US & World News

EU joins US in heaping more sanctions on Russia to push Putin into Ukraine peace talks

The European Union has imposed more economic sanctions on Russia, adding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest punitive measures against the Russian oil industry. These actions aim to cut off revenue funding Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the sanctions, urging more countries to join. Despite U.S.-led peace efforts, the war continues after more than three years. Ukrainian forces have held Russia’s larger army at bay, while Russian strikes target Ukraine’s power grid. The EU measures focus on Russian oil, gas and financial sectors, and limit Russian diplomats’ movements within the EU.

Rubio will travel to Israel after Vance’s visit to ensure fragile Gaza ceasefire holds

As U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel comes to a close, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would be traveling to the country to keep the momentum on the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Earlier this week, Vance announced the opening of a civilian military coordination center in southern Israel where some 200 U.S. troops are working alongside the Israeli military. Rubio said late Wednesday the U.S. is working to put together an international stabilization force to ensure the ceasefire in Gaza and train a Palestinian police force.

Youth who led Madagascar protests hope coup leader will continue to hear them as president

Last week’s military coup in Madagascar followed weeks of protests by youth angry about a lack of opportunity, poverty, and regular power and water cutoffs in the sprawling African island nation. Col. Michael Randrianirina’s ousting of the democratically elected president and decision to install himself as the country’s new leader followed a playbook that Madagascans are all too familiar with and one that has been used in several other African countries in recent years. The young protesters whose anger and sacrifices made conditions ripe for Madagascar’s coup can now only hope their lives will improve under the new leader and that he’ll make good on his promise to eventually cede power to a civilian government.

European Union agrees on new sanctions against Russia targeting its shadow oil fleet and LNG imports

The European Union has agreed on a new raft of sanctions against Russia targeting its shadow fleet of oil tankers and banning imports of its liquefied natural gas. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Thursday as EU leaders were gathering for a summit in Brussels that the new sanctions “will introduce new and comprehensive measures on oil and gas, the shadow fleet and Russia’s financial sector.” The move comes a day after the Trump administration announced new sanctions against Russia’s oil industry. The EU leaders will also discuss ways to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, and the war in Gaza.

On Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed, monks and nuns keep harvesting olives

Come October, monks and nuns are busy harvesting olives at the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane garden — where the Gospel narrates Jesus spent the last night before being taken up the other side of the valley into Jerusalem to be crucified. The mostly Catholic congregations on the hill who harvest olives to make preserves and oil don’t do it as a business, or even mainly a source of sustenance for their communities. Rather, it’s a form of prayer and reverence in the Holy Land.

Wizards’ Khris Middleton gets huge ovations as he plays at Milwaukee for 1st time since trade

Khris Middleton considers a standing ovation from an opposing team’s crowd one of the ultimate signs of respect. Middleton received a few of them Wednesday as he played at Milwaukee for the first time since the Bucks sent the three-time All-Star to the Washington Wizards at last season’s trade deadline. Middleton scored 23 points in the Wizards’ 133-120 loss to the Bucks and said afterward the reception he got from Milwaukee fans exceeded even his most optimistic expectations.

Tropical Storm Melissa lumbers through the Caribbean as islands take cover from rain

Tropical Storm Melissa is lumbering through the Caribbean Sea and bringing a risk of dangerous landslides and life-threatening flooding to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola. Officials urged residents of flood-prone areas to seek higher ground. Schools and offices were closed in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and storm shelters were opening. A foot of rain was possible in eastern Jamaica, southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Saturday. Melissa was forecast to move gradually over the next few days. It had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and could be a hurricane by Friday and a major hurricane by the late weekend.

A Naga rebel leader returns to his hometown in India’s northeast after 5 decades, in photos

UKHRUL, India (AP) — A helicopter descended from the clear, blue sky Wednesday as thousands of people cheered the arrival of Thuingaleng Muivah, a top Naga insurgent leader, to his hometown in India’s northeastern Manipur state for the first time in five decades. Men and women in traditional Naga attire carrying spears and wearing feathered headgear welcomed the 91-year-old Muivah…

After others departed, Pentagon announces ‘new’ press corps filled with conservative news outlets

The Pentagon says a “new press corps” of 60 journalists who had agreed to follow a new media policy will be welcomed into the building to cover the U.S. military. Defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s staff wouldn’t say who the reporters were, although several smaller conservative outlets like Gateway Pundit and the National Pulse were among them. Podcaster Tim Pool will also join. Virtually all mainstream journalism outlets last week refused to sign Hegseth’s new policy, which they said would restrict them to only soliciting news he had approved. They turned in their access badges.

