Sean Combs’ jury has been selected. The trial is officially underway.

On Monday, the prosecution and defense in the Sean Combs sex trafficking trial successfully narrowed down the jury pool to the 12 people who will serve on the trial, plus six alternates. Jurors were sworn in immediately after, and opening statements were conducted during a morning session.

Jury selection began last week and faced delays over fears that jurors would back out of serving on the high-profile case. For several days, Judge Arun Subramanian questioned the jury pool on a number of topics, ranging from their feelings towards law enforcement to what kind of music they listen to. He reminded jurors that Combs — who faces charges of sex trafficking, transporting to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy — is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

With Combs, his attorneys and prosecutors sitting in the courtroom, the judge thoroughly asked nearly 100 jurors whether they had seen, posted or liked any online content related to the case and whether they could form opinions based solely on the evidence presented during trial. He also reminded the jury that they will be watching and hearing testimony that might be graphic in nature. For several days, potential jurors who said they might be biased towards Combs or his alleged victims were dismissed. The final group affirmed that they would remain impartial and would avoid reading, researching or discussing the case outside of the courtroom.

The trial is expected to last eight weeks.

 

Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry

The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor

Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor. 

Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums

Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.

Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering

U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.

Construction on Meta’s largest data center brings 600% crash spike, chaos to rural Louisiana

An investigation from the Gulf States Newsroom found that trucks contracted to work at the Meta facility are causing delays and dangerous roads in Holly Ridge.

Bessemer City Council approves rezoning for a massive data center, dividing a community

After the Bessemer City Council voted 5-2 to rezone nearly 700 acres of agricultural land for the “hyperscale” server farm, a dissenting council member said city officials who signed non-disclosure agreements weren’t being transparent with citizens.

More Front Page Coverage