manhattancourt

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York began this week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.

Americast is launching a new mini series to break down what’s happening in the courtroom over the six-week criminal trial.

Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to take a look at the key players, reveal the main takeaways from this week and discuss what could happen next…

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Kayla Epstein

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

This episode was made by Keiligh Baker and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

How do you pick a jury of right-minded individuals to pass a fair verdict on Donald Trump?

His lawyers say it's impossible, that this trial is a witch hunt, that he's been gagged AND denied the chance to go to his son's graduation.

Meanwhile, the judge has just carried on. They're selecting a jury which will witness the first ever criminal trial of a former US president.

We talk to criminal defence attorney - and hardened New Yorker - Randy Scott Zelin about whether justice can be served in such a politicised atmosphere.

Later, what actually happened on the film set of RUST in October 2021, when Alec Baldwin accidentally shot dead the lead cinematographer. Today the armourer - responsible for weapons and ammunition on set - Hannah Guttierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months prison. We ask an armourer here how film set rules are followed - and what he thinks went wrong.

Editor: Gabriel Radus

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Video Production: Shane Fennelly

The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The News Agents USA".

Donald Trump will today become the first US president to appear in court on criminal charges.

He arrived in NYC late yesterday and will shortly be heading to Lower Manhattan District Court to have his fingerprints taken and hear the 34 charges of improper business dealings being levelled against him.

Will the criminal charges stack up?

Will Trump keep his cool?

And will his supporters take to the streets in protest?

In Part One we take you through the process step-by-step. In Part 2 - tomorrow morning - the Trump fightback.

You can watch our episodes in full at https://global-player.onelink.me/Br0x/Videos

The News Agents is a Global Player Original and a Persephonica Production.