After a tumultuous few weeks in the Capitol, the House of Representatives passed a clean continuing resolution with bipartisan support, avoiding a potential government shutdown. This displeased some of the more hard-right members of the House, who had to compromise in order to pass the resolution, and there were even allegations of kidney punching in the House. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) commented on the situation, saying “They were better behaved than some of the people in this place.” The resolution has averted a potential government shutdown, but tensions remain high in the Capitol.
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Scott Shaw, former director of sports medicine at San Jose State University, was sentenced to two years in prison for inappropriately touching four female student-athletes without their consent. The Department of Justice said that Shaw used his position of authority to commit the crimes and that the sentence should serve as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated. They also said that they will continue to work to ensure that all students are able to pursue their education without fear of abuse or harassment.
The FBI has launched multiple investigations into individuals affiliated with Hamas following their attack on Israel last month. The attack set off a "March for Israel" on the National Mall, and FBI Director Christopher Wray is set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss the elevated terrorism threat and the "rogue's gallery of foreign terrorist organizations" identified since the attack. Wray's testimony will provide more insight into the FBI's efforts to combat terrorism and protect Americans from potential attacks.
Eight high school students in Las Vegas have been arrested on suspicion of murder in the fatal beating of a 17-year-old classmate. The fight, which occurred on Nov. 1, was reportedly over a pair of wireless headphones and a vape pen. At least 10 people were involved in the fight, and the police department is urging that qualified suspects be charged as adults. The identities of the eight suspects were not released due to their minor status.
A massive fire broke out in Los Angeles over the weekend, damaging 100 support columns and closing a vital section of the Interstate 10 freeway. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the freeway could be reopened in three to five weeks, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. The California Department of Transportation is working to repair the damage and reopen the freeway as soon as possible.
Jessy Kurczewski has been found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft in connection with the 2018 death of her family friend, Lynn Hernan. The Waukesha County medical examiner ruled Hernan's death a homicide after discovering she had been poisoned with Visine eye drops. Kurczewski had been living with Hernan and was accused of stealing nearly $300,000 from her bank accounts prior to her death. She will be sentenced at a later date.
Samuel Miele, a 27 year old fundraiser for Rep. George Santos' 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud and access device fraud. He admitted to posing as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise money for the campaign and enriching himself with 15% commissions on each donation. He also charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns and himself. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Michigan judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the state's ballot for the 2024 presidential primaries, despite a legal challenge from a group of Michigan voters. Trump then brought a suit of his own, asking the same judge to bar Michigan election officials from knocking him off the ballot. The judge's decision means that Trump will remain on the ballot at least through the 2024 presidential primaries in the state, and it is unclear if the decision will be appealed or if other states will follow suit.