New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces a critical legal challenge as his attorneys move to dismiss a bribery charge against him.
Newsweek reported that Mayor Adams' legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge, arguing that the allegations lack merit and fail to meet the legal standards required for such a serious accusation.
The charge stems from accusations that Mayor Adams accepted bribes in exchange for political favors during his time as Brooklyn borough president and as a candidate for mayor. The case has attracted significant attention due to its potential impact on the city's leadership and governance.
Mayor Adams' attorneys have presented a robust defense against the bribery charge, emphasizing several key points in their motion to dismiss.
The legal team argues that the prosecution has failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the allegation of bribery. They contend that the interactions in question were routine political activities rather than criminal acts.
Furthermore, the defense maintains that the charge does not meet the legal threshold required to proceed with a criminal case against a sitting mayor. They assert that the allegations are based on speculation rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
The bribery charge and subsequent legal battle have sent shockwaves through New York City's political circles. If the charge is not dismissed, Mayor Adams could face a protracted legal process that may significantly impact his ability to govern effectively. The case has already raised questions about the mayor's leadership and the integrity of city government.
Supporters of Mayor Adams argue that the charge is politically motivated and designed to undermine his administration. Critics, however, contend that the allegations warrant a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in city government.
The prosecution team has yet to respond publicly to the motion for dismissal filed by Mayor Adams' attorneys. Legal experts anticipate that prosecutors will vigorously oppose the motion, arguing that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. The prosecution is expected to present its counterarguments in the coming weeks.
The judge overseeing the case will ultimately decide whether to grant the motion to dismiss or allow the case to move forward to trial. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for both Mayor Adams and the city he leads.
Some citizens have expressed concern about the potential impact on city governance and have called for a swift resolution to the legal proceedings. Others view the case as an opportunity to scrutinize the relationships between political figures and their supporters.
Political analysts are closely watching the case, noting that its outcome could significantly influence future elections and the balance of power in New York City politics.
Mayor Eric Adams faces a crucial legal battle as his attorneys seek to dismiss a bribery charge against him. The case centers on allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, which the mayor's legal team vehemently denies. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for New York City's political landscape and governance.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a scathing critique of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent campaign event in Wisconsin.
According to Breitbart News, Trump's remarks at the Wisconsin rally focused on questioning the mental acuity of both Biden and Harris. The former president's comments were met with enthusiastic applause from his supporters.
Trump's speech highlighted what he perceives as the current administration's failures in various policy areas. He specifically targeted Harris, criticizing her handling of issues such as inflation, border security, and foreign policy decisions, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During his address, Trump made a direct comparison between Biden and Harris, suggesting that while Biden's mental state had deteriorated over time, Harris had always been intellectually challenged. Trump stated:
Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way. And if you think about it, only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country.
This statement reflects Trump's consistent narrative questioning the competence of the current administration. It also aligns with broader criticisms from opponents who have expressed concerns about Biden's age and Harris's readiness for high office.
Trump's comments come in the wake of Biden's recent statement delegating significant responsibilities to Harris. The President reportedly entrusted Harris with overseeing both foreign and domestic policy matters, a move that has drawn attention and criticism from political opponents.
The former president's remarks also touched on public perception of Harris. He referenced polling data that suggests a significant portion of the American public views Harris as someone who tailors her statements to public sentiment rather than expressing genuine beliefs.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll cited in the report indicates that 48% of Americans believe Harris says what she thinks people want to hear, while only 36% believe she expresses her true convictions. This perception aligns with criticisms that portray Harris as a politically expedient figure rather than a leader with strong, consistent principles.
Trump's speech also highlighted the trajectory of Harris's approval ratings throughout her vice presidency. Initially, Harris faced historically low approval ratings, with some polls showing her net negative rating at -17, the lowest for any vice president in U.S. history.
However, recent months have seen a significant improvement in Harris's public approval. Her rating rose from 28% in January 2024 to 32% in July, coinciding with Biden's decision to step aside. Most recently, Harris's approval rating has surged to 48%, representing a 16-point increase in just two months.
