Former Vice President Mike Pence appears before a grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump's attempts to stay in power despite his loss in the 2020 election. Mr. Pence, who is considering running for president in 2024, spent over five hours providing testimony in a criminal investigation that could influence the legal and political future of his former boss and potential rival. Mr. Pence's decision not to comply with Mr. Trump's demands to use his role as president of the Senate to hinder Joseph R. Biden's victory could make him a valuable witness in the investigation. While both Mr. Pence and Mr. Trump attempted to fight the subpoena, the former vice president was only partially successful. The judge specified that he would not need to testify on the matter of his Senate presidency on January 6, but that he could be asked about Mr. Trump's potential criminal behavior. A federal appeals court denied Mr. Trump's emergency appeal to halt Mr. Pence's testimony, which could occur soon.

Newly released arrest affidavits reveal that the three teenagers accused of killing a 20-year-old Colorado woman after throwing rocks at passing cars returned to the scene of the crime and even took a photo of the victim's car as a “memento”. Joseph Koenig, Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak are charged with first-degree murder with extreme indifference, after hurling at least seven large landscaping rocks at passing vehicles, one of which went through Alexa Bartell's windshield, causing her death on April 19. Kwak allegedly threw the rock that killed Bartell. Following the incident, they returned to the scene and slowed down their car, so Kwak could take a picture of the victim's car. The next day Koenig and Kwak met up to “get their stories straight,” according to arrest affidavits. The teens appeared in court on Thursday for their initial hearing; they did not enter pleas and will be in court on May 3. The trio are being held without bail. It remains unclear which suspect threw the rock that killed Bartell.

E. Jean Carroll took the stand again yesterday in her trial against former president Donald Trump, where she accused him of raping her in a department store dressing room in the spring of 1996. Trump is being sued for battery and defamation, as Carroll has claimed that he defamed her when she spoke publicly about the assault. As she continued her testimony yesterday, Carroll was questioned by Trump’s lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, who sought to discredit her testimony by asking for minute details and probing for inconsistencies. Carroll argued that she was not a screamer and that such questions are often asked of survivors. Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s allegations, and the trial continues without his attendance as he is campaigning to regain the presidency. Should the jury believe Carroll’s testimony, Trump could face significant damages as a result of the case.

Carolyn Bryant Donham, a white woman who accused black teenager Emmett Till of menacing and sexually assaulting her before he was later lynched in Mississippi in 1955, has died at the age of 88. According to a statement by Megan LeBoeuf of the Calcasieu Parish coroner's office in Louisiana, Donham's death occurred on Tuesday in Westlake. While details of her death were not disclosed, it has been noted that with her passing, the truth behind key events surrounding Till's murder is more likely to remain unknown. In 2017, Donham finally admitted that her prior testimony against Till was false and served as “the mouthpiece of a monstrous lie.” Till was lynched four days following the incident in the store. His mother’s decision to have an open-casket funeral, along with media coverage, brought national attention to racist violence and galvanized the civil rights movement.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $229 billion budget deal with legislative leaders on Thursday. The deal includes a new set of changes to the state's bail laws, an increase in the minimum wage, and a plan for the state's transit system. One of the rules of the state’s bail law will now allow judges to grant greater discretion to detain people awaiting trial. The deal also calls for an increase in MTA payroll tax and exemption of suburban counties from the tax. In contrast to Hochul’s initial proposal, the tentative deal does not include a “housing compact” aiming to create 800,000 units of affordable housing statewide, although it does allocate $40 million each for public defenders and for prosecutors. The agreement also calls for the minimum wage to rise to $17 an hour in phases until 2026, from the current $15. The deal settles on cigarette taxes rising by $1 to $5.35 a pack. The tentative agreement still awaits the final vote of legislative leaders, though it is clear that the state's new budget has priority.

