Lawyers for James Comey and Letitia James are asking a federal judge to dismiss charges against them. They argue that the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was appointed unlawfully, affecting the legitimacy of their indictments. The outcome may affect the power of the Trump administration to influence the Justice Department's actions against political opponents.
Key Facts
James Comey and Letitia James want their indictments dismissed.
They claim Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor, was not legally appointed.
President Trump appointed Halligan after removing the previous U.S. attorney.
Halligan charged Comey and James after her appointment.
They argue Halligan's role went against the Constitution's Appointments Clause.
A judge in Virginia is hearing the case to decide on dismissal.
The government claims even if Halligan's appointment was flawed, the indictments should remain.
Comey and James have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.
President Donald Trump signed a government finance bill that ended the longest U.S. government shutdown in history. The shutdown lasted 43 days due to a disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare subsidies. The new bill allows government operations to resume, but it does not include the healthcare subsidy extensions Democrats wanted.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a new finance bill to end a 43-day government shutdown.
The shutdown occurred because Democrats wanted healthcare subsidies included in the bill, which Republicans opposed.
About 750,000 federal workers were furloughed, meaning they were sent home without pay.
Essential workers, such as police and air traffic controllers, continued working but were not paid during the shutdown.
The approved bill provides funding for government services and food assistance programs until January 2026.
The healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act were not extended in this bill.
A separate vote on healthcare subsidies is expected in December, but the outcome is uncertain.
Some Democratic senators voted with Republicans to end the shutdown, leading to internal party criticism.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against California's new congressional district map. This legal challenge involves Governor Gavin Newsom's map, which is in dispute following a similar effort in Texas supported by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The lawsuit challenges California's newly approved congressional districts.
The Justice Department filed the lawsuit in federal court in California.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom advanced the contested map.
Republicans pursued a similar redistricting effort in Texas, backed by President Trump.
The case involves a legal clash between the current administration and Governor Newsom.
The outcome could influence which party controls the U.S. House in 2026.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block new congressional district boundaries in California. These new boundaries, approved by voters, could help Democrats gain seats in the U.S. House. The case is part of a larger political dispute involving President Trump and California's Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is challenging California's new congressional district map in court.
The new boundaries were approved by California voters through Proposition 50.
The lawsuit claims the map is unfair because it uses race to create districts, favoring Hispanic voters.
The map could help Democrats win five more seats in the House of Representatives.
President Trump supports a similar Republican-led effort to redraw districts in Texas.
The current House has 219 Republican seats and 214 Democratic seats.
The case could affect control of the U.S. House in the 2026 elections.
California's Governor Gavin Newsom, who could run for president in 2028, is at the center of this political fight.
Nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital in Maine plan to strike due to issues with staffing and patient care. The nurses argue that there are too few staff members to handle the number of patients, leading to problems in providing proper care. The hospital says it has a plan to keep services going during the strike and has offered better wages and benefits to the nurses.
Key Facts
55 nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital are involved in the strike.
The nurses are represented by the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.
The strike is due to concerns about short staffing and patient care in the emergency department.
The hospital claims it has a plan to continue operations with minimal disruption.
The hospital has proposed a wage increase and improved employee benefits.
The decision to strike follows more than a year of contract negotiations.
The hospital had earlier announced the closure of its maternal services department due to various challenges.
The previous contract for the nurses expired last November.
After the longest U.S. government shutdown ended, states are working to deliver full SNAP food benefits to millions of people who experienced delays. Some states had given only partial or no benefits before the shutdown ended, affecting about two-thirds of states. The SNAP program, which aids around 42 million people in lower-income households, is now being prioritized for full funding distribution.
Key Facts
States are trying to send full SNAP benefits to millions after a prolonged government shutdown.
The SNAP program supports about 1 in 8 Americans, providing monthly food aid.
Some states had only given partial SNAP benefits or none at all before the shutdown ended.
Most states may receive SNAP funds within 24 hours of the government reopening, but this is not guaranteed.
West Virginia plans to deliver full November benefits by Friday.
Illinois aims to restore full SNAP benefits by November 20th.
Colorado started transitioning from partial to full benefits soon after the shutdown ended.
Missouri awaits USDA instructions to fully issue November benefits.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave $10,000 bonuses to over 20 TSA officers in Houston for their work during the recent 43-day government shutdown. President Trump signed a bill to reopen the federal government, allowing federal employees to resume regular operations.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary.
She handed out $10,000 bonuses to TSA officers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The bonuses were a thank-you for working during the 43-day government shutdown.
