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Today's Big Stories
1. Texas inmate Melissa Lucio's death sentence should be overturned, judge says
A judge has recommended that the conviction and death sentence of Melissa Lucio, a Texas woman whose execution was delayed in 2022 amid growing doubts she fatally beat her 2-year-old daughter, should be overturned amid findings that evidence in her murder trial was suppressed.
Senior State District Judge Arturo Nelson on Friday approved an agreement between prosecutors and Lucio’s attorneys that found the suppressed evidence, including witness statements from Lucio’s children and a report by Child Protective Services, would have corroborated Lucio’s defense that her daughter Mariah died of a head injury sustained in an accidental fall down a steep staircase two days before her death.
2. Attorneys for rapper Travis Scott say he was not responsible for safety at deadly Astroworld concert
Attorneys for rap star Travis Scott argued in court Monday that he should be dismissed from hundreds of lawsuits filed over the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival, saying he was not responsible for safety planning and watching for possible dangers at the Houston event.
But attorneys for relatives of one of the 10 people killed during a massive crowd surge at the festival said Scott ignored safety concerns and threatened to release online the personal information of anyone who would cancel the event over safety concerns.
3. Caitlin Clark taken No. 1 in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, as expected
The former Iowa star became a household name among basketball fans during her record-breaking college career, and she will now try and help revive the Indiana franchise along with last season's No. 1 pick, Aliyah Boston, who previously played with Clark on a USA Basketball Under-19 team.
"I dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade, and it’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs, but more than anything, just trying to soak it in,” Clark said.
4. Blake Griffin retires after high-flying NBA career that included Rookie of the Year, All-Star honors
Blake Griffin announced his retirement Tuesday after a 14-year career that included six All-Star selections, Rookie of the Year honors and a dunk contest victory.
Griffin said in a social media post that he's "thankful for every single moment" of his career. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers out of Oklahoma in 2009.
Notes for Tomorrow
Wednesday, April 17
- Court hearing for suspect charged in Gilgo Beach serial killings case.
- Federal Reserve Beige Book.
- President Joe Biden travels to Pittsburgh
- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing on Boeing's 'broken safety culture'
- Defense Secretary Austin testifies at House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on department's FY'25 budget request.
- AG Garland testifies at Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing.
- TCM Classic Film Festival begins.
- 60th anniversary of first woman completing a round-the-world solo flight.
In Case You Missed It
Heart making several Texas stops on 2024 tour
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart have reunited and are hitting the road this year for their Royal Flush Tour.
You’ll be able to catch the Wilson sisters and their bandmates in Austin, San Antonio, Lubbock or Houston.
Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1973, the band produced a string of classic rock hits and albums throughout the ‘70s. Their debut album, “Dreamboat Annie,” yielded rock staples “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and the title track.