Stay Updated with “The US in Brief” Newsletter – Trump Trial, Foreign Aid, Protests, Endorsements, and More

The fifth day of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York saw the completion of jury selection, with a panel of 12 individuals sworn in, including a retired wealth manager, a security engineer, and a physical therapist. The defence team raised concerns about a prospective juror’s social media posts about Trump, leading to a lengthy exchange. The judge ultimately agreed to dismiss the juror, stating that opening arguments are expected to begin on Monday.

In other news, the House Freedom Caucus expressed opposition to foreign-aid bills proposed by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, which include aid for Ukraine and Israel. The group’s dissent could complicate the passage of the bills, as they require approval from the Rules committee. Meanwhile, at Columbia University, over 100 pro-Palestinian student protesters were arrested at an unauthorized tent encampment, approved by the school’s president in an effort to address criticism of the handling of antisemitism.

On the political front, members of the Kennedy family endorsed Joe Biden, emphasizing the need to defeat Trump. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill banning courts from ordering children to attend therapeutic family-reunification programs against one parent’s will, citing concerns over potential abuse. Additionally, home sales in America saw a significant decline in March, attributed to higher mortgage rates and uncertainty in the real estate market.

The news also covered international perspectives, with the Telegraph urging Joe Biden to reconsider negotiations with Iran following attacks on Israel. The article argued for a tougher stance against Iran to avoid conflict. Furthermore, a bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis regarding fentanyl exposure to first responders was criticized by a toxicologist as scientifically inaccurate.

In economic news, Joe Biden called for a 25% tariff on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products, a move criticized as regressive. The article highlighted the potential impact of Biden’s policies on voters. The race between Biden and Trump remains close, according to polling data.

Overall, the news story provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the US, covering a range of political, social, and economic issues.