After months of anticipation, Tuesday morning marked the opening arguments in Dominion's defamation lawsuit against Fox News. The lawsuit, which sought $1.6 billion in damages, accused the network of spreading false claims about vote-counting machines in the 2020 presidential election.

However, as the world waited for Rupert Murdoch and Tucker Carlson to testify in court, a surprise announcement ended the trial altogether - a settlement had been reached. Dominion reportedly settled for $787.5 million. While this amount is significant, it feels inadequate to those who care about truthful reporting and a responsible press in society.

Dominion's lawyers claim that "money is accountability" and that the settlement represents a "ringing endorsement for truth." However, critics argue that a settlement does not hold Fox News accountable for their actions.

There were hopes that this lawsuit could have a positive impact on American democracy and help mitigate the damage done by Fox News' spread of misinformation. Unfortunately, with the settlement, it appears that the opportunity for real change has been lost.

Despite the disappointment, first amendment experts and critics agree that the reputational damage to Fox has already been done.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) shared his proposal to temporarily raise the debt ceiling by up to $1.5 trillion for a year, which he calls Limit, Save, Grow Act to help taxpayers save more than $4.5 trillion. The proposed bill targets President Joe Biden's priorities, such as eliminating the student loan forgiveness plan, limiting discretionary spending, retrieving unspent pandemic-related funds while a debt-ceiling increase will be applied for a year. Although McCarthy did not specify when he would vote on the bill or if he does have enough support to pass, he needs to sway skeptical conservatives and swing-district Republicans while avoiding alienating moderates. During the last few weeks, McCarthy and his team have been trying to gather a package to match the debt limit increase. However, it's improbable that the Democratic-controlled Senate will green-light the bill if it passes the House. Additionally, the White House has opposed any compromise that links the debt limit to policy concessions, which makes it more difficult to pass a debt ceiling increase because of the stance of Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; it is a matter of when the Treasury would be on track to exhaust its maneuvers to keep the government from defaulting on US debts.

Joseph Eaton, 34, of Bowdoin has been arrested for the murder of four people found dead inside a home in Bowdoin and the shooting on Interstate 295 in Yarmouth, Maine. In total, three drivers were struck by bullets while driving on I-295, with one person remaining in critical condition. The interstate shutdown as officials shut down southbound for hours while they investigated the scene. A person of interest was also detained for the shooting and interviewed; however, authorities confirm they are not searching for a second person. Those who may have witnessed anything at either incident are urged to call 207-624-7076. Governor Janet Mills took to Twitter to express her sadness for the tragedy, adding her thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones, and friends impacted by the event.

This shooting adds to the already distressful and increasing trend of gun violence that has plagued the US in recent years. The country has experienced more than 160 mass shootings this year alone according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, which shows that the US has a higher rate of gun violence compared to other high-income countries.

A board appointed to oversee Disney World has called for lawyers to prepare a resolution to "void" a development agreement and restrictive covenants that give Disney World extensive control over the expansion of the resort. The resolution could put Disney's expansion plans in peril by prohibiting certain types of construction within land surrounding the resort. The company has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has argued that its actions are "appropriate" and in compliance with state law. The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has been in a long-running feud with Disney regarding the control of the resort. DeSantis-appointed board members accuse Disney of pulling a fast one in pushing through the agreement, claiming its actions were "improper and illegal". Disney has not commented on the resolution to "void" the development agreement and covenants.

Andrew Lester, an 84-year-old man from Kansas City, has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action after he allegedly shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, who mistakenly showed up at his address to pick up his siblings. A report from the New York Times suggests that Lester had a history of violence during his 14-year marriage to his ex-wife Mary Clayton. Clayton, who had not spoken to Lester in decades, said she was "always scared" of him and that he was prone to anger and violent outbursts. She added that police officers had told her he could do whatever he wanted in his own home. Meanwhile, Lester's grandson, Klint Ludwig, has expressed his support for Yarl and his family, calling the shooting "horrifying," "inexcusable," and "wrong." Yarl's attorney, civil rights lawyer Lee Merritt, provided an optimistic update on the teenager's condition, which he described as a "WALKING MIRACLE with a head of steel." Yarl, who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the shooting, is expected to make a full recovery over time.