Dylan Reeves, a seventh grade student at Carter Middle School in Warren, Michigan, is being lauded as a hero after he helped prevent a school bus crash by taking the wheel from an ailing driver. The female driver had radioed to her base that she was feeling lightheaded and was planning to pull over in front of Miller Park. However, she suddenly lost consciousness a mile and a half down Masonic between Schoenherr and Hayes roads. Reeves, who was seated five rows behind the driver, quickly jumped up and guided the bus to a gentle stop as his classmates screamed. Additionally, he directed them to call 911. Reeves got the attention of both national and local media following the incident. However, he attributes his quick thinking to the skills that he learnt from his father, who has been teaching him to drive on country roads since he was four years old. The school board plans to honor him soon. As for the bus driver, she remains unnamed and still in hospital undergoing medical tests to determine the cause of her illness.

Wednesday's vote by House Republicans to pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 marks a new phase in the standoff between Republicans and Democrats over the debt ceiling. This bill, crafted by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was intended to be the opening bid for the GOP's negotiation with President Joe Biden regarding raising the debt ceiling. The 320-page bill passed with all but four members of the Republican caucus giving McCarthy a win, but the victory came at a cost. In cobbling it together, McCarthy used much of the capital he would need to resolve the crisis and remain as speaker. The bill includes massive cuts to spending, such as repealing climate-related provisions and funding for the IRS in the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act.

The White House and congressional Democrats are preparing to increase attacks on House Republicans over the bill. They will target swing-district members for endorsing a plan that would strip investments in their home districts and gut funding for popular programs. The Democrats' public confidence in winning the messaging war masks concerns over what damage the standoff may do to a recovering economy that is critical to Biden's case for re-election. Biden remains firm in his demand for an unconditional increase to the debt ceiling, and his party's majority does not feel the need to negotiate with Republicans.

A Michigan 7th-grader, Dillon Reeves, is being hailed a hero after he took control of his school bus when the driver fell unconscious while driving. Warren Consolidated Schools released a video of the incident, showing Dillon grabbing the wheel and steering the bus to a safe stop, while applying the brake, on Masonic Boulevard near Bunert Road. He even calmed his fellow students and instructed them to call 911. Superintendent Robert Livernois praised Dillon for his act of courage and maturity; he said Dillon had the "wherewithal" to press down on the brake slowly, which helped the bus safely ease to a stop without incident. Two Good Samaritans also assisted during the emergency, one of whom helped Dillon with the driver and the other helped the students off the bus using the rear door. The driver was hospitalized, and the drug test results are pending. Dillon's parents were proud of their son and said he was able to take action because he had been riding along with the driver every day and is always observant of his surroundings. The school district honored Dillon for his bravery and quick reaction.

With the lucrative NFL salary cap continuing to rise, one of this year's crop of quarterbacks is poised to become the league's first $60 million a year player. CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are the headliners of this year's draft class. The average annual salary benchmark for elite quarterbacks has increased by 150% in the past decade. As the NFL pushes towards its $25 billion revenue goal, a $300 million cap looks inevitable which will unlock even more riches for quarterbacks. However, there are always questions surrounding draft picks and how well they will perform in the NFL. Some scouts have raised concerns about whether Young’s frame can withstand the punishment of the NFL, while other evaluators have questioned Stroud’s reportedly low S2 Cognition test scores.

In other draft news, the Chicago Bears assistant general manager, Ian Cunningham, had little to reveal when asked whether the team would take a chance on draft pick Jalen Carter. Cunningham praised Carter's talent, saying there was "no denying" it, but "the best decision for us and our organization" would be made. The Bears have the ninth overall pick and plenty of weaknesses to address after finishing with the worst record in the league last season.

The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here, and Penn State is set to have at least five of its players drafted, with more likely to follow in undrafted free agency. Among the Nittany Lions' prospects, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is expected to be the first to go, potentially even in the top 10. His father was a Pro Bowl linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and mock drafts have projected the younger Porter to follow in his footsteps by being drafted by the Steelers at No. 17. However, the New England Patriots, the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions are also possibilities for Porter. Penn State's other top prospects include safety Ji'Ayir Brown, receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange and lineman Juice Scruggs.

Overall, Penn State has 13 draft-eligible players, and while not all of them will be selected, each will have opportunities in the NFL, whether through the draft or free agency. The draft will take place from April 27-29 and can be viewed on ESPN/ABC, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes. Lions247 will have live updates, commentary and analysis on where the Nittany Lions and their players will end up.