The rapid improvement in Harris's approval ratings has led to speculation about the factors contributing to this change. Some political commentators, like digital strategist Greg Price, attribute the shift to increased positive media coverage rather than any fundamental change in Harris's performance or policies.
Price suggested that the media's portrayal of Harris has become more favorable, potentially influencing public opinion without any substantive changes in her approach or achievements. This observation raises questions about the role of media in shaping political narratives and public perceptions of political figures.
Trump's speech in Wisconsin encapsulated his ongoing critique of the Biden-Harris administration, focusing on perceived mental fitness issues and policy failures. The former president's comments highlighted the contrasting public perceptions of Biden and Harris, as well as the evolving approval ratings of the Vice President. This event underscores the intensifying political rhetoric as the country moves closer to the next presidential election cycle, with Trump positioning himself as a vocal critic of the current administration and a potential candidate for the upcoming race.
Iran's president has accused the United States of being complicit in the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
This accusation follows an Israeli airstrike that resulted in Nasrallah's death, further heightening fears of a broader regional war that could potentially involve the Biden administration, as the Washington Examiner reports.
President Masoud Pezeshkian made his bold statement, asserting that the U.S. could not distance itself from the events that transpired. Nasrallah was targeted and killed in a Friday airstrike that also claimed the life of an Iranian Revolutionary Guard deputy commander. Tensions between Israel, Iran, and various militant groups in the region have been rising ever since.
In response, U.S. officials have denied any direct involvement in the assassination. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the U.S. was not aware of Israel's plans ahead of the airstrike. Despite this, President Pezeshkian’s remarks have led to a further deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations.
In his statement, Austin reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while also cautioning Iran and its proxies not to exploit the situation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden lauded the strike, describing Nasrallah’s death as a form of justice for Americans and others who had been harmed by Hezbollah over the years.
The potential for escalating violence across the Middle East has raised alarms in international circles, with experts warning that continued provocations could trigger a major conflict involving multiple nations.
The recent surge in Israeli military activity has led to significant loss of life in Lebanon. The country’s health ministry reported at least 1,030 people dead as a result of ongoing Israeli strikes. The conflict has hit especially hard in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.
For many in the region, Nasrallah’s assassination has been seen as a major blow to Hezbollah. Hamas, another militant organization aligned with Iran, issued a statement vowing to continue its struggle against Israel in the wake of the leader’s death. The group declared that the killings would only strengthen their resolve.
The rising death toll has sparked calls for international intervention. However, the geopolitical complexity of the situation has made it difficult for any clear resolution to be reached, as both Israel and its opponents show little sign of backing down.
The assassination of Nasrallah has reignited fears of a potential war between Israel and Iran, which could drag in various allied militias and nations. Analysts have pointed out that the U.S. would likely support Israel in the event of such a conflict, a prospect that has caused unease throughout the region.
Iran’s leadership, meanwhile, is taking no chances. Reports indicate that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been moved to a more secure location within Iran, possibly out of concern that he could be targeted next by Israeli forces. The risk of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah had already been simmering for months. Nasrallah's killing may now push the situation toward a breaking point, with neither side showing willingness to de-escalate.
In a move that signals heightened fears, the U.S. government has evacuated non-essential personnel and eligible family members from Lebanon. This precaution highlights the growing instability in the region and suggests that more violence could be imminent.
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began after a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians last year, will soon mark its first anniversary on Oct. 7. This grim milestone underscores the persistent state of hostility in the region, and Nasrallah’s assassination will likely intensify the violence as this date approaches.
Shocking new data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with serious criminal convictions, including sexual assaults and murders, are not detained and are walking free in communities across the United States.
Critics are directing heavy blame toward the Biden administration for the release of these individuals into the interior of the country, according to lawmakers and ICE data.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) disclosed the ICE data, which shows that, as of July 2024, more than 662,000 noncitizens with criminal histories are on the agency’s national docket. This includes people with convictions for assault, drug trafficking, sexual offenses, and even homicide. Over 7 million individuals are part of the non-detained docket, where they are either subject to removal orders or involved in ongoing immigration proceedings, but not in custody.
