What to know about Trump’s hush money trial witnesses, Columbia holds virtual classes amid protests and new Rock Hall inductees
The Yodel newsletter: The stories you need to start your day
Good morning, everyone. The Jewish holiday of Passover begins tonight at sundown. Here’s what to know about its origins. Now, on to the news.
NEED TO KNOW
Trump’s hush money trial witnesses
Opening arguments are set to begin today in Donald Trump’s criminal trial over hush money payments. Afterward, the prosecution will begin to call witnesses to testify.
The first witness: It’s expected to be David Pecker, the former chairman of the National Enquirer’s parent company, who was central to Trump’s alleged scheme to pay hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels. [CNN]
Other witnesses: Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, who was imprisoned for facilitating the $130,000 payment to Daniels, former Trump aide Hope Hicks and Daniels herself. [AP]
What’s next: The defense will aim to discredit their testimony. Trump has said that he wants to take the stand when his team begins presenting its case. [New York Times]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
?? NBA playoffs
The Pelicans were defeated by the Thunder 94-92 in a close Game 1, becoming the eighth home team to win its playoff opener over the weekend — a rare sweep that hasn’t happened since 2013. [Yahoo Sports]
??? SCOTUS homelessness case
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments today over a law that would effectively criminalize homelessness. The lawsuit comes from Grants Pass, Ore., but could affect laws in other states. [The Hill]
?? Columbia protests
Columbia University announced that students could attend classes virtually today. Jewish leaders have warned of safety as the school tries to rein in days of protests over the war in Gaza. [CNN]
?? TikTok ban
A foreign aid package passed by the House over the weekend included a bill that would force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership. The company said it would fight the effort in court. [Bloomberg]
?? Rock Hall inductees
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and judge Lionel Richie announced this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees during last night’s episode. They include Cher, Mary J. Blige and Ozzy Osbourne. [Entertainment Weekly]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
?? It’s Earth Day. Here are seven ways you can help the planet. [Yahoo Finance]
?? In the NBA playoffs, the 76ers face the Knicks in Game 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. Sixers star Joel Embiid may still be out. [N.Y. Daily News]
? In baseball, the Tigers play the Rays at 6:50 p.m. ET on Fubo. [AP]
?? And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1978, Bob Marley headlined the One Love Peace Concert, where he famously joined the hands of political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga onstage. The event was later portrayed in the 2024 biopic starring Kingsley Ben-Adir. [Entertainment Weekly]
3 QUESTIONS
...saving the environment
It’s Earth Day. My colleague Kaitlin Reilly asked experts about things you can do to keep the environment clean that also benefit your health. It’s a win-win. Let’s get into it.
Anthony: How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
Kaitlin: Walk, don’t drive, when you run errands. It’s a great way to get your steps in and help reduce pollution. You could even turn it into a “trash walk,” during which you toss out garbage that you see on the street.
Anthony: One of the experts talked about the benefits of using one multipurpose cleaner. Why?
Kaitlin: She said that reducing the number of cleaning products you use could help you avoid contact with too many chemicals. But it also helps you reduce plastic waste.
Anthony: Was there a tip that surprised you?
Kaitlin: I had no idea about BPA inside receipts. One doctor suggested avoiding this chemical not only to save paper but to avoid exposure, which has been linked to a range of health issues.
Want more environmental and health tips? Here are some more.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Daniel Fairbrother not only carried a fridge throughout London’s marathon this weekend, but he also carried a surprise: an engagement ring, wrapped in toilet paper, in his pocket. He proposed to his girlfriend just before finishing the race. “I’m on cloud nine,” he said. [BBC]
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
?? P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: If you want to improve your attention span, try incorporating five-to-10-minute screen breaks into your routine. [Today]
Correction: This article has been corrected to reflect that the Oklahoma City Thunder, not the New Orleans Pelicans, won Game 1 of the playoffs.
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