Former President Donald Trump's legal troubles have resurfaced with 34 counts of falsifying business records. The indictment unsealed last week alleges that he hid a payment to an adult-film actress before the 2016 presidential election. Trump's lawyers have until August to file challenges to the case. On Tuesday, prosecutors floated a trial date in January, while Trump's legal team suggested a spring 2024 date would be more "realistic." Trump's arraignment on criminal charges in New York City on April 4 may actually be the high point for his 2024 presidential candidacy as his mounting troubles probably mean he can't win a general election under normal circumstances. Meanwhile, a private attorney said that the right to decide for themselves what qualities or aspects of a candidate's bio and experience should or shouldn't be considered disqualifying is one of the most important rights voters are guaranteed under the Constitution. Some Democrats had introduced legislation to prevent Trump from holding federal office again, but as a public defender, it's important to remind any self-styled progressives that this remedy would actually be a bad thing for democracy.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy became the highest-ranking US official to meet with a Taiwanese president on US soil in several decades amid rising tensions between China, the US, and Taiwan. McCarthy's meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen comes as Democrats and Republicans in the US openly display their support for Taiwan, while Chinese officials warn that the US is "playing with fire on the Taiwan question." Tsai's trip to the US comes in response to China's attempts to restrict its diplomatic partners and demonstrate Taiwan's ability to develop stronger ties with US allies. While President Tsai and Speaker McCarthy aim to showcase US bi-partisan support for Taiwan and pushback against Chinese coercion, military exercises, and international isolation of Taiwan, Beijing regards such a high-level meeting as an affront to their claim to the island. Despite the potential risks of escalating tensions with China, the meeting will establish a significant platform for both leaders to highlight US-Taiwan ties and express their shared commitment to democratic values.

The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election between liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz and conservative judge Dan Kelly could have significant implications for the future of abortion rights, election laws, and voting rights. Protasiewicz's victory flipped the balance of power on the state's highest court, likely determining the future of such issues in the swing state. The victory could provide a roadmap for Democrats in the 2024 elections by deciding the vote when the state's 1849 law banning almost all abortions and other abortion issues reach Wisconsin's highest court. Furthermore, the balance of power on the state Supreme Court could determine the balance of political power in the state, recognizing extreme gerrymanders as violating state law to challenge district lines that all but ensure Republican dominance. Finally, Wisconsin's election laws matter for people throughout the country, with Democrats tend to push for laws that make it easier for people to vote, and the opposite is true for Republicans. With the stunning margin of Protasiewicz's victory in an evenly divided battleground state, the race reinforced the enduring power of abortion rights and issues of democracy as motivators for Democratic voters, showing just how much last summer's Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade transformed American politics.

Multiple fatalities and injuries have been reported after a tornado plowed through parts of Bollinger County, Missouri. According to reports, the tornado struck the areas of Glenallen, Grassy and Marble Hill, south of St. Louis, which resulted in damage to homes and roads, and an unknown number of casualties. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and first responders are on the scene, with MSHP Sergeant Clark Parrott describing the damage as "widespread" and "horrible". The exact number of casualties is still unknown, however. In addition to the destruction, hundreds of power outages were reported in the region. The tornado was one of many severe weather events throughout the night, with high winds and hail causing damage across the Quad Cities area in Iowa and Illinois. Those in the area have been advised to avoid the area for their safety.

Kansas has become the latest US state to enact a measure banning transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports from kindergarten through college. With a Republican supermajority, the legislature broke through Gov. Laura Kelly's third veto of the bill in three years, joining 19 other states with similar measures. HB 2238 restricts trans women and girls -- but not trans men and boys -- from participating in sports. Critics of the bill claim it will be discriminatory and create heightened scrutiny for trans and gender-nonconforming girls and women. Further, it will lead the state into murky waters in terms of how institutions handle enforcement. The law will further marginalize transgender youth by cutting off their access to extracurricular activities and by publicly shaming them. Lawmakers and LGBTQ rights advocates have said that the bill will further marginalize transgender youth. Supporters of the legislation say it is necessary to ensure fairness to female athletes across the state. The passing of the bill makes Kansas, where lawmakers also passed a 'bathroom bill' the previous day, the latest state to enact anti-transgender legislation.

