Today, voters are casting their ballots in the race for a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. On the ballot: Liberal Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz and conservative former Justice Dan Kelly. Both are vying to fill conservative Justice Pat Roggensack’s seat, who’s not seeking reelection. With a record $27+ million in campaign spending, this is the most expensive judicial race in US history. The court's had a 4-3 conservative majority for the last 15 years. Today, Wisconsinites get to choose if they want to keep a conservative court or shake things up. Either way, the election is expected to have national implications.
How?
For starters, the new court is expected to hear arguments on the legality of its 1849 near-total abortion ban in the next year or two. It's a law that's divided Wisconsin voters since it went into effect last year. Protasiewicz has openly supported abortion access saying "women have a right to choose," while Kelly has garnered support from anti-abortion groups. The court could also decide on cases regarding voter ID laws, redistricting, gun rights, and could have a say in the 2024 presidential election. Reminder: In 2020, the justices were one vote away from overturning President Biden’s narrow win in the state. Polls open at 7:00 am local time. Find yours here.
theSkimm
In recent years, the US Supreme Court has punted major issues like abortion and voting rights to the states. Now, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race has put a spotlight on the importance of local courts, and the lengths political groups will go to in hopes of getting their candidate on the bench.
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Today,former President Trump will be arraigned on criminal chargesin NYC. It comes after a Manhattan grand juryindictedTrumpfor his alleged role in hush money payments to adult film starStormy Daniels. Trump's the first former president in American history to face criminal charges. Here's how today's expected to play out...
The arraignment…It's reportedly scheduled to begin at 2:15 pm EST.Trump is expected to undergo the standard process for all defendants, including having his fingerprints taken. Since he's a former president,it's unclear if he'll have his mugshot takenor be handcuffed. As for watching as it happens, a judge has banned video cameras from the courtroom.
The charges…Trump reportedly faces more than 30 chargesrelated to business fraud.The specific charges are expected to be revealed during today's arraignment.The former president's expected to plead not guilty. He could face at least one felony charge,but he'll likely be released after his arraignment today.
The security...Secret Service agentsare expected to accompany Trump.Meanwhile, NYPD has set up barricades around theManhattan courthouse in anticipation of large crowds or protests. NYPDofficials say there are no credible threatsto the city.
And Also...This
Where gun laws are changing…
Florida. Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill into law allowing residents who can legally own a gun to carry a concealed loaded weapon without a permit. The law does not affect the state's requirements for background checks and a three-day waiting period when getting a gun from a licensed dealer. It does, however, allow citizens who exchange guns privately to conceal carry without a background check or firearms training. DeSantis signed the bill behind closed doors. Now, Florida is the 26th state to authorize some form of permitless carry. The NRA called the legislation a “momentous step in the Constitutional Carry movement.” Critics said they're concerned it will increase gun violence and pointed to the Pulse nightclub and Parkland shootings. The law goes into effect on July 1.
…Oh and speaking of the gun debate, Tennessee Republican lawmakers have filed resolutions to expel three Democratic lawmakers for leading gun reform chants on the TN House floor in the wake of the Covenant School shooting.
Who’s preparing for a flight out of this world…
NASA. Yesterday, America’s space agency assembled its first moon squad in more than 50 years. The crew boarding the next mission, Artemis II, includes three Americans and one Canadian. It's the first time someone from outside the US joins the team. It's also the first time a woman and a person of color are assigned to a lunar mission. The four astronauts are expected to embark on a 10-day journey around the moon and back in November. If all goes well, NASA says it plans to land two astronauts on the moon in 2025.
WhoConn do it...
UConn. Last night, the University of Connecticut Huskies won its first championship title since 2014. The Huskies beat San Diego State 76-59 and took home their fifth national title.
…Oh and speaking of basketball, LSU forward Angel Reese is defending a hand gesture she made toward Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark during the women's championship game. It's got social media calling out a racist double standard.
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A hilarious new series with some familiar faces.
Netflix’s “Unstable” stars Rob Lowe as an eccentric, recently widowed biotech CEO at risk of losing his company. While his estranged son (played by John Owen Lowe) is called in to help save it. Watch now.*
2. A science-backed wellness program that can help you stay motivated.
No matter how busy things get. This app uses psychology to help you build healthier habits, then actually stick to them. Plus, Skimm'rs get a special deal. Try it free for 14 days.*
3. Luxurious, ethically sourced fragrances you can take everywhere you go.
This brand just dropped their best-selling scents in adorable, travel-friendly mini sizes. Snag your faves for $25 each, or grab a set of four for just $59. Code SKIMM15 gets you 15% off, BTW.*†
4. Day dresses for an easy, breezy look.
Spring weather has us ogling these frocks, from floral midis to knit minis. Grab them before they're gone and enjoy the sunny days ahead.
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
†Offer begins at 12 am ET on 4/3/23 and ends at 11:59 pm ET on 5/14/23. Restrictions apply.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
One step at a time…Wendy Y (CT). She organized and hosted her town’s first annual 5k to bring awareness to Autism awareness and research.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Sam Levine (NY), Cassandra Spector (PA), Andrew Nishimoto (CA), Megan Jones-Smith (TX), Nancy Bush (MN), Jasmine Robinson (DC), Sarah Bergen (PA), Whit King (LA), Leah Singer (NJ), Sarabeth Quattlebaum (TX), Lindsay Dwyer (NJ), Laura Levande (NY), James Brown Laurel (MD), Maria RePass (MA), Andrea Tangney (CAN)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Jim Vondruska / Stringer via Getty Images, Brand Partners
