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Manhattan DA challenges Trump's appeal of his 2024 hush money conviction

Manhattan DA challenges Trump's appeal of his 2024 hush money conviction

Summary

The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking a New York appeals court to reject President Donald Trump’s challenges to his 2024 criminal conviction for hush money payments. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign, but he argues presidential immunity should protect him from some evidence used in the trial.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump was convicted in 2024 of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
  • The charges relate to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, during the 2016 election.
  • Manhattan prosecutors say Trump used false records to cover up the payments.
  • Trump claims the 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity protects him from some prosecution evidence.
  • The Manhattan DA’s office disagrees, stating the payments were “unofficial” acts and not protected by immunity.
  • The trial judge, Justice Juan Merchan, was accused by Trump of bias due to small donations to Democrats, but prosecutors said the judge had no reason to recuse himself.
  • Although Trump faced possible prison time, the judge gave him an unconditional discharge because of the unusual situation of sentencing a president-elect.
  • The case makes Trump the first U.S. president to take office with a felony conviction.
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Meta shares drop as Q2 profit declines due to legal expenses and severance costs

Meta shares drop as Q2 profit declines due to legal expenses and severance costs

Summary

Meta reported a drop in its second-quarter profit due to high legal and layoff-related costs, even though its revenue grew more than expected. The company continues to invest in artificial intelligence and expects revenue to rise moderately in the next quarter.

Key Facts

  • Meta’s second-quarter profit was $15.85 billion, down 14% from last year’s $18.34 billion.
  • Revenue increased 28% to $60.8 billion, which beat analysts’ average estimate of $60.22 billion.
  • Legal expenses and severance costs from layoffs contributed $3.58 billion to total expenses.
  • Meta laid off about 8,000 employees, with total staff at 75,472 as of June 30.
  • Daily active users on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger grew 3% to 3.6 billion.
  • Meta forecasts third-quarter revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion, slightly below analysts’ expectations.
  • Meta shares fell 4.2% in after-hours trading following the earnings report.
  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized AI as a key driver for current and future growth.
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A judge sent a doctor to evaluate California’s largest ICE detention center. What he found

A judge sent a doctor to evaluate California’s largest ICE detention center. What he found

Summary

A court-appointed doctor reported that the California City Immigration Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in California, is not providing adequate healthcare to detainees. The facility, run by CoreCivic but now owned by the federal government, has issues with staffing, delays in medication, and poor management, which puts detainees’ health at risk.

Key Facts

  • The California City detention center is about 75 miles east of Bakersfield and was recently bought by the federal government.
  • CoreCivic, a private prison company, still operates the facility.
  • Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar was appointed by a judge to monitor healthcare in the detention center following a lawsuit by seven detainees.
  • Anandkumar’s report found 13 areas where healthcare was deficient, including emergency care and management of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Detainees experienced long delays in getting medications and cancer treatments.
  • Staffing shortages led to untrained workers having to cover shifts and train new staff.
  • A previous inspection by Disability Rights California found similar problems with medication delays and scheduling surgeries.
  • CoreCivic stated that the facility offers daily physical and mental health services and coordinates with outside doctors when needed.
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Kenya says 15 elephants died of cyanide poisoning after eating tomatoes from nearby farms

Kenya says 15 elephants died of cyanide poisoning after eating tomatoes from nearby farms

Summary

Fifteen elephants died in southern Kenya after eating tomatoes contaminated with cyanide near Amboseli National Park. Wildlife officials found cyanide in the elephants and warned the poison could also harm local farm animals.

Key Facts

  • Fifteen elephants died in the last month in southern Kenya.
  • The elephants ate tomatoes contaminated with cyanide.
  • The contaminated tomatoes came from farms near Amboseli National Park.
  • Cyanide is a very dangerous poison, especially for elephants.
  • Kenya Wildlife Service detected cyanide in lab tests on the elephants.
  • Farmers have previously been suspected of poisoning elephants to protect crops.
  • Local livestock like goats and cattle could also be at risk from the poison.
  • Officials said the poison does not pose an immediate danger to humans.
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Movie Review: Olivia Wilde rules playful BDSM comedy ‘I Want Your Sex’

Movie Review: Olivia Wilde rules playful BDSM comedy ‘I Want Your Sex’

Summary

The movie "I Want Your Sex" is a playful comedy about sex and relationships among young adults. Olivia Wilde stars as Erika Tracy, a strong and unusual character involved in a complicated, consensual BDSM relationship with a younger employee, played by Cooper Hoffman. The film explores themes of intimacy and generational differences with humor and drama.

