The United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on Donald Trump’s immunity claims while the former president’s criminal trial resumes in New York. And dozens of protesters are arrested as pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue on college campuses. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Trump to attend NY trial as U.S. Supreme Court hears immunity case
Former President Donald Trump will return to a New York City courtroom Thursday, April 25, as his criminal trial resumes. At the same time, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on his immunity claims regarding federal election interference charges.
The justices agreed in February to hold this special session on whether a former president has immunity from criminal prosecution for alleged actions taken during his time in office.
This stems from Special Counsel Jack Smith’s charges accusing Trump of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Trump’s lawyers have argued that the presidency would lose its independence and presidents would not be able to function in office if they knew they could be charged following their term.
Lower courts have sided against Trump, saying he could not claim immunity for actions he took during his time as president.
The timing and extent of the Supreme Court’s decision could determine whether this trial could be held before November’s election. A ruling is expected by late June.
Meanwhile, in the Manhattan courtroom, jurors will hear more testimony from David Pecker, the former publisher of the tabloid newspaper The National Enquirer. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records amid the 2016 presidential election.
Trump had requested to skip today’s trial proceedings so he could attend the Supreme Court hearing, but the New York judge denied that request.
Arizona grand jury indicts 18 in alleged 2020 fake elector scheme tied to Trump
An Arizona state grand jury has indicted 18 people, including key Trump advisers Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, as well as a group of so-called “fake electors,” as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory in the state.
The charges, which also involve former Trump campaign and White House officials, include conspiracy, fraud and forgery.
While Trump is not among those charged, the indictment labels Donald Trump as “unindicted coconspirator 1” and follows a detailed 13-month investigation led by Democratic Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
The Republican Party of Arizona has criticized the indictments as politically motivated as the 2024 election approaches.
Arizona House votes to repeal Civil War era abortion ban revived by state Supreme Court
Arizona state lawmakers voted Wednesday, April 24, to repeal a historic law from 1864 that almost completely bans abortion, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
This comes after the Arizona Supreme Court recently supported the 1864 statute over a more recent 15-week abortion limit.
The state House approved the repeal with a 32-28 vote, with 3 Republicans siding with Democrats. The legislation now moves to the state Senate, where Republicans have a slight majority. If the Senate rejects it, the old ban could be reinstated within weeks.
The legislation could be taken up by the state Senate next week.
Dozens of arrests made at pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses
Pro-Palestinian protests continue at college campuses across the country, with dozens of arrests being made.
More than 90 people were arrested near the University of Southern California campus Wednesday, April 24. Earlier in the day, USC closed its campus to the public, citing “significant activity at the center of campus.”
In a letter to the community, USC stated the decision stemmed from a confrontation between security and protesters, many of whom were not affiliated with USC. Overnight, USC announced the protest had ended but the campus remains closed until further notice, with only students and faculty able to enter with proper ID.
At the University of Texas at Austin, troopers were called in and at least 34 people were arrested, according to the Texas Department of Safety.
House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University Wednesday, April 24, where he called for the school’s president to resign unless she can get the situation on its campus under control.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said violent rhetoric must be called out but did not comment further on the developments at Columbia, beyond stating it is a private institution and the speaker has the right to express his views.
Meta reports revenue increase but forecast dips stock
Meta reported its revenue increased 27 percent from over $28 billion a year ago to more than $36 billion this year, thanks in part to a rebound in online advertising.
However, with Meta’s forecast for revenue in the second quarter underwhelming investors, the company’s stock plunged about 15 percent in after-hours trading.
Meta also says it expects a rise in expenses for the year due to its investments in artificial intelligence. The company says more than 3 billion people use one or more of its apps each day.
2024 NFL Draft begins tonight in Detroit
One of the biggest events on the NFL’s calendar is here. The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 25, and the Chicago Bears will be first on the clock. This year’s draft takes place in Detroit. The overwhelming favorite to be selected No. 1 is USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner told the Chicago Tribune it feels “surreal” and added he is “ready for the moment.” There will be 257 picks in total, spread over seven rounds. Various versions of the three-day draft will air live on ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network.
Last year’s draft averaged six million viewers per day across all platforms, an increase of 12 percent over the previous year.
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