What’s paying up…

Bank of America. Yesterday, the second largest US bank agreed to pay $150 million in fines and $100 million to impacted consumers — one of the heftiest financial penalties against the bank in recent years. It comes after an investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that the bank hurt hundreds of thousands of customers over several years by charging repeated overdraft fees for the same transaction, withholding credit card sign-up bonuses, and opening accounts in customers’ names without their knowledge or permission. In a statement, Bank of America said it had already voluntarily reduced overdraft fees and declined to comment on the allegations of fake accounts.

Where people are reeling...

Vermont. Earlier this week, record rainfall pummeled the state, creating catastrophic flooding. For context, two months of rain fell in two days and flooding topped 22 feet — the highest since 1927. Authorities have rescued over 100 people from the flood waters and more are believed to still be trapped. Gov. Phil Scott (R) said the damage, which includes thousands of homes and businesses, is worse than past storms and dubbed the recent rainfall “Tropical Storm Irene 2.0.” Meanwhile, President Biden declared a state of emergency and directed federal assistance to help in the response. But there’s still reason to be concerned: The state's three major dams are at risk of overflowing, and more rain is expected in the coming days.

What’s leveling up…

Microsoft. Yesterday, a federal judge gave the company the go-ahead to buy Activision Blizzard. Last year, the FTC sued to block the nearly $69 billion merger — the largest in the video game industry — claiming it would reduce competition and consequently hurt gamers. Now, Microsoft’s expected to finalize the merger by the end of the month, gaining ownership to games like Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and World of Warcraft. Game on.

Who’s facing mounting allegations...

Jonah Hill. Over the weekend, a former child star accused him of “predatory behavior” when she was a minor. It comes as Hill is already under fire, after his ex-girlfriend alleged that he was emotionally abusive while they were together. Hill’s attorney denied the new accusations, calling it “a complete fabrication.”

What’s finally being laid to rest…

Aretha Franklin’s estate.

While Britney Spears has us waiting for her memoir...

Zayn Malik is going from dusk till dawn.

Who’s concocting something scrumdidilyumptious…

Timothée Chalamet.