Maxwell Azzarello : “Trump Hush-Money Trial: Jury Selection Complete”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Trump hush-money trial jury selection
2. Evening update Trump criminal trial

In today’s top stories, jury selection was completed for Donald Trump’s historic criminal hush-money trial in New York, with a dramatic scene unfolding outside the courthouse as a man set himself on fire. The incident, which left the man in critical condition, happened amid heightened security and media attention around the trial. Meanwhile, Israel retaliated against Iran, sparking explosions near two Iranian cities. Additionally, court documents revealed shocking details of the Quadriga crypto scandal, shedding light on fraudulent activities within the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange. Stay updated on these stories and more with the daily Evening Update newsletter.

Trump’s Hush-Money Trial Takes a Dramatic Turn in New York

Good evening, let’s start with today’s top stories:

Jury selection was completed for Donald Trump’s historic criminal hush-money trial in New York, clearing the way for arguments to get under way. However, a dramatic scene unfolded outside the courthouse when a man set himself on fire, causing a stir among onlookers and law enforcement.

The man, identified as Maxwell Azzarello of St. Augustine, Fla., in his 30s, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The reason for the incident remains unknown, creating a buzz around the trial.

The incident took place amid heightened security and media attention around the trial, which marks the first time jurors will deliberate on whether a former U.S. president broke the law. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, mostly employed in white-collar jobs, with six alternates also selected.

Now that a jury has been chosen, the stage is set for opening statements to commence next week. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, is accused of falsifying business records to conceal stories about his sex life leading up to the 2016 election.

Israel Retaliates Against Iran

Israel has struck back at Iran, five days after thwarting a launch of Iranian drones and missiles. Explosions were reported near two Iranian cities, though Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement in the counterattack.

Unnamed Israeli defence officials told U.S. newspapers that their country was responsible for the retaliatory strike. Canada, the U.S., and other Western governments had tried to dissuade Israel from launching a counterattack, fearing the conflict could escalate into a regional war.

Despite the tensions, Iran showed no immediate signs of planning a retaliation against Israel, leaving the situation in the Middle East delicately balanced.

QuadrigaCX Cryptocurrency Exchange Scandal Unveiled

‘I want to be like bitcoin jesus’: Court documents reveal how the Quadriga crypto scandal unfolded

Previously unseen chat records between the co-founders of QuadrigaCX shed light on the origins of the now-collapsed cryptocurrency exchange. The documents challenge the notion that Quadriga director Gerald Cotten was the sole controlling mind of the company at the time of his death in 2018.

Quadriga’s collapse upon Cotten’s death left thousands of users unable to access their funds. An investigation by the Ontario Securities Commission revealed that the exchange “operated like a Ponzi scheme” with Cotten using customer deposits for personal enrichment.

According to the newly released chat logs, Cotten and co-founder Michael Patryn discussed ways to exploit the company for personal gain. The B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office, informed by evidence from an RCMP investigation, contends that Patryn remained involved behind the scenes despite leaving the company in 2016.

Canadian Abducted in Congo, India’s Massive Election, and More

Kidnapped in Congo: A Fredericton man has been kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo, held captive for over four months. New Brunswick’s Premier is calling on the federal government to act swiftly to secure his release.

World’s largest election kicks off: Voting commenced in the first phase of India’s election, pitting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party against a coalition of opposition parties. Nearly a billion eligible voters will cast their ballots over the coming weeks.

Indigo’s pivotal period: Canada’s largest bookstore faces a critical juncture ahead of a shareholder vote on privatization. Experts warn of a challenging road to financial recovery for the retail chain.

Taylor Swift’s new music: The pop superstar’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, receives a mixed review, showcasing her evolving musical style.

Toronto Zoo’s snow leopard: The zoo announces that its snow leopard, Jita, is pregnant and expected to give birth in May, highlighting the challenges faced by the vulnerable species during pregnancies.

Alaska Indigenous groups seek input on B.C. mining: Alaskan Indigenous tribes are advocating for a say in B.C. mining projects that could impact their livelihoods, with a recent Canadian Supreme Court decision bolstering their case.

Market Watch

Canada’s main stock index closed nearly 100 points higher today, buoyed by strength in energy and financial sectors. In contrast, U.S. markets saw mixed performance, with the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 ending lower while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose.

The growing pessimism regarding a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut impacted market sentiment, with fluctuations observed in both Canadian and U.S. markets.

On the currency front, one Canadian dollar could be purchased for 72.74 cents US, marking a slight increase from the previous day’s rate.

Talking Points

Here’s what a ‘fairness for every generation’ budget would have actually included

“ ‘Fairness’ would mean allowing common-law or married adults to ‘split’ their incomes in the way that retirees have been allowed to split their pension income since 2007.” – Robyn Urback

The foreign interference inquiry features a parade of senior Liberals protesting too much

“The commission’s final report, due by the end of the year, is supposed to assess more systemic issues surrounding how government agencies should best ‘detect, deter and counter’ foreign interference. But these are not questions for which a public inquiry is the necessary, or even appropriate forum. They are the sorts of broad policy questions we elect governments, with the support of the civil service, to tackle.” – Andrew Coyne

After Canada’s mild winter, we should expect the unexpected on climate change

“This spring and summer, then, offer a bellwether for how Canadian businesses are thinking about climate adaptation, particularly as the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board seeks input on its proposed approach for organizations’ disclosure of sustainability-related information.” – Elliott Cappell

Living Better

‘A bit of a treasure hunt:’ Why foraging tours are taking off

Foraging tourism is on the rise in Canada as people seek outdoor experiences post-pandemic. With a focus on wild food, foraging tours provide a unique way to connect with nature while navigating food supply challenges. Explore tips for new foragers and discover foraging tour options across the country.

Today’s Long Read

Nature as nurture: How taking photos of iconic Canadiana helped a photographer heal

Following personal loss, photographer Christopher Wahl embarked on a cross-Canada journey, capturing natural landmarks as part of a healing process. He reflects on how the project enabled him to find resilience and hope amidst grief, emphasizing the importance of love and community support.

“These photographs do not represent my loss – they represent my ability to be resilient. They are portraits of my profound time on this Earth. May these pictures be a reminder to us all to love, to take care of one another and to seek help wherever it may be found.”

Evening Update is written by Holly McKenzie-Sutter. If you’d like to receive this newsletter by email every weekday evening, go here to sign up. If you have any feedback, send us a note.