The Biden administration has come under fire for waiving 26 federal laws in order to construct roughly 20 miles of additional border wall in South Texas. President Joe Biden defended the decision, saying that the Trump-era funding for the barrier must be used to stop illegal migration from Mexico. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas rejected criticism of the decision, saying that the Biden administration was bound by law to follow through with the project. The decision has sparked debate among both Democrats and Republicans, with some arguing that the wall is necessary and others contending that it is a waste of money and a violation of human rights.
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Dick Butkus, legendary Chicago Bears linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer, passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight in Malibu, California. He was a first-round pick by the Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft and played for them from 1965 until 1973. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen and appreciates the prayers and support of the public.
The House of Representatives has removed Kevin McCarthy from the speakership, the first time in the House's 234-year history that a speaker has been removed in this manner. Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan have both announced they are running to be the next speaker, while Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Troy Nehls and Greg Steube have stated that they want former President Donald Trump to be speaker. Trump is reportedly considering a visit to the Capitol next week, ahead of an election for the House's top job.
Two law firms have filed to end their legal representation of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell due to unpaid legal fees, as he is being sued by Dominion and Smartmatic for defamation over his claims of election fraud. The law firms are seeking millions of dollars in future fees and costs if they are forced to continue providing legal services to Lindell. The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen.
Frank James, 64, has been sentenced to life in prison for opening fire on a New York City subway car during rush hour in April 2022. His attorneys had asked for a reduced sentence of 18 years, citing his mental illness, but the judge ruled that the severity of the crime warranted the life sentence. The shooting left 10 people wounded, including Fatim Gjeloshi, 21, who was left paralyzed from the waist down, and brought attention to the issue of gun violence in New York City.
Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco on Thursday to honor the late Senator Dianne Feinstein at a private memorial service held on the steps of City Hall. Security was high as invited attendees passed through a screening before taking their seats, and President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and former House Speaker Pelosi were in attendance. Feinstein, who was the longest-serving female senator and the longest-serving California senator, was remembered for her remarkable political career and the many accomplishments she achieved during her time in office.
President Donald Trump has filed a motion to dismiss the 2020 election interference case against him, claiming that his efforts to remain in the White House were part of his official responsibilities and should be protected by presidential immunity. His legal team has argued that the special counsel's team falsely claimed Trump's motives were impure and that his efforts to ensure election integrity were misconstrued. The motion to dismiss is the latest move in the ongoing legal battle, and it is unclear if it will be successful.
Dr. George Tyndall, a former USC gynecologist accused of sexual misconduct by more than 400 female patients, was found dead Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was awaiting trial on 35 criminal counts of sexual misconduct between 2009 and 2016, and his attorneys believe he died of natural causes. USC has since apologized for its handling of the allegations against Tyndall and has paid out more than $1 billion to settle lawsuits filed by former patients.