Supreme Court seems skeptical of Trump’s claim of absolute immunity but decision’s timing is unclear
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems highly skeptical of former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution. But it’s possible Trump could still benefit from a lengthy trial delay, possibly beyond November’s election. Chief Justice John Roberts was among at least five members of the court Thursday who appeared likely to reject the claim of absolute immunity that would stop the prosecution of Trump on charges he conspired to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. But two justices suggested that lower courts might have to sort out the matter, possibly delaying the outcome until after the election.
The National Enquirer was the go-to American tabloid for many years. Donald Trump helped change that
NEW YORK (AP) — Catch and kill. Checkbook journalism. Secret deals. Testimony by former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker during former President Trump’s hush money trial has been shocking even for people who bring a healthy degree of skepticism whenever they read the supermarket tabloid. Pecker has taken the stand to reveal details of a deal he made with Trump prior to his first presidential campaign to boost his candidacy, denigrate his rivals and silence embarrassing stories. The Enquirer has a scandalous reputation but has been an iconic part of American culture. Its reporters once broke some genuine news. Now it’s hard to see how it recovers.
Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction is overturned by New York’s top court
NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s highest court has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction and ordered a new trial. The Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the judge at the disgraced movie mogul’s landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced him with improper rulings, including by letting women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case. The 72-year-old Weinstein is serving a 23-year sentence in New York. He’ll remain imprisoned because a 2022 conviction in a Los Angeles rape case resulted in a 16-year prison term. Weinstein’s lawyer called the reversal a “tremendous victory.” A dissenting judge called it part of a “disturbing trend” of reversals in cases involving sexual violence.
These people were charged with interfering in the 2020 election. Some are still in politics today
ATLANTA (AP) — As Donald Trump seeks a return to the White House, criminal charges are piling up for the people who tried to help him stay there in 2020 by promoting false theories of voter fraud. Several of those charged or accused of involvement in election interference across the states are still involved in Republican politics today — including the lawyer overseeing “election integrity” for the Republican National Committee. And Trump, who faces federal charges in Washington and state charges in Georgia for his efforts to overturn Biden’s win, frequently still claims the 2020 election was stolen, a falsehood echoed by many of his supporters.
USC cancels graduation ceremony and dozens are arrested on other campuses as anti-war protests grow
The University of Southern California has canceled its main graduation ceremony and dozens of students were arrested on other campuses as protests against the Israel-Hamas war continued to spread. USC announced the cancellation of its May 10 ceremony Thursday. College officials across the U.S. are worried the ongoing protests could disrupt their plans for commencement ceremonies next month. Some universities called in police to break up the demonstrations, resulting in ugly scuffles and arrests, while others appeared content to wait out student protests as the final days of the semester ticked down. Other approaches taken by schools included rewriting their rules to ban encampments and moving final exams to new locations.
Hamas again raises the possibility of a 2-state compromise. Israel and its allies aren’t convinced
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has said for more than 15 years that it could accept a two-state compromise with Israel — at least, a temporary one. But Hamas has also refused to say that it would recognize Israel or renounce its armed fight against it. For many, that’s proof that Hamas is still bent on destroying Israel. The U.S. and European countries have joined Israel in shunning the militant group they all have labeled a terrorist organization. For some observers, Hamas’ professed statement shows a potential pragmatism that could open a path to a solution. But the group’s vagueness as it tries to square the circle of its own positions has fueled suspicion.
Tennessee lawmakers OK bill criminalizing adults who help minors receive gender-affirming care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s GOP-controlled Statehouse has given their final approval on legislation criminalizing adults who help minors receive gender-affirming care without parental consent. Thursday’s action clears the way for the first-in-the-nation proposal to be sent to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. The bill mirrors almost the same language from a so-called “anti-abortion trafficking” proposal Tennessee Republican lawmakers approved just a day prior. In that version, supporters are hoping to stop adults from helping young people obtain abortions without permission from their parents or guardians.
Ariel Henry resigns as prime minister of Haiti, paving the way for a new government to take power
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti has opened a new political chapter with the installation of a transitional council tasked with picking a new prime minister and preparing for eventual presidential elections, in hopes of quelling spiraling gang violence that has killed thousands in the Caribbean country. Thursday’s swearing in coincided with the departure of Ariel Henry, who presented his resignation in a letter signed in Los Angeles, dated April 24. It was released on Thursday by his office on the same day that his remaining Cabinet chose Economy and Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert as the interim prime minister. It was not immediately clear when the transitional council would select its own interim prime minister.
NFL Draft Latest: The Bears are up, with Caleb Williams expected to go No. 1
DETROIT (AP) — Live updates from the first round of the NFL draft, where the Chicago Bears are expected to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. The draft begins at 8 p.m. ET. Williams says this quarterback draft class could be “historic.” Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy could make this the first NFL draft to have four QBs selected in the top five. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix could join them to make it six QBs in the first round, which would tie a record.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
NEW YORK (AP) — New weight loss drugs are reshaping a dieting industry built on eating less and exercising more. The arsenal of drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, has proven successful in eliminating unwanted pounds more quickly and easily than weight loss methods based only on consuming fewer and burning more calories. Such is their disruptive power that even established diet companies like WeightWatchers and brands like Lean Cuisine are trying to keep up. But some health experts worry about traditional diet companies and gyms getting in the medication business and believe the drugs will cater to society’s need for quick fixes.