From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

From arming teachers to corporate tax breaks: Tennessee’s new, extreme laws

Tennessee’s Republican-dominated legislature passed conservative laws this year, including allowing teachers to arm themselves in class. Other bills included providing government-funded vouchers to private schools, tax breaks to corporations, civil penalties for aiding minors with abortion, and restricting library materials. The state also passed a bill allowing public school teachers and staff to carry guns.

Pope soldiers through Easter Vigil after missing procession

Pope soldiers through Easter Vigil after missing procession

Pope Francis soldiered through a more than 2-hour Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, despite concerns about his frail condition. He read all of his prepared texts, including a long homily, and smiled and waved at the congregation as he left in a wheelchair. The pope has been struggling with colds, bronchitis, and the flu, as well as a knee ailment that limits his mobility. He urged Christians to keep their faith even in times of adversity during the service.