Among the individuals listed on the non-detained docket, the numbers of those with violent criminal histories are deeply concerning. ICE data shows that of those not in detention, 13,099 have been convicted of homicide, 62,231 have been convicted of assault, and 15,811 have sexual assault convictions. In addition to those with criminal convictions, another 222,141 individuals on the docket face pending criminal charges, including over 4,200 for sexual assault and nearly 1,850 for homicide.
Lawmakers, such as House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, have voiced grave concerns about the government’s handling of immigration enforcement, especially regarding the release of convicted criminals. Green stated that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have allowed people convicted of serious crimes to be released into U.S. communities. He questioned how many more Americans would need to suffer harm before decisive action is taken to uphold the law.
ICE itself has raised concerns about “sanctuary” city policies, which may limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. According to the agency, these policies might prevent the removal of individuals who have committed dangerous crimes, placing communities at risk.
The number of individuals on ICE’s non-detained docket has skyrocketed in recent years. In fiscal year 2021, there were 3.7 million people listed. By 2023, that number had grown to more than 7 million. Among this growing group are individuals with serious criminal records, leading to increasing criticism from conservative lawmakers and organizations.
RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE), sharply criticized Vice President Harris, accusing her of failing to protect Americans. Hauman argued that her leadership on the immigration issue has left the country exposed to dangerous criminals who should have been detained or deported.
While critics accuse the administration of negligence, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended its actions. DHS noted that from mid-May 2023 through July 2024, it removed or returned more than 893,600 individuals, including over 138,000 family members. The agency insists that the majority of those encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years have been expelled or deported.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for what some see as a weakening of immigration enforcement compared to previous administrations. Deportations were notably lower in the early years of Biden’s presidency than under his predecessor, Donald Trump. Lawmakers like Gonzales argue that the administration has been too lenient, allowing dangerous individuals to slip through the cracks and enter the general population.
However, the administration counters that a broken immigration system, coupled with inadequate funding from Congress, has severely hampered its ability to handle the growing number of illegal immigrants effectively. DHS maintains that it is doing its best to manage a massive caseload with limited resources, working to secure the U.S. borders despite the challenges.
In an attempt to address these concerns, Vice President Harris visited the southern border Friday in Arizona to promote a bipartisan immigration bill. The visit drew criticism from conservative lawmakers, who questioned the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws.
Gonzales has been particularly vocal in his disapproval. He has called the release of criminals into American communities an outrage, noting that Americans “deserve to be safe” in their own country. His concerns reflect those of many conservatives who feel that the administration is prioritizing migrants over the safety of U.S. citizens, and as the national debate over immigration continues to escalate, the ICE data adds fuel to the fire.
Vice President Kamala Harris' recent interview on MSNBC has drawn sharp criticism from an unexpected source, raising questions about her media strategy and communication style.
The New York Times published a scathing report on Harris' interview with MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle, accusing the Vice President of employing evasive tactics and providing roundabout responses to straightforward questions.
According to the Times, Harris has been adhering to a strategy of granting interviews to "friendly inquisitors" who are unlikely to pose challenging questions or press her when her responses are evasive. This approach has come under scrutiny, particularly as Harris recently increased her media appearances.
The Times report suggests that Harris' media strategy involves carefully selecting interviewers who are less likely to ask probing questions or challenge her on policy specifics. This approach has been evident in her recent media engagements, including the interview with Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC.
Critics argue that this strategy limits the depth and substance of Harris' public discourse, particularly on important policy matters. The report notes that Harris responded to "fairly basic and predictable questions with roundabout responses that did not provide a substantive answer."
The MSNBC interview, which was Harris' first solo interview with a major network, has become a focal point of discussion. The Times report pointed out that Ruhle had previously defended Harris against criticisms of dodging questions and avoiding policy specifics.
The report from the New York Times stated:
Ms. Harris responded to the fairly basic and predictable questions with roundabout responses that did not provide a substantive answer.