Key Facts

  • "I Want Your Sex" is directed by Gregg Araki, known for New Queer Cinema.
  • Olivia Wilde plays Erika Tracy, a commanding and memorable character.
  • The story features a BDSM relationship between Erika and her employee Elliot, played by Cooper Hoffman.
  • The relationship is consensual but causes problems in Elliot’s personal life.
  • The movie addresses the lack of sexual intimacy experienced by Generation Z.
  • Other characters include Elliot’s best friend Apple and his girlfriend Minerva, played by Charli XCX.
  • The film mixes comedy, mystery, and drama including themes of betrayal and possible murder.
  • It opens in theaters on Friday and includes performances by Johnny Knoxville and Margaret Cho as detectives.
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Takeaways from Anthony Fauci’s COVID-era diaries

Takeaways from Anthony Fauci’s COVID-era diaries

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary from the COVID-19 pandemic has been released by Senator Rand Paul during a Senate hearing. The diary shows Fauci’s private thoughts about the virus origins and the pandemic response, which mostly align with what he said publicly, including uncertainty about where the virus started and how it spread.

Key Facts

  • Senator Rand Paul subpoenaed Dr. Fauci to testify about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fauci kept a detailed diary during the pandemic, with over 1,000 pages of entries.
  • The diary was obtained from government computers and shared with a GOP-led Senate committee.
  • Fauci’s diary states that early COVID infections were not directly connected to a market in China but the market helped spread the virus.
  • Fauci publicly said the market amplified the virus but likely was not the original source.
  • Fauci and other scientists considered the theory that the virus might have leaked from a lab, but there is no proof of this.
  • Most scientists believe the virus probably came from animals in nature before infecting humans.
  • During the hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer some questions.
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Man convicted in terrorism trial over the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

Man convicted in terrorism trial over the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

Summary

A man named Hadi Matar was found guilty of federal terrorism charges for stabbing author Salman Rushdie in 2022. Rushdie was seriously injured during the attack, which was motivated by a longstanding death threat against him linked to his novel "The Satanic Verses."

Key Facts

  • Hadi Matar was convicted on all terrorism-related charges linked to the 2022 stabbing of Salman Rushdie.
  • Matar is already serving 25 years in prison for attempted murder from the same attack.
  • The stabbing occurred on an amphitheater stage where Rushdie was about to speak.
  • Rushdie was slashed 15 times, lost sight in his right eye, and was seriously wounded.
  • Prosecutors said Matar acted under Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini’s 1989 call for Rushdie’s death due to "The Satanic Verses."
  • Matar’s defense said there was no proof of his state of mind; Matar did not testify.
  • Rushdie’s book "The Satanic Verses" caused protests and violence worldwide due to perceived blasphemy.
  • Iran’s government never rescinded the fatwa, and a bounty remains on Rushdie’s life.
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DOJ sought input on Comey case from Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano, defense says

DOJ sought input on Comey case from Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano, defense says

Summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) sought help from Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former gangster turned informant, in a case against former FBI Director James Comey. Comey's defense claims Gravano said the term "86" would not be used as a threat by gangsters, which could weaken the government's case that Comey's Instagram post was a violent threat against President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • James Comey was indicted in April 2026 for a social media post with seashells spelling "8647," which prosecutors say threatened President Trump.
  • The DOJ interviewed Sammy "The Bull" Gravano to see if Comey could have understood "86" as meaning murder or violence.
  • Gravano, who admitted to involvement in 19 murders before cooperating with law enforcement, said gangsters would not use "86" because police knew what it meant.
  • Gravano did not see Comey’s post as a personal threat of violence.
  • Comey's lawyers argue that evidence obtained via search warrants should be dismissed because prosecutors misled judges by leaving out key details.
  • Federal agents searched extensive organized crime records and interviewed experts about the term "86" without finding support for the prosecution’s theory.
  • The case hinges on whether Comey, given his FBI background, would have interpreted "86" as a violent threat.
  • Gravano's lawyer said Gravano is willing to testify truthfully at Comey's trial.
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WATCH: Trump, Duffy announce $22.5 billion Dulles Airport renovation

WATCH: Trump, Duffy announce $22.5 billion Dulles Airport renovation

Summary

President Donald Trump announced a $22.5 billion plan to renovate Washington Dulles International Airport. The project will replace the old mobile lounges with a new passenger train, walking tunnel, and more moving walkways to improve traveler access.

