Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Mar 1, 2018

The First Family at play:

Doesn't matter if you're the President's son, you still haveta show up for jury duty.
TMZ reports DONALD TRUMP, Jr., showed up for jury duty yesterday at the New York County Criminal Court building, and was selected for a jury panel, along with about 80 other potential jurors, in an attempted robbery case... but didn't make it to the final selection and was dismissed. And, TMZ also reports on his way out, he looked as thrilled as most Americans are when they get released from jury duty.

Lowering expectations:

A jury trial in North Carolina got off to a slow start this week.
Not a single juror showed up in Forsyth County Court on Monday. Normally, citizens get into trouble for failing to do their civic duty. But in this case, it was the court's fault for forgetting to mail out notices to prospective jurors. Officials turned to local television to help them attract jurors for court on Tuesday, but stillnot enough people showed up. Deputies even went to the mall to find volunteers. Several trials have been postponed until new notices can be sent out. (Still)

Fashion Emergency:

The "swag bags" being handed out to the stars at this year's Academy Awards are among the most expensive ever. The New York Post's Page Six says the gifts are valued at up to $100-thousand dollars. It includes trips to Tanzania, Hawaii and Greece, a "gum rejuvenation" dental procedure, sessions with a celebrity trainer, a "conflict-free" diamond necklace and other jewelry, a "24-karat gold facial," locally grown oranges, Mexican sodas, and an "18-minute phobia-relief session." It also offers a $10-thousand dollar donation to the animal shelter of the stars' choice, plus fancy pet food for their own pampered pooches. (Bartha)

Grace notes from Vinny Marino:

LORDE kicks off her North American tour tonight in Milwaukee. One of her opening acts, RUN THE JEWELS, came up with aremix of "Supercut" from Lorde's "Melodrama" album. It's slower than the original and better for a late night at home after you go dancing than for the club itself. (Marino)