5 things to know for April 12: O.J. Simpson, Trump trial, Ukraine, Immigration, Measles
By Alexandra Banner, CNN
(CNN) — Fear not, procrastinators, you still have a few days left to file your 2023 tax returns before Monday’s deadline. Should you need a bit more time, you can file for an automatic six-month extension to avoid a potential penalty from the IRS.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
1. O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson has died of cancer at age 76, his family announced Thursday. While Simpson was a highly decorated athlete, he became perhaps one of the most controversial figures of the late 20th century after he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife and her friend. Simpson’s infamous white Bronco chase in 1994 sparked one of the most-watched events in TV history, with about 95 million people tuning in. A year later, a jury found him not guilty in a trial that captivated the country. In 1997, a civil trial jury unanimously deemed Simpson liable for the deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages. He maintained his innocence for the last three decades, but by 2016, polling showed most Americans believed Simpson was guilty.
2. Trump trial
Jury selection begins Monday in former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial. Trump, who is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is required to be in court and does not have the option of skipping any of the proceedings over the next six to eight weeks. The case relating to payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels is the first of four criminal trials Trump will potentially face — and possibly the only one before the 2024 election. Police tell CNN they are ramping up security around the New York City courthouse ahead of Trump’s arrival and expect most of the perimeter will be frozen. The NYPD will also be using drones, barricades and extra police officers to keep the location safe in anticipation of likely demonstrations.
3. Ukraine
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his country’s allies to make good on their promises of military aid after Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down only 57 of 82 incoming Russian missiles and drones on Thursday. Russia destroyed the largest power-generating plant in Ukraine’s Kyiv region in its latest attacks, as Zelensky accused the West of “turning a blind eye” to his country’s defense needs. Over more than two years of war, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in an effort to disable the country’s power grid. The incident follows a recent Russian attack that destroyed another major power plant in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region in March.
4. Immigration
Iowa’s Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law this week that would make it a crime for some undocumented migrants to be in the state. The law, which takes effect on July 1, will allow state officers to arrest some undocumented migrants and provide them the option to either accept deportation or face potential prosecution. It is similar to Texas’ controversial law that allows state officials to arrest and detain suspected illegal immigrants and order them to be deported. The Texas law is currently blocked as a federal appeals court considers its constitutionality. In response to Iowa’s bill, the Mexican government said it will not stand idly by and plans to explore legal advice and resources to help defend the rights of Mexicans in Iowa.
5. Measles
More than 100 cases of measles have been reported in the US since the start of the year and the CDC warns that a rapid rise in cases poses a renewed threat to the country’s disease elimination status. Measles was considered eliminated in the US in 2000, meaning no outbreaks have persisted for a year or more. However, data shows there were 338 measles cases reported in the US from January 2020 through March 2024. The vast majority of new cases (96%) were associated with importation from international travel, and most of those cases (61%) occurred among US residents who were not vaccinated despite being eligible — or whose vaccination status was unknown. Imported cases are expected, but health experts say vaccination coverage is key to ensuring outbreaks don’t persist in the US.
HAPPENING LATER
Kamala Harris to attend abortion rights rally in Arizona
Vice President Kamala Harris will head to Arizona today as a near-total abortion ban is now in place in the state. Her visit comes after lawmakers failed to pass a measure blocking a state Supreme Court ruling that reinstated an abortion law from the Civil War era.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry have two new Netflix shows in production
An upcoming Netflix series curated by Meghan “will celebrate the joys of cooking & gardening, entertaining, and friendship,” the streaming giant said.
Creating a board game is more complicated than you think
Designers, artists, marketers and publishers of some of the most popular board games tell CNN exactly what it takes to turn an idea into reality.
Taylor Swift’s music is back on TikTok
The pop star’s hit songs are back on TikTok ahead of her latest album’s release. Read about the ongoing dispute with her music distributor, Universal Music Group, over royalties.
Foxes were once humans’ best friends, study says
Scientists believe this extinct fox species may have been domesticated 1,500 years ago by hunter-gatherers.
Russian hackers steal US government emails with Microsoft
Microsoft has notified “several” US federal agencies that Russian hackers may have stolen emails via a major software breach.
QUIZ TIME
Which type of bug will emerge in record numbers across the US this spring?
A. Moths
B. Bees
C. Cicadas
D. Spiders
Last week, 76% of readers who took the quiz got eight or more questions right. How will you fare?
TODAY’S NUMBER
30
That’s how many years Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, could spend in prison after he allegedly stole more than $16 million from Ohtani’s bank account. Mizuhara faces a federal charge of bank fraud for making unauthorized transfers “largely to finance his voracious appetite for illegal sports betting,” a US attorney in Los Angeles announced Thursday.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“When we stand as one, we’re able to forge a better future for all.”
— President Joe Biden, sharing remarks Thursday after hosting a historic summit with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines. Biden reiterated that the US’ commitments to defend both countries remain “ironclad” amid increased tensions with China.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY …
Excavation at Pompeii reveals new Roman paintings
Hundreds of years after digging began at Pompeii, archeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Ancient Roman banquet room. Watch this video to see inside.
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