The Times report also scrutinized Ruhle's interviewing style, noting that she failed to press Harris on certain key issues. For instance, the report mentioned that Ruhle did not push Harris on whether she had prior knowledge about President Biden's health before the June debate that led to his withdrawal from the race.
Additionally, the report suggested that Ruhle joined Harris in criticizing former President Trump without posing challenging questions about Harris' own positions or her knowledge of Biden's condition during his campaign.
This approach by Ruhle, according to the Times, may have been a factor in Harris agreeing to the interview in the first place. The report implies that the Vice President's team may be selecting interviewers who are less likely to challenge her or delve into uncomfortable topics.
During the interview, Harris was asked about her economic proposals and how she would fund them if faced with opposition from Republicans in Congress. The Times report noted that when Ruhle asked if Harris would proceed with her plans and borrow if unable to raise corporate taxes, the Vice President's response was deemed insufficient. Harris replied:
But we're going to have to raise corporate taxes. We're going to have to make sure that the biggest corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. That's just it. It's about paying their fair share.
The report highlighted that even Ruhle, while discussing the interview later on MSNBC's "Deadline: White House," conceded that Harris "doesn't answer the question."
The New York Times report on Vice President Kamala Harris' MSNBC interview has shed light on her media strategy and communication style. The critique focuses on Harris' tendency to provide evasive answers and her preference for friendly interviewers. The report also questions the effectiveness of this approach in addressing substantive policy issues, particularly as Harris positions herself as a presidential candidate. This analysis raises important considerations about the balance between media accessibility and the need for thorough, direct responses from high-ranking public officials.
In a rare move, the U.S. Senate has voted to hold a healthcare executive in criminal contempt for defying a congressional subpoena.
According to The Guardian, Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, faces criminal charges after failing to appear at a Senate hearing on September 12, 2024. The unanimous vote marks the first time in over 50 years that the Senate has taken such action against an individual.
De la Torre, 58, heads the Massachusetts-based for-profit healthcare system that declared bankruptcy earlier this year. The Senate's decision comes amid allegations of financial mismanagement and concerns over patient care at Steward Health Care facilities.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders, initiated the investigation into Steward Health Care's operations. The committee sought to examine the company's financial practices and their impact on patient care across multiple states.
Senator Bill Cassidy, the ranking member of the HELP committee, emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating that Steward's mismanagement has affected patient care in more than 30 hospitals across eight states. The committee's focus on De la Torre's management decisions was deemed essential to understanding the root causes of Steward's financial troubles and service failures.
Investigations by the Boston Globe revealed troubling details about De la Torre's leadership, including his lavish lifestyle amid hospital closures and patient deaths due to inadequate treatment. These revelations added urgency to the Senate's inquiry.
Reports from the Boston Globe highlighted stark contrasts between De la Torre's personal expenditures and the financial state of Steward Health Care. While patients faced dire circumstances, the CEO allegedly engaged in luxury travel and made significant personal purchases using company funds.
De la Torre reportedly received at least $250 million in compensation from Steward Health Care while the hospital chain grappled with facility issues, staffing shortages, and closures. The Boston Globe's investigations uncovered that he used the company's bank account for personal expenses, including renovations to an €8 million apartment in Madrid and substantial donations to his children's private school.
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts criticized De la Torre and his associates:
Steward, led by its founder and CEO Dr Ralph de la Torre and his corporate enablers, looted hospitals across the country for their own profit, and while they got rich, workers, patients and communities suffered, nurses paid out of pocket for cardboard bereavement boxes for the babies to help grieving parents who had just lost a newborn.
The Senate's criminal contempt vote is not the only legal challenge facing De la Torre and Steward Health Care. The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating the company for potential foreign corruption violations, while a federal grand jury in Boston is examining its financial dealings, including executive compensation.
Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized the significance of the Senate's action, stating:
If you defy a congressional subpoena, you will be held accountable, no matter who you are or how well-connected you may be.
