JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 902

Dallas — Federal prosecutors say on January 10, rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others allegedly kidnapped and robbed multiple men at a Dallas recording studio, including rapper Gucci Mane; arrests were carried out this week in Memphis, Nashville and Dallas, authorities announced at a North Texas U.S. Attorney's Office press conference.

Authorities said Thursday the FBI and U.S. attorneys executed warrants and detained suspects, and a federal indictment filed in the Northern District of Texas charges nine individuals with kidnapping and robbery; prosecutors allege firearms were displayed and victims were coerced, and criminal proceedings will follow in federal court.

Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post on April 2 and installed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general; White House officials cited mounting frustration with Bondi's performance, including her handling of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

The dismissal triggered an immediate leadership change at the Justice Department; Trump praised Bondi on social media and said she will transition to a private-sector role, while reports noted prior private discussions about potential replacements and renewed scrutiny over DOJ handling of Epstein-related records this week.

Denver. The Colorado Court of Appeals on Thursday affirmed Tina Peters' felony convictions but vacated her nine-year prison sentence, finding the district court improperly considered statements protected as free speech when imposing punishment, and ordered that a district judge resentence Peters without relying on those comments.

The decision returns the case to the lower court for resentencing, preserves the convictions, and limits sentencing considerations to permissible factors; President Donald Trump has unsuccessfully sought a pardon, and state officials including Gov. Jared Polis remain involved in ongoing clemency and legal discussions this week.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 90th Masters Tournament runs April 9–12 at Augusta National Golf Club, featuring a 7,565-yard, par-72 layout and a 92-player field; defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after his 2025 victory, while Tiger Woods will not compete following his March 27 arrest.

Organizers confirmed the field, priority spots and pre-tournament odds this week; BetMGM lists Scottie Scheffler as favorite and the cut will be top 50 and ties, with purse details to be determined and broadcast schedules set for the April 9 start.

Indianapolis — Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd announced Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium that he will remain with the Wildcats as the program reached its first Final Four in 25 years after wins over Arkansas in the Sweet 16 and Purdue in the Elite Eight.

The announcement follows a week of speculation linking Lloyd to the North Carolina vacancy; he said he is fully focused on Arizona, agreed to terms on a contract at the press conference, and the program now prepares for its Final Four matchup this Saturday.

United States meteorologists forecast showers and thunderstorms across multiple regions this Easter weekend, with local TV weather teams reporting persistent rain through Thursday, increasing storm coverage Friday, and a cold front moving through Saturday that will set up widespread rain and stronger storms on Easter Sunday.

The immediate effects include travel impacts, localized flooding risk and possible isolated severe gusts; officials issued First Alert advisories this week, broadcasters noted rainfall totals (Dallas 1–2 inches, isolated up to 3.5), and cooler, drier conditions are expected early next week.

Indianapolis, the University of Illinois men's basketball team (No. 3 seed, 28-8) will face second-seeded UConn (33-5) in the NCAA Final Four semifinal at 5:09 p.m. CT on Saturday after Illinois advanced through tournament sites in Greenville and Houston this week.

The winner advances to the national championship to play the Michigan-Arizona winner; Illinois practices on Friday drew a large fan presence, KenPom lists Illinois first in offensive efficiency, and DraftKings odds published Friday place both teams among longer shots for the title this weekend.

Washington — On April 2, the U.S. administration issued executive orders imposing up to 100% tariffs on certain branded pharmaceutical imports while altering duties on metals, requiring firms to onshore production and accept pricing commitments to avoid or reduce levies.

The orders include reduced tariff rates for the EU, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea and the UK, offer a 20% cut for companies investing in U.S. facilities, and set negotiation windows and deadlines as officials seek to secure domestic manufacturing and pricing deals this month.

Baltimore: Forecasters issued Thursday and Friday forecasts for multiple U.S. regions, warning of large temperature swings, gusty winds and chances of showers. Meteorologists in Cleveland, Casper, Grand Junction and Baltimore reported warm fronts followed by cold fronts from Thursday into Friday, with Easter Sunday rainfall expected in the Mid-Atlantic.

Local agencies issued wind advisories and a freeze watch for Western Colorado on Thursday, April 2, and National Weather Service forecasts warn gusts up to 50 mph and lows as cold as 15°F to 25°F; residents were advised to secure property and expect widespread rain Sunday during late-afternoon and evening.

Los Angeles. Trevor Moore scored 1:56 into overtime Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena, lifting the Los Angeles Kings to a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on April 1; Adrian Kempe had opened the scoring and Anton Forsberg made 23 saves.

The win moved the Kings into the Western Conference second wild-card spot, one point ahead of San Jose and Nashville, ended a short home skid, and left the Blues four points behind; the Kings are scheduled to host Nashville on Thursday and again on Monday.