Star witness Michael Cohen testified in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial begins on bribery, fraud and obstruction charges. And smoke from Canadian wildfires has made its way across the border.
👋Hey there!Laura Davis here. Ready for Monday’s news? Let’s go.
But first: Did you catch a glimpse of the northern lights? ✨ Dazzling displays of aurora borealis danced over a huge swath of the country this weekend. See some of our favorite photos.
Former Trump lawyer testifies in hush money trial
Michael Cohen took a Manhattan jury step by step through Donald Trump’s efforts to buy the silence of adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the waning weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. Under gentle questioning from prosecutors, Trump’s former fixer claimed the reality TV star told him to “just do it” when the time came to pay Daniels $130,000 to stay quiet about a purported sexual tryst.
What they said: “Women are gonna hate me,” Cohen recalled Trump saying of the potential bombshell. 🔊 Listen to a recording of Trump and Cohen discussing hush money payments.
Sen. Menendez’s bribery trial begins
Facing a barrage of charges, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey (D) entered the Manhattan federal court on Monday as his highly anticipated trial commenced. The trial, expected to last up to eight weeks, has drawn national attention due to the serious nature of the allegations against the sitting senator.
What are the charges? Bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. Menendez, 70, alongside two New Jersey businessmen, is accused of accepting bribes, including gold bars, cash and a luxury car, in exchange for leveraging his political influence to deliver favors. 👉 What to know about the allegations.
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Wildfires in Canada lead to air quality alert
Minnesota officials issued an air quality control warning through mid-day Monday as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves to northern parts and sweeps across the state. Smoke is also affecting visibility in west, central and northern Wisconsin, as well as southern Minnesota, with visibilities that range from only 4 to 7 miles. Officials said everyone should limit “prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors,” but sensitive groups should avoid the outdoors altogether and limit the amount of time they spend outside. 📍 Everything to know.
Melinda French Gates to resign from Gates Foundation
After more than 30 years, Melinda French Gates is stepping down from the famous Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest charitable institutions in the world, the organization co-founder announced on Monday. “After careful thought and reflection I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair,” Gates, the ex-wife of billionaire Bill Gates, said, adding that her last day of work with the Seattle-based global health and development charity will be June 7. Since its founding in 1994, the Gates Foundation has donated $77.6 billion in charitable contributions. 🤝 What we know about the foundation’s future.
A break from the news
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hi:[email protected]. Support quality journalism like this?Subscribe to USA TODAY here.
