Judge poised to reject Trump’s bid to move hush-money case to federal court

A Manhattan federal judge signaled he is likely to deny Donald Trump’s bid to transfer his New York hush-money case to federal court after a 2nd Circuit panel ordered a fresh look; during a three-hour hearing, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein pressed Trump’s lawyers on timing and strategy, characterizing the approach as navigating with two bites at the apple. The ruling may hinge on whether evidence relates to immunized official acts, and a decision is expected later, while the case remains in state court and the conviction stands.