Minnesota court gives win to transgender powerlifter who was barred from competing as a woman

The Minnesota Supreme Court has delivered a win to transgender weightlifter JayCee Cooper, saying she’s protected by the state’s expansive human rights law. But the organization that banned her from competing in its women’s division said it still has a chance. The high court ruled Wednesday that USA Powerlifting’s policy barring her is “facially discriminatory” under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The high court sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings but the two sides disagree over whether that matters. USA Powerlifting rejected Cooper’s application in 2018, leading to a lawsuit in 2021. The case has drawn significant national attention.

The White House starts demolishing part of the East Wing to build Trump’s ballroom

The White House has started tearing down part of the East Wing to build the ballroom President Donald Trump wants added to the building. Demolition started Monday. Dramatic photos showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground. Some reporters watched from a nearby park. The Republican president has said he’s adding a 90,000-square-foot ballroom because the East Room, the largest room in the White House with an approximately 200-person capacity, is too small. Trump said last week that the ballroom will fit 999 people.

USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown

The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.

Giants hiring Tennessee’s Vitello as manager, gambling on a college coach with no pro experience

The San Francisco Giants are hiring Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as their new manager for his first pro coaching job. It’s a bold gamble on a coach with no pro experience by San Francisco executive Buster Posey. Tennessee athletic director Danny White issued a statement Wednesday congratulating Vitello on an incredible opportunity to lead the Giants and wished him the best. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level. Vitello guided the Vols to its first NCAA title last year.

USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown

The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm…

Trump is expected to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month, AP sources say

President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing for a visit to the United States by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next month. That’s according to several people familiar with the planning who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the trip before it has been announced. U.S. officials familiar with the plans for the trip say work is underway to prepare a package of agreements Trump and the crown prince could sign or witness during the visit. Two people familiar with the planning say the trip is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 17-19 but that the timing could change.

Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald lead the pack for 2026 Hall of Fame

Quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Larry Fitzgerald have advanced to the next stage of consideration for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class in their first year of eligibility. Six other players in their first year of eligibility have also advanced from the original list of 128 modern-era nominees to the 52 that will be considered by the full selection committee. The full 50-member selection committee will reduce the list to 25 and then 15 finalists, who will be voted on by the committee before the Super Bowl in February. Brees and Fitzgerald are the top new candidates this year.

Photos of cattle ranching in Argentina and the US as Trump plans to import more Argentine beef

President Donald Trump’s effort to bring down record-high beef prices by boosting imports from Argentina is facing sharp pushback from U.S. ranchers enjoying some rare profitable years and doubts from analysts who say the move is unlikely to lower grocery store prices. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors

The most widely used COVID-19 vaccines may offer a surprise benefit for some cancer patients by boosting their immune systems to help fight tumors. Research reported Wednesday in the journal Nature found that people with advanced lung or skin cancer lived longer if they received a Pfizer or Moderna shot within 100 days of starting a type of immunotherapy. The mRNA in these vaccines appears to enhance the immune system’s response. Now the research team is preparing a more rigorous study of the potential connection, to see if mRNA vaccines should be deliberately paired with cancer drugs called checkpoint inhibitors.

Maine Senate candidate Platner says tattoo recognized as Nazi symbol has been covered

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, tells The Associated Press that he’s covered a tattoo on his chest to no longer reflect an image widely recognized as a Nazi symbol that he got on his chest nearly 20 years ago. He says he was unaware until recently that the image has been associated with Nazi police. Questions about the tattoo come after the recent discovery of Platner’s now-deleted online statements that included dismissing military sexual assaults, questioning Black patrons’ gratuity habits and criticizing police officers and rural Americans. He’s mounting a progressive campaign against Republican Susan Collins, who’s held the Senate seat for 30 years.

Vatican will return dozens of artifacts to Indigenous groups in Canada as gesture of reconciliation

The Vatican is expected to soon announce that it will return a few dozen artifacts sought by Indigenous communities in Canada. It’s part of its reckoning with the Catholic Church’s troubled role in helping suppress Indigenous culture in the Americas. The items, including an Inuit kayak, are part of the Vatican Museum’s ethnographic collection, known as the Anima Mundi museum. The collection has been a source of controversy for the Vatican amid the broader museum debate over the restitution of cultural artifacts taken from Indigenous peoples during colonial periods. Officials say negotiations are proceeding positively and that an announcement could come from the Vatican in a few weeks.

