Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, has been testifying before a grand jury investigating an alleged "hush money" payment made on Trump's behalf. He has also been coordinating lawyers for Trump in multiple investigations, including the one into the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. His involvement in the situation has been described as "complicated" and the outcome of the investigation is yet to be seen.
News Mash
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has suspended Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant for eight games without pay following an incident in which he was seen on social media brandishing a gun in a Colorado club. The Glendale Police Department conducted an investigation, but was unable to determine that probable cause existed for the filing of any charges. The suspension will cost Morant over $400,000 in salary.
Donald Trump's lawyer Joe Tacopina argued that Trump's denial of knowledge of the payments to Stormy Daniels was not a lie because he was following the advice of his then-lawyer Michael Cohen. The exchange between Tacopina and MSNBC's Ari Melber is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the payments, which could result in criminal charges for Trump.
The Hyatt Regency Miami is facing the potential revocation of its liquor license after hosting a Christmas-themed drag show in December that allegedly allowed minors to attend. The complaint filed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation states that the event was “lewd” and “vulgar” and that minors were admitted, and that the hotel failed to properly enforce its admission policy. The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now seeking to revoke the hotel’s liquor license, with the consequences of the revocation yet to be determined.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has unanimously accepted a draft plan by a panel proposing reparations for Black residents, which includes a one-time payment of $5 million to each eligible Black resident, the elimination of personal debt and tax burdens, guaranteed annual incomes of at least $97,000 for 250 years, and homes in San Francisco for just $1 a family. The plan has met with some pushback from politically liberal San Franciscans, but the Board of Supervisors will meet again in September to discuss the issue.
After two years without a permanent ambassador to India, the U.S. Senate has confirmed former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti for the role. Despite pushback from some Democrats due to allegations of sexual harassment and bullying by one of Garcetti's former aides, enough Republicans backed him to give the U.S. its first permanent ambassador to India under President Joe Biden. This confirmation is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Aaron Rodgers, four-time NFL MVP, has announced his intention to play for the New York Jets in 2023. He has spent his entire 18-year professional career with the Green Bay Packers, but believes the team wants to move on and make 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love their starting quarterback. Rodgers expressed his appreciation for the Packers organization and the fans, but his future remains uncertain as it is yet to be seen if the Packers will honor his wishes and make a trade.
T-Mobile has announced the acquisition of budget wireless provider Mint Mobile, which is backed by actor Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds will remain in his creative role on behalf of Mint, and the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2021. The purchase is part of T-Mobile's plan to expand its customer base and offer more competitive prices.