Key Events (10)
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted as part of President Trump's retribution campaign, marking what observers describe as a dramatic escalation in political prosecutions. The indictment has drawn criticism from Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer who expressed he has "no faith" in the judicial system, while former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb alleged the president is using the case to conceal being a "criminal."
President Trump announced he will deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, describing the city as "war ravaged." Portland officials have pushed back against the announcement, stating there is "no need for military troops" in the city.
President Trump is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders on Monday to attempt to avoid a government shutdown, reversing course days after canceling a previous meeting with Democrats Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Lawmakers face a Tuesday deadline to reach agreement on a spending measure that can secure at least 60 votes in the Senate.
Approximately 100,000 federal workers are reportedly leaving their positions under a deferred resignation program as Trump continues deep staffing cuts in the federal government. This is being described as the largest mass resignation in U.S. history.
Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and voting machine maker Dominion have settled a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit over Giuliani's repeated claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Dominion filed the lawsuit in 2021 based on Giuliani's assertions about election fraud.
Senate Democrats are preparing for a potential government shutdown, indicating they will not support a Republican spending bill unless cuts to healthcare are reversed. This positions healthcare as a key point of contention in negotiations ahead of the Tuesday funding deadline.
Immigration enforcement operations have escalated at facilities including one in Broadview, Illinois, with Senator Dick Durbin demanding to meet with ICE officials amid clashes and protests. Legal experts and watchdog groups have also alleged that children in ICE detention are being deprived of clean water and adequate sleep.
Ukraine is discussing what President Zelenskyy describes as a "mega" arms deal with the United States, and Ukraine is also working on a deal to sell drones to the U.S. This comes as Russia continues intensive bombing campaigns against Ukrainian targets with approximately 600 drones and 40 missiles in a 12-hour period.
Israel is continuing intensive operations in Gaza with 140 airstrikes in the last 24 hours and tanks advancing in Gaza City. President Trump has again claimed a ceasefire is close, though the operation continues with a reported death toll of 77 in the same period.
A case before the Supreme Court, Louisiana v. Callais, could potentially roll back protections that remain from the Voting Rights Act, with significant implications for the future of America's multiracial democracy. Legal experts describe the case as a 160-year campaign against civil rights.