Tricia Cotham, a North Carolina State House member, recently announced her switch from the Democratic Party to the GOP, citing "bullying" by fellow Democrats as the primary motivator. With this move, Republicans now have a veto-proof majority in the state and can make significant legislative changes. Furthermore, she has been a consistent Democrat and opposed new abortion restrictions, stood by for LGBTQ rights, and supported state public education. However, she also voted with the Republicans on a bill that required sheriffs to cooperate with ICE officials. The party switch comes at a critical time for North Carolina's legislature, with Republicans having the necessary numbers in the Senate and House to enact policies over the Democrat Governor's opposition. North Carolina progressives have expressed outrage, demanding Cotham's resignation and accusing her of misrepresenting herself to her constituents. This party switch might lead to new policies on immigration, voting, and abortion rights, which Republicans may pursue.

Adult film star Stormy Daniels has lost her defamation case against former president Donald Trump and has been ordered to pay $121,972 towards his legal fees. The suit concerned a tweet where Trump dismissed Ms Daniels’ 2011 allegation of being threatened by an unknown man related to her alleged affair with him as a “total con job”. The case was dismissed by judge Samuel James Otero in 2020 who claimed that Mr Trump’s statement was protected by the First Amendment.

Ms Daniels sued Mr Trump for defamation after the tweet, but lost and was ordered to pay Mr Trump's legal fees. She appealed, arguing that the legal fees were too high, but lost again, with the court finding that her “argument that the fee request is unreasonable and excessive is not well-founded." This marks a minor legal victory for Mr Trump as he was granted a payment for his legal fees in the same year he was indicted of 34 felony counts relating to a payment made to Ms Daniels during the 2016 election, allegedly for “hush money”.

As the new Mayor-elect of Chicago, Brandon Johnson is facing skepticism regarding his ties to the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which vehemently backed him during his campaign. Though Johnson must balance political allegiances, he needs to focus on governing in the interests of all citizens, not solely for CTU members. The new Mayor will need to substantiate his passion for revitalizing the city by implementing effective policies, which may include education reform, job creation, and public safety initiatives. While Johnson's lack of prior executive experience is of concern, his willingness to compromise has been showcased in small instances throughout his brief time as an elected official - most notably when he voted for an amendment funding a police helicopter in Cook County, despite initial opposition due to concerns of police militarization. His willingness to change his mind when presented with new solutions should be encouraging in these more consequential circumstances. Ultimately, Johnson must use his influence and executive power responsibly to prove his loyalty to all Chicagoans, not only those who helped him win the election.

With child abuse still happening today, it is crucial to educate ourselves on how to prevent it. Stacey Brown, the Program and Research Director at The Family Tree, suggests that parents, teachers, coaches, and individuals educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of child abuse and what child abuse prevention looks like, so we can be ready to report these incidents as soon as we see them. It is essential to step up and report abuse, as some children may not feel comfortable coming forward. For potential victims who are watching this issue unfold and are afraid to speak up, Brown recommends turning to a trusted family member or support system for assistance. Since April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, now is an excellent time to learn about the signs and symptoms of abuse, the statistics surrounding them, and how to prevent them. Resources on these topics are available on The Family Tree's website. As a community, we all need to do our part to prevent child abuse, and education is the first step towards achieving that goal.

Legal experts are weighing in on whether Manhattan prosecutors have a strong case against former President Donald Trump for allegedly falsifying business records to disguise hush money payments related to the 2016 campaign. Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsification of business records, which in and of itself is a fairly clear-cut allegation. However, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has brought the charges as felonies instead of a misdemeanors. This means that Bragg will have to prove that the records were falsified with the intent to conceal or further another crime, yet court papers provided little clarity on how he intends to establish an underlying crime. Nonetheless, other experts say Bragg has a case that could plausibly end in a guilty verdict and that his legal theories are on solid ground. Critics, however, say the public would have been better served with more detail. Trump’s legal problems have also raised questions about whether someone charged with, or convicted of, a crime should be allowed to run for president. While there is nothing in the Constitution to prevent Trump from running on the basis of his current criminal charges, some are arguing that there should be. However, this would actually be a bad thing for democracy, according to those in favor of reforming the criminal legal system.