The criminal contempt charge carries potential legal consequences for De la Torre, though the specific penalties were not detailed in the report. The rare nature of this action by the Senate highlights the seriousness with which lawmakers view the allegations against Steward Health Care and its CEO.
The U.S. Senate's unanimous vote to hold Ralph de la Torre in criminal contempt underscores the gravity of allegations against Steward Health Care's management. This rare action by the Senate highlights concerns over financial mismanagement, patient care failures, and corporate accountability in the healthcare sector. As investigations continue, the case may have far-reaching implications for healthcare administration and congressional oversight of corporate practices affecting public health.
A federal judge's ruling has thwarted attempts to uncover Prince Harry's immigration records, sparking debates about privacy and public interest in high-profile cases.
According to The Washington Post, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols denied the Heritage Foundation's petition to release Prince Harry's immigration records. The judge ruled that the British royal's right to privacy outweighs the conservative think tank's arguments.
The case stems from the Heritage Foundation's lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the agency refused to disclose information about any declarations Prince Harry might have made regarding his past drug use when entering the United States. This request followed the publication of Harry's memoir, "Spare," in which he openly discussed his experiences with cocaine, cannabis, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Judge Nichols, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019, emphasized in his ruling that Prince Harry maintains a "legitimate privacy interest in his immigration status." The judge further stated that the public's interest in accessing these personal records is not sufficiently compelling to warrant their disclosure.
The Heritage Foundation, represented by employee Mike Howell, argued that releasing Harry's records could reveal potential misconduct or negligence by DHS in admitting or allowing the Duke of Sussex to remain in the United States, given his public admissions of drug use. However, the judge found this argument insufficient to override Harry's privacy rights.
Howell expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating, "Americans deserve an immigration system with both secure borders and also fairly applied rules for high-profile immigrants like Harry." He indicated that the Foundation is considering an appeal against the judge's decision.
The case has brought attention to U.S. immigration policies, particularly concerning past drug use by foreign nationals. While U.S. authorities have the power to deny entry based on such history, they don't always exercise this option.
The U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom provides guidance on this matter, stating:
Travelers who are a drug abuser or addict may be ineligible to receive a visa. If found ineligible, they will require a waiver of ineligibility in order to travel.
However, certain immigration statuses, such as the A-1 head of state visa, have less stringent requirements for background checks. This has led to speculation about the type of visa Prince Harry might have obtained when moving to California with his wife, Meghan, in 2020.
Judge Nichols acknowledged in his ruling that Prince Harry's public statements about his past drug use "tend to diminish his privacy interests compared to ordinary foreign nationals admitted to the United States." Nevertheless, the judge maintained that, like any foreign national, the prince retains a legitimate privacy interest in his immigration status.
The judge also addressed the Heritage Foundation's argument about public interest, stating:
Public disclosure of records about a single admission of a foreign national … would provide the public, at best, limited information about the Department's general policy in admitting aliens.
This ruling underscores the delicate balance between individual privacy rights and public interest in high-profile immigration cases, particularly when they involve public figures who have openly discussed potentially disqualifying behavior.
The federal judge's decision to protect Prince Harry's immigration records highlights the ongoing tension between privacy rights and public interest in high-profile cases. While the Heritage Foundation argued for transparency in the application of immigration rules to prominent individuals, the court prioritized the prince's right to privacy. This ruling sets a precedent for similar cases involving public figures and their immigration statuses, emphasizing the importance of individual privacy protections even in the face of public disclosures.
A stunning decision by the South Dakota Supreme Court strips a former state official of his legal credentials.
According to The Western Journal, the South Dakota Supreme Court has ordered a six-month suspension of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg's law license.
The ruling follows Ravnsborg's involvement in a fatal pedestrian accident, contributing to his political downfall. The court highlighted his violation of professional conduct rules and criticized his actions as attorney general, stating they harmed the legal profession and justice system.
Ravnsborg, a Republican, was elected as South Dakota's Attorney General in 2018. His tenure was cut short less than two years after a tragic incident in 2020 that resulted in the death of 55-year-old Joe Boever. The pedestrian was struck and killed while walking along a rural highway.
