Good Friday afternoon. Donald Trump’s former assistant took the stand at his hush money trial, severe weather is slamming the central U.S. with several reported tornadoes, and King Charles is returning to his public duties as he battles cancer. Here is what’s in our Nightly Rundown. |
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Trump’s former assistant called to witness stand in hush money trial |
Prosecutors called two new witnesses in former President Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial, after former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker wrapped his testimony this afternoon. Gary Farro, a finance executive, is currently on the stand, after the jury heard testimony from Rhona Graff, who worked as the former president’s executive assistant for decades. Earlier in the day, the defense cross-examined Pecker, who has detailed an alleged “catch and kill” scheme involving Trump and his former attorney Michael Cohen, to buy and bury negative stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign. Trump’s attorney tried to poke holes in Pecker’s testimony, getting him to acknowledge times he had mixed up dates, and grilling him about the non-prosecution agreement Pecker’s former company struck with federal prosecutors. Pecker said on the stand today that he’s “been truthful to the best of my recollection.” |
Biden says he would be “happy to debate” Trump |
President Joe Biden said he’s willing to debate former President Trump ahead of the 2024 presidential election, after months of hedging over whether he’d share the stage with his predecessor. "I am, somewhere, I don’t know when, but I am happy to debate him,” Biden said in one-on-one radio interview with Howard Stern. It’s a notable shift for Biden, who said last month that his participation in a debate with Trump “depends on his behavior.” Trump responded to Biden’s debate comments on social media. “Everyone knows he doesn’t really mean it, but in case he does, I say, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE,” he wrote. |
Tornadoes reported as severe storms move across the central U.S. |
There have already been at least six reports of tornadoes in Texas and Nebraska this afternoon, as severe storms move across the central part of the country. About 21 million people from Texas to Iowa are at risk of severe storms that could produce powerful tornadoes, large hail and flooding. The National Weather Service has issued an enhanced risk warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of eastern Nebraska, northeastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri and southwestern Iowa. The most intense storms will likely be in the midafternoon to early evening, affecting cities such as Tulsa, Kansas City, Omaha, and Des Moines. Rain showers and scattered storms will be also possible today in the Rockies, after a large tornado was caught on camera in Colorado on Thursday. |
King Charles to return to public duties amid cancer battle |
King Charles III will resume public duties next week for the first time since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer nearly three months ago, Buckingham Palace has announced. Charles “will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation,” the palace said in a statement, adding that king’s doctors are “very encouraged” by his progress. The king will be joined by Queen Camilla on a visit to a cancer center Tuesday and meet medical specialists and patients, the palace said. Princess Kate, the king’s daughter-in-law, revealed last month that she was also undergoing treatment after she was diagnosed with cancer. |
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What else we're watching: |
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