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is set to meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, a move that has sparked Chinese threats of retaliation given China's claims over Taiwan. Taiwan has been a sensitive issue for China's Communist Party since the Republic of China fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war with the communists. China has called on US officials not to engage with Taiwanese leaders, seeing it as support for Taiwan's desire to be viewed as an independent entity. China passed a law in 2005 allowing the legal basis of military action against Taiwan if it secedes. In response to Pelosi's visit to Taipei in August 2022, China carried out war games around Taiwan and threatened further unspecified retaliation if McCarthy's meeting went ahead. In response, Taiwanese and US officials have tried to organise the meeting outside of Taiwan to tone down China's reaction. Despite the threat of retaliation, McCarthy's meeting is another attempt to show American support for the self-governing island, a move deemed a threat to China's territorial claims.

Former President Donald Trump was arraigned yesterday in Manhattan, where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to his alleged role in hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign to two women who claimed to have had affairs with him. This is the first time a former president has had to plead to criminal charges. The indictment against Trump is a "politically motivated prosecution" that will "enormously help Trump in South Carolina" in 2024, according to Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump later appeared at Mar-a-Lago, where he lashed out at the investigations he faces. Hush money payments are entirely legal, and the charges Trump faces are ultimately about fraud allegedly committed in service of violating unspecified statutes, possibly campaign laws. The maximum contribution an individual could legally make to someone else's campaign was $2,700 at the time of the campaign, far less than $130,000. One of the charges to which Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer, later pleaded guilty was causing an unlawful corporate contribution. If Trump had paid off one of the women using personal funds or campaign funds and properly reported the transaction on FEC reports, then legally he would have been in the clear.

After the arrest and arraignment of former President Donald Trump, some are questioning whether a person charged or convicted of a crime should be allowed to run for president. While current criminal charges against Trump do not specifically prohibit him from running, some may argue that there should be such a prohibition in place. However, the right to decide what qualities or aspects of a candidate's background should disqualify them is one of the most critical rights granted to voters. Moreover, since the criminal legal system disproportionately affects people of color and low-income individuals, preventing those affected by this system from holding higher office would be detrimental to promoting a fairer and more just society. While Trump's case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in election financing, it should not serve as a justification for trampling on voters' rights or selectively disenfranchising certain groups.

Progressives had a great win in the Midwest on Tuesday with national implications heading into 2024. Mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson's stunning victory in Chicago, where people had previously been doubting the handling of policing and crime in New York, gave liberals confidence in their approach to big cities. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Janet Protasiewicz used a vacancy on the state's Supreme Court to send an abortion-rights message to voters which won Democrats control of the judicial body for the first time in years. The latest results show left-wing candidates are finding new ways to make headway at state and local levels as their focus shifts beyond Washington DC. The practical barriers of a Republican-controlled House and President Biden's pre-campaign pivot to the center have blunted their influence in Washington, but the latest results show left-wing candidates are finding new ways to make headway at the state and local levels as their focus shifts beyond D.C. Moderate Democrats are playing to a mythical center, but given these election results, success lies in playing to their own base, as Marianne Williamson, a progressive spiritual author, said.

Chicago has lost two firefighters in two days after a severe blaze at a high-rise building on DuSable Lake Shore Drive killed Lieutenant Jan Tchoryk. A "mayday" alert was activated when the 55-year-old firefighter "went down" as he worked at the fire scene, with the cause of his death yet to be determined by medics. A "tragic week" had seen Jermaine Pelt die at another blaze the previous day. Tchoryk was leading a crew to the 27th floor, which lacked sprinklers, when he collapsed. Three firefighters and two civilians were also injured in the blaze, which was confined to one large apartment. The building had been reported to city officials last year for obstructing a firehose connection with its plants. The tragedy marked a sad end in the 25-year firefighting career of Tchoryk, a Navy veteran and father of a rookie Chicago police officer.