As the 2023 NFL draft approaches, predictions are running wild as to which prospects will be selected by which teams. The Kansas City Chiefs have been linked to several top prospects, especially in positions like defensive and offensive linemen as well as wide receivers. Thanks to ESPN Analytics, which has created a draft day predictor tool, experts can predict which prospects are most likely to be selected in the first round by the team. The top ten players that are most likely to be drafted by the Chiefs are as follows: Iowa State DE Will McDonald IV, Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison, Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Clemson DT Bryan Bresee, TCU WR Quentin Johnston, Alabama S Brian Branch, and USC WR Jordan Addison.

In other news, the NFL announced 17 prospects who have been confirmed to attend the 2023 NFL Draft, which will be held in Kansas City for the first time. Alabama and Ohio State lead the way with three attendees each, while the Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with six attendees. Fans looking to watch the draft can do so on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, which will also provide live streaming through FuboTV, while CBS Sports HQ will provide coverage before, during, and after the event.

As the dust settles after the trade that sent Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Denver, Packers fans are left to reflect on his incredible career. Despite the tragic end to his time with the team, Rodgers leaves behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten. Fans took to social media to share their memories and express their gratitude for 15 years of thrilling football. Many shared stories of meeting or working with Rodgers and commented on what a class act and good man he was. Others discussed his incredible stats as the dominant passer for Green Bay in the NFC North. While fans look to the future of the Packers, there is no doubt that the memories of Rodgers will remain for years to come. As one fan put it, "It was a fun ride and I'm grateful to have been part of it."

Kansas City, home of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, will host the 2023 NFL Draft this week, becoming just the 12th city in NFL Draft history, according to NEXSTAR. After being a finalist for both the 2019 and 2020 drafts, Kansas City convinced the NFL on its third attempt that it was a good venue for the event. The construction of a convention center hotel also allowed for more than 10,000 additional hotel rooms near the potential venue, causing officials to rank Kansas City as the top choice to host the 2023 NFL Draft. However, it's not only space and accessibility that were considered in choosing the host city, but also cost. Green Bay recently agreed to cover costs related to public works, public authorities, emergency services, and local businesses, but Kansas City officials have not commented on the cost. Future host cities for the NFL Draft are yet to be announced, as the NEXSTAR article does not provide that information.

With the 2022 NFL draft in the rearview mirror, it's never too early for NFL analysts to start speculating what next year's draft might look like. The latest 2024 mock draft by Pro Football Network has projected five Oregon players to go in either the first or second round, making Duck football fans excited for the upcoming season.

One of the most intriguing prospects is quarterback Bo Nix, projected to go No.19 to the Minnesota Vikings, who might be looking to replace Kirk Cousins. However, if Nix has the standout season that Oregon expects him to, he might not be available at No. 19. Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, another standout player, is projected to go No. 30 to the Buffalo Bills.

Troy Franklin, a wide receiver, is projected to go in the second round at pick No. 52 to the Cleveland Browns. The remaining projections for Oregon players are still not available.

With these talented players looming in next year's draft, Oregon is poised to have a productive 2023 season. Under the leadership of Dan Lanning, the Ducks will be one of the favorites to win the Pac-12 championship, alongside USC. With a potential first-round draft pick at quarterback, Duck football fans have much to look forward to in the coming season.

Trenton Simpson, a former linebacker for the Clemson Tigers and a five-star recruit, is set to be a highly anticipated player in the 2023 NFL Draft. After remaining in the Tigers' starting lineup throughout his college career and earning third-team All-ACC honors in 2022, Simpson is projected to be a first-round pick. Simpson’s athleticism is highly regarded and he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Combine, the second-fastest among linebackers. He is also considered a modern linebacker as he has experience playing both the “Sam” and “Will” positions, managing to make notable plays in the backfield while also delivering effective production as a pass rusher. Simpson is viewed by many teams as a player who could overcome the learning curve that typically stymies linebacker prospects at the next level. NFL mock drafts place him with different teams in the first, second, and third rounds of the draft, such as to the Atlanta Falcons or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Simpson says he knows he is a first-round talent, and he hopes to repay his family for their support and make them proud.

