Natural disasters can destroy a politician’s carefully crafted career — or burnish it

A retired Army officer, David Slater, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transmit classified information about Russia's war with Ukraine through an online dating platform. Slater, who had top secret clearance, faces a recommended prison sentence of 5 years and 10 months to 7 years and 3 months; his sentencing is set for Oct. 8. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A retired Army officer named David Slater admitted to sharing secret information about...

President Trump advised Ukraine against targeting Moscow with strikes, despite earlier reports suggesting he encouraged such actions. He announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and impose tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire isn't reached soon, while expressing frustration with Putin's lack of progress in ending the conflict. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Trump's Mixed Messages on Ukraine President Trump told Ukraine not to attack Moscow, even though he had previously asked if...

As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration, migrants like Oscar, a Venezuelan with temporary protected status, are using apps like Coqui to evade ICE agents. Developed by Peter, the app alerts users to nearby ICE activity, allowing them to navigate safely, although ICE officials warn it poses risks to law enforcement efforts. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Many people who work in the U.S. are scared of getting caught by...

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont recently signed a law to maintain fluoride levels in drinking water, while states like Florida and Utah have banned its addition amid growing public opposition. Critics, including Arkansas Sen. Bryan King and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., cite health concerns, but proponents argue fluoride is essential for dental health, supported by decades of research. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Connecticut has decided to keep fluoride...

A New York carriage driver, Ian McKeever, is on trial for misdemeanor animal cruelty after his horse, Ryder, collapsed during a carriage ride on a hot day in August 2022. Prosecutors allege McKeever overworked Ryder despite signs of distress, while his defense argues the horse was well cared for and simply tripped; the case highlights the ongoing debate over horse-drawn carriages in the city. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A carriage driver is...

The Department of Justice has urged the Supreme Court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal regarding her conviction for aiding Jeffrey Epstein in sex trafficking, arguing her claims about a non-prosecution agreement are unfounded. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence, was convicted on multiple counts, and the DOJ maintains she does not qualify for protections under the agreement. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The U.S. Department of Justice is asking the Supreme Court not...