Jury selection in former President Trump’s trial is officially underway.

Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

The Story

Jury selection in former President Trump’s trial is officially underway.

Catch me up.

Yesterday, the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president kicked off in Manhattan. Reminder: Trump faces 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records and could face up to four years in prison. The first day of court proceedings partly focused on what kind of evidence and testimony will be allowed in the case. Amid all the back-and-forth between the defense and prosecution, Trump appeared to doze off. Then, the prospective jurors entered the room.

How’d that go?

The day ended with no jurors selected. The judge dismissed more than half of the 96 people in the jury pool after they admitted they couldn’t be impartial in the case. The remaining candidates had to answer questions about their news habits, hobbies, and backgrounds. One person left the courtroom saying, “I just couldn't do it.” Experts anticipated jury selection would be challenging, especially in a city that’s overwhelmingly Democratic.

What happens next?

The search for the 12 jurors, and six alternates, who’ll decide Trump’s fate continues today and could last up to two weeks. The jurors will remain anonymous amid jury tampering and safety concerns. The trial could last until June. Trump, who called the case “political persecution,” is expected to be in the courtroom for the duration of the trial.

theSkimm

The hush money case is one of four indictments No. 45 is facing as he campaigns to win back the White House. Now, after several delays, it may be the only case to make it to trial before Election Day.

What some are worried about…

The right to protest. Yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from DeRay Mckesson, a Black Lives Matter organizer who led a 2016 protest in Louisiana in which a police officer was injured. The Baton Rouge police officer sued Mckesson for negligence after he was hit by a rock by an unidentified person. The suit set off alarms among civil rights groups and free speech advocates, who say it puts the right to protest in jeopardy. Mckesson argued he’s protected under the First Amendment. Now, SCOTUS says it won't hear the case, raising concerns among activists about what it could mean for future protests.

What most employers will have to accommodate for…

Abortion. Yesterday, finalized federal regulations confirmed workers are entitled to time off from work for abortion and pregnancy-related medical conditions. The regulations fall under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which goes into effect in June. Congress passed the law in 2022 with bipartisan support, and it applies to most employers with 15 or more workers. The time off is not required to be paid.

What's hit a speed bump…

Tesla. Yesterday, CEO Elon Musk sent a memo to employees saying the company will lay off over 10% of its global workforce. The cuts come as Tesla grapples with a decline in car sales. The company’s stock closed down more than 5% yesterday after the announcement. 

Who’s moving on up…

Caitlin Clark. The Iowa basketball star was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft last night, with the Indiana Fever selecting Clark. Other moves in the league: Angel Reese of LSU is taking her game to the Chicago Sky, and Stanford’s Cameron Brink is going to the Los Angeles Sparks. Oh and speaking of the draft, the athletes also scored points on the orange carpet.

Who’s catching less zzz’s…

Women under the age of 50. 

What may not actually be real…

“Eldest daughter syndrome.”

What’s raising eyebrows…

An accidental divorce.

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