California Representative Eric Swalwell, the front-runner in the race for governor, is facing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by four women, including a former aide who claims he raped her.The allegations include a high-profile Democrat using his political stature to groom young women in their 20s before sending inappropriate sexual messages or engaging in non-consensual physical contact, CNN reports. Swalwell is a married father of three and issued a denial. He called the claims “false” and politically motivated lies meant to disrupt the upcoming election.His legal team has already issued cease and desist letters to the two accused and warned them of legal action if they continue speaking out. However, medical records, text messages, and corroborating statements from friends and family members have emerged to support the women’s accounts.

Former employee: allegations of rape and physical injury

The most serious allegation comes from a woman who began interning for Swalwell in 2019 when she was 20. She eventually joined his campaign and district office, where she says the congressman initially made her feel “like the coolest person in the room.”She alleges that after a night of heavy drinking in September 2019, she blacked out and woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel room. She said she could “physically feel” that sexual contact had occurred. In a separate incident the same year, she claimed he pressured her to perform oral sex on him in the car.The woman alleges the abuse culminated at a New York City event in April 2024. She says she regained consciousness in Swalwell’s bed after becoming extremely intoxicated after drinking at the hotel bar.“I was pushing him away by saying no,” she told CNN. “He didn’t stop.”She described waking up alone the next morning, wrapped in blankets, with “cuts and bruises” on her ribs and thighs. CNN reviewed medical records from the health clinic where she went to get tested a few days later, where a provider referred to her as “a survivor.”

Political aspirant: A ‘blurry’ in the hotel room

A second woman, who connected with the congressman over her interest in Democratic politics in 2025, described turning a similarly “starstruck” compliment into a traumatic experience. After messaging for several weeks, the pair met in person when Swalwell was visiting her hometown.She alleges that during one night at a bar, Swalwell repeatedly touched and kissed her feet without consent. Eventually she lost her memory of the evening and woke up in her hotel room. Uber receipts show she left the hotel at 5:41 am.The woman described her experience as “blurring” and said she felt “disgusted and embarrassed”. When she later messaged Swalwell telling him “What you did hurt me,” he replied: “I won’t bother you again! Sorry.”

Eli Samarco: Unwanted Nudity and Late Night Running

Social media creator Ellie Sammarco is one of the women who chose her name. She first reached out to Swalwell on Twitter in 2021 to discuss politics. What started as professional advice soon turned into an “inappropriate” Snapchat exchange.Samarco claims the congressman sent her unsolicited photos of his genitals and shirtless selfies while he was drinking. She said that when she was 24 and out with friends, it was a sitting congressman who was “drunk texting” her.She also alleged that Swalwell would drive past her apartment building several times after learning where she lived. Although they remained in occasional contact, she said that he stopped responding to her sexual advances after they entered a serious relationship.

Marketing Professionals: The Four-Year Pattern of Clear Content

A fourth woman, who worked in marketing, alleged that Swalwell began contacting her in 2021 after liking her social media posts. She told CNN that after a month their conversations turned sexual, with the congressman requesting her to send nude photos and unsolicited videos of his penis.“When you’re sent unsolicited d**k videos, it makes you feel like I’m less of a human being,” he said.The two never met in person, but the digital relationship lasted for four years.

More than 200 people, including musician Robert Del Naja of the band Massive Attack, were arrested during a mass protest in central London against the ban on activist group Palestine Action. Hundreds of people defied police warnings and gathered at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 212 individuals aged between 27 and 82 were detained for allegedly showing support for a banned organisation. Authorities said the protests “have the potential to be abusive rather than legitimate expression.”

Musicians are also among those detained

Del Naja, also known as 3D, was seen sitting among the protesters holding a sign that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine action.” Officers later approached him, informed him of his arrest, and he was led away as fellow protesters cheered and raised their voices in support.In video clips circulated online, onlookers chanted enthusiastically as officers picked up the musician and took him away. Del Naja reportedly described his arrest as “unlawful” and had previously acknowledged concerns about possible consequences for his international touring career.

Scenes of defiance and disruption

The protest included a mix of participants, including elderly protesters sitting in camping chairs and others standing with signs. Several individuals were seen physically carried away by police, while some elderly protesters were taken away in police vans.As soon as the arrests were made, slogans of “Shame on you” started echoing. Witnesses also accused authorities of using excessive force in some cases, including dragging protesters without proper support.Some protesters wore symbolic costumes, including suffrage-style clothing and masks depicting political figures, while banners raised broader concerns about free speech and civil liberties.

Legal battle increases tension

The arrests come amid an ongoing legal dispute over the government’s decision to ban Palestine action. Earlier this year, the High Court ruled the ban illegal, forcing the police to briefly halt arrests. However, enforcement resumed after authorities launched an appeal, which is expected to take several months.Police say that despite ongoing court proceedings, expressing support for a banned organization is an offense under the Terrorism Act.

