Former US President Donald Trump is expected to be arraigned in a Manhattan courtroom, charged with 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign. He will face the charges for the first time in court, making history as the first former President to face criminal charges. Several media organizations, including CNN, had earlier requested to broadcast the arraignment live, but the judge declined this request. However, still photographers will be allowed into the courtroom to take pictures of Trump before the hearing. A judge is also expected to unseal the indictment against him, providing the public and Trump's legal team with a summary of the specific charges against him. The investigation involves hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Although Trump is not expected to speak in New York, he will be flying back to Florida after his court appearance to hold a scheduled event at Mar-a-Lago in the evening, where he will respond to the charges. Trump has hired a new attorney, Todd Blanche, to serve as lead counsel on his defense team.

Today marks a milestone as Finland officially becomes the 31st member of NATO. The Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin will not take charge and Petteri Orpo, whose National Coalition Party came first in the recent election, will oversee the new era for Helsinki. As a direct consequence of Putin's invasion, Finland and Sweden applied to join the alliance. While Finland's accession brings to the alliance a well-trained, highly equipped army numbering up to 280,000 soldiers once fully mobilised, Sweden's bid is still pending, as Turkey is still blocking it. However, progress on Stockholm's application is expected after the Turkish election in May. This NATO meeting is particularly focussed on Russia's illegal and brutal war against Ukraine with ministers from the NATO military alliance gathering in Brussels for a two-day meeting. China's growing alignment with Russia will also be discussed as both countries are challenging the international order and democratic values. Meanwhile, as President Macron and Ursula von der Leyen prepare to travel to Beijing, they'll meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and seek to lure him out of Putin's warm embrace.

In a partisan race that attracted a record $45 million in spending, Democrat-backed Janet Protasiewicz defeated conservative-leaning Daniel Kelly in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, according to TMJ4 News. Protasiewicz secured 57% of the vote compared to Kelly's 43%. Control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's balance of power has flipped to liberal-leaning justices, who will now be in the majority for the first time in 15 years. Protoasiewicz's victory is expected to influence the tactics of state supreme court races in other states where supreme court justices are elected. The court's decisions could be crucial on crucial issues such as legal abortions, voting rights, and union rights, among others. The current seat opened up after Justice Patience Roggensack opted not to seek re-election, and Republicans' lead has narrowed to 3-3 on the court. Protoasiewicz's victory is considered vital, as her vote could be decisive in protecting abortion rights in the state.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene joined a group of Donald Trump supporters who were protesting across the street from the Manhattan criminal court where the former President was being arraigned on Tuesday. While speaking to the gathered crowd, the controversial Republican called Trump the “top Republican candidate for president for 2024,” and criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Democrats. As Greene spoke, protesters could be heard shouting “liar” and blowing whistles. According to NBC News, some of the whistles had been handed out by a Trump supporter. The protest was relatively small, but Greene’s presence drew attention. A New York Police Department officer later tweeted that the protest had attracted “small, but loud” crowds. Trump is the first former US President to be indicted, with prosecutors accusing him of falsifying business records in the first degree. He has been charged with 34 counts related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday and has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Following the recent tornadoes that killed 32 individuals, the same areas might face another spell of disastrous tornadic weather on Tuesday. The National Weather Service predicts that a wind, lightning, hail, and rainstorm will sweep the eastern third of the United States. Although the occurrence of storms during this time of year is usual, the tornadoes that are expected to be as violent as EF-2 could be catastrophic. According to Melissa Byrd, a National Weather Service meteorologist, the thunderstorms have the potential to form large-scale and strong tornadoes. Around 35 million individuals will be affected from Illinois to eastern Texas, while about 58 million people will be affected as the front marches east towards other states. Moreover, the worst weather is expected to arise along a vertical line between Des Moines, Iowa, to Little Rock, Arkansas. The same weather service has described the strength of this front as moderate risk of severe thunderstorms. With strong tornadoes expected to develop, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the weather forecast and have multiple ways of receiving warnings.

Roy C. McGrath, former top aide to Larry Hogan during his governorship, has died following a nationwide manhunt launched when he failed to appear for his scheduled court date related to multiple federal fraud charges, including embezzlement from a quasi-public agency he ran. McGrath is believed to have shot himself during a traffic stop in Tennessee where he had been on the run for 21 days, but the FBI also fired during the stop, resulting in confusion over the cause of death. McGrath had received a quarter-million dollar severance in 2020 upon leaving the same quasi-public agency he was accused of embezzling from. The news sparked legislative hearings that caused a rift between McGrath and Hogan. The latter was on the prosecution's witness list for the upcoming trial. McGrath's remaining charges included theft, misconduct in office, and violating wiretap laws by recording private calls with Hogan and other officials without their consent. A statement released by his attorney called McGrath's death an "absolute tragedy."

