An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: Trump’s trial gets heated; the hottest April on record; Kentucky Derby favorites and long shots; and more

Listen to this briefing

Good morning. It's Friday, May 3, and this article about children who remember their past lives is hands down one of the spookiest things I've ever read. Now let's get to the news.

Donald Trump's New York criminal trial got heated yesterday.

Why? The former president's attorneys cross-examined Stormy Daniels's lawyer, who brokered a deal in 2016 to keep her alleged tryst with Trump secret ahead of the election.
What they argued: That Trump was the victim of an unscrupulous lawyer whose actions bordered on extortion. The judge also held another gag order hearing.
Coming soon: Jurors will hear testimony from former White House official Hope Hicks.

Read this story

House Republicans launched multiple investigations into pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Why? To highlight the hot-button issue ahead of the election, accusing protesters against the Israel-Gaza war of antisemitism and lawlessness. Critics warn the effort threatens free speech.
What else to know: President Biden yesterday urged students to remain peaceful. More than 2,100 protesters have been arrested nationwide in violent police crackdowns.

Read this story

The U.S. could hit an employment milestone today.

The details: The unemployment rate is expected to remain under 4% for the 27th straight month in today's jobs report — closing in on the longest period of low unemployment on record.
What else to know: The overall strength of the labor market, combined with hotter-than-expected inflation, means the Federal Reserve may continue to leave interest rates unchanged.

Read this story

A second Boeing whistleblower has died.

Who? Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at a Boeing supplier. He alleged that he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about the troubled 737 Max jet.
What happened? He died Tuesday after a brief illness, his family said. Another Boeing whistleblower died in March. Boeing's manufacturing has come under increasing scrutiny.

Read this story

Last month was the hottest April on record.

Data is from Copernicus Climate Change Service through April 30. (John Muyskens/The Washington Post)

The streak continues: Eleven consecutive months have surpassed global heat records. The unprecedented surge could wane soon, but only slightly.
Why it's worrying: It's the latest sign that Earth has entered uncharted climate territory. The planet is suffering more brutal heat waves and extreme weather.

Read this story

Russian state media is ramping up its presence on TikTok.

How? State-affiliated accounts are posting more English and Spanish videos to the popular platform, a new study found. They've doubled engagement with their posts since last year.
What they're posting: Tucker Carlson's Russia coverage and attacks on President Biden's Israel policy and age. It's a way for Russia to influence young voters ahead of November's election.

Read this story

The Kentucky Derby runs tomorrow for the 150th time.

What's at stake? The first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown and a record purse, with the winner getting $3.1 million. Post time at Churchill Downs in Louisville is 6:57 p.m. Eastern.
Horses to watch: Fierceness and Sierra Leone are the favorites, although the latter got a difficult starting position. Our colleague likes a 20-1 long shot and has other Derby picks.

Read this story

Before you go … what to watch this weekend: Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling in the action comedy "The Fall Guy." Plus, drink a classic with the Derby: Here are six mint julep recipes.

One more good read: Diddy's American dream had a dark side.

Correction: In yesterday's newsletter, we said Harvey Weinstein's accusers launched the #MeToo movement. But activist Tarana Burke started the movement in 2006, using the phrase "me too" before we had hashtags.

And finally … end your week by playing On the Record, The Post's quotable quiz. The weekend version is 10 questions, and you can risk all your points on a final bonus question. Ready to play? Click here. Or try our word game, Keyword.

You're all caught up. See you Monday.