Organizers vow to continue resistance

The protest was organized by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, which described the vote as a sign that resistance to the ban remains “stronger than ever”.The group argues that the issue extends beyond a single organization and threatens broader rights of protest and free expression.Participants echoed similar sentiments, warning that a ban on one group could set a precedent to stifle dissent more widely.Former senior police officers noted the operational difficulty of handling large crowds willing to risk arrest. With hundreds of people involved, the situation posed logistical and reputational challenges to law enforcement.Observers also highlighted growing public sympathy towards the protesters, even as authorities continued to enforce the law.More than 3,000 people have been arrested since the Palestine crackdown was banned last year, according to police figures, with the majority of cases reported in London.

Today’s Quote by Abraham Lincoln

People are often evaluated based on what other people see or hear about them in their daily lives. The way people see and think about someone can affect how they are treated in society. But this view is not always a complete picture of who they really are. This is where Abraham Lincoln’s quote comes in handy. This makes it clear what is real and what is not.Abraham Lincoln was a great leader during one of the most difficult times in American history. He often spoke in a simple but important way. His words are important even today because they talk about basic human values. He uses a simple comparison to make a complex idea easier to understand. He says that character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. They are both related, but they are not the same.This idea is simple to understand, but it has a lot of meaning. It reminds people that what other people think is not always the whole truth. This also shows how important it is to pay more attention to your internal values ​​than your external image. Let’s look at what this quote means and why it still matters today.

today’s thought By former US President Abraham Lincoln

“Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

Understanding the Meaning of Abraham Lincoln’s Quote

The quote uses a picture of nature to explain a human idea. A tree is solid, real and has depth. It grows larger over time and represents something that exists in its own right. On the other hand, shadow is just a reflection. It changes depending on lighting, angle and viewpoint.Lincoln is talking about a person’s true nature when he compares character to a tree. Honesty, integrity, and actions that reflect who a person really is are all parts of character. It grows over time and is created by doing the same thing over and over again.He says that reputation is like a shadow that reflects how other people see a person. This can change rapidly depending on what people think, hear or don’t know. It can’t always show the whole picture, just like a shadow.

Why is character more important than reputation?

People often care more about their reputation because it is easier to see. It affects how people accept you, how many job opportunities you have, and how people view you in public. But sometimes, reputations can be wrong.On the other hand, character remains the same even when no one is looking. It helps people make choices and act. Lincoln’s quote makes it clear that true value lies in character, not in what other people think of it.This idea is important because it shifts the focus from how things appear to how they really are. It encourages people to develop strong values ​​rather than just worrying about how they look.

How is prestige built in society?

People often build their reputations based on how they behave in public, how they talk to others and how they interact with others. There are many things that can influence this, such as media, social networks, and personal relationships.Reputation can change rapidly because it is based on how people perceive things. An incident or misunderstanding can change the way people view someone. It is just like the shadow changes when the light changes.Lincoln’s comparison makes clear why reputation should not be considered the sole criterion for evaluating a person. It’s just a part, and it may not always be correct.

Role of Karmas in Character Building

Character is not built in a moment. It grows over time through regular actions. Every choice, whether big or small, affects who a person is.Being honest with the people you meet every day, being responsible at work, and treating others with respect are all parts of character. These traits may not be immediately apparent, but over time they will shape a person.Lincoln’s quote reminds us that character is what matters most. Reputation may follow, but that’s not what’s really going on.

Relevance of the quote to real life

You can use this idea in many parts of your life. At work people are often evaluated based on how well they do their job and how others view them. Reputation may help you get ahead, but character is what will help you succeed in the long run.In personal relationships, trust is built by doing the same thing over and over again. First impressions may shape people’s opinions, but over time, true character emerges.People often evaluate leaders on the basis of their reputation in public life. But history usually remembers them because of who they were and what they did.

A Simple Comparison That Explains a Complex Truth

One reason this quote is still popular is because it is simple. The picture of the tree and its shadow is easy to understand. But it does a good job of showing the difference between what is real and what we perceive to be real.The tree remains even when there is shadow. The tree remains the same, even if the shadow changes or goes away. In the same way, a person’s character is different from his reputation.This comparison helps people see that what other people think of them does not define who they really are.

Other famous quotes from Abraham Lincoln

Why does this message still matter today?

In today’s world, where information spreads rapidly, reputations can change in an instant. Social media and other digital platforms make it easy for people to form opinions instantly. In such a situation the distinction between character and reputation becomes even more important.Lincoln’s quote reminds us that reputation may change how people see us, but it does not define who we are. The true value of a person lies in his actions, choices and honesty.This message remains important today because it speaks to a basic human need. People want to know who they really are, not just how others see them.

