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Indiana Republican state senators defy Trump, rejecting new congressional map that could add two GOP seats. Despite Trumps calls and VP Vances visits, senators voted against the measure, potentially facing political consequences.

California sues Trump administration over $33 million in withheld funding, citing English proficiency dispute for truck drivers. The state argues its standards align with federal requirements and accuses the administration of endangering public safety and causing economic harm. The lawsuit follows a pause on worker visas for commercial truck drivers and threats to pull funding from New York for improperly issuing licenses to non-citizens.

Federal Judge Rules Justice Department Violated Constitutional Rights, Orders Return of Computer Files A federal judge has ruled that the Justice Department violated the constitutional rights of Daniel Richman, a friend of former FBI Director James Comey. The judge ordered the government to return computer files that prosecutors had hoped to use in a potential criminal case against Comey. This decision is a significant setback for the Justice Departments efforts to pursue new charges against Comey. The case involves computer files and communications obtained years ago from Richman, a Columbia University law professor. These files were initially gathered during a media leak investigation and were held onto by the Justice Department without a new warrant. Richman argued that these actions violated his Fourth Amendment rights, leading the judge to temporarily bar prosecutors from accessing the files. Earlier this week, the judge sided with Richman again, issuing a forty-six-page order directing the Justice Department to return his files. The judge did, however, allow the Justice Department to file an electronic copy of Richmans records under seal, suggesting prosecutors could try to access them later with a lawful search warrant. This situation highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding James Comey, who was previously charged in September with lying to Congress. That indictment was dismissed due to an unlawfully appointed prosecutor, but the possibility of new charges has remained open until this recent ruling.

Jared Kushner, Trumps former Ukraine envoy, is reportedly engaging with Wall Street firms like Apollo Global Management and KKR to explore private capitals role in Ukraines post-conflict reconstruction. These discussions, though preliminary, aim to understand how private funds could contribute to Ukraines infrastructure and economic recovery. Meanwhile, Kushner participated in a high-level call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and other prominent figures, potentially reviving BlackRocks multi-billion dollar Ukraine Development Fund. The U.S. is also involving American private-sector partners, with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation pledging seventy-five million dollars in equity for Ukraines critical sectors. However, this push has raised concerns among European allies about U.S.-backed firms dominating future reconstruction contracts.

TSA ends labor agreement with airport baggage screeners, sparking legal action from union.

Tensions escalate between Cambodia and Thailand along their disputed border, despite President Trumps claimed ceasefire. Both nations accuse each other of violating international rules and targeting civilian areas. Cambodias Prime Minister Manet emphasizes commitment to peaceful resolution, suggesting US and Malaysia use intelligence to determine who fired first. This marks some of the heaviest fighting since July, with Thailand suspending a previous truce due to alleged landmine incidents.

Brendan Carr, FCC Chair, meets with Senate Republicans ahead of oversight hearing. Democrats plan to challenge him on comments about Jimmy Kimmel segment. Some Republicans criticized initial comments, but many want to focus on other FCC matters. Carr aligns with partys priorities on broadband and spectrum. Kimmel controversy only briefly discussed in meetings. Democrats aim to highlight free speech concerns at hearing.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who fled the country due to pressure from President Nicolás Maduros government, announces her return to Venezuela. She was reunited with her children in Norway and received the Nobel Peace Prize, viewing it as recognition for the Venezuelan peoples struggle against the Maduro regime. Machados dramatic escape, known as Operation Golden Dynamite, involved a privately funded American rescue team led by Bryan Stern. U.S. authorities closely monitored the mission, and Machado was labeled a fugitive by Venezuelas attorney general if she left the country. Despite the risks, Machado remains committed to bringing the award back to the Venezuelan people and continuing her fight for change.

TSA shares passenger lists with ICE, leading to detentions and deportations. This practice, initiated in March, involves weekly data transfers. The TSA provides full names of passengers to ICE, who cross-reference with their deportation order databases. Critics argue this raises constitutional concerns and risks mistaken identity, while supporters defend it as a means to enforce immigration laws.