FirstUp: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial set to begin and other news of the day

It is set to be a busy Monday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, the trial of famous musician Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in connection to allegations of sex trafficking. Meanwhile, the 2025 Met Gala is scheduled to take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Friedrich Merz is expected to be confirmed as German chancellor. Microsoft is slated to shut down Skype today marking the end of an era.

In India, Asha workers will launch a relay day and night protest on International Labour Day. Meanwhile, Inter Milan is set to lock horns with FC Barcelona in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Here is all that is set to take place today.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial to begin

Popular singer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal sex trafficking trial is set to begin today in the Southern District of New York. The 55-year-old music mogul faces five serious federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, spanning over a 20-year period. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and recently rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors, opting instead to face trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 5 with the opening statements expected on May 12.

Met Gala 2025 to take place

The 2025 Met Gala will take place today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and focuses on the artistry and influence of Black dandyism, exploring how refined tailoring has been a form of self-expression and cultural identity within Black communities.

Inspired by Monica L Miller’s book ‘Slaves to Fashion’, the accompanying Costume Institute exhibition delves into the evolution of Black menswear from the 18th century to the present. The dress code, aptly titled “Tailored for You,” encourages guests to embrace personalised interpretations of suits and menswear, reflecting the theme’s emphasis on individuality and cultural heritage.

Friedrich Merz expected to be confirmed as German chancellor

Friedrich Merz is poised to be confirmed as Germany’s next chancellor on May 6, 2025, following the approval of a coalition agreement between his centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Domestically, Merz faces challenges, including low popularity and political friction within his coalition government. Additionally, the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), recently classified as a “confirmed rightwing extremist” organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, adds complexity to the political landscape, reported news agency Associated Press.

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Kerala Asha workers to launch statewide protest

Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers will launch a statewide protest in Kerala from today intensifying their ongoing protest. This will be a 45-day march which will begin in Kasaragod and culminate in Thiruvananthapuram on June 17.

This initiative follows over 80 days of continuous demonstrations outside the state Secretariat, including hunger strikes and symbolic acts like head-shaving, aimed at highlighting their demands for better compensation and recognition. The ASHA workers are advocating for an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to  Rs 21,000, along with a retirement benefit of  Rs 5 lakh.

Microsoft to shut down Skype

Microsoft will be officially shutting down Skype marking the end of an era. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionised voice and video calling, enabling millions to connect across the globe. At its peak, it boasted around 300 million users, but by 2023, that number had dwindled to approximately 36 million.

The decision to retire Skype stems from evolving communication preferences and the rise of more integrated platforms. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, aiming to enhance its communication offerings. However, the emergence of competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime, coupled with the rapid adoption of Microsoft Teams, led to Skype’s decline.

Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona in UEFA Champions League

Inter Milan and FC Barcelona are set to clash in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal on May 6, 2025, at San Siro. The first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Barcelona’s Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, leaving the tie finely balanced.

In the first leg, Inter took an early lead with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Denzel Dumfries. Barcelona responded through Lamine Yamal, who scored and hit the bar twice, showcasing his emerging talent. Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski also found the net for Barça, ensuring parity ahead of the return fixture.

With inputs from agencies