Former President Trump’s first criminal trial is set for next month.

Facing Trial

The Story

Former President Trump’s first criminal trial is set for next month.

Which one?

The hush-money case. Trump faces 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The criminal trial, scheduled to start March 25, will be the first ever against a former US president. 

What does that look like?

The trial's expected to last six weeks, starting with jury selection. Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors have already gone back and forth about the questions they’d ask potential jurors, including whether they’ve read any books written by ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen — who’s expected to testify. Turns out, some have. 

What happens if he gets convicted?

Trump could face up to four years in prison for each felony count, which would likely be served concurrently. A conviction may not guarantee time behind bars, since he would be considered a first-time offender. Legal experts say Trump would also still be able to run his presidential campaign. 

And if he wins the presidency?

That’s uncharted territory. If Trump is convicted, some legal experts say he could still be president. It becomes a little unclear how that would play out if he’s serving prison time. Others say it would be an issue for the courts to figure out. In this case, Trump can’t pardon himself since it’s a state case and not federal.

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Trump tried to delay this criminal case until after the November election, calling it politically motivated. Now, the leading GOP candidate is facing a historic trial and three other criminal cases. While this case may not impact his ability to run for the highest office in the land, one poll found a conviction could affect Trump's support among voters.

Hospital Raid

Yesterday, the Israeli military said it sent troops into Nasser Hospital — the largest functioning hospital left in Gaza — to carry out a “precise and limited” raid in search of Hamas fighters and hostages’ remains. Israel said it detained a number of suspects in the raid. Hamas denied using the hospital or hiding hostages there. Doctors Without Borders said Israeli forces killed and injured “an undetermined number of people.” Local health authorities reportedly said Israel forced dozens of staff, patients, and thousands of displaced Palestinians out of the hospital.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows Egypt is building a wall near Rafah, the southern Gaza city holding at least 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter. The Egyptian government, which has been hesitant to accept Palestinian refugees, declined to comment on the new construction. Amid growing international calls for Israel to stop its military operation in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for a “powerful” ground assault in Rafah to eliminate Hamas.

Where more people can say ‘I do’...

Greece. Yesterday, it became the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage after a 176 to 76 vote in parliament. Since 2015, Greece has recognized civil partnerships among same-sex couples. Now, after decades of work by LGBTQIA+ activists, Greece is extending that to marriage and allowing same-sex couples to adopt children. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law is “a milestone for human rights.” Still, not everyone is ringing wedding bells. The legislation faced strong opposition from the country’s influential Orthodox Church.

What's got some scientists feeling hopeful…

A potential cancer treatment. Yesterday, researchers shared details about a drug that could be used to treat mesothelioma. The rare form of cancer has been linked to asbestos and reportedly has one of the lowest survival rates. Now, researchers say the drug — pegargiminase — helped quadruple the three-year survival rate for patients when combined with chemotherapy. Experts say the drug could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in two decades for mesothelioma treatment.

Who’s back on the block…

Jenny. Today, the world got an inside look at JLo and Ben Affleck’s love story with an album and film: “This Is Me... Now” and “This Is Me... Now: A Love Story.” Later this month, JLo’s dropping a making-of documentary on all of this called “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” — a self-funded, $20 million project that reportedly includes love letters written by Affleck. He wrote her. He wrote her at least some days out of a year.

…Oh and speaking of icons, Shakira announced she’s releasing her first album in seven years next month: “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.” Those hips still don’t lie.

Who shoots, who scores…

Caitlin Clark. The Iowa senior guard is now the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s basketball. While playing against Michigan last night, she set a new record of 3,569 career points — beating the previous record by 42 points. Swish.

Who and what is out of this world...

Zendaya and the Odysseus lunar lander.

Who’s apparently got a spicy love life…

“Hot Ones” host Sean Evans.

What looks like it’s straight out of a movie…

OpenAI’s Sora.

Your inbox this weekend. The Daily Skimm will always keep you informed, but it’s OK to take a break from the news, too. On Saturday, we’ll stop gatekeeping our fave new romance novel, a recipe for the viral croissant cereal, and the best way to see the northern lights. Then, on Sunday, we’ll share everything we’re discussing in our group chats, from the debate over Jacob Elordi's height (apparently, there's such a thing as too tall for Hollywood) to the reason the tooth fairy is giving out Louis Vuitton bags.