The fifth day of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York saw the completion of jury selection, with a full panel of 12 jurors sworn in. The diverse jury includes a retired wealth manager, a security engineer, and a physical therapist. However, the selection process faced a hiccup when defense lawyers objected to a prospective juror who had posted about Trump on social media. The judge ultimately agreed with the defense, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial.
In a surprising move, Democrats on the House Rules Committee voted to advance foreign-aid bills proposed by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. The bills, which include aid for Ukraine and Israel, received support from Democrats despite opposition from three Republican committee members, including a member of the House Freedom Caucus.
Meanwhile, at Columbia University, over 100 pro-Palestinian student protesters were arrested at an unauthorized tent encampment on campus. The university’s president approved the police action, just a day after testifying before Congress about the handling of antisemitism at the institution.
In other news, members of the Kennedy family endorsed Joe Biden, emphasizing the need to defeat Trump. Arizona’s governor signed a bill banning courts from ordering children to attend controversial family-reunification programs against one parent’s will, citing concerns about the lack of regulation and potential for abuse.
Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing political and legal challenges facing the country, with implications for both domestic and international affairs.