DigiKey Sponsors 2025 Hackaday Superconference

DigiKey’s support includes funding, product donations, workshops and onsite expertise at the global maker eventTHIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Oct. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DigiKey, the leading global electronic components and automation products distributor, is sponsoring the 2025 Hackaday Superconference, a global event that brings together hardware hackers, makers and tech enthusiasts running from Oct. 31- Nov. 2, in Pasadena, Calif. The…

Prince Harry, Meghan join call for ban on development of AI ‘superintelligence’

Prince Harry and Meghan have joined a diverse group, including Steve Bannon and Glenn Beck, to call for a ban on AI “superintelligence” that threatens humanity. Released Wednesday, their joint letter targets tech giants like Google, Meta and OpenAI. It urges a prohibition on developing superintelligence until safety and public consensus are assured. The letter highlights concerns about AI’s potential risks, including economic disruption and security threats. Signatories include AI pioneers, celebrities, and political figures. The debate over AI’s future continues, with concerns about both its potential and the hype surrounding its capabilities.

Misty Copeland will take to the ballet stage one last time, before hanging up her pointe shoes

Misty Copeland is taking one last passionate spin on the ballet stage before saying goodbye. American Ballet Theatre will fete Copeland on Wednesday evening with a grand farewell gala, including speeches and performances. The 43-year-old ballerina was the first and only Black female principal dancer in the company’s 75-year history, and helped bring diverse audiences to the ABT stage. Copeland told The Associated Press in a June interview that she felt it was time to “move to a different stage” and work toward diversity in the dance world through her Misty Copeland Foundation and also her books for young readers.

The Latest: Hegseth changes policy on how Pentagon officials communicate with Congress

Leaders at the Pentagon have significantly altered how military officials will speak with Congress after a pair of new memos issued last week. In an Oct. 15 memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his deputy, Steve Feinberg, ordered Pentagon officials to obtain permission from the department’s main legislative affairs office before they have any communication with Capitol Hill. The memo was issued the same day the vast majority of Pentagon reporters exited the building rather than agree to the Defense Department’s new restrictions on their work, and it appears to be part of a broader effort by Hegseth to exert tighter control over what the department communicates to the outside world.

US stocks drift near their records as gold’s price falls again

Stocks are drifting near their record heights on Wall Street, while the price of gold falls again to trim more off its tremendous gain for the year. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% Wednesday and is sitting just underneath its all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 65 points from its own record, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%. Netflix weighed on the market after delivering a weaker profit for the summer than analysts expected. Beyond Meat soared again to continue its stunning week as it becomes the latest meme stock. Stock indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia.

The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

The Louvre has reopened just three days after a daring heist shocked the world. Thieves made off with eight pieces from France’s Crown Jewels, valued at over $100 million. The theft has put President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre chief Laurence des Cars under scrutiny. Authorities say the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the museum on Sunday morning. The jewels remain missing, and the thieves are still at large. The heist has raised questions about the museum’s security, especially after recent staff strikes warned of understaffing. The Louvre has declined to detail any reinforced protocols.

A major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 6, officials say

Officials say a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack across Ukraine has killed at least six people, including a woman and her two young daughters. The attack overnight and into Wednesday targeted at least eight Ukrainian cities. It also hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing rolling blackouts. U.S.-led efforts to end the war have floundered, and Ukraine’s president has appealed for more military help. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said President Donald Trump’s proposal to freeze the conflict where it stands on the front line “was a good compromise.” That’s a step that could pave the way for negotiations.

A vintage car graveyard in western Germany, in photos

METTMANN, Germany (AP) — Michael Froehlich celebrated his 50th birthday in 2000 by buying 50 vintage cars, all manufactured the year he was born. After removing the oil and pollutants, Froehlich parked them in a private forest near his home in western Germany to create a classic car graveyard. The collection includes a Jaguar XK120, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and…

McGraw Hill Introduces New AI-Powered Tools within Medical Education Solutions

COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE: MH) (“McGraw Hill” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of education solutions for preK-12, higher education and professional learning, announced today new and expanded AI capabilities within McGraw Hill’s comprehensive medical education solutions to equip learners with responsible AI-powered tools to personalize their learning experiences.This press release features multimedia. View the…

Lumen Unveils Bold Vision for the Internet Backbone to Support the AI Era

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–In an urgent call-to-action to hyperscalers, enterprises, and public sector organizations, Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN ) today unveiled a bold vision for reinventing the internet backbone to meet the unprecedented demands of AI. The vision, detailed by Lumen Chief Technology & Product Officer Dave Ward in a newly published white paper, predicts that today’s internet and cloud…

Following meteoric success — and some criticism — ‘Nobody Wants This’ evolves in Season 2

Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” became a surprise hit last year, topping charts and drawing millions of viewers. The romantic comedy follows a rabbi and an agnostic podcast host navigating their relationship. Star and executive producer Kristen Bell says the show resonated with audiences. However, it faced criticism for antisemitic tropes. Rabbi Elan Babchuck initially criticized the portrayal of Judaism but later appreciated the representation. Creator Erin Foster thinks Season 2 will address these concerns by exploring more character depth. But she maintains those arcs were already planned, not a response to the criticism. The second season releases Thursday.

