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A New York appeals court is questioning the validity of the state's civil fraud case against Donald Trump and whether the penalty of nearly half a billion dollars is excessive. The case, brought by the New York attorney general, accuses Trump of fraudulently valuing parts of his real estate empire for financial gain. The court heard arguments in Trump's appeal to overturn the judge's order to pay $489 million. [Extracted from the article]

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, a New York congressman in a competitive district, is facing scrutiny after a report alleged that he employed a woman with whom he had an affair. While D'Esposito denied the report, Democrats are calling for an ethics probe, while Republicans are standing by him. The allegations could potentially impact D'Esposito's campaign, but strategists believe he may still have time to persuade voters to overlook the report. The outcome of the race could have national and international implications, given the different agendas pursued by the House depending on which party has control. [Extracted from the article]

An eight-bedroom house in Staten Island's Todt Hill neighborhood is on the market for $8.95 million, making it one of the most expensive homes for sale on the island. The house, built in 2021, features amenities such as a hair salon, built-in fish tank, and an indoor-outdoor basketball court. The sellers, Richard and Vania Cardinale, bought the half-acre lot for $1.7 million in 2017 and spent about $6 million to build the house. They are selling it because they are launching a farm business in New Jersey. If the house sells for the asking price, it will set a record for the priciest home ever sold on Staten Island. [Extracted from the article]

Cristin Milioti, a Grammy-winning actress and singer, discusses her upbringing and career in an interview. She grew up with parents who appreciated music and the arts, and her dad exposed her to a wide range of films and TV shows. Milioti had a passion for New York and eventually moved there to pursue her acting career. She faced challenges in school but found her place at a summer camp for the arts. Milioti has since had success in theater, film, and television, and currently stars in HBO's "The Penguin." She enjoys reading scripts, doing research, and traveling in her downtime. [Extracted from the article]

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been denied bail ahead of his sex-trafficking trial. The judge ruled that Combs's release would risk obstruction and witness tampering. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs helped run a sex-trafficking enterprise and repeatedly abused and assaulted women. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which has been criticized for its conditions. Combs's lawyer has described the facility as presenting "tremendous challenges." [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on escalating scandal surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose controversial connections and administration practices have led to a major political crisis. Topics include the ongoing investigation into Adams's campaign and administration, the resignation of key officials; and the involvement of multiple federal and city agencies in the probes.

The article focuses on the resignation of New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban, which occurred amid an ongoing investigation into his leadership. Topics include the underlying reasons that led to Caban's decision to step down, the specifics of the investigation examining his conduct and possible department issues, and the broader implications this may have on the city's police leadership and public trust.

Oscar de la Renta, a fashion brand known for its runway shows, has released a documentary called "A Sense of Beauty" as an alternative to traditional fashion shows. The documentary follows co-creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia as they complete their pre-fall 2024 collection. This documentary is part of a growing trend of nonfiction fashion films, which include documentaries about designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and John Galliano. Some brands use these films to market their products, while others are purely journalistic. The documentary format allows designers to showcase the work that goes into creating a collection and offers a more cost-effective and memorable alternative to runway shows. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Elizabeth Arden's meticulous approach to building her cosmetics empire, as explored in "Becoming Elizabeth Arden." Topics include her innovative methods in skincare and cosmetics, her transformation of makeup into a respectable industry, and her personal journey from impoverished beginnings to founding a global beauty brand.

The article highlights the resurgence of wall-to-wall carpeting, driven by its newfound appeal for creating a cozy and stylish home environment. Topics discussed include the renewed interest in broadloom for various rooms, the industry's improvements in safety and environmental impact, and designers' creative uses of carpeting to enhance aesthetic and functional aspects of spaces.

The article focuses on Ashley Park's personal journey, from being diagnosed with leukemia in her sophomore year of high school to finding solace in theater and becoming a successful actress. Topics include her experiences undergoing chemotherapy and hospitalization, her struggles with identity and isolation during her illness, and how she found a sense of self and purpose through her involvement in theater.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is facing legal objections and political pushback for revoking a plea deal to close the case against accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants. The plea deal would have forsworn seeking the death penalty in exchange for guilty pleas and life sentences. Austin's intervention is being reviewed by a Guantanamo judge, who will determine if he had the legal power to revoke the plea bargains. The detainees' attorneys argue that the government has not met the conditions to back out of the deal, and defense lawyers are seeking discovery orders to investigate whether Austin's intervention was politically motivated. Senator Dick Durbin has asked Austin to reconsider his decision, stating that a fair trial in federal courts would be the best path to justice. The prosecution faces hurdles in obtaining death verdicts due to the abuse inflicted on the detainees by CIA interrogators. The government's severe misconduct could lead to removing the death penalty from consideration. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had previously delayed an agreement on plea bargains, and Austin's decision is being supported by his predecessors. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing trend of professionals wearing shorts to the office, which has traditionally been considered inappropriate. The increasing frequency of heat waves has led some individuals to prioritize comfort over traditional dress codes. While proponents argue that productivity should be the main focus, critics believe that shorts are not suitable for a professional environment. The fashion industry and mainstream retailers are capitalizing on this trend by promoting dressy shorts as a viable option for the office. The article also highlights the varying opinions on the acceptability of shorts, with some individuals feeling uncomfortable even when their bosses permit it. Professional stylists suggest that women opt for longer, tailored shorts paired with a button-down shirt or blazer, while men should avoid sports shorts and cargo shorts and pair their shorts with a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes. [Extracted from the article]

