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In todays headlines, a significant change is brewing at the Pentagon as a U.S. official has confirmed to NPR that the search for a new Secretary of Defense is officially underway. This move comes in the wake of ongoing controversies surrounding the current Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has faced scrutiny over allegations of sharing sensitive military operational details through a Signal group chat. This chat involved not only his wife and his brother but also his personal lawyer, raising serious security concerns.

During this chat, Hegseth disclosed information regarding airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. This sharing of classified information reportedly coincided with another Signal chat where similar sensitive details were shared with high-ranking officials and a journalist who was inadvertently included. The implications of these actions have raised alarm bells within military and veteran circles, with many expressing outrage over the potential risks to lives that such disclosures could entail.

Initially, the White House dismissed reports of Hegseths potential removal as fake news. Yesterday, President Trump publicly reiterated his support for Hegseth, despite the growing backlash. NPRs Quil Lawrence has reported that the Pentagon is currently in a state of turmoil, with infighting that is described as a full-blown meltdown. Adding to the chaos, former Defense Department spokesperson John Ullyot resigned last week, publishing an opinion piece lamenting the situation within the Pentagon as detrimental to Trumps administration. Furthermore, three other advisers from the Pentagon were reportedly escorted out, accused of leaking sensitive information.

In other pressing news, Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 86, following complications from a stroke that led to a coma and ultimately, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. The Vaticans Dr. Andrea Arcangeli confirmed these details, and the world is now paying tribute to the first pope hailing from Latin America. Renowned for his advocacy for the marginalized, including the poor and migrants, as well as environmental issues, Pope Francis was viewed as a progressive leader, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ+ community.

As tributes pour in from around the globe, NPRs Ruth Sherlock, reporting from Rome, captures the intense emotions and sense of loss felt by many. While his efforts to uplift the marginalized were widely recognized, some critics argue that he did not implement enough substantial changes within the Church. In the coming days, Pope Francis body will be transported to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the public to pay their respects starting tomorrow. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with numerous politicians, including Trump, expected to attend.

In the United States, the Supreme Court today will deliberate over a contentious issue that lies at the heart of public educationbalancing the rights of local school boards to determine class curriculums against the need to respect religious objections from parents. This case involves the Montgomery County school district in Maryland, which is recognized as the most religiously diverse county in the nation. The districts school board had approved the inclusion of five storybooks featuring LGBTQ+ characters in elementary schools, prompting objections from some parents who feel such materials contradict their religious beliefs.

The school board had initially permitted opt-out options for parents but found that managing these requests was turning into a logistical nightmare. NPRs Nina Totenberg suggests that the justices may lean towards siding with the parents who seek the ability to opt their children out of these classes, reflecting ongoing tensions between educational inclusivity and religious freedoms.

In health news, recent studies indicate that approximately 40% of women possess breast tissue that ranges from dense to extremely dense, significantly increasing their risk for breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can complicate the detection of cancer, presenting challenges for traditional 2D mammograms, and even for newer 3D imaging technologies. Starting September 2024, federal regulations will mandate that mammogram reports include information regarding breast density, which may encourage follow-up imaging such as MRIs for women identified with dense breast tissue.

However, the decision to pursue follow-up testing is not straightforward and can depend heavily on individual factors such as family history, genetics, and lifestyle choices. The financial burden can also deter women from seeking necessary imaging, as out-of-pocket costs for an MRI can reach approximately $1,000. Mammograms generally detect about five cancer cases per 1,000 scans, but Dr. Wendie Berg, a radiology professor at the University of Pittsburgh, emphasizes that screening MRIs can identify another 15 cancers per 1,000 cases, even after initial mammograms and ultrasounds.

In light-hearted news, former President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted thousands on the South Lawn of the White House for the annual Easter egg roll event. This cherished tradition, which dates back to President Rutherford B. Hayes administration in 1878, has continued with few interruptions over the years, primarily due to wartime or food shortages. For the first time ever, this year's egg roll event featured corporate sponsors, with proceeds benefiting the White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the White House's history.

As always, we encourage you to stay informed! Thank you for reading the Up First newsletter. Today, we leave you with some additional insights:

The U.S. Department of Education has announced it will resume the collection of defaulted student loans starting May 5, following a five-year pause. Additionally, as Mothers Day approaches, we want to hear from youwhat is the most memorable gift you have ever received or given for this special holiday? Lastly, a recent survey by the language-learning site Preply revealed that more than half of 1,260 Americans watch shows with subtitles due to difficulty understanding the audio.