Sep 8, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Cohen moves to tear up $130,000 "hush agreement" with Stormy Daniels

Photo: Yana Paskova/Getty Images)

Essential Consultants, the shell company owned by Michael Cohen, filed a status report on Friday "agreeing to tear up" the $130,000 hush money deal it made with Stormy Daniels, CNN reports.

Why it matters: Daniels may have to pay that money back, according to CNN. Her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, heard of the news moments before a CNN interview and said his first guess is that "they don't want me to get a chance to depose Michael Cohen and Donald Trump. This is a hail Mary to try and avoid that." He later said that Daniels will only pay back the $130,000 if Cohen and Trump are allowed to be deposed and the court rules in her favor, per CNN.

Go deeper

Ashley Gold
21 mins ago - Technology

Epic sues Apple over developer tax as Fortnite is pulled from App Store

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Fortnite maker Epic Games on Thursday escalated its battle over Apple's App Store tactics, suing the tech giant over antitrust claims while also baiting Apple into dropping Fortnite from the App Store.

The big picture: Epic is just one of several developers clashing with Apple. They argue the company harms competition by taking a cut of up to 30% on in-app purchases and subscriptions and blocking most developers from getting around the tax by charging their users directly.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Hans Nichols
50 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Biden calls for 3-month national mask mandate: "Be a patriot"

Joe Biden called on governors to issue a three-month mandatory outdoor mask mandate on Thursday, telling reporters after receiving a coronavirus briefing that experts say it could save over 40,000 lives.

Why it matters: Biden was more aggressive and specific than he has been in previous calls to wear a mask, arguing that it will allow children to return to school sooner, businesses to reopen and help "get our country back on track."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Rashaan Ayesh
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell announces Senate will adjourn until Sept. 8

Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced Thursday that the Senate will not hold any more votes until Sept. 8, though members will remain on 24-hour notice in case a coronavirus stimulus deal is reached.

Why it matters: With millions of Americans unemployed, the Trump administration and Democrats remain hopelessly deadlocked and unlikely to reach a deal any time soon.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow