April 1, 2023 Nobody yet knows the consequences of indicting Trump. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) By Karim Doumar Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It is Saturday, April 1. (Keep an eye out for pranks today.)  Here’s a look at the top stories of the last week Dozens of House Republicans rallied behind Donald Trump. They emerged swiftly as a key line of political defense for Trump, collectively blasting Manhattan Dist. Atty. Alvin Bragg as a far-left Democrat who’s soft on crime in his state yet is willing to pursue an unprecedented prosecution of a former president in a politicized effort to stop Trump from ousting President Biden in 2024. More on Trump’s indictment The GOP made a devil’s bargain with Trump, David Lauter writes. The bill is coming due. It’s hard to keep all the accusations and investigations Trump faces straight. Here’s a guide to the latest developments. Trump is the first former president in history to face a criminal indictment. Here are the four most important takeaways. It’s foolish to predict the impact if Trump is indicted. But there’s reason to believe things have changed and his scot-free days may be over, writes columnist Mark Z. Barabak. Mark Ridley-Thomas was found guilty in a corruption case. The veteran L.A. County politician was found guilty of extracting special benefits for his son from USC while voting in support of motions and a contract sought by the university. Column: Why a guilty verdict for Ridley-Thomas doesn’t feel like justice to Black L.A. Overhyped and underrated? Inside Bronny James’ senior season, where his famous father LeBron helped and hindered his son. The week in photos Sunshine reigns as last week’s storm clouds moved east, giving a welcome respite from soggy weather through the weekend. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) See the photos behind this week’s biggest stories. Trump is indicted; fentanyl and homelessness grip a town; California’s “phantom lake” returns after a very wet winter. At least 38 migrants were killed in a fire at a detention center in Mexico. It was the deadliest incident in recent memory at Mexico’s notoriously crowded immigration holding centers and another reminder of the many perils faced by migrants trying to reach the United States.