The incident led to Ravnsborg's impeachment and subsequent removal from office. A disciplinary board of the South Dakota State Bar sought a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborg's law license, which would have been retroactive to June 2022 when he left office.
During a hearing before the South Dakota Supreme Court in February, Ravnsborg spoke on his own behalf, expressing remorse for the incident. He stated that he counts every day since the accident and says a prayer daily for Boever, himself, and all those affected by the tragedy.
The legal ramifications for Ravnsborg extended beyond his removal from office. In 2021, he resolved the criminal case by pleading no contest to a pair of traffic misdemeanors. These included making an illegal lane change and using a phone while driving, for which he was fined by a judge.
Additionally, Ravnsborg reached an undisclosed settlement with Boever's widow in 2021. The details of this agreement have not been made public, so privacy around the civil aspect of the case has been maintained.
The South Dakota Supreme Court's ruling highlighted concerns about Ravnsborg's honesty regarding his phone use on the night of the accident. The court also noted that forensic evidence raised questions about the veracity of his statements concerning the events of that night.
Thomas Frieberg, an attorney for the disciplinary board, emphasized that the board's focus was on Ravnsborg's actions following the accident. He stated that the board felt strongly that Ravnsborg was less than forthright and evasive in his responses.
The night of the accident, September 12, 2020, Ravnsborg was returning from a political fundraiser when his car struck what he initially described as "something" in a 911 call transcript. He suggested to the dispatcher that it might have been a deer or another animal. It was later revealed that the victim, Boever, had crashed his truck and was walking toward it near the road when he was hit.
Prosecutors at the 2022 impeachment hearing alleged that Ravnsborg made sure officers were aware of his position as attorney general, using his title to "set the tone and gain influence" in the aftermath of the crash. Ravnsborg's attorney, however, contended that he was merely responding to an officer's inquiry about his role.
The South Dakota Supreme Court's decision to suspend Ravnsborg's law license for six months marks a significant professional consequence for the former attorney general. This ruling underscores the importance of ethical conduct and honesty in the legal profession, especially for those in high-ranking public positions. The case continues to highlight the tragic loss of Joe Boever and the far-reaching impact of the 2020 accident on all involved parties.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opens up about her enduring marriage to Bill Clinton, offering a glimpse into their relationship's resilience through decades of public scrutiny and personal trials.
Fox News reports on Clinton's recent interview, in which she discusses the longevity of her marriage and the couple's current contentment. The former First Lady shared insights from her new memoir, "Something Lost, Something Gained," which touches on tumultuous periods in their relationship.
In her CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, Clinton emphasized the private nature of marriages, stating that only the two individuals involved truly understand their relationship dynamics. She reflected on the ups and downs that all marriages face, acknowledging that her own has weathered public storms.
Clinton addressed the difficult periods in her marriage without directly naming specific incidents. She alluded to "dark periods" and a "very unfortunate" incident that threatened both her marriage and her husband's presidency in the late 1990s.
Discussing her feelings during the impeachment process, Clinton revealed:
I had to almost have a binary view of the world that I was living in my reality. My reality, on the one hand, I was deeply hurt, deeply confused, really upset, angry. And on the other hand, I knew that this was a political ploy to try to drive, you know, Bill out of office, and I thought he'd been a really good president, and I resented that as an American citizen.
Clinton emphasized that her decision to stay in her marriage was a personal one, and she refrained from advising others on their marital choices. She expressed gratitude for the support of lifelong friends during challenging times.
The former Secretary of State painted a picture of contentment in her current relationship with Bill Clinton. She shared anecdotes of their daily life, including playing word games together in bed.
Clinton remarked:
We just have a good time. We have a good time sharing this life that we've lived together for now nearly 50 years of marriage. That's what is right for us, and that's really my, my message.
The couple is approaching their 50th wedding anniversary in October 2025, having married on October 11, 1975. Clinton expressed appreciation for their shared experiences and the joy they find in their grandchildren and time together.