The global premium wine market value was at 343.83 million USD in 2021 and is expected to reach 531.69 million USD by 2029. This marks a steady growth at a CAGR of 5.60% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. The market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team includes strategic industry analysis of the important variables affecting market dynamics, recent innovations, market share, and methods. The report also highlights industry trends, opportunities, marketing strategies, and consumer behavior by major regions, types, and applications.

Meanwhile, Americans are demonstrating an increased demand for sparkling wine, with monthly sparkling wine drinkers rising from 56% to 72% between 2019 and 2022. Big Champagne houses, new releases of products, innovations, and celebrity partnerships are driving the growth of the sparkling wine market. However, the cost of Champagne production is contributing to price increases, which has led consumers to search for high-quality sparkling wines elsewhere. Millennial consumers, in particular, are demanding pet-nats and ancestral method sparkling wines due to their lower alcohol and sugar content. The wine barrel market is also expected to expand, with global sales rising 4.4% YoY in 2020-2021.

The 2023 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Seattle Seahawks are faced with some big questions. Firstly, will they use their pick at number five or trade it? This leads to another significant question - could the Seahawks trade up or down with their 10 picks in total, including two first-round picks? As the Seahawks are hoping not to draft near five in the future, they may want to ensure they get one player on their big board with a first-round grade. However, there have been recent discussions speculating that Seattle's cap situation could force them to trade down as they have just $6.2 million in cap space, making it difficult to squeeze in 10 draft picks worth $9.6 million. Additionally, who will the Seahawks select as their top pick? NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah suggests Florida Gators standout Anthony Richardson may be in play for Seattle with the 20th overall pick. Finally, as the rest of the 2023 NFL draft unfolds, we'll see whether Seattle's selections pay off in the long run.

Kansas City, home of Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, is hosting the NFL draft for the first time in 2023. Kansas City has won the bid to host the draft after losing out to other finalist cities in previous years due to inadequate facilities. The Kansas City area has undergone significant improvements, including the construction of a convention center hotel in the downtown area, which can guarantee over 10,000 hotel rooms close to the venue. Kansas City officials did not disclose the actual amount they spent to host the draft, but Green Bay, which also won its bid to host the event in the future, publicly announced its costs. Local authorities are required to provide street cleaning, road closures, emergency services, and public works such as trash collection.

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in the city's largest footprint location, stretching from Union Station to the entrance of the National World War I Museum and Memorial with an estimated attendance of over 350,000 people. The draft will also feature a special performance of "Lift Up Your Voice and Sing," or the "Black National Anthem," marking its second consecutive year of inclusion in NFL pre-game events.

The NFL Draft is just around the corner, with this year's event being held in Kansas City starting on Thursday, April 27th. Fans attending in person can take part in the NFL Draft Experience and test their football skills, enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, and take part in photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 56 Super Bowl rings. Admission is free, but fans must register in advance with the NFL OnePass app. Expect tight security, with clear bags smaller than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches being allowed and backpacks being prohibited. The draft can also be watched live on NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC for those not attending in person. This year's delegation from Detroit is heading to Kansas City to figure out the playbook, using the opportunity to learn what's good and bad for next year's event in Detroit. With the NFL Draft considered bigger than the Super Bowl, the hype around the event is building. Whether in person or at home, football fans can get in on the action of this year's highly anticipated NFL Draft.

