Michael Cohen to take the stand at Trump trial; 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' reigns at box office

Hot Off The Wire

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial is set to take the stand with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president. Michael Cohen is Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer and is by far the most important witness in the case. Cohen's expected appearance in court Monday signals the trial is entering its final stretch.

Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have spread across U.S. university and college campuses in recent weeks, leading to disruptions and arrests. Some demonstrations extended into weekend graduation celebrations, although they were muted in comparison to the encampments and rallies that have roiled campuses.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Rescue teams in South Africa are searching for any survivors still trapped under rubble a week after an apartment building that was under construction collapsed.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his troops are locked in intense battles with the advancing Russian army in two border areas. He said “fierce battles” are taking place near the border in eastern and northeastern Ukraine as outgunned and outnumbered Ukrainian soldiers try to hold back a significant Russian ground offensive.

In other news:

• Jury selection to begin in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez.
• Are US interest rates high enough to beat inflation? The Fed will take its time to find out.
• Suspect in shooting death of an Ohio police officer is found dead after stand off, officials say.
• First person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies nearly 2 months later.
• Target to reduce number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise after last year's backlash.
• What's the history of 'outside agitators'? Here's what to know about the label and campus protests.
• Solar storm hits Earth, producing colorful light shows across Northern Hemisphere.
• 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' reigns at box office with $56.5 million opening.
• Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war.
• Teen and Miss USA quit their crowns, citing mental health and personal values.
• The Nuggets and Pacers get even in their series, the Panthers move to within one win of the Eastern Conference final, the Canucks take a 2-1 lead over the Oilers in their series, the reigning World Series champs get swept by the lowly Rockies and Rory McIlroy is roaring into golf's next major.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.