India is expected to surpass China's population by mid-2023, according to the United Nations. India will have around 2.9 million more people than China, with the country's youthful population believed to help drive its economy. However, there are some concerns about a large population, including the strain it will place on resources, as well as the impacts of environmental damage. It could also lead to a lack of jobs and housing, and might hurt economic growth, especially if access to education, health and other key resources are scarce. In addition, some leaders around the world have expressed concerns that an ageing population makes the health and financial impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic worse. As UN studies show that India is projected to continue its decline in total fertility rate with only 1.3 total population by 2100, the decreasing birth-rate may decline the workforce which could reduce India’s potential for economic growth.

Two cheerleaders, Payton Washington and Heather Roth, were shot in the parking lot of a Texas H-E-B supermarket after making the mistake of attempting to enter the wrong car after leaving their practice location late at night. The two young women had driven from Round Rock to Oak Ridge North, a 360-mile round trip, to practice with their team. Police believe that Ramon Thomas Villagomez, the man in the car they mistook for their own, fired on the cheerleaders after they entered his vehicle by mistake. Villagomez was arrested and charged with deadly conduct, and was released on bail. Washington sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, and Roth was treated on scene for a graze wound. This event follows incidents in New York, where 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis was mistakenly shot dead, and in Kansas City, where a 16-year-old was shot after ringing the wrong doorbell. These events have resulted in more scrutiny on gun control in the U.S.

A federal judge has denied Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's attempt to block a subpoena for a former prosecutor who worked on an investigation into former President Donald Trump. The House Judiciary Committee had issued the subpoena to Mark Pomerantz, who wrote a memoir about his time on the investigation, and the committee claimed it was investigating in support of possible legislation that would prevent "politically motivated state and local prosecutions" of current and former presidents. Bragg had accused the Committee and its Republican chair, Rep. Jim Jordan, of engaging in political dogfighting, but Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil wrote that the Committee had a valid legislative purpose for the subpoena. The case posed the question of whether Pomerantz had given up his right to invoke privileges that protect him from divulging information about the investigation.

Mark Jennings, an elected county commissioner in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, has resigned after being caught on tape making racist comments and threatening the lives of journalists. On the recordings, Jennings was heard advocating for lynching and physical harm against Black people as well as journalists, some of whom he wants to "take out." The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is now conducting an inquiry into the matter. Governor Kevin Stitt called for the resignation of Jennings, McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy, and two other sheriff’s department employees after the tapes became public on April 17. Jennings was the first to step down and submitted a handwritten resignation letter to the governor. State Senator George Burns also urged the commissioner and Clardy to resign, effective immediately. Although Jennings has immediately resigned, many residents in McCurtain County are calling for further action, including the resignations of both the sheriff and another commissioner.

At least 78 people have died and several others have suffered injuries due to a crowd crush during an aid distribution event in Yemen's capital, Sana'a. The event took place on 19th April in the Old City when hundreds of people gathered to receive financial aid reportedly organised by merchants. Witnesses say Houthis, who have been controlling Sana'a since 2014, shot in the air to control the crowd, causing panic among people, leading to the tragic incident. Houthi officials blame the disaster on the "random distribution" of the aid without proper coordination with local authorities. The UN has declared Yemen the world's biggest humanitarian crisis with 24 million people, 80% of the population, requiring assistance and protection. In the past, Yemen went through an eight-year civil war, killing tens of thousands of people, wrecking the economy, and pushing millions of people towards hunger. Yemen's civil war is considered a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the former intervening in the country since 2015 to restore the internationally recognised government. The recent peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Houthis raised hopes for a resolution to the conflict.

