The trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump for alleged falsification of business records is nearing its conclusion. The prosecution’s key witness, Michael Cohen, was on the stand for four days, describing what he and Trump discussed back in 2016 and 2017 when Cohen served as Trump’s lawyer. He outlined a plan to conceal a sexual affair from the public by making hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump’s intent in making these payments, and whether a falsification occurred in furtherance of another crime, are the central questions of the trial. The defense engaged in a lengthy cross-examination to undermine Cohen’s credibility. The prosecution then rested, and the defense presented the testimony of one witness, also an attorney. The witness, Robert Costello, had previously given legal counsel to Cohen after Cohen’s house was raided by FBI agents. After the defense rested, the parties debated the appropriate jury instructions. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, and the jury could begin deliberations Wednesday. Senator Menendez bribery trial. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is also on trial in Manhattan, but in a federal court. He faces multiple charges relating to allegations of bribery and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. An attorney, John Moldovan, testified that businessman Wael Hana asked Moldovan in 2019 to make a $20,000 mortgage payment toward Menendez’s wife’s home in New Jersey. In 2022, FBI agents found 13 gold bars and $480,000 in cash in the home. Prosecutors contend that Hana was bribing Menendez to obtain favorable [...]
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