Stimulus bill, Michael Cohen’s tell-all book, California wildfires: 5 things to know Tuesday

Senate likely to take up coronavirus stimulus bill 

The GOP-controlled Senate is expected to take up a new coronavirus stimulus bill this week to help Americans and businesses weathering the coronavirus pandemic, though it faces likely opposition in the Democratic-led House. Congress has remained deadlocked on stimulus negotiations for weeks as lawmakers struggle to agree on a number of key sticking points for a second deal, including boosting unemployment. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a financial crisis unlike any other Americans have experienced, putting millions out of work, hobbling businesses and leaving local governments scraping for money. Many relief programs that Congress approved in the spring have since dried up, putting pressure on the House and Senate to come up with a new round of stimulus funding. But weeks of negotiations failed to result in a deal.

• Americans are sitting on record cash savings amid the pandemic and an uncertain economy
• Another stimulus check may not come until October, if it comes at all

Michael Cohen’s tell-all Trump book drops 

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and “fixer,” is releasing his tell-all memoir about the president Tuesday. In the book, “Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump,” Cohen describes Trump as a “mob boss” who “wouldn’t mind if I was dead.” In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about plans to build a Trump Tower in Russia and, in a separate case, to coordinating hush money payoffs to two women who claimed to have had sex with Trump before he was elected. Cohen was sentenced to three years in federal prison and was recently released because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he started writing the memoir “longhand on a yellow legal pad” from his upstate New York prison. 

• ‘He can’t be trusted’: Michael Cohen denounces Trump in ads airing during the Republican National Convention.

California sets wildfire record as scorching continues 

As California struggles with a record-breaking fire season, a utility company warned customers in the state that power might be cut Tuesday due to fire danger. Intense heat, parched conditions and high winds fueled record-shattering wildfires and strained the electrical grid across much of California on Monday, forcing the Forest Service to close eight national forests. At least one person died, said Fresno Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo. More than 12,000 lightning strikes in the past three weeks have sparked almost two dozen major fires, according to Cal Fire. The fires have burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed homes and caused thousands of residents to flee. The days ahead look equally grim. Officials say September and October are historically the worst fire months.

• Fire officials: El Dorado blaze sparked during gender reveal party

Global Entry applicants can complete enrollment interviews

Global Entry applicants can complete their enrollment interviews starting Tuesday, resuming a process that has been on pause since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Global Entry allows U.S. travelers to use kiosks at major airports nationwide and globally that allow them to bypass lines with no paperwork and reduced wait times. Changes that applicants may encounter at reopened enrollment centers includes staggered or reduced appointments, the elimination of sign-in sheets, plexiglass barriers and measures to encourage social distancing. Because the Canadian and Mexican borders remain closed to nonessential travel, enrollment for the NEXUS and FAST programs remain suspended. 

• Traveling during coronavirus: How to get through airport security faster – and safer.
• Do you need a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel? Do you still need to quarantine? What to know about the confusing rules.

McDonald’s to serve Travis Scott Meal 

McDonald’s will serve up its first celebrity meal in nearly 30 years with the founder of Cactus Jack Records. Starting Tuesday and through Oct. 4, the fast food giant will sell a “Travis Scott Meal” at participating restaurants nationwide. “Travis is a true McDonald’s fan having grown up visiting our restaurants in Houston, not to mention one of the biggest musical acts and cultural icons in the world,” said McDonald’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Flatley. The $6 collab meal includes the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, bacon and lettuce, a medium order of fries with BBQ sauce and a Sprite. It will be available to order in-restaurant, for carry-out, at the Drive Thru and with the McDonald’s app. 

• Goodbye Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Taco Bell is removing Mexican Pizza and shredded chicken from its menu.
• Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger: Wendy’s brings back pretzel buns for new cheeseburger with beer cheese.

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