerd Prom' with a bang
President Obama literally dropped the mic at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner, where politicians, journalists, stars and even dogs (Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher's, to be exact) gathered. Prior to Obama's customary riffs, guests at Washington's Hilton Hotel ballroom were treated to a blooper reel, splicing the president's various fumbles, including knocking over audio equipment, calling Today show host Matt Lauer "Tim" and branding Kanye West a "jackass" in one infamous, "hot mic" moment.
Here's what we know after the 2016 NFL draft
The NFL draft concluded Saturday, and while none of the 253 players selected over the past three days have played a single snap with their new teams, they provide hope for the future. Our expert graded each team’s draft haul. The Broncos and Rams are two of five teams that should expect instant impact from their draft classes. Plus, a look at the projected quarterbacks for Week 1 from teams that made offseason moves.
Bombings kill 31 as Iraq grapples with political crisis
Two car bombs in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah on Sunday killed 31 people and wounded dozens, the latest in a series of large attacks claimed by the Islamic State group as the country grapples with a worsening political crisis. The attacks came the day after thousands of anti-government protesters poured into Baghdad’s heavily guarded Green Zone and stormed parliament, the culmination of months of protests by followers of an influential Shiite cleric demanding wide-ranging political reforms.
Woman, four great-grandchildren killed in Texas flooding
A 64-year-old woman and her four great-grandchildren were killed early Saturday when floodwaters ripped through their neighborhood in Palestine, Texas. The bodies of the five victims were found near one of the homes on their street in the early morning hours, according to the the Palestine Police Department. City officials identified the victims as Lenda Asberry, 64; Venetia Asberry, 9; Devonte Asberry, 8; Von Anthony Johnson Jr., 7; and Jamonicka Johnson, 6.
Malia Obama to take gap year before Harvard
Malia Obama will attend Harvard University in the fall of 2017 as a member of the class of 2021, the White House announced Sunday. The Obamas will remain in Washington after the president leaves office in January 2017 until their younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school. Malia will take a gap year before beginning school, according to the brief statement. Both of her parents are alumni of Harvard Law School.
Ringling Bros. circus elephants set for final act Sunday
The iconic elephants of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will parade into a Rhode Island arena for their final performance Sunday, ending a classic feature of "The Greatest Show on Earth" that began in the "big top" circus tents 145 years ago. The giant pachyderms' last act follows decades of protests by animal rights activists claiming the methods used to train and house the elephants are cruel. Ringling bowed to the pressure as state and local rules placed more restrictions on the circus' use of exotic animals and the bullhook trainers use to control the animals.
Orthodox Easter spreads 'holy fire' around the world
Orthodox Easter was celebrated across the world Sunday with a fire ceremony, roasted lamb, cakes and street processions through the streets of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Protestants and Roman Catholics celebrated Easter in March, according to the Gregorian calendar, to commemorate the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected more than 2,000 years ago. But Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate this week, following the older Julian calendar.
Adorable photos of Princess Charlotte released day before first birthday
It doesn’t get much cuter than this! Kensington Palace released four new photos of Princess Charlotte on Sunday, in celebration of her upcoming first birthday. The photos show the tiny princess walking with the help of a toy and standing on her own. Charlotte’s mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, took the photos in April, Kensington Palace said in a tweet.
Contributing: Associated Press