Thursday briefing: Trump criticizes Arizona’s abortion ban; ‘gun show loophole’; Dexter Reed; Masters rain delay; and more

Thursday briefing: Trump criticizes Arizona’s abortion ban; ‘gun show loophole’; Dexter Reed; Masters rain delay; and more

1

Donald Trump said Arizona’s abortion ruling went too far.

• What to know: The state’s near-total abortion ban — revived by its Supreme Court this week — will “definitely change,” the former president said yesterday.
• The timing: Trump said Monday that abortion laws should be decided by states. The Arizona ruling shows how the issue will remain tricky for him ahead of November’s election.
• In other Trump news: His attorneys yesterday failed for a third time this week to delay the start Monday of his criminal trial in New York.

2

Inflation ticked up again last month.

• The data: Prices rose 3.5% from March 2023 to March 2024, according to new government figures. That’s up slightly from the 3.2% annual figure registered in February.
• What it means: The economy isn’t behaving normally. The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates in a bid to tackle rising prices, but that strategy doesn’t seem to be working.

3

The Justice Department finalized rules for selling firearms at gun shows and online.

• What to know: The move, announced this morning, will close a legal loophole that allowed people to sell guns in informal venues without carrying out background checks.
• It’s a big deal: This is the most significant increase in U.S. gun regulation in decades, Biden administration officials said. The rules are expected to take effect in 30 days.

4

Chicago police fired 96 shots in 41 seconds, killing a Black man at a traffic stop.

• What happened? Dexter Reed, 26, was driving late last month when officers stopped him “for purportedly not wearing a seatbelt,” a police oversight board said this week.
• What else to know: Reed’s family alleges the plainclothes officers did not announce they were police. Officials said gunfire was exchanged. An investigation is ongoing.

5

Lunchables are under fire after reports that they contain lead.

• This week: The nonprofit Consumer Reports said it found concerning levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables, and is calling for their removal from school lunches.
• Why it matters: Elevated lead levels have been linked for decades to developmental problems in children. Kraft Heinz said its foods “meet strict safety standards.”

6

Access to nature isn’t fairly distributed across the country.

• How we know: A start-up used satellite imagery and data to rate neighborhoods on how much nature residents are exposed to. Look up your neighborhood’s score on this map.
• Why it matters: Spending time in nature is linked to having a longer, healthier life. This research could pinpoint urban areas that would benefit most from an injection of nature.

7

The Masters begins in Georgia today.

• What to expect: 89 of the world’s greatest golfers — including Tiger Woods — will compete at Augusta National through Sunday. Scottie Scheffler is one of the best bets to win.
• How to watch: ESPN airs coverage through tomorrow, then CBS takes over for the weekend. Weather has delayed the first tee time this morning — follow live updates here.

And now … Tax Day is Monday: Here’s what to know about deadlines, extensions, refunds and more. Plus: Why you should file even if you owe taxes and can’t pay.

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