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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures. The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of l...
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Jury Selection in Trump’s Hush Money Trial: A Pivotal Stretch

 

The first criminal trial of a former U.S. president has entered a critical phase as jury selection continues in the case against Donald Trump. The trial centers around allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who could have impacted his 2016 presidential campaign.

Key Points:

  1. Jury Selection Process: The trial, taking place in a Manhattan courtroom, aims to select 12 jurors and several alternates from a pool of 96 prospective jurors. The process could last up to two weeks. Seven jurors have already been chosen, including an oncology nurse, a software engineer, an information technology professional, a sales professional, an English teacher, and two lawyers.

  2. Charges Against Trump: Trump faces 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. The payments to Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, were falsely labeled as legal services rather than hush money. Prosecutors allege that this was done to conceal violations of federal campaign finance laws and to hide a plan to break New York tax and election laws.

  3. Trump’s Defense: The former president has pleaded not guilty. His legal team is actively participating in the proceedings, engaging in motions and discussions with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

  4. Implications: Once the jury is finalized, opening statements will begin. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks. If convicted, Trump could face serious consequences.

As the trial unfolds, all eyes are on the courtroom, where history is being made. The outcome will shape the legacy of a former president and set a precedent for future cases involving high-profile figures.


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