About this episode
Today’s Headlines: In a Manhattan court, Stormy Daniels provided testimony about her sexual encounter with Donald Trump, with much of the cross-examination focusing on the details of the encounter itself rather than the hush money payment. Her lack of knowledge about Trump's business records became a notable point, highlighting the broader context of the trial, which concerns the payment made to cover up their liaison. Following Daniels, Donald's former assistant, Madeleine Westerhout, testified about communications with Michael Cohen regarding the reimbursement of the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy. These communications led to the Trump Organization sending checks to Cohen, labeled as "legal expenses'' under a "retainer agreement" that lacks recorded documentation. Despite Donald's attorney's attempts for a mistrial, Judge Juan Merchan denied the motion, and Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion to remove Speaker Mike Johnson from office also failed. Meanwhile, recent data shows that medical school graduates are avoiding states with abortion bans for residency positions, and the US Preventative Services Task Force recommended that mammograms for breast cancer screening should start at age 40. Lastly, the Inspector General at the Office of Veterans Affairs reported nearly $11 million in improperly paid bonuses to senior executives, and Hunter Biden's federal gun charges trial is set to proceed next month alongside separate federal tax charges in California. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Checks, not sex, and other takeaways from Trump's New York hush money trial Axios: Trump denied second mistrial request, gag order change in hush money case AP News: House Speaker Mike Johnson survived a motion to vacate. Here's why his job is far from safe NPR: Medical residents are starting to avoid states with abortion bans, data shows AP News: Breast cancer is on the rise in women in their 40s. An earlier mammogram may help catch it sooner WA Post: VA improperly approved nearly $11 million in bonuses for execs, watchdog finds Axios: Hunter Biden's federal gun charges to go to trial after appeal dismissed Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices