today, not part of this case, but here to support some of the other victims. maxwell's attorneys have not laid out their defense. but one of the big issues here is that jeffrey epstein, because he died by suicide, is not on trial. they're looking to make the point that the only reason why ghislaine maxwell is, is because he's not here. >> kara scannell, appreciate it. thank you. also keeping a close watch on chicago. jury selection begins this hour there in the case against actor jessie smollett. he's charged of making false reports to police after claiming he was the victim of a hate crime. >> chicago police say the actor orchestrated the incident, paid two men to stage it for publicity. cnn's omar jimenez reports. >> reporter: it's been a long road just to get to this moment, jury selection in the trial of j jussie smollett.