May 17 Weekly News Quiz: Who is Michael Cohen Testifying Against?

Michael Cohen testified against Donald Trump, his former boss, in May 2024. Cohen claimed that Trump directed him to arrange payments to Stormy Daniels to prevent her from publicizing her affair with Trump, fearing it would jeopardize his 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen said the payments were meant to be concealed as legal fees, leading to charges of falsifying business records against Trump.

During a May 2024 election rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, Donald Trump made a notable remark about the fictional cannibalistic character Hannibal Lecter. He described him as “a wonderful man.” This comment was part of Trump’s speech, during which he also discussed various political issues. His reference to “the late, great” Hannibal Lecter, a character known for his villainous role in the movie “Silence of the Lambs,” was used to underscore his critique of the perceived dangers of unchecked immigration.

After dozens of students walked out of Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech at Duke University in 2024, protesting his support for Israel amidst the Gaza conflict, the remaining audience members responded by chanting “Jerry! Jerry!” in support of Seinfeld. Seinfeld continued his speech without addressing the walkout directly, focusing on his message to graduates about using their privilege and keeping a sense of humor.

In May 2024, Georgia introduced a law demanding that non-governmental organizations and media outlets receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources register as “agents of foreign influence.” This law passed amid significant controversy and public protest, mirroring similar legislation in Russia, which critics argue is used to stifle opposition and civil society. The Georgian parliament ratified the law despite large-scale demonstrations in Tbilisi and sharp criticism from both the European Union and local opposition. President Salome Zourabichvili opposed the law and vowed to veto it, although the Georgian parliament held enough majority to override her veto.

The portrait, painted by Jonathan Yeo, was commissioned to celebrate King Charles III’s long-standing relationship with the Drapers’ Company, which began half a century ago. This association isn’t just about fancy dinners; the Drapers’ Company is a historic trade organization for wool merchants that has evolved into a philanthropic body granting funds for various causes. This piece of artwork, capturing King Charles in the regal red uniform of the Welsh Guards, was first publicly viewed by Charles himself at Buckingham Palace on May 14, 2024, before its display starts from May 16 to June 14, 2024, at the Philip Mould Gallery in London. The life-size portrait includes symbolic elements like a butterfly, perhaps hinting at transformation and continuity.

During her visit to Nigeria, Meghan Markle was embraced by the local culture and given the name “Ifeoma,” which in Igbo means’ a treasured thing.’ An audience member suggested this name during a women’s leadership event co-hosted by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent Nigerian economist and the head of the World Trade Organization.

Fun Fact: The Duchess of Sussex discovered her Nigerian heritage through a genealogy test, which indicated she is 43% Nigerian. This fact was revealed during her visit to Nigeria and mentioned in her podcast in October 2022.

OpenAI’s GPT-4o, short for ‘omni,’ represents a leap forward in AI technology, offering features that allow it to function as a multi-modal digital assistant. This model enhances the ChatGPT experience by enabling real-time spoken conversations, multi-language support, and even the ability to analyze users’ emotions. Demonstrated capabilities include solving mathematical equations, providing coding assistance, and real-time translation, making it a versatile tool for a global audience.

Roger Corman, often hailed as the “King of B-movies,” carved out a distinct niche in Hollywood by masterfully crafting low-budget B-movies that transcended typical genre expectations. His pioneering spirit in filmmaking extended to launching some of the most illustrious careers in the film industry. Directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and James Cameron, along with actors such as Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, and Peter Fonda, all received significant early opportunities under Corman’s guidance. His impact was recognized when he received an honorary Academy Award in 2009 for his remarkable contributions to filmmaking. Roger Corman passed away at his home in Santa Monica, California, on May 9, 2024.

Fiona Harvey’s legal actions against Netflix and Richard Gadd are rooted in her claim that “Baby Reindeer” portrayed her under the guise of fiction in a light that has significantly damaged her reputation. She contends that the series exaggerated her interactions with Gadd, particularly the number of emails and letters sent, allegedly in the tens of thousands. Her intention to sue was confirmed in interviews and public statements.

Donald Glover, who masterfully blends his skills as an actor, writer, director, and musician, released his first album, “3.15.20,” under his stage name, Childish Gambino, in March 2020. The album was re-released on May 13, 2024, as “Atavista,” alongside announcing his first tour since 2019, spanning continents from North America to Australia.

On May 11, 2024, Nemo from Switzerland clinched a memorable victory at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmo, Sweden. This victory was not just Switzerland’s first win since Celine Dion’s triumph in 1988 but also became the first win for a non-binary artist in the contest. Their genre-bending anthem, “The Code,” which merges elements of opera and pop rap, won amidst significant political controversy and protests linked to other participants.