More than 20 TSA officers received the bonuses during the event in Houston.
Several thousand TSA workers in total will receive the bonuses.
The government shutdown led some employees to work without pay.
President Trump signed a bill to fund agencies until January 30, ending the shutdown.
The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bill that would release files related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking investigation. This move follows a successful petition initiated by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie. The bill mandates the Justice Department to release all related documents unless they concern active investigations or victim privacy.
Key Facts
The U.S. House is set to vote on a bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A petition with 218 signatures forced the vote, supported mainly by Democrats and some Republicans.
The bill requires the release of files about Epstein, his investigation, and his death.
The Justice Department cannot redact information to protect officials from embarrassment, only for privacy or active investigations.
Speaker Mike Johnson stated the bill would be voted on next week.
The Senate, with a Republican majority, may pose a challenge for the bill to pass.
President Donald Trump has opposed the discharge petition for the bill.
President Donald Trump is signing an executive order about foster care at the White House. The event, called "Fostering the Future," includes First Lady Melania Trump and will take place at 2 p.m.
Key Facts
President Trump is signing a new executive order.
The executive order is related to the foster care system.
The signing ceremony is named "Fostering the Future."
First Lady Melania Trump will be present at the event.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that someone allegedly confronted Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, and caused damage to her office. Bondi stated that the individual fled the scene, but there is an ongoing effort to find and prosecute them. This incident is part of a worrying pattern of attacks on political figures.
Key Facts
Alina Habba is the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Someone allegedly tried to confront Alina Habba and damaged her property.
Pam Bondi is the U.S. Attorney General.
The incident occurred on a Wednesday night.
The Department of Justice is using every legal tool to address the case.
There have been other recent high-profile attacks on political figures.
Bondi emphasized that violence against federal officers will not be tolerated.
A group of Democratic women known as "The Hell Cats," comprised of first-term lawmakers and congressional candidates who are military veterans, are campaigning to help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House in 2026. The group draws inspiration from an all-female Marine unit from World War I and aims to bring progressive change to the House. Democrats need to gain seats in the upcoming election to regain a majority in Congress.
Key Facts
"The Hell Cats" is a group of Democratic women running for Congress, focusing on the 2026 elections.
They include Maura Sullivan, Rebecca Bennett, Cait Conley, and JoAnna Mendoza, all military veterans.
Sullivan has served in the Obama administration and is running in New Hampshire.
Bennett is campaigning in New Jersey and has experience in healthcare leadership.
Conley, with degrees from prestigious institutions, is running in New York.
Mendoza, a veteran from a farmworker family, is campaigning in Arizona.
The group's name honors the first all-female Marine unit from World War I.
Democrats are aiming to regain control of the House, needing to gain three seats to achieve a majority.
Laura Loomer, an ally of President Donald Trump, expressed her dissatisfaction with some of his recent decisions, especially those linked to international figures. Despite criticisms, Loomer continues to support the MAGA movement. The movement is under scrutiny due to Trump's support for H-1B visas and associations with controversial figures.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer is a known supporter of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
Loomer criticized Trump's decision to host Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa.
Trump also lifted sanctions on Syria and welcomed al-Sharaa to the U.S.
Loomer disliked that the Emir of Qatar was on Air Force One with Trump.
President Trump has faced backlash from MAGA supporters over his comments on H-1B visas.
The movement has been questioned due to emails involving Jeffrey Epstein, raising concerns about Trump's connections.
Loomer still supports Trump, despite disagreements on certain policies like travel bans and the H1B visa program.
Flight reductions at major U.S. airports will remain at 6% because more air traffic controllers are returning to work. This decision follows Congress's steps to end a prolonged government shutdown, which had left the air traffic system short-staffed.
Key Facts
Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will stay at 6% instead of rising to 10%.
The cuts were necessary because air traffic controllers were missing work due to stress and the need for second jobs.
The government shutdown had caused air traffic controllers to miss paychecks, leading to increased callouts.
The Department of Transportation said the cuts were recommended by the FAA’s safety team due to safety concerns.
President Donald Trump signed a bill to end the government shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history.
The FAA originally planned more significant cuts due to staffing shortages and safety data.
Affected airports include major hubs like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Delta Airlines expressed optimism about returning to full operations soon.
Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized after he fell and hit his face while walking near his home, due to a heart issue. He is staying in the hospital for observation and medication adjustment. This incident follows Fetterman's controversial vote with Republicans to end a government shutdown, and he has a history of significant health challenges.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized in Pittsburgh after falling during a walk.
