Hello. It's a long day in the New York courtroom where jurors are listening to closing arguments in Donald Trump's hush-money trial. Madeline Halpert explains what happens next. Reporting from South Africa, which holds its general election tomorrow, Barbara Plett-Usher and Fergal Keane wrote two illuminating pieces looking at the country's inequalities. I'm wrapping up this newsletter with some French intrigue - but first, here's the latest.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Jury to begin deliberations on Trump criminal case

Donald Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche called witness Michael Cohen "the MVP of liars" in his closing arguments. Credit: Reuters

Jurors are hearing the closing arguments from Donald Trump's defence team and the prosecution against him in the former president's New York criminal trial. They will start their deliberations soon - but how do they work? Here's a quick refresher on the US jury system.

How can prosecutors secure a conviction?

All 12 members of the jury must agree Mr Trump is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the worst-case scenario for Mr Trump, who would become the first major party candidate running for US president as a felon. He would almost certainly appeal against this verdict. His lawyers already have argued for a mistrial on multiple occasions, each time unsuccessfully. If found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of four years behind bars, but most experts say a smaller punishment would be likelier.

What happens if one juror disagrees?

If jurors report to the judge that they cannot reach a decision, Justice Merchan may instruct them once or twice more to try again to reach a verdict. But if they still cannot, he would declare a mistrial. Prosecutors would then have to decide on the spot whether they want to retry the case.

And if they all agree that he is not guilty?

The former president would be acquitted of the felony charges. That would be a major blow to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office that brought the case.

• More questions, more answers: Holly Honderich details what will happen if the jury reaches a guilty verdict.

• Closing arguments: Here's what both parties had to say before jurors are sent away to deliberate. 

• A look back on the trial: Former prosecutors and legal experts assess whether the prosecution made a strong enough case.

THE BIG PICTURE

The LGBTQ Indians cut off from politics

There are millions of LGBTQ people in India, making them an influential voting bloc. Credit: Getty Images

Acceptance of sexual and gender diversity has been on the rise in India, where a majority of adults believe same-sex marriage should be made legal. But LGBTQ Indians tell Zoya Mateen they are still left out of politics. In this year's general election, no major political party has fielded a single openly LGBTQ candidate. 

And finally... in France

The town of Agde, on the Mediterranean coast, is usually in the news for its naturist village catering to the needs of Europe's biggest swinger community. But the sun-drenched resort is now rocked by a scandal involving its mayor and a fortune teller with a reputation for being able to communicate with the dead. Both are in jail while under judicial investigation. Chris Bockman has the lowdown on the intrigue from Agde.