Former President Donald Trump appeared in a Manhattan courtroom, pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts. While it was a tragic spectacle from a historical perspective, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence like any other criminal defendant. Trump's appearance diminishes the office of the presidency and tarnishes the nation's reputation, but his less than stellar ethical track record raises questions about his conduct in office. Whether one loves or detests Trump, the charges of outright criminality must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If he is convicted, it will undoubtedly affect America's moral standing with the rest of the world, as it would imply that the country's leader abused their power for personal gain. Amid all this news, Trump retreated to his safe space at Mar-a-Lago, where he delivered a televised speech claiming his innocence and lashing out at his persecutors in the legal system. Whatever the outcome of the hearings, the indictment of a former president is a deadly precedent for future presidents and the country's future.

The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election between liberal judge Janet Protasiewicz and conservative judge Dan Kelly may have a significant impact on the state's future. The $45 million election resulted in Protasiewicz's victory and the flip of the balance of power on the swing state's highest court. The newly established 4-3 progressive majority could determine the future of abortion rights, election laws, and voting rights in the state. Protasiewicz's views on abortion rights were highlighted in more than $10 million in ads aired during the election, making her the potential deciding vote when significant abortion issues reach Wisconsin's highest court. Additionally, Democrats are eager to challenge Republican-drawn district lines. With the newly established progressive majority, the state Supreme Court could recognize these extreme gerrymanders as violating state law. Finally, the state's election laws may have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as Wisconsin is expected to be a crucial battleground state. Democrats push for laws that make it easier for people to vote, while Republicans tend to do the opposite, making this a crucial issue on the Supreme Court's docket.

Kansas legislators have successfully passed a bill that bans transgender athletes in women's sports, despite Gov. Laura Kelly's veto. The bill will prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports from kindergarten through college. This latest push of several anti-trans bills has been introduced by Republican legislators in the state. Advocates of the bill claim that it is necessary to ensure fairness in sports, but LGBTQ activists have called it a dark day for the transgender community in Kansas. Lawmakers and LGBTQ rights advocates have said that the bill could further marginalize transgender youth by cutting off their access to extracurricular activities and by publicly shaming them. During the debate on the override attempt, Rep. Susan Ruiz pointed to two LGBTQ youth who died by suicide following the 2022 legislative session. Advocates for the bill cheered the newly enacted measure, while critics argue that it violates civil rights. Supporters of LGBTQ rights consider this a part of an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills in various states. So far in 2023, lawmakers in 46 states have introduced over 650 anti-LGBTQ bills.

Despite a third consecutive defeat against Toluca, Tigres' coach, Marco Antonio Ruiz, expressed his belief that his team can compete in both Liga MX and CONCACAF. The team has struggled in the league recently, with four defeats in their last five matches, leaving them in seventh place, albeit still in contention for the playoffs. However, they have performed well in continental competition and have a CONCACAF quarter-final against Motagua. In the post-game press conference, Ruiz stated that the team would aim for both tournaments as long as they have chances in both. Tigres' loss to Toluca showed signs of progress according to Ruiz, despite a disastrous start, losing three goals and seeing Luis Enrique Quinones dismissed, his team managed a late rally, prompting Ruiz's happiness with the players respecting and attempting to follow his directions. Despite their dip in form, Tigres' defense has been stable, conceding only 9 goals this season, complementing it is the accuracy on the attack front where they've only scored 16 goals. Tigres will face Motagua on Wednesday with the firm intention of progressing to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF tournament.

As Lionel Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire, the Argentine striker becomes a potential transfer for Barcelona. Reports suggest that Barca fans are enthusiastically preparing for his return, with plans to chant his name in tonight's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Madrid. This is not the first time, during the Kings League finals at Spotify Camp Nou, in which Messi's name was heralded by attending fans. Messi's return this summer would be quintessential for Barcelona, as the Catalan side seeks to build on their victories and progress. Reports suggest that Messi has offers from numerous clubs, yet his return to Barcelona would undoubtedly garner a tremendous amount of excitement and appreciation from the fans. However, as the deal is still under negotiations, nothing is yet final, and the transfer may rely on a few factors such as financial matters and other terms and conditions. Regardless of this, Barcelona fans' plea for Messi's return may add to the speculation of the Argentine's potential come back.