Clinton's interview and memoir excerpts offer a rare glimpse into the personal toll of public life on her marriage. She acknowledged the difficulty of navigating personal hurt alongside political machinations during her husband's impeachment.
The former First Lady criticized what she perceived as hypocrisy from political opponents during that time, suggesting that many who pursued impeachment had their own personal issues.
Despite the challenges, Clinton emphasized the importance of making decisions that were right for her and her family.
Clinton's reflections provide insight into a high-profile marriage that has endured intense public scrutiny. Her comments highlight the complexity of balancing personal relationships with public responsibilities and the long-term perspective that has allowed the Clintons to maintain their union despite past difficulties. The couple's approaching 50th anniversary serves as a testament to their resilience and commitment to their relationship.
Oklahoma election officials have removed more than 450,000 ineligible voters from the state’s rolls ahead of the November election, in an effort to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
The state’s extensive, Republican-led voter list maintenance process, which began in 2021, is designed to ensure that only eligible citizens participate in upcoming elections, as The Federalist reports.
The process resulted in the removal of 453,000 ineligible registrations, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Among those were 5,607 convicted felons, 14,993 duplicate registrations, 97,065 deceased voters, 143,682 individuals who had moved out of state, and 194,962 who had been classified as inactive voters.
Secretary of State Josh Cockroft stated that Oklahoma has taken serious steps to maintain the security of the state’s voting systems. “We’ve aggressively pursued policies to ensure voting is secure and accurate. Every eligible citizen will have their vote counted and their voice heard,” Cockroft said.
The removal process is part of the state's regular voter roll maintenance efforts. Officials use technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance security and accuracy. Oklahoma’s June primaries saw a 100% verification rate of voters, a clear indication of the state's commitment to maintaining clean voter rolls.
Paul Ziriax, the State Election Board secretary, highlighted the importance of such measures. “Our laws and procedures are designed to ensure the integrity and security of our elections,” Ziriax said. He also pointed to successful recounts and post-election audits, which have demonstrated the reliability of Oklahoma’s election systems.
Oklahoma is not alone in these efforts. Other states, including Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and Ohio, have recently made significant strides in cleaning up their voter rolls. For example, Texas removed over 1.1 million ineligible voters, and Virginia’s department of elections recently identified over 6,300 noncitizens on its rolls.
In November 2023, Oklahoma established the Campaign Finance and Election Threats Task Force. This task force, which was formed under Gov. Kevin Stitt, aims to address vulnerabilities in the election system and protect the fairness of the voting process. “This Task Force was charged with investigating the most critical aspect of our republic: ensuring our elections are free and fair,” Stitt said. The group has since proposed several recommendations to enhance election security.
Among these recommendations are random post-election audits, a ban on ranked-choice voting, and stricter regulations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in campaigns. They have also called for changes to contribution limits for non-corporate entities and a ban on foreign campaign expenditures.
Another notable recommendation from the Task Force includes a partnership with Native American tribes to enforce election laws more effectively. This initiative is seen as crucial in strengthening voter integrity, particularly in areas with significant tribal populations.
Stitt and other state officials have emphasized that these measures are necessary to build public trust and ensure the accuracy of election outcomes. “Voting is our most sacred duty as Americans -- and every Oklahoman wants to know their vote is securely cast and properly counted,” Stitt remarked. The task force's efforts align with the state's broader focus on enhancing voter security through technology and rigorous verification procedures. These steps reflect a growing national trend, as states across the U.S. address concerns over voter fraud and election security.
Oklahoma’s efforts are part of a nationwide push to safeguard the voting process. Other states have similarly taken action to clean up their voter rolls and increase election security. Alabama recently found over 3,000 potential noncitizens registered to vote, and Ohio discovered more than 100 noncitizens on its rolls earlier this year.
Despite concerns in some parts of the country about disenfranchisement, Oklahoma officials have maintained that their efforts are aimed solely at ensuring that every vote cast is from an eligible citizen. Ziriax reiterated that the state's measures "have proven the accuracy of Oklahoma’s voting system" through both recounts and audits.