Right when we thought Gwyneth Paltrow's court victory would steal the news cycle, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said hold my Goop candle.

Today is a good reminder of the need for non-partisan news. When news companies should give you just the facts, they instead fill your feeds with hot takes and poorly-disguised political talking points.

Meanwhile, we give you 20 Questions. Can't wait to see your responses, and have a great weekend.

In today's edition:

• First presidential indictment in history

• Cost to transport Escobar's hippos

• 20 Questions!

🔑 Key Stories

Former President Donald Trump Indicted

A New York City grand jury indicted Donald Trump

• “These Thugs and Radical Left Monsters have just INDICATED the 45th President of the United States of America, and the leading Republican Candidate, by far, for the 2024 Nomination for President. THIS IS AN ATTACK ON OUR COUNTRY THE LIKES OF WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN,” Trump posted

• The exact charges haven’t been released yet and may not be until Trump appears in court. They relate to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels

• Trump is the first current or former US president to be charged with a crime

Dig Deeper

• Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, has said that Trump told him to pay Daniels $130,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Paying someone to sign an NDA is not necessarily illegal, however the way it’s accounted for and related actions can be. The indictment likely centers around that

Russia Arrests WSJ Reporter

Russia arrested Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich on spying allegations

• Gershkovich lived in Russia for 6 years and worked for the WSJ since 2022. Russia said that Gershkovich acted on US orders to spy on “one of the enterprises of Russia's military-industrial complex”

• Gershkovich was reportedly researching an article about Wagner, a Russia gov’t-backed mercenary group. His last article, “Russia’s Economy Is Starting to Come Undone,” was published on Tuesday

• He is the first US journalist jailed by Russia since the Cold War. The WSJ and US government denied all claims

Dig Deeper

• When asked about the potential for a prisoner swap, a top Russian official said, “I would not even raise the question right now.” Gershkovich’s charge carries a 20-year sentence

• The last time Russia arrested a US journalist was in 1986. Russian authorities accused that journalist – a foreign correspondent for the US News and World Report – of spying. He was released in a prisoner swap 20 days later

Disney v. Florida

Days before Florida’s government took control of a board governing the land Disney World sits on, the board changed rules and stripped it of most powers

• Last year, Disney executives criticized a Florida bill that bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation through the 3rd grade. In response, this January, the Florida legislature took control of the board that governs the land Disney World sits on

• It emerged Thursday that days before the state took control of that board – formerly controlled by Disney – it stripped itself of most of its powers

• Disney says it was legal; Florida says it will challenge the move

Dig Deeper

• The conditions are permanent or last at least “until 21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, King of England living as of the date of this declaration." Clauses like that – “Royal Lives Clauses” – are intended to extend contracts as long as possible

Census Changes?

The US is considering asking Americans on federal forms if they are descended from a slave

• Federal forms – such as the census or some loans – currently ask people to self-identify their race

• In January, the US government released a request for comment on whether federal forms should ask black Americans if they are descended from slaves

• The proposal would allow the government to differentiate between black immigrants, who came to the US voluntarily, and slave descendants. Supporters say it could pave the way for reparations; critics say it’s needlessly complex and promotes division

🍿 Popcorn

ICYMI

• Win-neth Paltrow: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow won the ski crash trial and was awarded the $1 she requested in her countersuit. A doctor accused her of crashing into her

• All rise for Judge: Reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge hit a home run in the first inning on Opening Day. Last year he broke the AL single-season home run record

• City that... sometimes shrinks? Manhattan's population is growing again, but is still 98k below what it was in April 2020. The other 4 New York boroughs shrank this year 

Wildcard

• Oh no, cocaine hippo: Colombia says the cost of shipping Pablo Escobar's hippos to overseas sanctuaries will be $3.5M. 70 Escobar hippos live in the country

• It's a... hazard-board: Hoverboard maker Jetson Electric Bikes is recalling 53,000 hoverboards over fire hazards. A fire from one reportedly killed 2 kids last year

• Jurassic peck: The popular depiction of the T-Rex being lip-less may not be true. Scientists now believe that Tyrannosaurus Rexes had lips over their teeth 

• Dry face? Clean up your bathroom routine with Jackfir's skincare products! Always clean, always effective. Use code ROCA25 for 25% off *Sponsored Post

👇🏻 What do you think?

Today's Question:

Just 20 Questions!

See yesterday's results below the Wrap! 

🗣 20 Questions

Every Friday, we ask the Roca readers 20 questions, then feature our favorite answers the following week.

It's time to see where our readers' moral compasses stand. April Fools is upon us, so naturally, we're celebrating with..

20 Questions: LIES EDITION!

We all do it, but how far is too far? It's your chance to tell us if it's an innocent white lie, or straight-up disrespect!! You'll rate each of the lies listed on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst), based on how bad of a thing it is to lie about.

Here's the link. Have an AMAZING WEEKEND!

If you have thoughts, let us know at [email protected]!

🌊 Roca Clubhouse

Yesterday's Poll:

Do you listen to the radio?

Yes: 67%

No: 33%

Yesterday's Question:

Do you think everyone (with the means) should go to therapy?

Sarah from South Carolina: “Absolutely! I wish therapy was more affordable, as I think everyone would benefit. We also need far more good therapists to keep up with demand! I'm looking forward to doing my part- I'm working on a Masters in counseling.”

Jeff from Virginia: “People with/without means don't necessarily need therapy, but they do need to find those with whom their internal/external struggles are relatable, as these are the kinds of people who are best placed to shepherd someone through tumultuous incidents and/or events.”

Scooter from Alabama: “I think everyone with the means should TRY therapy, that doesn't necessarily mean it works for them. There is something to be said for meditation and/or religion as well as other forms of self care that may work better for an individual. What we know today as therapy has been around for a while but it seems like people have used other mediums for centuries and we're all still here so, something else definitely at least somewhat works too.”

Last Week's 20 Qs Responses:

1. Ketchup: Take 76.3%, Leave 23.7%

2. BBQ Sauce: Take 76.4%, Leave 23.6%

3. Spicy Mayo: Take 50.9%, Leave 49.1%

4. Mustard: Take 75.3%, Leave 38.5%

5. Honey Mustard: Take 61.5%, Leave 38.5%

6. Hot Sauce: Take 58.1%, Leave 41.9%

7. Marinara: Take 79%, Leave 21%

8. Ranch: Take 67.9%, Leave 32.1%

9. Relish: Take 46.9%, Leave 53.1%

10. Soy Sauce: Take 76.4%, Leave 23.6%

11. Aioli: Take 58.1%, Leave 41.9%

12. Sweet & Sour Sauce: Take 61.2%, Leave 38.8%

13. Mayonnaise: Take 72.5%, Leave 27.5%

14. Balsamic Vinegar: Take 73.1%, Leave 26.9%

15. Tartar Sauce: Take 54.7%, Leave 45.3%

16. Tahini: Take 40.5%, Leave 59.5%

17. Fish Sauce: Take 27.1%, Leave 72.9%

18. Gochujang: Take 22.2%, Leave 77.8%

19. Pesto: Take 66.9%, Leave 33.1%

20. Worcestershire Sauce: Take 71.2%, Leave 28.8%

🧠 Final Thoughts

Happy Friday, all. Thanks for riding with Roca for another week, and we look forward to bringing you more news on Monday!

Have a great weekend!

–Max and Max