The Supreme Court decided it will weigh in on a consequential case involving former President Trump.

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The Supreme Court decided it will weigh in on a consequential case involving former President Trump.

What’s this about?

Presidential immunity. Yesterday, the Supremes said they would decide whether Trump is immune from prosecution on charges in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s 2020 election interference case. Out of the four criminal cases against Trump, many consider Smith’s to be one of the most serious legal challenges to threaten the former president's reelection campaign. Trump has maintained that he can’t be prosecuted for what he did while in office. Earlier this month, he asked the Supremes to step in after a lower court ruled he didn't have immunity and had to stand trial. Now, the high court has scheduled arguments for the week of April 22.

Is that when the court will decide?

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected by late June. If they don’t side with Trump, the former president’s trial could overlap with the Republican National Convention or November election. If the Supremes side with Trump, then the Justice Department’s charges would be dismissed. It comes as the high court is also expected to weigh in on whether Trump can remain on Colorado’s primary ballot. Just yesterday, Illinois became the third state to boot Trump from its primary ballot, citing his role in the Jan 6 insurrection. Trump’s expected to appeal the Illinois ruling, which is on hold for now.

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For the second time this year, the conservative-majority Supreme Court — with three Trump-appointees — will hear arguments in a case involving the Republican presidential front-runner. The decision could set precedents for the presidency and future elections.

What researchers are looking into...

National abortion rates. Yesterday, a new report found the rate of monthly abortions before and after Roe v. Wade was overturned is about the same. As expected, the report found the number of abortions dropped in the 14 states that banned the procedure post-Roe. States with abortion access, like Illinois and Florida, saw a surge. Between July and September of last year, there were between 81,000 and nearly 89,000 abortions per month — not far from the average in 2022 when Roe was in place. The report suggests what many have suspected: Abortion bans don't stop people from getting the reproductive health care they need but only make it more difficult. The report also suggests many had to travel out of state to get the procedure or turn to medication abortion.

…Oh and speaking of abortion access, France is one step closer to enshrining a woman’s right to the procedure in its constitution. If next week’s final vote goes as planned, France will be the first country in the world to pull it off.

Who might be rethinking their puff, puff, pass...

Cannabis users. A new study published yesterday found weed use is associated with a higher number of heart problems. Researchers said daily cannabis users, mainly by smoking, are 25% more likely to have a heart attack and have a 42% higher risk of a stroke than non-users. Even as a number of states have legalized weed and more people light up, the long-term health effects of the drug are still relatively unknown. That’s why researchers are calling for more studies — a challenge since marijuana is still illegal at the federal level.

What responded to some frosty criticism…

Wendy’s. Yesterday, the fast-food chain said it has no intention of raising prices during peak demand periods. It comes after Wendy's CEO said the burger joint would test dynamic pricing at restaurants, causing beef with customers who compared it to Uber and Lyft.

Who people are remembering...

Cat Janice and Richard Lewis.

While Prince Harry’s not getting the full royal treatment…

People are running wild with theories about Kate Middleton.

Why people are revisiting their emo era…

“Heat Wentz,” aka Jimmy Butler.

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