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“The Garden of Time”

— This year’s Met Gala dress code. Florals are officially in.

Top Story

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a pre-trial hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on February 15, 2024 in New York City.

Facing Trial

The Story

Former President Trump’s first criminal trial is set for next month.

Which one?

The hush-money case. Trump faces 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The criminal trial, scheduled to start March 25, will be the first ever against a former US president.

What does that look like?

The trial's expected to last six weeks, starting with jury selection. Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors have already gone back and forth about the questions they’d ask potential jurors, including whether they’ve read any books written by ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen — who’s expected to testify. Turns out, some have.

What happens if he gets convicted?

Trump could face up to four years in prison for each felony count, which would likely be served concurrently. A conviction may not guarantee time behind bars, since he would be considered a first-time offender. Legal experts say Trump would also still be able to run his presidential campaign.

And if he wins the presidency?

That’s uncharted territory. If Trump is convicted, some legal experts say he could still be president. It becomes a little unclear how that would play out if he’s serving prison time. Others say it would be an issue for the courts to figure out. In this case, Trump can’t pardon himself since it’s a state case and not federal.

theSkimm

Trump tried to delay this criminal case until after the November election, calling it politically motivated. Now, the leading GOP candidate is facing a historic trial and three other criminal cases. While this case may not impact his ability to run for the highest office in the land, one poll found a conviction could affect Trump's support among voters.

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THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Hospital Raid

Yesterday, the Israeli military said it sent troops into Nasser Hospital — the largest functioning hospital left in Gaza — to carry out a “precise and limited” raid in search of Hamas fighters and hostages’ remains. Israel said it detained a number of suspects in the raid. Hamas denied using the hospital or hiding hostages there. Doctors Without Borders said Israeli forces killed and injured “an undetermined number of people.” Local health authorities reportedly said Israel forced dozens of staff, patients, and thousands of displaced Palestinians out of the hospital.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows Egypt is building a wall near Rafah, the southern Gaza city holding at least 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter. The Egyptian government, which has been hesitant to accept Palestinian refugees, declined to comment on the new construction. Amid growing international calls for Israel to stop its military operation in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for a “powerful” ground assault in Rafah to eliminate Hamas.

And Also...This

Where more people can say ‘I do’...

Greece. Yesterday, it became the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage after a 176 to 76 vote in parliament. Since 2015, Greece has recognized civil partnerships among same-sex couples. Now, after decades of work by LGBTQIA+ activists, Greece is extending that to marriage and allowing same-sex couples to adopt children. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the new law is “a milestone for human rights.” Still, not everyone is ringing wedding bells. The legislation faced strong opposition from the country’s influential Orthodox Church.

What's got some scientists feeling hopeful…

A potential cancer treatment. Yesterday, researchers shared details about a drug that could be used to treat mesothelioma. The rare form of cancer has been linked to asbestos and reportedly has one of the lowest survival rates. Now, researchers say the drug — pegargiminase — helped quadruple the three-year survival rate for patients when combined with chemotherapy. Experts say the drug could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in two decades for mesothelioma treatment.

Who’s back on the block…

Jenny. Today, the world got an inside look at JLo and Ben Affleck’s love story with an album and film: “This Is Me... Now” and “This Is Me... Now: A Love Story.” Later this month, JLo’s dropping a making-of documentary on all of this called “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” — a self-funded, $20 million project that reportedly includes love letters written by Affleck. He wrote her. He wrote her at least some days out of a year.

…Oh and speaking of icons, Shakira announced she’s releasing her first album in seven years next month: “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.” Those hips still don’t lie.

Who shoots, who scores…

Caitlin Clark. The Iowa senior guard is now the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s basketball. While playing against Michigan last night, she set a new record of 3,569 career points — beating the previous record by 42 points. Swish.

ON THESKIMM SCREEN

Together with

Guess who’s back and Beth-er than ever? That’s right. Amy Schumer and Michael Cera are returning to the small screen in season two of Hulu’s:

“Life and Beth”

It’s...the next installment of a hilarious dramedy that follows Beth (Schumer), her boyfriend John (Cera), and their friends and family as they barrel into their 40s.

And...there’s lots of new laughs, new challenges, and new love along the way.

Plus...the guest cast has us seeing stars (literally). We’re talking Jennifer Coolidge, Beanie Feldstein, Margaret Cho, Jemima Kirke, Tim Meadows, Amy Sedaris, and Michael Rapaport, just to name a few.

The best part? All 10 episodes are streaming on Hulu right this minute.† What are you waiting for?

†Hulu subscription required.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. How one woman made her dream purchase a reality.

As a child, Kara — aka The Frugal Feminista — wanted a special pair of sneakers. As an adult, she used Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to buy them, and step into her future as an entrepreneur and mother.*

Watch her story

2. How we're staving off winter boredom.

We've officially entered our hobby era. Pick up a candle-making kit and join us, won't you?

Get into it

3. A couple’s vibrator that’ll rock both your worlds.

This FDA-registered wearable vibrator is specifically designed to close the pleasure gap. It provides 360-degree stimulation for you and your partner at. the. same. time. Need we say more? PS: Skimm’rs get 30% off.*

Shop now

4. Tools to enhance your workouts and recoveries.

Like our go-to foam yoga blocks, an electrolyte powder that tastes like watermelon, and the new It gym bag to carry it all.

Check them out

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

KEEP AN EYE ON...

Your inbox this weekend. The Daily Skimm will always keep you informed, but it’s OK to take a break from the news, too. On Saturday, we’ll stop gatekeeping our fave new romance novel, a recipe for the viral croissant cereal, and the best way to see the northern lights. Then, on Sunday, we’ll share everything we’re discussing in our group chats, from the debate over Jacob Elordi's height (apparently, there's such a thing as too tall for Hollywood) to the reason the tooth fairy is giving out Louis Vuitton bags.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

(Some) Birthdays…Billy Stern (NY), Wylie Stern (NY), theSkimm's Sarah Title (DC), theSkimm's Alexandra Napoli (NY), Ilana Mandelbaum (CA), Katie Liestman (TX), Caroline J Davis (RI), Alyssa Tuetken (CA), Lael Halasz (WA), Heather Benjamin (CO), Paul Lopez (FL), Samantha Zager (MN), Risa Johnson (CA), Cat Kozlowski (CA), Alexis Suib (NY)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.