Where Stormy Daniels' evidence leaves T rump’s trial

Hello. It's been an eventful week at Donald Trump's hush-money trial. Madeline Halpert and Kayla Epstein, who have been reporting from the court room, reflect on the week's star witness, Stormy Daniels. From South Africa, Jenny Hill reports on the efforts to save the African penguin from extinction. As another Eurovision controversy appears to be brewing, we look at other times when the event proved to be more than just a song contest. Finally, let's celebrate 25 years of the BBC News theme and try our best in this week's news quiz.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Impact of Stormy Daniels' testimony

Ms Necheles tried to portray Ms Daniels as a money-hungry woman who fabricated details. Credit: Reuters

As the recipient of the $130,000 (£104,000; €120,000) payout on the eve of the 2016 presidential election that's central to the prosecutors' case, adult film star Stormy Daniels was one of the most eagerly awaited witnesses of Donald Trump's hush-money trial. Her two-day testimony proved dramatic. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and denies having sex with Ms Daniels.

How was the prosecution's questioning received?

Ms Daniels' meandering responses to prosecutors prompted criticism from Justice Juan Merchan, who later told the court that some of it "would have been better left unsaid". The testimony about the 2006 alleged sexual encounter prompted Mr Trump's lawyers to lodge two mistrial requests, which Justice Merchan both denied. The judge had asked prosecutors to tread carefully when probing the specifics of the alleged sexual encounter.

What about the defence's cross-examination?

Mr Trump's attorney Susan Necheles worked to damage Ms Daniels' credibility by accusing her of making up the alleged sexual encounter. At one point, Ms Necheles claimed Ms Daniels had made up the story just like the screenplays she wrote for the adult films she starred in. "The sex in those films was very much real, just like what happened to me in that [hotel] room," a frustrated Ms Daniels responded. Her response was a "mic drop", said former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland.

Where does this leave Mr Trump?

With their cross-examination, Mr Trump's legal team may have inadvertently helped the prosecution's case, experts said.

THE BIG PICTURE

Eurovision's most contentious moments

The singing show is known for flamboyant songs and outlandish outfits, but there's a political side to it, too. Credit: BBC

On Saturday, the 26 acts who qualified out of an initial 37 will compete in the Eurovision Song Contest final. Come for the extravagant performances, stay for the complex voting system - a mix of national juries and popular vote that, occasionally, results in controversy.

And finally... on the airwaves

The BBC News theme turns 25 this year. The tune, with its highly danceable beeps and drums, briefly became a TikTok hit during the pandemic - and is the soundtrack to our news coverage. In occasion of the anniversary, composer Dave Lowe shares how the iconic sound came together.