In the latest episode of "The Mandalorian", surprise celebrity cameos were made by Lizzo and Jack Black. Lizzo played The Duchess and Jack Black played Captain Bombardier, rulers of a planet called Plazir-15, which operates partly as a democracy. Lizzo's character sends Din Djarin off on a mission, while she takes care of Grogu. This episode marks one of the few acting roles that the "Truth Hurts" singer has had in her career. This casting was a closely guarded secret by Disney, and also made the surprise even more thrilling for fans. Christopher Lloyd, previously reported as a cast member, played the planet's Commissioner. The episode introduces new faces on Din's journey to reunite with Grogu, previously known as Baby Yoda or The Child. The Mandalorian has contributed to the Star Wars universe a notable galaxy of cameos, among them, former Saturday Night Live alums, actors and directors.

The Boston Celtics have signed G-League forward Justin Champagnie to their roster, filling their final spot ahead of the playoffs, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. The 21-year-old has shown consistency throughout the season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s affiliate, averaging 18.2 points per game, while shooting 52% from the floor and 30.6% from beyond the arc, and had a huge 43-point game with 13 rebounds and four assists. Champagnie signed with the Raptors in 2021 as an undrafted agent and played three games this year with the team as a wing. With the Celtics, he is not expected to receive minutes in the playoffs, but his signing gives the team extra depth in the wings down the stretch of the regular season. The Celtics have kept their final roster spot open since trading Noah Vonleh to the Spurs on January 5, now making it clear they were waiting for the perfect opportunity to sign promising talent. The deal with Champagnie is expected to be for the minimum with a partial guarantee for next season.

Reigning champions Flamengo will begin their Copa Libertadores title defence with an away fixture against Aucas of Ecuador. With stars like Gabriel Barbosa and Giorgian de Arrascaeta leading their attack, Flamengo will push hard and keep control of the majority of the game. The Brazilian team is the favourite going into the match, given their impressive form in the Liga Carioca, with Flamengo having won 9 out of their 13 recent matches. Moreover, Aucas is struggling to score goals in their domestic league, with only four goals in their last four matches, and Flamengo will look to take advantage of this. However, both teams have played defensively in their recent matches, meaning this could be a low-scoring contest. Flamengo also comes into the game with strong defense, with clean sheets in their last three matches. While both teams are evenly matched, Flamengo with their attacking prowess and solid defense should triumph by at least two goals against Aucas.

Los Angeles Clippers' Norman Powell is set to play in the upcoming Southwest Division road trip, ending his absence since the beginning of March with a left shoulder injury. While there are several players on the team who are more important to the Clippers' fortunes than Powell, he is a valuable spark plug off the bench, particularly with many of their other non-starters not particularly well-versed in creating their own shot. This comes at a significant time for the Clippers who are faced with the absence of Paul George, recently diagnosed with a right knee sprain, expected to be out for at least 2-3 weeks. Kawhi Leonard will have to step up his workload while Eric Gordon and Terance Mann will also get an increased role. Powell's return, however, will give coach Tyronn Lue a lot more flexibility in his lineups, as he has proved to be a valuable offensive player, averaging 16.6 points on 47.5% shooting, and hitting 41% of his three-point attempts in the 54 games he played earlier in the season. The Clippers are set to play the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, and it will mark Powell's first full season with the Clippers after he made the move from Portland in 2021-2022.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has released a grand jury report exposing the extensive child sexual abuse and cover-up within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. The investigation revealed over 600 cases of abuses committed by 156 people, including priests and teachers, over a period of 60 years. Some of the allegations date back to the 1940s. While survivors had long lobbied for the investigation, police and prosecutors were found to have treated the church with deference when they learned of the abuse, seemingly uninterested in learning what diocesan leadership knew and when. 

The report showed that Archbishop Francis Keough secretly resolved an accusation of abuse and used a highly placed newspaper man’s influence to prevent the story from being made public. The public version of the report has been redacted and is not expected to identify diocesan officials who attempted to cover up sexual abuse within their ranks. However, Brown has nevertheless called for the full accountability of abusers and those who enabled them. Almost all of the abusers are dead and the statute of limitations has passed for many of the cases documented in the report. Nevertheless, the report provides a critical public reckoning of the abuse and cover-up that has taken place in the Baltimore Catholic Church.