As former President Donald Trump was arraigned in New York, the world looked to the White House for a comment from President Joe Biden. However, the press corps was met with a simple "no comment" as the President sat with his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later explained that Biden would not comment on an ongoing case and was focusing on the American people. Despite the remarks, journalists repeatedly tried to get a comment on the issue. Jean-Pierre said Americans should "feel reassured" that the White House won't comment on an ongoing case, and the President is not focusing on the situation. While the White House has been largely silent on the issue since news of the indictment first broke last week, Jean-Pierre previously said that Biden was not aware of the charges ahead of time. The White House is prepared for any potential unrest that may happen in relation to Trump's indictment.

Donald Trump has been indicted on charges of breaking the law over his alleged hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors maintain that the $130,000 in hush money was a secret campaign contribution to prevent Clinton's possible use of the scandal to gain electoral advantage. Trump's defense council claims that he will be exonerated. The indictment may bring other charges that include the alleged pressuring of officials in Fulton County, Georgia, and fomenting the revolution at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in his unwillingness to accept defeat through his ongoing campaign along with his failure to return classified documents. The lack of concern and negligence of Trump supporters towards his misdeeds and ethical lapses is as significant as the allegations themselves. The forthcoming trial would potentially remind the American public of the importance of values and character for all citizens and their leaders, raising their awareness of a time when values had weight.

Over the weekend, tornadoes swept across the south and Midwest leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 26 people. The severe storm particularly damaged the state of Arkansas, including the city of Little Rock, where the twister left a 32-mile path of destruction. The National Weather Service estimated wind speeds reached 165 mph making the tornado an EF-3. Among the victims were four people from the small town of Wynne, Arkansas, and one person from Little Rock. Officials reported that over 2,600 buildings were in the path of the storm. In Little Rock alone, 50 people were injured, some of them critically.

Videos shared on Twitter captured personal experiences of the forceful tornado, including one clip that went viral with more than 920,000 views. The footage showed a woman being pulled out of a building by the tornado. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and rescue efforts. People are now coming together to restore impacted areas and help the victims.

NC State Representative Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County is expected to announce her plan to switch from the Democratic to the Republican party on Wednesday, according to local reports. The move would give Republicans control of 72 out of 120 House seats, allowing them to override the vetoes of Democratic Governor Roy Cooper independently. It could mean a significant change for the last two years of Cooper’s term, as GOP leaders will be able to revisit bills vetoed in the past and pass otherwise contentious legislation. Cotham’s decision to become a Republican would have a significant impact on statewide politics as the legislature tackles important issues such as education funding and abortion. Despite reports of the move, Cotham has not responded to requests for comment from several media outlets. Fellow Democrat and Representative, Marcia Morey called the move "very disappointing," while Rep. Cecil Brockman, a Guilford Democrat said the party only had themselves to blame. The overrule of Cooper's firearm bill veto last week prompted significant criticism from within the Democratic party.

Three Metro Nashville Police Department officers who responded to the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, that left six people dead have spoken out about the incident. Detective Sgt. Jeff Mathes, Detective Michael Collazo, and Officer Rex Engelbert highlighted how their training helped them swiftly respond to the scene and neutralize the threat posed by 28-year-old Audrey Hale. Speaking at a news conference, Mathes said that although he stepped over a victim to get to Hale, "training is what kicked in". Collazo and Engelbert were also praised for their fast response to the situation. Commander Dayton Wheeler, who arrived at the scene shortly after the officers, described hearing the news of the shooting as something he would never forget. The day left him deeply affected. Chief John Drake praised the bravery and skill of the officers, saying they had limited the death toll.

Janet Protasiewicz, a Milwaukee county judge, has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, flipping majority control from conservatives to Democrats. Protasiewicz has explicitly expressed her advocacy for abortion rights and contested against the state's gerrymandered legislative maps. She defeated her conservative opponent, former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice Daniel Kelly, by more than 10% of votes counted. Her election gives Democrats a 4-3 majority in Wisconsin's Supreme Court, where Republicans had control since 2008. The result is a significant step towards a better future, where rights and freedoms are protected, as said by Judge Protasiewicz. The campaign was the most expensive judicial election in American history, with more than $40 million in spending. Millions of dollars from out of state poured into Wisconsin to support Protasiewicz, and numerous national Democratic groups rallied behind her. This election result allows the court to reverse Wisconsin's abortion ban and end the use of gerrymandered legislative maps. It will have significant implications for Wisconsin's political direction in the coming years.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan's former chief of staff, Roy McGrath, has died after a confrontation with the FBI in Knoxville, Tennessee. McGrath faced charges relating to an alleged scheme to defraud Maryland of over $276,000, and a warrant for his arrest had been issued in March after he failed to appear for his scheduled trial in Baltimore. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, although the FBI has confirmed that he was injured during the confrontation and died in hospital later that day. McGrath had pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, and Attorney Joseph Murtha said in a statement that "Roy never wavered about his innocence." Governor Hogan expressed his sadness at McGrath's death and offered his condolences to his family in a statement. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, which it says will be conducted by its Inspection Division.

