NPR has denounced Twitter's decision to label them as "state-affiliated media", arguing that it is inaccurate and inappropriate. Twitter CEO Elon Musk appeared to endorse the designation, and the labeling system has been seen as an attempt to limit the reach of certain news outlets. NPR President and CEO John Lansing has said that the non-profit media organization will continue to provide unbiased coverage of news and events.
News Mash
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed grave concern over the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia on espionage charges, and has called for his immediate release. The Journal and Dow Jones have denied the unsubstantiated allegations and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, with the safety and security of American citizens around the world a top priority.
The US Department of Justice has reached an agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit over the 2017 mass shooting at a Sutherland Springs, Texas church, providing victims and their families with more than $144 million from the US Treasury’s Judgment Fund. The settlement, which does not require congressional approval, is subject to approval by the US District Court for the Western District of Texas and would be the largest ever paid out of the Judgment Fund and the largest settlement ever paid in a mass shooting case.
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of former President Donald Trump in his legal battle with adult film star Stormy Daniels, ordering her to pay nearly $122,000 in legal fees to Trump's attorneys. This ruling is a significant victory for Trump, who is currently facing criminal charges in New York, and serves as a warning to those considering filing a lawsuit against the former president. The civil litigation is unrelated to Trump’s criminal charges, but both involve Daniels, who was paid hush money during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump.
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree in a Manhattan court on Tuesday. In response, Trump urged Republicans in Congress to "defund" federal law enforcement, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of seeking to interfere in the elections. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison, with the trial expected to begin in the fall.
On Wednesday, a man entered a daycare center in Blumenau, Brazil with a hatchet, resulting in four children killed and three injured. The suspect has been arrested, and the motive for the attack is still unknown. The community of Blumenau is in shock, and the families of the victims are in mourning.
On April 4, a tornado struck the rural area of Bryant, Illinois, leaving multiple people dead and injured. Missouri Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in response to the destruction, which included uprooted trees, flipped vehicles, and debris from damaged homes. A search and rescue operation is currently underway to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of residents.
Janet Protasiewicz, Milwaukee County Judge, has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defeating Dan Kelly by 11 points and potentially closing the door on an era of Republican dominance. Kelly expressed his disappointment in not being able to discuss the issues, and thanked his supporters for their efforts. This result marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Wisconsin, with implications for abortion rights, elections and maps.