Good Friday, Passover, New York International Auto Show: 5 things to know Friday

Good Friday and start of Passover

Good Friday, the Christian holiday that remembers the date of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, and the start of Passover, a nearly week-long commemoration of the Jews liberation from slavery, both take place Friday. Although it's not recognized as federal holidays, 11 states, observe Good Friday as a Christian holiday. If you're planning to travel over the holiday weekend, bring that hand sanitizer and your patience — lines at airports may be more crowded than normal. Meanwhile, the day of observance comes after massive inferno threatened to destroy the Notre Dame Cathedral, a culturally and religiously significant icon, for good.

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Storms expected to strike East, possibly snarling weekend travel

A three-day severe storm system is expected to reach the East Coast Friday, and storms may intensify from Florida through the Mid-Atlantic by the afternoon, the National Weather Service said. The greatest risk for severe weather is in the Southeast Atlantic Coast states from Virginia to Florida, the service added. This same storm system brought multiple tornadoes and storms across parts of Mississippi Thursday, leaving downed trees and thousands of households without power. The serious weather has already disrupted air travel for the busy Easter and Passover travel weekend as well as more than 4,800 flights were delayed and over 840 flights were canceled into and out of the U.S. Since the harsh weather is expected to continue, travelers should monitor their flight status through the holiday weekend.

Car aficionados flock the Big Apple for New York's auto show

The 2019 New York International Auto Show opens to the general public Friday as carmakers and suppliers are focused on technologies that improve vehicle safety, security and convenience. The New York show is an annual event that serves as a platform for the world’s leading automakers to debut shimmering new models. But what about overall substance you ask? That's a little harder to come by, according to USA TODAY's Nathan Bomey. But there are some major winners, including the Lincoln Corsair, the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Venue.

Samsung sends invitations to those looking to get $2K Galaxy Fold

Get ready to grab your wallet if you're interested in the latest thing in smartphones. On Friday, Samsung starts sending invitations to those who have signed up on its website expressing interest in the Galaxy Fold. After receiving the invites, those interested in purchasing one of the new foldable phones can reserve their place in a virtual line, letting them be among the first to buy the $1,980 phone/tablet hybrid that becomes available April 26. If you get one, be sure to not remove the layer of film covering the screen, and be aware of early reviewers' pointed criticisms of the device.

Ann Coulter siding with Bern?

Conservative provocateur and author Ann Coulter often makes headlines by caustically deriding political figures, but she will attract attention Friday by saying nice things — 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. In a preview of an interview on PBS' "Firing Line With Margaret Hoover," Coulter said she might back the Vermont senator's 2020 bid because of his past opposition to immigration legislation that he feared would drive down wages for American workers. "If he went back to his original position, which is the pro-blue-collar position. I mean, it totally makes sense with him," Coulter said. Check your local listings to see when this episode is airing on your PBS station.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Good Friday, Passover, New York International Auto Show: 5 things to know Friday