After missing 18 games due to a hamstring injury, the Utah Jazz combo guard, Collin Sexton, has finally been confirmed fit to play on April 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the first overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft will be restricted to 16-20 minutes of playing time as the Jazz ease him back into the squad. The Jazz needs to win all remaining four games if they want to have any chances of reaching the play-offs. The return of the 6-foot-2 guard could potentially be a game-changer for the team, especially given his statistics so far: Sexton averages 14.3 points per game, shooting 50.7 percent on the field, 41.0 percent from three-point range, and 82.2 percent from the free-throw line. Despite some impressive stats, Sexton will probably not return to his starting lineup -- rookie Ochai Agbaji and talented Talen Horton-Tucker have been playing well in his absence, and it is not worth risking further injury to Sexton by pushing him too hard at this stage.

Illinois Valley was hit by severe storms leaving a trail of destruction on Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The storms brought hail as large as tennis balls in Earlville and Troy Grove, and up to golf ball and ping pong ball sizes in Cherry, Malden, Mendota, Dimmick, and Spring Valley. Several power outages were reported across several locations that lasted for hours after the storms hit, including Princeton, Wyanet, Tiskilwa, and Sheffield. Ameren and Corn Belt Energy reported hundreds of outages following the storm. Additionally, the strong winds caused damage, with the goat barn at the Bureau County Fairgrounds being destroyed, and power poles falling in other areas of the Illinois Valley. The National Weather Service of Illinois had issued storm warnings earlier in the week, forecasting strong surface lows triggering violent thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds. The storms persisted in waves for several hours, and caused damage throughout Central and Northern Illinois region.

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several counties in Tennessee, including Northeastern Montgomery County, Northwestern Davidson County, Central Sumner County, Northeastern Cheatham County, and Robertson County. The warning is in effect until 11:15 pm CT, with severe thunderstorms moving east at 65 mph. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible, which could cause significant tree damage and damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. A tornado watch is also in effect until 3:00 am CT for Middle Tennessee and Clarksville-Montgomery County.

Residents are advised to move to the lowest floor of their building's interior room for safety. The severe weather could particularly affect mobile homes, roofs, and sheds, which are likely to sustain damage. Firefighters have already been busy in California after days of heavy rain, rescuing cows and other farm animals from deep mud. Video footage on social media showed wind funneling off roofs and hurling debris into the air, leaving at least one person injured in the tornado. People are urged not to drive through flooded roads and stay informed about the latest weather alerts.

What began as a possible hailstorm has turned into severe thunderstorms in the Heartland. Hail, rain, and strong winds are causing damage to property and uprooting trees. In Mid-Missouri, Premier Property Services in Jefferson City has reported hail ranging from ping pong to baseball size. Multiple companies are responding to calls and providing estimates for insurance claims. Although the storms are in the process of leaving the area, winds will continue with gusts as high as 50 mph until 1 am on Saturday. The weather will remain windy but colder on Saturday with temperatures in the mid 50s and 60s. Things will calm on Sunday with mid 60s temperatures, but more storms may come on Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Weather Service reports a severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Ozark County and southern Howell County until 5:15 pm, with 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail possible. Be cautious of contractors outside your hometown trying to make a quick buck as multiple contractors from neighboring towns may have to be hired since there aren't enough locals to restore all of the damage.

LeBron James played like the King he is, scoring 37 points and dominating the overtime period, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 138-133 to advance to the playoffs as the sixth seed in the West. But, this win came at a cost, as the Lakers played big minutes to beat the Jazz, which could place them at a disadvantage against the Clippers and Suns. However, James’ performance was an encouraging sign for Lakers fans, showing that he can dominate games and be a true superstar at this crucial juncture of the season, even coming off an injury. Additionally, the Lakers have found a new leader in Anthony Davis, who led the team to three straight wins before this game. The Lakers have come a long way in the past 35 days, moving from the 13th to the 6th seed in the West, with a legit shot to claim the 6th seed by season’s end. All said and done, Laker fans will be hoping and praying that the 38-year old James with his battered foot can carry the Lakers to the playoffs and beyond, perhaps even to the coveted ring.

Did a tornado touch down in Iowa on Tuesday evening?

