SCOTUS drafts grim path for abortion
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The constitutional right to abortion could be in jeopardy if the Supreme Court hands down a decision detailed in an unprecedented leaked draft opinion. Russian President Vladimir Putin could soon formally declare war. And it's primary day in Ohio and Indiana.
👋 It's Julius with Tuesday's news.
But first, a 100-year-old man sets new world record! 🎉 Walter Orthmann has the record for longest tenure at the same company. He's been there since 1938 — that's 84 years.
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Supreme Court considers overturning landmark abortion decision in leaked draft opinion
A draft Supreme Court opinion published by Politico on Monday suggested the court is considering a decision that would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a constitutional right to abortion. The Supreme Court on Tuesday verified the authenticity of the leaked draft opinion, but said it was not the court's final view. If the opinion is what the nation's highest court decides, it would represent a major change in how reproductive rights have been understood in the United States for decades. Such an outcome would largely turn abortion over to individual states, about half of which are expected to ban or place severe limitations on the procedure.
What is Roe v. Wade?
The Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision is credited with legalizing abortion nationwide. In 1969, a pregnant woman under the pseudonym "Jane Roe" challenged the constitutionality of Texas abortion laws forbidding abortions in most cases. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor in the case, finding that laws criminalizing abortions violated the Fourteenth Amendment.
What will happen if the decision is overturned?
If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, states would be free to make abortion illegal. Nearly half of U.S. states already have laws in place that would take effect immediately upon a Supreme Court ruling.
What has President Biden said?
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that a "whole range of rights" beyond abortion are in question if the Supreme Court overturns Roe V. Wade. In a statement, Vice President Kamala Harris said said the “rights of all Americans are at risk” following the leaked draft opinion.
Has a draft opinion ever been leaked?
Although leaks about how the justices are leaning have (rarely) happened, several experts said they could not recall a draft opinion itself becoming public prematurely. Chief Justice John Roberts said that the court has launched an investigation into the leak.
What happens next on the Supreme Court decision?
We wait. The court is expected to rule on this specific case in about two months. It's possible the court could rule differently from what the draft opinion says.
What has the public response been?
Abortion rights protests around the U.S. are being planned in response to the leaked draft opinion. Both abortion-rights and anti-abortion activists also rallied outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday, holding signs and chanting into megaphones.
Putin could formally declare war soon
Russian President Vladimir Putin could be poised to formally declare war on Ukraine within days, abandoning his "special military operation" terminology in a bid to mobilize more troops and equipment, some experts say. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said this week that there were no plans to complete the invasion by Russia's annual "Victory Day" holiday next Monday. British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said he believes Putin, unable to claim victory on the day that commemorates the Nazi surrender to the Russians in 1945, could well formally declare war instead.
Does Vladimir Putin have an endgame in Ukraine? The next few weeks are crucial.
'We do not want to be involved': As horror unfolds in Ukraine, most of the world isn't punishing Putin
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It's primary day in Ohio and Indiana
In Ohio, voters will choose which major party candidates will advance to the general election to compete for the seat Sen. Rob Portman will vacate when his term ends next year, along with a handful of statewide offices and 15 congressional seats. Meanwhile, nine Republicans and three Democrats are vying for Indiana's only open congressional seat, the 9th District represented by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, a Republican. In Indiana's 1st Congressional District, seven Republicans are running for the chance to unseat freshman Rep. Frank Mrvan.
In Ohio GOP Senate race, candidates play on Trumpiness without Trump
US reclassifies Brittney Griner to be 'wrongfully detained' by Russia, report says
The U.S. Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has "wrongfully detained" Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, according to ESPN. The new designation by the government could mean a shift in strategy to get Griner home. Griner was arrested and detained in February after the Russian Federal Customs Service said authorities found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her carry-on luggage. She is set to have a hearing May 19. A drug smuggling charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
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Honor educators on Teacher Appreciation Day
Do you have a favorite teacher? Tuesday is the a perfect time to celebrate them, on Teacher Appreciation Day. The National Education Association says it is "a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” Teacher Appreciation Day originated as an idea by former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953, when she pleaded to Congress that there needed to be a day when teachers were recognized, according to School Specialty. Despite receiving congressional support, the first National Teacher Day did not occur until March 7, 1980.
Are you a teacher? First, thank you for what you do. Second, here are some great deals and savings being offered as a "thank you" from restaurants and businesses.
Want to show a teacher in your life you care? Here are 30 thoughtful gifts teachers actually want
A break from the news
💐 You can still order last-minute Mother's Day flowers — these are our top places to shop
💲 Fidelity plans to offer Bitcoin in its 401(k) retirement funds. But is it best for you?
🏰 How to plan a multigenerational Disney World vacation so everyone has a good time
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Roe v. Wade, primary elections and Putin. It's Tuesday's news.