FHLBank Chicago Expands Support for Illinois Homebuyers Through Community First® Housing Counseling Resource Program

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) is providing $3,150,000 in 2025 funding to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through its Community First ® Housing Counseling Resource Program. This funding allows IHDA to strengthen support for its network of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified housing counseling agencies that deliver personalized, one-on-one…

National Treasure Returns to “Hunan”:The Zidanku Chu Silk Manuscripts(Volumes Ⅱ and Ⅲ)Incorporated into the Collection of Hunan Museum

CHANGSHA, HUNAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 October 2025 – On the morning of October 13, a ceremony for the transfer and incorporation of the Zidanku Chu Silk Manuscripts (Volumes Ⅱ and Ⅲ), namely The Five Elements Decree and The Offence and Defense Divination, into the collection of Hunan Museum was grandly held. National Treasure Returns to “Hunan”:The Zidanku…

Five 2026 vehicles you should absolutely wait for

Have you ever bought a new car then realized that a redesigned version of the car you just purchased just came out? Or worse, a brand-new model that’s similar to the car you bought hit the market just months later. There are a lot of cars in today’s market, and it’s hard to keep track of the latest and greatest models that are about to land in dealerships. Fortunately, the car experts at Edmunds know about all the latest models about to go on sale. So if you’re buying a car soon, make sure to check out our list of the 2026 vehicles you should wait for.

AboutFace-USA: Honoring Service, Growing Impact, and Looking Ahead

CUMMING, Ga., Oct. 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — For more than 12 years, Joe LaBranche has been a driving force behind AboutFace-USA, a veteran-founded nonprofit dedicated to healing veterans, strengthening families, and uniting communities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital resource for Georgia’s veteran community, including the 2024 launch of AboutFace Farm, an aeroponic farm that…

NextGen Assistive Technology Introduces LaunchPad: A Low-Risk Path for I/DD Providers to Explore Remote Support and Modernize Care

– New 12-week program gives agencies the opportunity to evaluate and build new lines of service with expert guidance and without long-term commitment – COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2025 (SENDPRESS NEWSWIRE) — NextGen Assistive Technology (NextGen AT) has introduced LaunchPad, a 12-week readiness and strategy program designed to help I/DD and home- and community-based service (HCBS) providers explore and establish…

Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) Receives U.S. Department of Labor Approval

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–Advanced eClinical Training (ACT), a nationally recognized provider of online allied‑health education, has been officially approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Apprenticeship, as a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor (#2025‑NH‑133154).This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251022507894/en/Advanced eClinical Training Approved as U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship SponsorThis federal designation places…

Clean Energy to Launch New Freightliner X15N Demo Truck Program at ATA’s MCE in San Diego

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE ), the largest provider of renewable natural gas (RNG) for the transportation industry, has announced the launch of its second heavy-duty truck demo program, featuring the 2026 Freightliner Cascadia Gen 5 day cab equipped with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine.This press release features multimedia. View the full release…

XCL World Academy Opens New Early & Primary Years Campus in Singapore

New learning spaces advance XWA’s “Academy of the World” vision, integrating bilingual education and AI literacy from the earliest years.SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 October 2025 – XCL World Academy (XWA), a leading international school in Singapore, has opened a new Early & Primary Years campus. Designed for children aged 18 months to 11 years, it nurtures globally…

DLR Group Appoints Carmen Wyckoff to Lead $200M K-12 Education Practice

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 22, 2025–The 100% employee-owned, integrated design firm DLR Group has announced the appointment of Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, as global K-12 Education leader. She will lead the strategic vision for DLR Group’s $200 million K-12 Education studio, the firm’s largest sector. Her teams span all 36 DLR Group offices, executing future-focused educational designs across the…

More than 40 people killed in a crash of buses and other vehicles in western Uganda

Police say at least 46 people have been killed in a highway crash in western Uganda after two buses collided while trying to overtake other traffic. The crash early Wednesday also involved two other vehicles. Several others were injured in the crash that happened after midnight local time on the highway to Gulu, a major city in northern Uganda. Police initially gave the death toll as 63 in a statement, but later revised it down to 46, saying some people found unconscious at the crash scene were actually still alive. Fatal road crashes are common in Uganda, where roads are often narrow.

