In the summer of 2023, Ana Liss faced a grueling eight-hour deposition, representing just one of the ongoing legal battles stemming from accusations against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Despite not suing Cuomo, Liss has incurred significant legal expenses, while Cuomo’s defense continues to be largely funded by New York taxpayers, totaling over $20 million. Legal experts suggest Cuomo’s team has employed aggressive tactics, including extensive discovery requests, that appear intended to intimidate accusers and delay legal proceedings, resulting in further financial and emotional burdens on those who have accused him of misconduct. These tactics include requests for medical records, and questioning of third parties, potentially prolonging trauma, and prompting calls for the state to reassess its funding of Cuomo’s legal fees.
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Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump considered pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, a move spurred by concern over her potential revelations about his decades-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump and Epstein shared a close relationship, with both men reportedly involved in similar activities. Ultimately, Trump did not issue a pardon due to pushback from his advisors. Maxwell was later convicted on sex trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing criticism for prioritizing a redrawing of congressional districts, a move perceived by Democrats as an attempt to “fix” the upcoming midterm elections in favor of Republicans. This directive, included in Abbott’s legislative priorities, follows a Trump administration demand for more Republican seats and has been condemned as an attack on democracy. Critics argue that Texas Republicans aim to enact an even more egregious gerrymander, despite ongoing court challenges to the existing map, while also neglecting the pressing issue of improving disaster preparation. Democrats and others see this as a blatant partisan power grab, especially given the current state of emergency.
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In response to former US President Trump’s threat to impose a 50% import tax on Brazilian goods, President Lula da Silva vowed to match any imposed tariffs. Trump’s threat, citing Brazil’s treatment of former President Bolsonaro, was met with strong condemnation from Lula. The Brazilian leader asserted that the country would not accept “tutelage” and would impose reciprocal tariffs on US goods if the US followed through with the increase. The trade dispute is fueled by Trump’s disapproval of Bolsonaro’s trial, as well as an argument regarding the US’s trade deficit with Brazil, which data suggests does not exist.
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In a groundbreaking operation, the 3rd separate assault brigade successfully captured Russian troops in the Kharkiv region using only first-person view (FPV) drones and kamikaze ground robots. The brigade reported this as the first confirmed assault exclusively utilizing unmanned platforms, where drones guided surviving occupiers to Ukrainian positions after an assault robot prompted the enemy to surrender. This marks a significant advancement in Ukraine’s strategy of implementing robotized military operations, particularly to conserve Ukrainian lives and address troop shortages. The operation concluded with the capture of enemy positions and a nearby forest line.
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Despite promises to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, overtime, and tip income, Donald Trump has been falsely claiming success on these fronts. The recent tax and spending bill provides only temporary and partial relief, contrasting with Trump’s frequent assertions that these pledges have been fulfilled. These claims, however, ignore the limitations of the bill, which offers limited deductions and fails to make the provisions permanent, in addition to the potential for increased taxes due to proposed import taxes. The actual tax breaks and deductions provided are far less significant than what Trump has claimed, leading to accusations of misrepresentation.
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The article details the appointment of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, known for his negative views of the New York City subway, as interim NASA administrator. This follows the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman’s nomination, reportedly due to Isaacman’s past political affiliations. Trump announced Duffy’s appointment via Truth Social, praising his work in transportation and expressing confidence in his leadership at NASA. This shift occurs amidst a public disagreement between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, potentially impacting Isaacman’s nomination.
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Russia has introduced a “Shared Values Visa” specifically targeting conservative migrants opposed to LGBTQ+ rights and globalism. This visa, introduced in 2024, offers residency to individuals who share traditional Russian values, primarily those who disagree with policies in their countries of origin. The Russian government is actively using these immigrants for propaganda, with state media highlighting their positive experiences and criticizing the West. Analysis suggests this initiative serves symbolic political goals, aiming to portray Russia as a haven for traditional values while addressing its demographic challenges.
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The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, with 63% of its members supporting the resolution. UFT President Michael Mulgrew stated the union believes Mamdani will be a good partner. The endorsement followed endorsements from the Manhattan Democratic Party, Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, and New York State Nurses Association. In response to the endorsement, the Adams campaign emphasized their focus on putting students first, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa proposed increased vocational training.
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In January 1933, Hitler’s first cabinet meeting in Berlin saw Nazi leaders vying for his favor, laying the groundwork for the Holocaust. These officials, aware of Hitler’s views, praised him and offered ideas to consolidate power. Within months, the Reichstag voted to grant Hitler sweeping authority through the Enabling Act. The article concludes by drawing parallels between Hitler’s unchecked power and the current American political climate, particularly regarding a president’s ability to operate without significant constraints.
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John Q. Hosedrinker