Yes, according to the KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team, a confirmed tornado was on the ground from east of Milo toward Elk Rock State Park, passing through Pleasantville, with potential rotation west of Pella that may have touched down as well. Additionally, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued, and hail in excess of two inches in diameter was noted in southern Warren County and northern Clarke County, with golf ball sized hail in northern Warren County. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt reported some property damage around Pleasantville, debris on the roadway, and damage to powerlines, but no injuries were reported. Warren County residents are asked to report damage to Warren County Dispatch.

North Carolina A&T University's baseball team is making waves this season as they continue to exceed expectations. With a record of 17-5, the Aggies have already surpassed their win total from last season. Pitcher Nick Davis has been a key contributor to the team's success, boasting a 2.45 ERA and striking out 47 batters. Improved team chemistry and a strong work ethic have also contributed to their winning ways. Despite their recent success, head coach Ben Hall acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. The team hopes to continue their momentum into the upcoming conference games. With their current track record, it's clear that the Aggies are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA baseball scene.

On Thursday, April 6th, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers will be hosting the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia. The 76ers come into this game with a 52-27 record, sitting third in the Eastern Conference, while the Heat come with a 42-37 record, positioning them at seventh in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are placed seventh in the Eastern Conference, averaging 25 assists per game, with James Harden leading the team with an average of 10.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Heat score a meager 11.4 fast-break points per game. The two teams will have met for the third time this season. In their last meeting on March 2, the 76ers achieved a convincing 119-96 victory over the Heat.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been the top performer for the 76ers, averaging 28.4 points and 9.2 rebounds over the last 10 games. Tobias Harris, with an average of 14.7 points per game and 5.7 rebounds, also adds to Philadelphia's strength. Meanwhile, the Heat has Bam Adebayo as their leading scorer, who puts up 20.7 points per game and averages 9.3 rebounds. Tyler Herro has made an average of 2.9 three-pointers in the last 10 games for the Heat. However, Nikola Jovic remains out due to a back injury.

Forbes recently revealed its 2023 ranking of the wealthiest people, and among the 2,640 billionaires worldwide, 15 of them are 30 years old or younger. While most of them inherited their wealth from their affluent parents, four of them are self-made entrepreneurs. One of the youngest billionaires on the list is Ben Francis, a 30-year-old British citizen who founded activewear brand Gymshark in 2012, which is now worth billions. Another self-made billionaire, Palmer Luckey, established Oculus, a VR headset maker, and later founded his defence tech business, Anduril. The wealthiest young billionaire on the list is 30-year-old Austrian RedBull heir Mark Mateschitz, who inherited his fortune of $34.7 billion from his father. Unfortunately, not all billionaires maintain their status, as 254 people dropped off the Forbes Billionaire 2023 list completely this year, including Wayfair's Niraj Shah, whose net worth plummeted from $1.6 billion in 2022 to $600 million in 2023, leading to his removal from the list.

Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton's postseason and playoff participation remain undecided due to concerns about his health. Melton has played a significant amount of minutes this season, with only Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris starting more games than him for the Sixers. Despite being in great shape, the guard has dealt with health issues all season and has not been at 100% for most of it. Head coach Doc Rivers said that the team may consider resting him over additional conditioning as a result. Moreover, Melton frequently guards some of the opponents' best guards, including Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Devin Booker. All of this, paired with the fact that the Sixers have the toughest schedule since after the All-Star Break, has taken a toll on Melton's health. If he is rested, it would certainly alter the rotation for Rivers and the Sixers. For now, no decision has been made about Melton's playoff participation.

Spring has arrived in Southern Ontario with its warm and stormy sides. According to the Weather Network, the region's next storm is expected to bring in the possibility of the warmest temperature of the year so far. While residents can soak up the warmth, it is important to brace themselves for a stormy forecast. While the storm is not expected to be a major one, rainfall is forecasted with the possibility of thunder and lightning. Additionally, winds could potentially gust up to 50 km/h in some areas. Despite the stormy weather, many residents remain excited for the expected warmth. It is important to note, however, that the Weather Network warns taking precautions and checking for updates frequently as weather conditions can change rapidly.

As parts of the Midwest prepare for a winter storm warning, Iowa's weather forecast looks more severe. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of central and eastern Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City. The area under the watch has a population of over 5 million people and will remain in place until 8 p.m. Friday evening.

The NWS warning explicitly states that "this is a particularly dangerous situation." The warning includes the potential of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Any storms that develop will move fairly rapidly and could lead to violent long-track tornadoes. Meteorologist Jeff Zogg stated that the situation "pose[s] a significant danger to the public."

Central Iowans have already received warnings to take shelter as severe thunderstorms carrying wind and hail impact the region, according to the NWS. Iowa is under threat from a two-pronged severe weather system that includes thunderstorms with large hail and snow-producing winter storms.

With winter storm warnings also in effect in the surrounding states, residents are recommended to have emergency plans that include designating a safe place in homes, having flashlights and batteries, and being prepared with necessary supplies.