A powerful storm system wreaked havoc across the South and Midwest on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, including two fatalities in Arkansas, one in Illinois, and three in Indiana. In Illinois, a theater roof collapsed during a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring 28. The storm is expected to continue moving eastward, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
News Mash
Pope Francis was discharged from a Rome hospital on Saturday after being treated for bronchitis. Before leaving, he had an emotional moment with a couple whose 5-year-old daughter had died at the hospital the night before. His recovery has been celebrated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with the Pope himself leaving the hospital with a quip to journalists and a gesture of surprise when a boy showed him his arm cast.
Former President Donald Trump is set to be the first US president to ever face criminal charges, as he is formally arrested and arraigned on Tuesday in his hush money case. The indictment, which remains sealed, was handed down by a Manhattan grand jury on Friday after a long-running investigation into Trump's business records and hush money payments. Trump had anticipated an indictment early last week, and had promoted a theory he would be "arrested".
Senator John Fetterman has been discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after six weeks of inpatient treatment for clinical depression and is now back home in Braddock with his depression “in remission.” He is also recovering from a stroke he suffered last fall, and his treatment for depression included medication and hearing aids for hearing loss. Fetterman will return to the Senate when it resumes session in mid-April and thanked the staff at Walter Reed and the people of Pennsylvania for their support and understanding.
Pope Francis is set to be discharged from a Rome hospital on Saturday, where he was treated for bronchitis. He will be present for the Palm Sunday Mass at the start of Holy Week, although it is not yet confirmed if he will deliver the homily. During his hospital stay, he baptized a baby in the pediatrics ward and has been receiving antibiotics intravenously.
A federal judge in Tennessee has temporarily blocked a law that would have placed strict limits on drag shows in the state, noting that the state has failed to provide a "compelling government interest" for why it should regulate drag performances so severely. The law was met with criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and allies, and the temporary restraining order issued by Judge Parker will remain in effect until April 15, when the court will hear arguments from both sides.
A federal judge in Tennessee has granted a temporary injunction against a first-of-its-kind law that would have placed strict limits on drag shows, citing that it "missed the mark" when it came to protecting free speech. The law was signed into effect by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, on March 2 and has been met with strong opposition from the LGBTQ+ community. The case is ongoing and a hearing is scheduled for April 13 to determine if the law will be allowed to take effect or if it will be permanently blocked by the court.
On Friday, the body of 2-year-old Taylen Mosley was found in the mouth of an alligator in a recreation area near St. Petersburg, Florida. His father, Thomas Mosley, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Pashun Jeffery and their son. The St. Petersburg Police Department is continuing to investigate the case and has asked anyone with information to contact them.