7 Things You Need to Know: Tuesday, March 14, 2017

By WSAW Staff, WSAW TV

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) -- Out-the-door forecast: Scattered clouds and chilly today. Temps will be about 15 degrees below average. Tomorrow starts a slow warming trend and by Friday temps in the low 40s.

Here are the top seven headlines you need to know around north central Wisconsin to get you out the door this Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

1. A jury will hear opening arguments today in the trial of Kristopher Torgerson. Torgerson is charged with the first degree intentional homicide in Stephanie Low's disappearance and death. He never admitted to the crime, but provided information which led police to her remains near Wabeno in 2014. Investigators believe there was an argument over drugs.

2. The East Coast is bracing for a major winter storm that could bring Blizzard conditions to 50 million people. A stretch from D.C. to Boston could get two feet of snow or more. Blizzard warnings stretched from the Philadelphia area to New York City and on to coastal Maine. Many schools closed ahead of the storm. Some areas are also expecting power outages.

3. The White House is disputing a report from the Congressional Budget Office that claims 14 million Americans will lose health insurance next year under the Republican bill to replace Obamacare. That number grows to 24 million in 2016. The GOP plan scales back subsidies and eliminates the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act. The President supports the bill, saying it will benefit the American people.

4. Amid rising racial tensions in parts of the area, Representative Katrina Shankland has authored a bill to direct school boards to give more instruction about the recent history of Hmong people. One Hmong family in Stevens Point has moved after their neighbor shot toward them earlier this month. Shankland says she also received an anonymous letter asking to "Deport all Hmongs." She shared the letter on Facebook, stating how much Hmong people contribute to the community.

5. The W.I.A.A. says its safety policy was the reason a little boy was turned away from giving his big sister a hug during last weekend's girls basketball tournament in Green Bay. The video was tweeted out by his father and went viral from several outraged fans. The W.I.A.A. Executive Director says it's their policy not to allow family on the court.

6. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight the Healthy Lifestyles Marshfield Area Coalition is hosting the Local Food Expo. The event is held at the First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield and will have local farmers and vendors to teach attendees about the healthy, economic benefits of buying local. Those attending can purchase the healthy ingredients for a home cooked meal or chat with their local farmers.

7. The Badgers are beginning their NCAA Tournament bid by heading to Buffalo to take no Virginia Tech Thursday. NewsChannel 7 Sports Director Dale Ryman will be riding along with the team with complete coverage starting Wednesday. You can catch that game on WSAW.