Key Facts

  • The renovation budget is $22.5 billion.
  • The project will end the use of mobile lounges called "people movers."
  • A new U-shaped passenger train will replace the people movers.
  • The plan includes a central walking tunnel and additional moving walkways.
  • A new above-ground parking garage will be built close to the main terminal.
  • The parking garage will have space for 32,000 vehicles.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined President Trump for the announcement.
  • The renovation is part of President Trump’s larger effort to improve infrastructure in the Washington, D.C. region before his term ends in 2029.
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Why profanity is having a f*cking moment

Why profanity is having a f*cking moment

Summary

Politicians in the United States are using profanity more often in public speeches and social media. They do this to seem more real, show anger, and break away from traditional formal language in politics.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump said U.S. forces would "beat the fucking shit" out of Iranian forces after an attack in Jordan.
  • Senator Bernie Moreno used profanity to criticize Dr. Anthony Fauci during a Senate hearing on COVID-19 mask rules.
  • Since 1919, U.S. presidents and top politicians have sworn in public at least 692 times, with 605 instances in the last 10 years.
  • President Trump and President Joe Biden are responsible for 78% of these swear words, with Trump using stronger language.
  • Research shows voters see swearing as informal, making politicians seem more like regular people and improving how voters feel about them.
  • Male politicians tend to gain more positive effects from cursing than female politicians, who may face more criticism for it.
  • Social media algorithms promote emotional and shocking content, helping politicians reach voters without traditional broadcast rules.
  • Experts warn that while profanity can attract attention, it cannot replace detailed policy work by politicians.
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Medicare Update: New Bill Could Ease Mental Health Care Access for Millions

Medicare Update: New Bill Could Ease Mental Health Care Access for Millions

Summary

A new bipartisan bill called the Increasing Mental Health Options Act aims to make it easier for Medicare patients to get mental health care. The bill would let psychologists provide services without needing a doctor's approval first, which could speed up treatment, especially for seniors in rural areas and nursing homes.

Key Facts

  • The bill was introduced by Senators John Kennedy (R) and Martin Heinrich (D).
  • It would remove the rule that psychologists need physician approval to offer mental health services in certain settings.
  • This change could reduce delays in mental health care for Medicare patients.
  • Psychologists would also become eligible for bonus payments when working in areas with few mental health professionals.
  • Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness affect many older Americans on Medicare.
  • The bill aims to update Medicare rules to better match modern mental health care needs.
  • The bill was sent to the Senate Finance Committee for review.
  • Nursing home residents, who often face depression or anxiety, might benefit most from faster access to care.
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Trump shrugs off Cornyn’s hold on Blanche: ‘I heard he’s going through quite nicely’

Trump shrugs off Cornyn’s hold on Blanche: ‘I heard he’s going through quite nicely’

Summary

President Donald Trump said he is not worried about Senator John Cornyn possibly blocking the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Trump mentioned that he has heard the nomination process is going well.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about the nomination of Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General.
  • Senator John Cornyn from Texas has the power to delay the nomination.
  • Trump said he has not heard of any problems with the nomination.
  • He believes the nomination is progressing without issues.
  • The discussion happened on a Wednesday during the nomination process.
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Trump announces sweeping renovation of Dulles airport

Trump announces sweeping renovation of Dulles airport

Summary

President Donald Trump announced a $22 billion plan to renovate Dulles International Airport. The project will build new terminals and remove the airport’s current shuttle system called the “people mover.”

Key Facts

  • The renovation budget is $22 billion.
  • The project will include new airport terminals.
  • The airport’s “people mover” shuttle system will be removed.
  • President Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office.
  • He said the airport is unpleasant for all travelers, regardless of political views.
  • The announcement was made on a Wednesday.
  • The plan aims to improve the overall experience at Dulles International Airport.
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Noah Kahan hits Trump over use of song in social post: ‘Would never approve’

Noah Kahan hits Trump over use of song in social post: ‘Would never approve’

Summary

Indie singer Noah Kahan criticized President Trump for using his song "American Cars" in a White House Instagram post without permission. Kahan said he would not approve his music being used to support the current administration.

Key Facts

  • Noah Kahan is an indie singer.
  • The White House used Kahan’s song “American Cars” in an Instagram post.
  • The post was captioned “Made in America is BACK.”
  • Kahan commented that he never approved the use of his song.
  • He expressed disapproval of his music being linked to President Trump’s administration.
  • The issue highlights artists’ concerns about how their music is used in politics.
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Australia news live: Jillian Segal returns to antisemitism royal commission; three dead in Sydney house fire

Australia news live: Jillian Segal returns to antisemitism royal commission; three dead in Sydney house fire

Summary

Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, is testifying again at a royal commission about education and training related to antisemitism. Separately, three people died in a house fire in Sydney, and a national target to have 95% of First Nations children enrolled in early childhood education has been reached.

Key Facts

  • Jillian Segal was appointed special envoy to combat antisemitism by the Australian government in 2024.
  • She is giving evidence at a royal commission examining education and training on antisemitism.
  • Segal recommended Holocaust and antisemitism education be included in all school curriculums.
  • Three people died in a house fire in Wiley Park, southwest Sydney; police are investigating.
  • The Australian government launched a childcare safety training program aimed at preventing abuse.
  • The first phase of childcare worker safety training was completed by 99% of early educators.
  • Australia has reached a target of 95% enrolment of First Nations children in early childhood education.
  • Other social targets related to Indigenous Australians, such as child development and incarceration rates, are still worsening.
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Videos show aftermath of US-Saudi strikes on Iraq PMF bases

Videos show aftermath of US-Saudi strikes on Iraq PMF bases

Summary

US and Saudi military forces carried out airstrikes on bases belonging to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq. The strikes happened after alleged drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and reportedly killed 20 fighters.

Key Facts

  • US and Saudi forces worked together to launch airstrikes in Iraq.
  • The targets were bases of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).
  • The PMF is a group supported by Iran.
  • The strikes followed drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
  • At least 20 fighters were reportedly killed in the airstrikes.
  • Videos have been released showing the damage caused by the strikes.
  • The action reflects ongoing tensions involving the US, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and armed groups in Iraq.
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Trump makes new demands for Russia, Iran sanctions bill named for Graham

Trump makes new demands for Russia, Iran sanctions bill named for Graham

Summary

President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to change a bill that puts sanctions on Russia and to give him special powers to impose tariffs on Iran. This request may make it harder for the bill to pass in the House of Representatives. Some Democrats support the bill but worry about the broad tariff powers it would give the president.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wants revisions to a Russia sanctions bill.
  • He is asking for authority to impose tariffs on Iran.
  • The bill is moving toward a vote in the House of Representatives.
  • Democrats mostly support the sanctions bill.
  • Some Democrats are concerned about the wide tariff powers in the bill.
  • The bill is named after Senator Lindsey Graham.
  • The new demands could delay or complicate the bill’s passage.
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Italy’s highest court strengthens citizenship claims by descendants of Italian emigrants

Italy’s highest court strengthens citizenship claims by descendants of Italian emigrants

Summary

Italy’s highest court ruled that children born with Italian citizenship do not lose it if a parent later becomes a citizen of another country. This decision strengthens citizenship claims by descendants of Italian emigrants worldwide, reversing a recent restrictive practice.

Key Facts

  • The Court of Cassation in Italy made the ruling to clarify citizenship laws.
  • The ruling says children who are Italian citizens by birth keep their citizenship even if a parent naturalizes abroad.
  • The decision ended a legal dispute called the “Minor Issue” affecting many ancestry-based citizenship claims.
  • Recent court decisions since 2023 had rejected many claims by saying citizenship was lost when parents naturalized elsewhere.
  • The ruling states children born in countries granting citizenship at birth (like the U.S.) keep their Italian citizenship.
  • This ruling allows these children to pass Italian citizenship to their descendants.
  • Lawyer Marco Mellone said the court’s decision reopens rights for many Italian-American and other descendant families.
  • The change could affect hundreds of thousands of families across countries with large Italian communities.
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Judge weighs bid to block or reverse transfers of transgender inmates into a segregated prison unit

Judge weighs bid to block or reverse transfers of transgender inmates into a segregated prison unit

Summary

A federal judge is reviewing a request to stop the transfer of transgender women inmates into a separate prison unit after a court order required they be housed in women’s facilities. The inmates’ lawyer says this transfer violates their rights and harms their health, while government lawyers argue the transfers follow the judge’s order.

Key Facts

  • A judge issued an order saying transgender women inmates must be housed in women’s prisons or halfway houses.
  • The Trump administration signed an executive order requiring inmates to be housed by biological sex and halting gender-affirming care.
  • Several transgender women were transferred to a segregated unit in a Texas prison instead of women’s facilities.
  • The inmates’ lawyer says this segregation violates their constitutional rights and worsens gender dysphoria, a distress caused by a mismatch between gender identity and assigned sex.
  • The judge has not yet decided whether to block the transfers or return inmates to the general women’s population.
  • Government lawyers say the transfers don’t break the court order because inmates don’t have to be housed with other women or share common areas.
  • They also argue the inmates must first use prison complaint procedures before going to court.
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A Caribbean court rules that a US extradition process against Guyana’s opposition leader can resume

A Caribbean court rules that a US extradition process against Guyana’s opposition leader can resume

Summary

A Caribbean court has allowed the U.S. extradition process to continue against Guyana’s main opposition leader, Azruddin Mohamed, and his father. They face charges in the U.S. for gold smuggling and money laundering, which they deny and have challenged in court.

Key Facts

  • Azruddin Mohamed leads Guyana’s second-largest party and became opposition leader in January 2025.
  • Both Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were charged in Florida last year.
  • The charges include smuggling over 10,000 kilograms of gold to the U.S. and evading more than $50 million in taxes.
  • They have been out on bond since their arrest and deny the accusations.
  • The Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court for some countries in the region and ruled against them in this case.
  • Their lawyers argued some charges were not valid reasons for extradition.
  • The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Mohameds over the gold smuggling case.
  • Guyana’s current president, Irfaan Ali, has good relations with the U.S. despite this case, as the country is growing economically due to oil discoveries.
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