Israel identifies two more hostages’ bodies as Vance meets Netanyahu

Israel has identified the bodies of two more hostages killed in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Their remains were returned to Israel, where a military ceremony was planned. Since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10, the remains of 15 hostages have been returned, with 13 still to be recovered. Meanwhile, the burial of over 50 Palestinians is set for Wednesday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is visiting Israel, expressed optimism about the ceasefire despite recent violence. In Gaza, an armed group reportedly took over a mental health facility, prompting calls for intervention.

Finding the jewels and the brazen thieves in the Louvre heist is now a race against time

Experts say France’s royal jewels may be gone forever after a daring heist at the Louvre. On Sunday, thieves stole eight pieces, including crowns and necklaces, in just four minutes. These jewels, dating back to the 16th century, were significant symbols of France’s wealth and power. Experts believe the gems are likely being dismantled and sold off. The theft has left the French government scrambling to address security concerns at the museum. The heist is being called “the heist of the decade” and has sparked a race against time for authorities to recover the treasures.

Israeli settlers beat Palestinian farmers on video as attacks mount during West Bank olive harvest

Video obtained by The Associated Press shows an Israeli settler beating Palestinian olive harvesters with clubs in an attack that Palestinian health officials say sent at least one woman to the hospital with serious injuries. The attack Sunday occurred in the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya and comes as violence flares in the West Bank during the olive harvesting season. The United Nations and rights groups say that Palestinian farmers are facing growing risk from violent settlers while gathering olives in their fields.

Tropical Storm Melissa brings heavy rain and a flood risk to Haiti, Dominican Republic and Jamaica

Tropical Storm Melissa has begun dumping rain on Hispaniola as forecasters warned of a flood risk in parts of the Caribbean region this week. The rains snarled traffic in the Dominican Republic’s capital, and people in Haiti grew concerned over the possibility of heavy flooding. Melissa had winds of 50 mph as of Tuesday night. A hurricane watch was issued for southern Haiti, while a tropical storm watch was in effect for Jamaica. Five to 10 inches of rain was possible in southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Friday, with several inches also expected in Jamaica. More heavy rain was possible past Friday, and there was a significant risk of flash flooding and landslides.

New York police seek woman for questioning after baby is abandoned at Penn Station subway stop

New York City police released images of a woman wanted for questioning after an infant girl with her umbilical cord still attached was abandoned at a busy midtown Manhattan subway station. Authorities on Tuesday asked for the public’s help in identifying the woman, who is seen on a 2-second video clip carrying something that is bundled. The baby was found unattended and wrapped in a blanket at the 34th Street-Penn Station subway station in midtown Manhattan on Monday morning. She was taken to a hospital and listed in stable condition. Police are calling it a case of endangering the welfare of a child.

What to know about efforts to block National Guard deployments in Chicago, Portland, other US cities

President Donald Trump’s attempts to deploy the military in Democratic-led cities _ over the objections of mayors and governors _ has brought a head-spinning array of court challenges and overlapping rulings. As the U.S. Supreme Court ponders whether to clear the way for the National Guard in Chicago, a federal appeals court is hearing arguments in California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s challenge to the deployment of troops in Los Angeles. Guard troops could also soon be on the ground in Portland, Oregon — pending legal developments there.

Trump pick to lead federal watchdog agency withdraws after offensive text messages were revealed

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead a federal watchdog agency withdrew from consideration Tuesday after his offensive text messages were made public and GOP senators revolted. Paul Ingrassia, who was nominated to lead the Office of Special Counsel, had been scheduled to have his confirmation hearing this week. But after the texts came to light, several Republican senators said they would not support his nomination. They included some of the most conservative and stalwart Trump allies in the Senate. “I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time,” Ingrassia posted online Tuesday.

Trump says he’d have final say on money he seeks over past federal investigations into his conduct

President Donald Trump says the federal government owes him “a lot of money” for prior Justice Department investigations into his actions and insists that any decision on a payout would “have to go across my desk.” Trump’s comments Tuesday to reporters at the White House came in response to questions about a New York Times story that said he had filed administrative claims seeking roughly $230 million in damages related to the FBI’s search of his Mar-a-Lago property for classified documents in 2022 and for a separate investigation into potential ties between Russia and his 2016 presidential campaign.