He experienced a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, which affected his heart rhythm.
Fetterman has had a pacemaker and defibrillator since a stroke in May 2022.
He was treated for clinical depression earlier in 2023.
Fetterman recently voted with Republicans to end a 40-day government shutdown, upsetting some Democrats.
He has been open about his health struggles, including substantial weight loss and facing online criticism.
Fetterman discussed the challenges from both political sides in his book, "Unfettered."
The EPA is considering changing how companies report their use of certain chemicals known as PFAS. These substances have been linked to health risks, and the EPA's proposed rule would change reporting rules for chemicals used from 2011 to 2022. Public comments are being accepted on this proposal, which aims to reduce costs for small businesses but has raised concerns about potential health impacts.
Key Facts
The EPA wants to change reporting rules for PFAS, a type of chemical linked to cancer.
This change applies to chemicals used between 2011 and 2022.
The change would not affect future PFAS regulations.
The public can comment on this proposal for 45 days after the announcement.
The goal is to reduce costs for businesses, especially small ones, by simplifying reporting.
Some see these changes as creating loopholes for chemical companies.
PFAS are present in drinking water for millions of Americans.
The proposal has raised concerns about hiding important information regarding PFAS use.
President Donald Trump proposed sending $2,000 payments to most Americans using money collected from tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said those earning less than $100,000 would likely be eligible, but the plan requires congressional approval. The exact details of the payment method are still being worked out.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested $2,000 payments could be funded by tariff revenue.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the money would probably go to people earning under $100,000.
About 120 million workers might qualify if the income cap is set at $100,000.
The plan would cost about $240 billion, but the U.S. has made roughly $130 billion from tariffs so far.
The payments need congressional approval before they can be given.
Treasury Department data shows more than $220 billion collected from tariffs so far.
The new payments might ultimately take the form of tax relief, not direct checks.
President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to end a 43-day U.S. government shutdown. This was the longest shutdown in U.S. history and resulted from disagreements over healthcare, leaving many workers without pay.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The shutdown lasted 43 days.
The shutdown was due to disagreements over healthcare.
Nearly a million workers were not paid during this period.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case about President Trump's tariffs. Legal experts have different opinions on whether the court will support or reject Trump's policy. The case will determine if the president can use emergency powers to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court heard arguments about President Trump's tariffs, a major policy during his second term.
The case involves the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, allowing the president to use trade authority during national emergencies.
Some experts think the court might support Trump, while others believe the court will rule against him.
Betting markets show low confidence in Trump winning, with odds decreasing after recent arguments.
Lower courts have previously ruled against Trump's tariffs.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 majority and has supported Trump in some past cases, but justices showed skepticism about the tariffs.
The case could impact the president's ability to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.
The U.S. bishops have announced a new official Bible translation called the Catholic American Bible, set to be used starting on Ash Wednesday in 2027. It will replace the New American Bible—Revised Edition and aims to unify the scriptural texts used in various Catholic services nationwide.
Key Facts
The Catholic American Bible will be introduced on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027.
It is an official translation approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The bishops voted 216-4 to approve the new Bible, with three abstentions.
This translation will replace the New American Bible—Revised Edition (NABRE).
The new Bible includes a revised Old Testament and the Abbey Psalms and Canticles.
A revised New Testament is also part of the Catholic American Bible.
A new edition of the Roman Pontifical for pontifical Masses is expected by 2027.
A Spanish translation of the New Testament will be available on Ash Wednesday in 2026.
The Buckeye Environmental Network has filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) over its approval of permits for two oil and gas waste injection wells near a city's water source. The lawsuit claims that the permits were approved based on outdated safety rules and that this could threaten local drinking water. The ODNR states it evaluated the permits under the rules that existed at the time of the application.
Key Facts
The Buckeye Environmental Network sued the ODNR on November 7 in the Franklin County 10th District Court of Appeals.
The group challenges the approval of two oil and gas waste injection wells near Marietta, Ohio's water source.
The lawsuit claims the permits were granted using old safety rules instead of updated 2022 regulations.
Injection wells are used to dispose of oil and gas industry wastewater.
Concerns exist that these wells could leak, contaminating water and soil.
Washington County, Ohio, currently has 17 active waste injection wells.
Between 2015 and 2024, Washington County’s wells received 2.4 billion gallons of wastewater.
The ODNR stated that if the wells begin operation, they must meet the current safety standards.