Former President Donald Trump is facing a scheduled trial on April 25, over charges filed against him by E. Jean Carroll for civil assault. Carroll accused Trump of raping her in the mid-90s while she was in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman. Although certain of Trump's prior history of assaultive conduct toward women have not been confirmed as admissible in evidence, the DNA found on Carroll's dress by an unidentified male and the witnesses that Carroll contemporaneously told about the incident will both be part of the trial. Joseph Tacopina and Alina Habba will lead the legal battle on behalf of Trump. Despite Trump's desire to appear in court, Tacopina has suggested that his client may stay away to spare New Yorkers the highly likely discomfort caused by the needed high security presence. The former president reportedly needs to ensure early coordination each day with the Secret Service. This requires that members of the public would be restricted from the area and courthouse personnel be confined to their offices while elevators shut down and courthouse floors locked down as part of the tactical plan. Despite Tacopina's statement, Carroll's attorneys have criticized the notion that Trump’s absence would benefit New Yorkers.

A 24-year-old California man, identified as Austin Eis, is accused of stabbing a Walmart employee and intentionally plowing his car into a group of high school students, killing a 15-year-old boy and injuring two others. Eis was charged with murder, attempted murder, attempted robbery, resisting an executive officer, burglary, and two counts of exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner. Witnesses reported a white Toyota Camry without a front bumper and provided the license plate number to the police. After fleeing from Walmart in the car, Eis drove to Camarillo and was involved in a domestic dispute with family members before continuing to Thousand Oaks, where the crash occurred. Investigators have concluded that the collision was intentional, and Eis had earlier driven to Thousand Oaks to "scope out the area." The motive behind Eis's actions is unknown, and it is reported that Eis had not yet been arrested. One of Wesley Welling's friends, who was hospitalized with injuries, described him as loving and always putting others before himself.

On April 15th, a 16-year-old's birthday party at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in Dadeville ended in tragedy. Four people were killed and 32 were injured. Details of the investigation and possible motivations have not yet been released to the public. However, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has announced that three teenagers have been charged with reckless murder. The news of the arrest brought a small sense of relief to Amy Jackson, a resident of Mobile and cousin of Shaunkivia "Keke" Smith. Smith was one of the four people killed in the tragedy. Jackson hopes that justice will eventually be served as the investigation progresses. Additionally, Jackson expressed sadness about the number of young people under 21 involved in the use of guns. While both of Jackson's cousins were in attendance, one was killed, and the other was injured. The latter is currently recovering at home, but the former's family has begun a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

An Internal Revenue Service supervisor has claimed the Biden administration is handling a criminal investigation into Hunter Biden improperly, according to a letter sent to Congress. The letter accuses the administration of ignoring “clear conflicts of interest” and expressed concerns about “preferential treatment.” The supervisor, a career IRS Criminal Supervisory Special Agent, has been overseeing an “ongoing and sensitive investigation of a high-profile, controversial subject since early 2020," investigation reports suggest that the subject of the investigation is Hunter Biden. The supervisor’s lawyer provided a copy of the letter to lawmakers, calling on them to provide their client with whistleblower protections. In a statement, the lawyer wrote that the agency employee is “offering to provide you with information necessary to exercise your constitutional oversight function and wishes to make the disclosures in a non-partisan manner.” The allegations have yet to be investigated but are expected to raise further questions about Hunter Biden’s potential foreign business dealings dating to when his father was vice president.

Members of the Alabama House of Representatives participated in a moment of silence on April 18, 2023, to honor the four people who died and 32 individuals who were wounded from a mass shooting that occurred on April 15, 2023, in Dadeville, Alabama. The shooting happened at a dance studio during a “Sweet 16” birthday party, located near the Tallapoosa courthouse square. Rep. Ed Oliver spoke about feeling heartbroken after the tragedy and mentioned how it is different when people know the families and victims of the incident. Oliver mentioned the names of the four deceased: Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, Philstavious "Phil" Dowdell, Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, and Shaunkivia Nicole Smith. Shaunkivia's cousin, Amy Jackson, spoke about her grief and remembered Shaunkivia as a kind and loving person. She criticized the shooter and questioned why someone thought it was justified to take the lives of four young people. On April 20, 2023, authorities announced they had arrested three suspects on reckless murder charges. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to benefit Smith's family.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has directed the state’s health department to ensure that abortion medication remains available to Rhode Islanders despite a federal court's suspension of the FDA's approval of mifepristone. The drug has been in use for decades and is the most commonly used form of abortion in the US. While the legality of the drug is being debated, McKee has assured residents that no changes in clinical practice for the prescribing, dispensing, and administration of mifepristone or any other reproductive health medication will be implemented in Rhode Island at this time. This announcement comes amidst a spate of legal rulings that have stalled the approval and accessibility of the drug. A federal judge in Texas suspended federal approval for mifepristone, while a judge in Washington ruled that access to the drug should be protected. The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision regarding the future of mifepristone this week.

