Today, the Supreme Court is considering whether former President Trump can stay on the ballot.

Eligibility

The Story

Today, the Supreme Court is considering whether former President Trump can stay on the ballot.

How did we get here?

Last year, the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Trump from the state’s upcoming presidential primary. The state justices sided with a group of voters who argued his actions during the Jan 6 insurrection violated the 14th Amendment — specifically, the part that disqualifies insurrectionists from holding office. It’s the first time the so-called “insurrection clause” has been used to try and disqualify a presidential candidate. Now, the Supremes will hear arguments today in an unprecedented case that could affect Trump's bid for the presidency.

What can we expect?

There are a few possibilities: SCOTUS could settle whether Trump engaged in an insurrection — something that he was acquitted of by the Senate in his second impeachment. Or, it could focus on the technicalities of the “insurrection clause,” like whether it applies to the presidency. If the justices side with the Colorado ruling, Trump's eligibility could be impacted in other states (like Maine’s). It’s not clear when the Supremes — three of whom were appointed by Trump — could issue a ruling. Trump has called the case “anti-democratic,” with his legal team maintaining that keeping him off the ballot would disenfranchise millions of voters.

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Not since Bush v. Gore in 2000 has the Supreme Court played such a pivotal role in a US election. With Super Tuesday less than a month away, the leading Republican candidate faces 91 charges across four criminal cases — and now SCOTUS could play a defining role in his candidacy.

Negotiations

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’s counterproposal for a cease-fire. Hamas's plan reportedly called in part for the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all of the hostages and for the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. Netanyahu said victory was a “matter of months” away and called Hamas's terms “delusional.” A Hamas official said Netanyahu’s remarks were “political bravado.” The toll of the war, based on information from the Gaza Health Ministry and Israeli officials, is now more than 27,700 Palestinians, with more than 1,200 people killed in Hamas’s Oct 7 attack.

As negotiations for a deal are expected to continue today, Netanyahu says Israeli forces will push into the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. The UN says there are more than 1.4 million Palestinians seeking refuge there, living in makeshift tents with little to no access to food. The UN has said it’s “especially alarmed” by Israel’s plan as displaced Palestinians “have been squeezed in a desperate search for safety.” Blinken has also reportedly said the Biden admin is concerned over Israel's plan to expand into the city.

Meanwhile, a US drone strike in Baghdad killed a senior leader of an Iranian-backed militia yesterday. Military officials said the leader was “directly planning and participating” in the strike that killed three US soldiers along the Jordanian-Syrian border.

What couldn’t come to an agreement…

The Senate. Yesterday, Republican senators blocked the $118 billion bipartisan border security and foreign aid bill. When lawmakers unveiled the package over the weekend, the legislation appeared to satisfy Republicans’ demands over the border. But after former President Trump said “only a fool” would vote for the bill, GOP support crumbled. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), the lead Democratic negotiator, said it shows “Trump is fully and completely in charge of the party.” Today, the Senate is expected to vote on a standalone aid bill for Ukraine and Israel. Even if the measure passes in the Senate, its fate in the House is unclear.

…Oh and speaking of the southern border, Mexico jumped ahead of China as the leading source of imported goods. It’s not that Americans bought more from Mexico — just that they bought less from China. It comes as President Biden kept in place the Trump admin’s tariffs on Chinese imports.

What researchers have a new study on…

Transitioning. The largest nationwide survey of the US transgender community found that a majority of people report more life satisfaction after transitioning. The survey — conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality — included more than 92,000 people, with 94% saying they were more satisfied with life. Researchers said the survey is not random, adding it may not be representative of all trans people. Still, the survey comes as hundreds of state bills have tried to limit trans rights, with many aiming to block transition-related health care for minors and trans students’ from playing in school sports.

Whose wedding band is coming off…

Bobbi Althoff's.

While Punxsutawney Phil is ready to step out of the shadows...

This napping polar bear has also captured the spotlight.

Who's ready to dip her toes in the water...

Moana.

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