Steve Stephens, the so-called “Facebook killer” who sparked a multi-state manhunt after he brazenly gunned down a Cleveland man at random, killed himself Tuesday morning in Pennsylvania as cops closed in, authorities said. More here. Facebook killer Steve Stephens dead, police say

Three killed in Fresno, California shooting spree

Suspect in Fresno shooting spree that killed 3 shouts ‘Allahu Akbar’ when arrested

This Day in History: 

US Federal Court rules to release Ezra Pound from mental hospital. (1958)

“An influential American poet and literary critic, Pound spent most of his life in Europe. At the end of WWII, he was arrested for treason by the US for making public broadcasts in Italy supporting anti-Semitism and Fascism. Judged insane, he was committed to a hospital in Washington, DC, until Ernest Hemingway and other friends secured his release 12 years later. In the early weeks of his incarceration, he began showing signs of a mental breakdown, possibly as a result of being locked in what?” Found on Refdesk

In other News:

Gorsuch prepares for first blockbuster case

“A pair of Russian nuclear-capable bombers flew near Alaska Monday night, two U.S. officials told Fox News, coming as close as 100 miles from Kodiak Island — the first time since President Trump took office that Moscow has sent bombers so close to the U.S.

The two Russian Tu-95 “Bear” bombers flew roughly 280 miles southwest of Elmendorf Air Force Base, within the Air Defense Identification Zone of the United States.

The U.S. Air Force scrambled two F-22 stealth fighter jets and an E-3 airborne early warning plane to intercept the Russian bombers.” More here. Russian bombers fly near Alaska; Air Force scrambles jets

ARMY HELICOPTER CRASHES INTO GOLF COURSE; 1 DEAD, 2 INJURED

Facebook Inc. said it won’t punish employees who take time off to join pro-immigrant protests on May 1. And, in a nod to security staff, janitors, shuttle-bus drivers and others who work for Facebook contractors on campus, the company also said it will investigate if any of its vendors illegally crack down on their employees’ protest rights. More here. Facebook Gives Staff Green Light to Protest Trump on May 1 

More Than 70 Liberal Groups Partnered for Anti-Trump Tax Day Protests

GOP Targets Trillion-Dollar Tax Break for Democratic States

Mark Zuckerberg Addresses ‘Facebook Killer’

Marine Who Lost Leg Completes Boston Marathon Carrying American Flag

John Glenn honored with launch of space station supply ship

Election:

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (AP) — “Republicans are bidding to prevent a major upset in a conservative Georgia congressional district where Democrats stoked by opposition to President Donald Trump have rallied behind a candidate who has raised a shocking amount of money for a special election.” More here. TRUMP, GOP FACE REFERENDUM IN GEORGIA; DEMS AIM FOR UPSET

Equipment stolen days before special election; Sec. of State: ‘Unacceptable’

New details emerge in theft of Ga. voting machines

Alabama governor changes election for US Senate seat

World News:

DISGRUNTLED FRENCH STEEL WORKERS TURN TO POPULIST LE PEN

“With just days to go before the first round of the election, nearly a third of French voters still haven’t decided which candidate they’ll pick — or even whether they’ll go to the polls.” More here. These Voters Could Choose New French President — If They Decide 

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — “Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced plans Monday to expand the number of civilians involved in armed militias as tensions in the crisis-wracked South American nation continued to rise.

Maduro said he hopes to expand the number of civilians involved in the Bolivarian militias created by the late Hugo Chavez to 500,000, up from the current 100,000, and provide each member with a gun.” More here. VENEZUELA’S MADURO SEEKS TO EXPAND ARMED CIVILIAN MILITIAS

German prosecutors reconstruct soccer team bus attack

US VP Pence assures Japan: America is with you ‘100 percent’

President Trump:

“President addresses supporters in Kenosha, Wisconsin ahead of signing ‘Buy American, Hire American’ executive order”. Video here. Trump: We are finally standing up for our workers

TRUMP ORDER WOULD TARGET HIGH SKILLED WORKER VISA PROGRAM

Trump: Illegal immigrant criminals are ‘getting the hell out’

Healthcare:

“UnitedHealth’s first-quarter profit soared 35 percent as the nation’s biggest health insurer slashed participation in Affordable Care Act exchanges but grew just about every other part of its business.” More here. UNITEDHEALTH 1Q PROFIT SOARS AS ACA BUSINESS SHRINKS

UnitedHealth’s Government Growth Can’t Be Ignored

“Fox News contributor says Trump administration’s quick timeline is ‘unrealistic’.” Video here. York: Health care, tax reform unlikely before August recess

A couple of good ones from Tucker Carlson:

On Fox and Friends, “Tucker Carlson Tonight’ host sounds off on what’s happening in college classrooms”, immigration,Trump. Video here. Tucker Carlson: Next generation being taught to hate America

“What we know about the vicious Central American gang that has infiltrated US borders and is, in many ways, more dangerous than ISIS to Americans.” Video here. Inside MS-13

“One professor argues widespread ignorance has fueled anti-immigration sentiment and that Pres. Trump has preyed on that ignorance. Tucker takes on the professor in a debate.” Video here. Does ‘ignorance’ fuel immigration concerns?

Tammy bruce on Tucker.Carlson, Bruce – We’ve Lost A Generation That Hates America, Our Flag, Who We Are? Video here. TAMMY BRUCE VS TUCKER CARLSON 4 17 2017

Immigration:

“With an election right around the corner, Mexican politicians are eagerly embracing deportees as the embodiment of Trump’s hostility toward their country and their people.”

“The culture of politics down there is one based on the bribe – ‘la mordida,’ as we call it,” Rodriguez said. “Those of us that have lived and grown up on the border, we know that Mexico has always had a very, very poor relationship … with its citizens. It is not a government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Article and video here. Mexican Politicians Welcoming US Deportees Back Home

Technology:

Hmmm, Device that can literally read your mind invented by scientists

How YouTube’s Shifting Algorithms Hurt Independent Media

Commentary:

“The mainstream media is obsessed with how Trump is changing the GOP. But the real transformation in American politics is happening in the Democratic Party.” More here. Let’s Talk About What’s Happening To The Democratic Party