Florida's State Board of Education has voted to prohibit middle and high school teachers from intentionally teaching students about gender identity and sexual orientation, except in cases where it is part of a reproductive health course or required by state standards. The rule aims to provide clarity for teachers, but opponents say it is an attack on LGBTQ rights. Last year, governon Ron DeSantis signed a bill that restricted teaching about the aforementioned topics in kindergarten through third grade, or in ways that were deemed inappropriate for the grade. Wednesday’s decision has clarified that no instruction on the topics is appropriate outside of reproductive or health courses. Breaking the policy could lead to teachers having their licenses to teach revoked or being suspended. Public comment on the vote took an hour, as supporters encouraged the board to vote in favour of the proposal, while others implored them to reconsider. The law has faced criticism from Democrats and LGBTQ rights advocates for impeding on students and teachers’ liberties.

President Biden criticized House Republicans, especially Speaker Kevin McCarthy, for their handling of the debt ceiling. According to CNBC, President Biden stated that "MAGA Republicans in Congress are threatening to default on the national debt, the debt that took 230 years to accumulate overall, unless we do what they say." The House speaker unveiled a bill to raise the debt ceiling for a year while cutting billions in spending. Biden said that there were “real serious, detailed conversations” that could happen instead of making the drastic decision of not raising the debt ceiling. He also reminded people that America is not a “deadbeat” country.

Additionally, according to The New York Times, the debt ceiling is a "destructive quirk" in the budget process in the United States that tends to impede the Government. Congress could take action to raise the limit on the allowed amount of debt, but it faces opposition from Republican lawmakers who are considering playing the brinkmanship card. Paul Krugman highlighted the negative implications of playing political games with the debt ceiling, which put "Social Security recipients and other vulnerable Americans at risk while damaging the US credit standing worldwide.”

A federal judge has ruled in favor of the House Judiciary Committee, permitting the GOP-controlled committee to subpoena former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz, who investigated former President Donald Trump, to testify in its inquiry. The inquiry will seek to determine the use of $5,000 in forfeited federal funds that the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had already conceded was used in investigating Trump before he took office. The committee will also investigate the need for legislation to protect former presidents from “political prosecution.” Lawyers for Bragg had hoped to quash the subpoena, arguing that Pomerantz’s testimony was protected by “investigatory privilege,” which bars members of law enforcement from being forced to divulge details of ongoing criminal cases. However, the judge rejected that claim, holding aloft Pomerantz’s book on the courtroom and underscoring that the privilege is no longer applicable if one writes a memoir. The judge further found that the Judiciary Committee had a valid legislative purpose in issuing the subpoena. Bragg had accused Jordan of pursuing the subpoena for political reasons but the judge said her decision was based purely on legal grounds.

The US Men's National Team (USMNT) and Mexico will face off in their first meeting of 2023 as they renew their rivalry in the Continental Clasico friendly, taking place in Glendale, Arizona on April 19. The new annual event will feature the USMNT playing a top-tier team from North, Central, or South America. Organizers set up a big splash for the inaugural event, featuring the border rivals in the metro area with a large Mexican heritage population that has traditionally turned out in droves for any game involving Mexico, despite the match being played on American soil.