According to Panthers head coach Frank Reich, Carolina has made its decision on which quarterback to select with the first overall pick of the NFL draft on Thursday. The Panthers traded up to the first spot last month with the Chicago Bears, hoping to find their franchise quarterback. The quarterback options that have been circulating include Bryce Young from Alabama, C.J. Stroud from Ohio State, Anthony Richardson from Florida, and Will Levis from Kentucky. The FanDuel Sportsbook has given Young the highest odds of being chosen with the Panthers' pick. While Stroud was once considered the clear favorite, his stock has fallen recently, with Young moving up as the lead competitor. The Panthers have been searching for a reliable quarterback to lead their team for the past five years. Reich says there is consensus amongst the Panthers' staff on who to take, although the actual draft pick is still unknown to the public.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys, who have the 28th overall pick, are considering all options. One of the most talented players who might still be available when it is their turn to pick is Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Although he is a projected first-round talent, his draft availability has been clouded by his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident, as well as his possible conditioning concerns. Another option for the Cowboys could be Texas running back Bijan Robinson, who has been rising up draft boards and is considered one of the best all-around running backs in the draft. However, there is the debate about whether it is worth it to draft a running back in the first round given the position's short shelf life. One thing is certain - with the unpredictability of the draft, the Cowboys must be prepared for multiple scenarios and adjust accordingly.

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 27 and end on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The first round of the draft will take place on April 27th at 8 p.m. ET, followed by rounds 2-3 on April 28th at 7 p.m. ET, and rounds 4-7 on April 29th at 12 p.m. ET. The event will be televised on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. All Miami Dolphins' fans will be anticipating the outcome hoping to see four new rookies added to their team.

As for the players, Oregon cornerback and The Colony alum, Christian Gonzales is preparing to be the first North Texan to be drafted into the NFL this year. The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State have had a fair amount of players get picked in the past years. However, the state has not had much success with players making it straight to the NFL. Brian Urlacher, who is considered one of the state's greatest football success stories, wasn't even born in the state but moved there when he was a child. Among the more notable NFL players born in New Mexico are Ronnie Lott, Norm Evans, Colt McCoy, Tommy McDonald, Alan Branch, and Zach Gentry.

As the New York Giants prepare to make their first-round pick at No. 25 in the 2023 NFL Draft, there is speculation about whether they will choose a cornerback or a wide receiver. Initially, the odds favored a wide receiver, but the odds have shifted, and the Giants may opt for a cornerback due to the team's lack of depth in this position. However, the receiver room requires one more playmaker, and they have several options available. The Giants have been mocked with various players, including Emmanuel Forbes and Jordan Addison, but the question is who will be available when they pick. There have also been rumors of a run on receivers, but it is uncertain whether the Giants will try to move up to secure a top talent. There is speculation that Deonte Banks, Joey Porter Jr., and John Michael Schmitz could be potential picks if they go for a cornerback. Ultimately, the decision will come down to who is available when they pick, and which position the team believes needs an upgrade.

Seattle Seahawks' coach, Pete Carroll, dropped hints that left NFL fans buzzing about who the team will pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In what is now being considered “Draft Clues," Carroll tweeted a series of hints one after the other. Football enthusiasts are interpreting those tweets to mean that the Seahawks might pick University of Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson. The first tweet was a retweet of a promotion for the fourth season of Netflix's Love is Blind, which could point towards the Seahawks selecting a quarterback that they haven't seen much of. Richardson has started only one season in college. The second clue, a remix of Nirvana's song, Lithium, indicates Richardson's otherworldly speed and athleticism. The third clue was a tweet with an image of actor, Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, Action Jackson in the eponymous movie, and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore. This tweet (and a previous tweet featuring a throw from Kelsey Plum) could stand for Florida’s mascot, the Gators. Allegedly, coaches have mentioned Richardson's strength throughout and after his playing days at Florida. Reports have emerged that the Seattle Seahawks have indeed selected Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts.

Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik, Joseph Koenig, and Zachary Kwak, all 18, have been arrested in connection with the death of 20-year-old motorist Alexa Bartell. As per arrest warrant affidavits, the suspects took a picture of the scene with Bartell's car after hurling a rock at it, which led to her death, and swore a "blood brothers" oath for secrecy. Bartell was on the phone with her friend, Jenna Griggs when she suddenly went quiet. Griggs used Find My iPhone to locate Bartell's car and found her friend had sustained a significant head injury and was not responsive. Officials found biological matter all over the car, and a large brightly stained, 'river rock' landscaping rock was present adjacent to it. Other incidents of rock-throwing were also reported the same night. Cellphone tracking data and Georgia points led investigators to the suspects, who are now facing first-degree murder charges.