A conclusion from Lincoln’s perspective

The quote makes a clear point. Character is what really makes a person who he is, while reputation is what other people think of him. They are both related, but they are not the same.People can build a strong and stable identity by focusing on their character. Your character remains the same, but your reputation may change over time.It’s easy to see the difference from the words of Abraham Lincoln. They tell people to look beyond how they look and focus on what really makes them who they are.

Immigration lawyers say scrutiny of marriage-based green card applications in the US has been tightened in recent months, with applicants facing tougher scrutiny during interviews and increased enforcement action even at the interview stage. Marriage is one of the most common routes to permanent residence, but lawyers warn that the process is now being scrutinized more closely than before.According to immigration attorney Douglas Lightman of Lightman Law Firm LLC in New York, “Obtaining a green card through marriage is one of the most common routes to lawful permanent residence in the United States. It is also one of the fastest routes to permanent residence, with some applicants receiving approval in just 9 to 15 months.”However, he and other lawyers note that this is one of the riskiest routes, as applicants must clearly prove that the marriage is genuine and not undertaken for immigration benefits.A marriage-based green card allows the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to live and work anywhere in the country. The type of green card issued depends on how long the couple has been married at the time of approval.Attorney Lightman explains that there are two main categories. A 10-year green card is issued to spouses who have been married for more than two years when their application is approved. It is also known as IR-1 visa. A 2-year conditional green card is issued when there are less than two years left before the marriage can be approved. This is known as a CR-1 visa and the couple must later file Form I-751 to have the conditions removed.US citizens can often file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together for faster processing, but spouses of green card holders usually have to wait longer due to visa limits and quotas.Eligibility rules will remain strict. Immigration attorney Matthew Curtis explains, “The marriage must be legally valid with a government-issued marriage certificate. USCIS recently updated its policy to clarify that only marriages that are legally recognized and registered with civil authorities are eligible. Both spouses must be legally free to marry, all previous marriages must have been properly ended through divorce, annulment, or death.“In addition to the paperwork, applicants must also meet a standard known as the bona fide marriage standard, which is often the most closely scrutinized part of the case. “USCIS examines whether you and your spouse share a life together through financial entanglement, cohabitation, and emotional connection. The burden of proof is entirely on you,” says Curtis.Couples are expected to present strong supporting evidence. “Joint financial accounts demonstrate financial interdependence,” says Lightman. Housing documents proving that you live together. Photos spanning the period of your relationship document the time you spent together. Affidavits from friends and family provide third-party verification. Travel records, communication records and receipts from joint purchases all strengthen your case.“At the same time, lawyers warn that some factors may raise alarm bells. “Things like significant age difference, limited shared language, immediate marriage after very short courtship, living at different addresses, minimal joint financial documentation, and previous marriages to U.S. citizens warrant increased scrutiny,” says Curtis.Financial needs also remain central. Lightman explains that sponsors must prove they can support their spouse at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, which requires an income of about $25,550 for a two-person family. If this is not met, applicants may rely on a joint sponsor, joint household income, or qualifying assets.

Left to right: Jeremy Cooney, Covid Saxena and Bhairavi Desai, Indian-origin leaders included in New York’s transportation power list

A new power list highlighting key figures shaping the future of New York’s transportation and mobility landscape has put several Indian-origin leaders in the spotlight. Published by City & State, the 2026 ‘Trailblazers in Transportation’ list recognizes influential driving policy, infrastructure and advocacy across the state. These include three Indian-origin professionals whose work spans grassroots activism, legislative reform and large-scale engineering projects. His inclusion reflects not only his individual impact but also the growing presence of the Indian diaspora in shaping one of the world’s most complex urban transportation systems.

Indian-origin leaders shaping New York’s transportation power list

Bhairavi Desai: Advocating the rights of taxi workers

Bhairavi Desai has long been a leading voice for New York City’s for-hire drivers. As co-founder and executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, she represents thousands of drivers and has campaigned for fair wages and working conditions for decades.His advocacy gained particular attention in recent years through efforts to address taxi medallion debt and ensure stronger protections for drivers. A major legislative victory was scored when the New York City Council overrode Eric Adams’ veto to pass a bill preventing drivers from being disabled without due process. Desai has worked closely with Zohran Mamdani on labor issues, including high-profile protests and hunger strikes.

Jeremy Cooney: Shaping transportation policy at the state level

Jeremy Cooney, originally from Kolkata, plays a key role in shaping transport policy as chairman of the State Senate Committee on Transport. Their work focuses on improving transit systems, expanding infrastructure, and supporting long-term mobility planning.His recent accomplishments include funding a high-speed rail study, advocating for increased public transit budgets, and pushing for expanded investment in road maintenance. Emerging as a strong supporter of autonomous vehicle development, Cooney has also introduced legislation to broaden commuter benefits, including support for bicycling and ride-hailing services.