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, admitted to leaving a dead bear cub in New York's Central Park a decade ago and staging it to look like it was hit by a cyclist. Kennedy made the admission in a video posted on X Sunday, where he told the story to comedian Roseanne Barr. This revelation is the latest in a series of controversial incidents surrounding Kennedy's presidential campaign, which has been marked by his skepticism toward vaccines and reports of a dysfunctional campaign. In a recent Wall Street Journal poll, Kennedy received only 4% of support from respondents. [Extracted from the article]

Pinball is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with over 10,000 competitive events worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic led to the closure of arcades and restaurants, resulting in the sale of pinball machines to private individuals and an increase in home entertainment. Commercial venues like breweries and "barcades" have also thrived, leading to a robust market for pinball manufacturers. Pinball has a long history, facing bans in major cities due to its association with gambling and organized crime. However, legalization in the 1970s led to a boom in pinball, followed by a decline with the rise of video games. Stern Pinball, the last remaining pinball manufacturer, has flourished and is supported by a community of pinball enthusiasts. The future of pinball may include professional competition, live online coverage, and widespread recreational play. [Extracted from the article]

Spread-collar shirts have become popular in recent years, but they can be unflattering and outdated. These collars are often seen in business, finance, and property settings, but they are also worn casually. While they can work well with a tie and reveal more chest when worn undone, they can also make faces look wider and give off a corporate or office-like appearance. Alternatives to spread collars include button-down collars, one-piece collars, and point collars, each with their own unique style and appeal. [Extracted from the article]

Linda Evangelista, a renowned fashion model, recently spoke about her experiences in a new book. She discussed her insecurities about her height as a child and her early love for fashion. Evangelista also shared her journey into the modeling industry, including her first modeling job and her experiences in Japan. She credited photographer Steven Meisel for giving her confidence and helping her succeed. Evangelista currently resides in New York and has battled breast cancer. She emphasized the importance of early detection and shared her passion for cooking. [Extracted from the article]

Jaap van Zweden, the current maestro of the New York Philharmonic, is concluding his final season as music director. Since his arrival in 2018, he has enriched the orchestra's sound and brought a fresh energy to familiar repertoire. Under his leadership, the Philharmonic underwent renovations and saw improvements in the ensemble's playing. While there are differing accounts as to why van Zweden is leaving, it is agreed that the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact. His final series of performances will showcase the talents of the orchestra members and culminate with Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony. Although van Zweden has his strengths and weaknesses, particularly in new music and American repertoire, he is regarded as a compelling conductor in the core repertory, injecting energy and freshness into well-known works. While it is uncertain what the future holds for van Zweden, he is expected to continue receiving invitations as a guest conductor. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump is facing a decision on whether to testify in his own criminal trial in New York. While testifying could allow him to project strength and defiance, legal experts believe it could be perilous for him, particularly regarding his alleged sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels and his treatment of women. Trump's lawyers have indicated that he is undecided about testifying, but outside lawyers suggest that it would be wise for them to advise against it. Testifying would turn the trial into a referendum on Trump's credibility and could potentially lead to a steeper sentence if he is convicted. [Extracted from the article]

ME+EM, a British fashion brand, has successfully expanded into the U.S. market despite initial skepticism from its board. The brand, known for its stylish yet functional designs, has gained a following among British professionals and celebrities. European brands, including Mango, Primark, and Zara, are increasingly targeting the U.S. as a growth market due to reliable consumer spending and increased openness to new brands. Smaller brands are also using digital sales data to identify specific regions where their brand resonates and are focusing their marketing efforts accordingly. ME+EM's U.S. expansion has been driven by online sales and data analysis, and the company expects the U.S. to become its biggest market by 2025. [Extracted from the article]

This article from the Wall Street Journal provides a borough-by-borough guide to finding the best pizza slice in New York City. The author highlights some of the city's most delicious and original slices, while acknowledging that the concept of the "best" pizza is subjective. The article includes recommendations for pizza places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Queens, showcasing the diverse range of pizza styles and flavors available in each borough. The author also provides additional information about each recommended pizzeria, including their unique features and standout slices. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two opera productions in New York City. The first opera, "An American Soldier," tells the story of Pvt. Danny Chen, who committed suicide after enduring racist hazing in the U.S. Army. The opera explores the cruelty and anguish Danny experienced, highlighting the swift dismantling of his dreams. The second opera, "Les Fêtes de Thalie," is a comedic opera-ballet that focuses on love and the importance of laughter. Both productions received positive reviews for their performances and storytelling. [Extracted from the article]

"Cloudland Revisited" is a collection of essays by S.J. Perelman, a renowned American humorist. The essays, originally published in the New Yorker between 1948 and 1953, explore Perelman's youthful fascination with movies, romances, and pulp novels. Perelman's writing style is characterized by erudition, irony, and a mix of Latinate and Yiddish expressions. While the specific books and movies he discusses may not be of current interest, the essays offer a tender portrayal of Perelman's youthful infatuations and subsequent embarrassment upon revisiting them as an adult. [Extracted from the article]

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has sold his apartment at New York's Plaza hotel for $22.5 million. The off-market deal occurred shortly after Kraft purchased a new Manhattan property on Billionaires' Row. Kraft originally purchased the Plaza apartment for $14.74 million in 2007. The Plaza, located on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, is a historic building that has attracted notable buyers over the years. Kraft has an extensive portfolio of luxury homes, including properties in Palm Beach, the Hamptons, and Chestnut Hill. [Extracted from the article]