Although the game falls outside of FIFA's international window, it is set to be hotly contested. The match is notable for the rivalry between the teams that have both secured four wins apiece, with two draws in the last 10 meetings. The USMNT has the more positive recent history having secured three wins in a calendar year against Mexico in 2021, and a draw in World Cup qualifying in 2022. It is unlikely either team's most notable players will participate in this fixture, with both squads largely comprised of domestic-based players.

The United States men's national team roster for next week's friendly against Mexico in Glendale, Arizona, has been announced. The match is not being played during a FIFA international window, so the team is made up primarily of domestic players from MLS or USL Championship. Among the 23 players called up are eight veterans of the World Cup team, including LAFC's Aaron Long and Kellyn Acosta. The squad also features nine players with fewer than five USMNT caps. Defender Sergino Dest of Italy's AC Milan and midfielder Alan Sonora of Mexico's FC Juarez are the only players on the roster from outside MLS or the USL Championship. Interim U.S. coach Anthony Hudson said he was delighted with the group of players assembled. The match between the U.S. and Mexico will be played on April 19 and kickoff is at 10 p.m. ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rocky season but have managed to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs after their victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Play-In tournament. Rui Hachimura, a fourth-year pro, has been a crucial addition to the team, playing well off the bench and putting up crucial points in crucial moments. Hachimura has shown potential and willingness to work hard to earn his spot on the team with his continuous improvement in offensive production. LeBron James praised Hachimura's work ethic, calling him a "super competitor" who is always looking to improve his performance. Hachimura’s consistent on-court contributions, including 12 points with a 5-14 shooting performance from the field and 0-6 from behind the arc against the Utah Jazz, were also praised by James. Against Minnesota Timberwolves, Hachimura scored 12 points, mixed up some key defensive plays, and made some timely shots, closing out the game in overtime. Overall, Hachimura has shown he is a valuable asset to the Lakers and is eager to contribute in any way possible. With Hachimura's continued improvement, the Lakers are hoping for a strong push in the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies star guard, Desmond Bane, is going against the team's unwritten rule of not wearing opponents' signature shoes as he faces off against Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, in the play-offs. Bane, who has suffered from a Grade 2 sprain in his right big toe since November 2022, found that James' Nike "LeBron XX" sneakers provided him with the support he needed, much to his chagrin. As a Nike athlete, Bane had no other choice but to wear the LeBron XXs as his previous Kyrie Irving and Paul George's sneakers did not give him the support he required.

James and Bane have a history that has seen them exchange trash-talk and small shoves on the court. Despite this, James commended Bane for wearing his sneakers, calling it "super dope." He also offered to send more pairs of the sneakers to Bane, showing cordiality despite the rivalry between the two teams in the play-offs. LeBron's Lakers currently lead 1-0 in the series, but it remains to be seen whether James' kind gesture off the court will be reflected in the rivalry on the court.

Memphis Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks expressed his desire to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game playoffs series. Brooks believes that it would test their team and also give them an opportunity to knock James out in the first round, given his legacy. The Grizzlies are likely to take on the Lakers in the first round if they win the play-in tournament, and Brooks will get his wish. However, Brooks' callout for LeBron could be ill-advised as the Lakers star is known to have a relentless competitive spirit and has performed well in playoff games throughout his career. James has made ten Finals appearances and holds several individual playoff records. While Brooks' confidence in his team is admirable, the Grizzlies will face a tough challenge against the defending champions with or without James at full strength. Nevertheless, the upcoming playoffs are set to be an exciting affair, with the play-in tournament adding an extra edge to the postseason this year.

Former Laker Lamar Odom is confident that LeBron James, whom he calls "God James, the god of basketball," can lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another championship as long as the team stays healthy. The Lakers are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening round of the playoffs, and they have the advantage of experience over the younger Grizzlies team. Odom also praised the addition of Tristan Thompson to the team, a player who has experience playing with LeBron and has won a championship before. Alongside James, Anthony Davis has also been performing at a high level, averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game during the regular season. Despite this, some skepticism remains around the Lakers' championship chances, with FanDuel giving them the eighth-best championship odds. However, the team has shown improvement since the roster reshuffle earlier in the season, and if they can maintain their health, they could make a deep playoff run.