Covid Saxena: Taking forward large-scale infrastructure projects

Covid Saxena represents the engineering and infrastructure side of the list. As a senior executive at Arcadis, he has been involved in numerous high-impact projects in the New York metropolitan area.His portfolio includes work on the Second Avenue Subway (Phase 2) and the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel, which are critical to the region’s long-term transit capacity. Saxena has also contributed to initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, major bridge upgrades and road safety improvements, underscoring his impact on both current and future mobility systems.The inclusion of these leaders highlights the diverse ways in which Indian-origin professionals are shaping New York’s transportation ecosystem. His contributions span every level of the system, from grassroots advocacy and policy formulation to engineering and infrastructure delivery.

The Indian-origin MBA student who went viral for asking questions to Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has now spoken out, saying her views on education are shaped by both privilege and lived experience.Anahis Patel addressed the backlash and praise in a detailed LinkedIn post three days after his conversation with Kamath at the India Business Conference sparked a nationwide debate on the value of business degrees.During the event, Patel directly challenged Kamath on his previous comments criticizing MBA programs. “A few months ago, you said that if you are 25 and doing an MBA, you must be some kind of idiot,” he said, questioning the contradiction of such a statement being made at a business school gathering. This moment went viral.Drawing attention, Patel described growing up in a family where education was central. His father is a marine engineer, his mother is a teacher and his sister is a pediatrician. He said that the focus on academics, along with a packed schedule of extra-curricular activities such as debate, drama, music and academic competitions, was “non-negotiable”.She addressed assumptions about her background, writing, “I grew up with a certain degree of privilege, nothing extreme.” He said access to knowledge defined his upbringing. “Books were never in question,” he said, noting that family vacations also often included museums and learning experiences. He described himself as “very rich in this sense”.Patel also shared a personal example to explain his belief in education. His family supported his domestic help in educating his daughters, one of whom is now an MBA and has moved on to a better life. She wrote, “So when I talk about education, it is not in abstraction. I have seen firsthand what it can do.”He defended his decision to question the billionaire. “I have a backbone and I believe in using it,” she wrote. He criticized “intellectual humility”; Patel argued that avoiding disagreement does not improve ideas.He credits his upbringing for encouraging open dialogue at home, saying, “Respectful (read that again, respectful) disagreement, when based on logic, leads to better thinking.”

A sudden job loss turned into a quick comeback for the mother of an Indian-origin tech executive, when a LinkedIn message helped her secure a new role in just days.Ashlesh Tilawat, who lives in Austin, Texas, recently shared the experience on X. His post described how his mother, who had been fired from her job just three days earlier, quickly managed to find a new opportunity because of their ‘connections’.‘According to Tilawat, the change happened rapidly. After sending just one message on LinkedIn, her mother was able to connect with the right contact. An interview was arranged the next day, and he received a job offer soon after.“1 LinkedIn message. Interview the next day. Make an offer the next day.” Your network is everything,” he wrote on X.The story went viral, especially at a time when layoffs continue to affect workers across all industries, including at companies like Amazon and Oracle, which have laid off thousands of workers, often without notice. The rise of the AI ​​age is also reshaping the employment landscape, changing the way companies hire and manage their workforce.

Social Media Reactions:

Without network…unemployed for almost 70 days, filled more than 180 job applications, still unemployed.Highly impressive, although I would argue that the level of industry and experience is also substantial.Did you know we are long lost relatives 🙂 Not kidding, good for him!Building relationships will come in handy in both personal and professional life.Not everyone is eligible for an H1b visa. Some of us are just ordinary American citizens

President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attend a business roundtable at Checkers near Aylesbury, England. AP/PTI(AP09_18_2025_000277B)

Yes, there is a recurring gag in the Minister (and yes, the Prime Minister) which usually involves the head of Great Britain discovering with increasing irritation that he is not as sovereign as he believed. At some point, the joke hits: despite all the rhetoric of independence, Britain is still dependent on the US to protect it from external threats. The humor lies in the difference between posturing and reality. The country that once ran an empire now politely waits for Washington to answer the phone.The gag resurfaced recently in a sketch showing Keir Starmer hyperventilating before a call donald trumpAs if the “special relationship” is less of a partnership and more of a performance review. This joke resembles the true nature of Albion’s relationship with Uncle Sam. Starmer’s irritation towards Trump is unusually visible for a British prime minister. “I’m fed up,” he said, linking rising energy costs directly to decisions made by Trump and Vladimir Putin. That line, as light as it may sound, marked a tonal shift. What seems like a mild irritation to outsiders is a paradigm shift as British leaders rarely speak of American presidents as the cause of domestic suffering. They absorb, deflect, or deny the war on non-existent weapons of mass destruction – or in the case of Tony Blair wholeheartedly support the war. Starmer took the blame, at least briefly.