The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Donald Trump’s request to reconsider the $5 million verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse and defamation case. The court upheld its December 2024 decision affirming the jury’s finding that Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll. Trump’s arguments for reconsideration centered on the admission of the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from other women alleging similar misconduct. This ruling comes separate from a pending appeal of an $83.3 million defamation verdict against Trump in the same case, where he invokes Supreme Court precedent on presidential immunity.
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Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, conducted despite direct opposition from US President Trump, represent a significant breach of trust between allies. This action undermines ongoing US-Iran negotiations and directly contradicts Trump’s campaign promises of restoring American respect on the world stage. The incident is not isolated; Trump’s foreign policy initiatives have consistently failed to deliver promised results, leaving him diplomatically isolated and humiliated. His approach, characterized by a focus on image over substance, has resulted in a weakened US global standing.
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The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has definitively rejected Donald Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation case, upholding the $5 million judgment against him. This decision follows a prior ruling affirming the jury’s verdict and the admissibility of evidence demonstrating a pattern of similar behavior. Trump’s only remaining recourse is a petition to the Supreme Court, but this does not halt the collection process on the judgment. Failure to secure a stay and post bond could result in immediate asset seizures to satisfy the judgment.
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Following Friday morning’s successful Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, reports emerged of further Israeli action near Fordow. Iranian media documented explosions near Fordow and claimed interception of an Israeli drone. The IDF possesses the technological capacity to inflict significant damage, potentially causing a cave-in at the mountain-based Fordow facility. These events represent a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is alive, according to a security source speaking with Reuters. This announcement, seemingly out of the blue, raises more questions than it answers. Why the need for such a public declaration? It suggests a level of insecurity, a vulnerability that perhaps wasn’t previously apparent. The very act of confirming his survival hints at a fragility within the Iranian power structure, a fragility that is quite unexpected.
The timing is particularly intriguing. Recent events have cast a long shadow over Iran’s capabilities. Their military and intelligence operations seem significantly weakened, a stark contrast to the perceived strength of just a year ago.… Continue reading
Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Governor Newsom initially attempted a conciliatory approach toward the MAGA movement, a strategy that proved ineffective and ultimately abandoned. This shift followed widespread Democratic panic over Trump’s narrow but falsely portrayed “landslide” victory. Newsom’s subsequent strong opposition to Trump’s actions, including the illegal deployment of the National Guard and inflammatory rhetoric targeting immigrants, has resonated with the public, as evidenced by declining approval ratings for Trump’s handling of immigration. Newsom’s forceful response and honesty regarding Trump’s actions have been praised, even by some progressive critics, and are seen as a successful counterstrategy.
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The appeals court’s rejection of Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the $5 million judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. Trump had requested a hearing before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit after a three-judge panel refused to overturn the verdict. This action, effectively denying his plea for a rehearing, solidifies the lower court’s decision finding him liable for sexual abuse.
This refusal to overturn the lower court’s decision reinforces the serious nature of the allegations against Trump. The considerable resources invested in this and numerous other Trump-related lawsuits are a cause for concern, raising questions about the allocation of public funds and the legal system’s capacity to address such high-profile cases efficiently.… Continue reading
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the establishment’s support for Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid as “cowardice,” highlighting the deep division within the New York Democratic Party. Her endorsement of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, coupled with strategic ranking instructions, aims to maximize the anti-Cuomo vote in the upcoming ranked-choice election. Cuomo, despite past scandals, maintains a polling lead, but AOC’s intervention could significantly impact the outcome, potentially shifting the balance of power within the party. The election is seen as a critical test of the progressive movement’s strength and the future direction of New York City’s Democratic politics.
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If you’re not standing with LA right now, you’re the problem. This isn’t just about a city facing challenges; it’s about a potential precedent being set, a creeping disregard for democratic norms that threatens us all. The gravity of the situation demands a response far beyond passive observation.
If you’re unconcerned about the deployment of the military within US cities, you’re missing the point. This isn’t simply a local issue; it’s a test, a trial run of power, starting with a visible target before potentially spreading across the country. The silence from many is deafening, a silent consent to the erosion of fundamental freedoms.… Continue reading
AP7, a Swedish pension fund, announced on Friday its complete divestment from Tesla, selling all its shares in the electric vehicle maker. This significant move, representing a substantial portion of AP7’s holdings – on the order of $1.3 to $1.4 billion – is directly attributed to Tesla’s alleged violations of union rights within the United States.
The decision underscores a prioritization of ethical investing, with AP7 explicitly citing these labor rights violations as the primary reason for the sale. This stands in contrast to purely financial motives, indicating a willingness to sacrifice potential future gains for adherence to socially responsible investing principles.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood