Justice Department Confirms Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement with the state of New York to resolve a sexual harassment investigation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The agreement, confirmed on Friday, validates the allegations from the misconduct probe that ultimately led to Cuomo’s resignation. The settlement outlines the changes implemented after Cuomo left office and includes additional steps the state will take. Cuomo, who left office in 2021, had been accused of sexually harassing at least 11 women according to a report by Attorney General Letitia James. The Justice Department further stated that at least 13 state employees were subjected to a sexually hostile work environment. Cuomo has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Jury Orders Donald Trump to Pay E. Jean Carroll $88.3 Million in Defamation Case

In a defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll, a jury has awarded an additional $83.3 million to the longtime advice columnist. Carroll accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault, and Trump’s subsequent denial and derogatory remarks about Carroll led to the defamation lawsuit. This recent verdict adds to the $5 million awarded by another jury in May 2021. Trump has expressed his intention to appeal the decision. Carroll sees this as a victory for all women who choose to stand up against injustice.

UN Court Urges Israel to Prevent Genocide in Gaza

The United Nations’ top court, based in The Hague, has issued an order to Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent death, destruction, and any acts of genocide in Gaza. However, the court stopped short of demanding an end to the ongoing military offensive in the Palestinian enclave. The case, brought by South Africa, highlights one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. The court’s ruling will keep Israel under scrutiny for an extended period. The implementation of the court’s orders will likely require some form of cease-fire or pause in the fighting.

US Suspends Funding to UN Agency for Palestinians

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for providing aid to Palestinians, has terminated several staffers in Gaza suspected of involvement in an attack by Hamas and other militants on southern Israel. The United States, the agency’s largest donor, has temporarily halted additional funding. The 12 staffers’ roles in the October 7 surprise attack, which triggered the ongoing conflict, remain unclear. The situation puts Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in the context of broader regional tensions.

Biden Urges Congress to Support Border Bill, but House Speaker Shows Resistance

President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to embrace a bipartisan Senate deal that combines border enforcement measures with foreign aid for Ukraine. Biden believes the proposed policies represent the most stringent and equitable reforms to secure the border in the country’s history. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, suggests that if leaked reports about the legislation are accurate, it will be “dead on arrival” in the House. The dwindling prospects for a deal leave congressional leaders with no clear path to approve the White House’s request for emergency funding, which includes allocations for Ukraine, Israel, immigration enforcement, and national security.

President Biden Aims to Win Back Black Voters in South Carolina

President Joe Biden is dedicating the weekend to South Carolina, showing his loyalty to the state that played a pivotal role in his 2020 campaign. He aims to regain the support of Black voters in South Carolina and across the nation, a demographic that was crucial to his previous election but may be less enthusiastic this time around. Biden will deliver the keynote speech at the state party’s fundraising dinner on Saturday night, leading up to the first-ever “first-in-the-nation” Democratic primary scheduled for February 3. He will also attend a political event at St. John Baptist Church on Sunday, recognizing the intertwining of politics and faith in the state.

Houthi Rebels Launch Missile at U.S. Warship in the Gulf of Aden

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have fired a missile at a U.S. warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden. The targeted vessel, the USS Carney, successfully intercepted and destroyed the projectile. The rebels also attacked a British ship, prompting the Carney to provide assistance. In response, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed at the Red Sea. These actions mark the latest in a series of assaults by the Houthi rebels on ships in the region, disrupting global trade while coinciding with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Last Victim of Lahaina Wildfire in Hawaii Identified

The authorities in Hawaii have identified the final victim of the devastating wildfire that consumed the historic town of Lahaina in August. The victim, 70-year-old Lydia Coloma, marks the completion of the arduous process of identifying the 100 known victims of the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs meticulously searched through the ashes, collecting DNA samples from victims’ relatives to aid in the identification process. It remains uncertain if any additional casualties occurred during the wildfire, as only a few individuals remain unaccounted for.

Vince McMahon Resigns from WWE Parent Company Amid Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Vince McMahon, the prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling, has resigned from the parent company of WWE. This decision comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit filed by a former employee accusing McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including attempting to arrange sexual encounters between the employee and a star wrestler. McMahon, who has denied any wrongdoing, stepped down as the executive chairman of the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company.

$75 Million Allocated for School Safety in Iowa Remains Largely Unspent

In June 2022, Iowa’s Republican governor announced plans to allocate $75 million in federal pandemic relief funds to enhance security measures in schools. However, over 19 months and two fatal school shootings later, most of the funds remain unutilized. The Iowa School Safety Improvement Fund aimed to fortify 1,500 schools by providing up to $50,000 to each institution. To date, only $20.6 million has been promised to qualifying schools, with minimal disbursements made. Recently, state officials assisted the Perry school district in completing its application for three buildings. Tragically, just two weeks prior, a 17-year-old student fatally shot a sixth-grader and a principal.