Former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial continues with Michael Cohen facing cross-examination today. Cohen detailed payments he received from Trump in exchange for hush money paid to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Testimony indicated that Trump was aware of the payments to Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal, with Cohen claiming Trump authorized the payments. The defense has sought to undermine Cohen’s credibility with witnesses portraying him as self-interested and untrustworthy. Troop movement near Rafah suggests Israel may expand operations soon, with the U.S. urging caution.
Primary elections today in four states will determine key Senate races and settle intra-party battles. Notable candidates include a Jan. 6 Capitol rioter and a Capitol Police officer who fought rioters. Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn is running in Maryland, while a Jan. 6 rioter challenges congresswoman Carol Miller in West Virginia. The evening will also mark the WNBA debut of Caitlin Clark, a highly anticipated moment for women’s basketball. Russian political shake-up hints at Putin’s focus on prolonged conflict with Ukraine and Western allies.
An unknown number of orcas sank a yacht in Moroccan waters after ramming it, marking a trend of orca rammings in the region. The incident adds to a series of similar attacks off the coast of Spain and Portugal in recent years. In a separate story, a 24-year-old woman is recovering from severe injuries sustained during a punk rock concert when singer John Floreani stage dived onto her, leaving her partially paralyzed. Politics in brief includes President Biden’s announcement of tariffs on Chinese exports, an Arizona abortion ban delay, and a San Francisco vote to ban “forever chemicals.”
In entertainment news, Michael Cohen returns to the stand in Trump’s hush money trial, detailing payments received from Trump for hush money paid to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Cohen claimed Trump authorized the payments and that a shell company was used to repay him. Primary elections today in four states will determine key Senate races and feature candidates like a Jan. 6 Capitol rioter and a Capitol Police officer. Notable events include the WNBA debut of Caitlin Clark and a Russian political shake-up hinting at prolonged conflict with Ukraine. An unknown number of orcas sank a yacht in Moroccan waters after ramming it, part of a trend of orca attacks in the region. A woman is recovering from severe injuries after being stage-dived on at a punk rock concert.
