The first criminal trial of a former American president is set to begin in downtown Manhattan this week. Several hundred New Yorkers will be summoned to the courthouse to potentially serve as jurors in the trial of Donald Trump. The jurors will be asked about their social media activity, affiliations with groups like the Proud Boys, and past involvement with anti-Trump organizations. Eventually, 12 jurors will be selected, and the trial will commence. Trump, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of covering up payments made to a former porn star just before the 2016 election.
In other news, Republican House speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to move legislation providing aid to Israel following unprecedented strikes by Iran against the Jewish state. The retaliation came after Israel’s recent assassination of a top Iranian general. However, it remains uncertain whether similar aid will be extended to Ukraine.
Additionally, nearly 190,000 migrants crossed America’s southern border in March, showing a 37% decline from the peak in December. This decrease is seen as a positive development for President Biden, whose handling of the border has been a major political issue. Despite the drop, encounters at the border remain high by historical standards.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, news outlets are urging presidential candidates to participate in televised debates before the upcoming election. While the tradition has been a staple in American politics since 1976, Joe Biden has yet to commit to the debates, despite pressure from Donald Trump. The dynamics of the debates could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the election.