US
Vance and Duffy warn Thanksgiving travel could be a disaster as shutdown continues
Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Thursday that Thanksgiving travel could become a “disaster” if the current government shutdown persists. Speaking after Vance hosted a White House roundtable with aviation, travel and union leaders—including American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelley and other industry heads—Vance noted that FAA employees will have missed multiple paychecks, raising concerns about staffing shortages and massive delays. Duffy added that traffic will be “snarled,” describing the situation as a disaster for aviation. The officials said Duffy is recruiting more air traffic controllers as a temporary measure, and that controllers missed their first full paycheck of the shutdown this week. This mirrors the 2019 shutdown when controller call‑outs caused significant disruptions at LaGuardia and other hubs, prompting a temporary funding agreement. CNN analysis shows FAA staffing problems have more than quadrupled compared to a year ago, and US Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman said 60 % of Americans are reconsidering travel plans, costing the industry $1 billion per week. Vance reiterated that only a clean continuing resolution can end the standoff, criticizing Democrats’ demands as unreasonable and saying Republicans cannot reward shutdown tactics. A White House official said no further meetings with Democrats are planned until the government reopens.
All 50 States’ National Guard Ordered to Create Quick‑Reaction Forces for Civil Unrest
Military leaders have instructed the National Guard in every state and U.S. territory (excluding the District of Columbia) to establish a “quick‑reaction force” (QRF) capable of responding to civil disturbances and riots within hours. The order, outlined in memos signed by Maj. Gen. Ronald Burkett, operations director for the National Guard, directs each state to train a contingent—often about 500 troops—totaling more than 23,000 soldiers nationwide. The memos, reviewed by The Associated Press, require specialized training in crowd‑control techniques, including proper use of batons, body shields, stun guns and pepper spray. Each unit must be able to deploy a quarter of its forces within eight hours and the entire assigned force within a day. Washington, D.C. is mandated to keep a dedicated military‑police battalion of 50 Guard members on active‑duty orders. The directive follows an August executive order by President Donald Trump directing the Pentagon to create QRFs for rapid nationwide deployment. The memo cites that order as authority and sets a deadline of Jan. 1, 2026, for all QRFs to be operational. To meet that goal, each Guard unit will receive 100 sets of crowd‑control equipment and two full‑time trainers, and soldiers will be allowed an extra five days of training for the Interservice Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a White House roundtable, said there are “multiple layers” of Guard response forces and the administration will employ them when needed. Some deployments have already faced legal challenges: a deployment to the Chicago area is blocked until at least later November, and a federal trial to block a Portland deployment is underway. The move signals a broader Trump administration vision for a more muscular role for the military in domestic law‑enforcement operations, including targeting illegal immigration and crime.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment Shows Continued Heavy Fighting as Trump Calls for Nuclear Testing Resumption
US President Donald Trump announced on October 29 that the United States will resume testing nuclear weapons "on an equal basis" with other countries, appearing to respond to Russia's recent ostentatious announcements about testing nuclear-capable weapons like the Burevestnik missile and Poseidon underwater vehicle. Russian officials claimed the US would begin testing nuclear warheads, suggesting Russia would then have "free hand" to conduct similar tests. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced a unilateral 5-6 hour micro-ceasefire near Kupyansk and Pokrovsk on October 30 to allow journalists access to allegedly encircled Ukrainian forces, though ISW assesses Russian forces have not encircled these areas. This appears to be part of Kremlin information warfare to claim inevitable Russian victory. Military developments show intense fighting continues across multiple fronts. Ukrainian sources report difficult conditions in the Pokrovsk pocket where Russian forces use infiltration tactics and drone strikes against Ukrainian supply lines. Despite Russian claims of encirclement, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed these are false. Russian forces have concentrated 11,000 personnel for the Pokrovsk effort but advance slowly. Russia activated plans to use active reservists to protect critical infrastructure, with regional authorities offering monthly payments for service in mobile fire teams defending oil refineries and other facilities from drone strikes. The Kremlin appears to be setting conditions for future mobilization of reservists for combat operations. On October 29-30, Russia conducted massive missile and drone strikes using over 700 projectiles against Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces shooting down 623 of 705 air targets. Polish military intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea for the second time in three days.
Rep. Tim Kennedy: Trump Holds Key to Ending Government Shutdown
U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, a Democrat from western New York, believes that President Donald Trump has the power to instruct negotiations to end the federal government shutdown, which is now in its 29th day. According to Kennedy, the negotiations are stalled because Trump has not given the go-ahead to House Speaker Mike Johnson or Senate Majority Leader John Thune to negotiate. Kennedy stated that congressional Republicans are refusing to have a conversation about moving forward because Trump is telling them not to. The president is currently on a diplomatic trip to Asia, while Democrats and Republicans remain firmly entrenched in their positions, particularly regarding health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year and the upcoming cutoff of food aid for over 40 million Americans on November 1. Kennedy criticized the situation, saying it is wrong that the president is overseas while American workers are working without pay. Kennedy represents New York's 26th Congressional District, which includes parts of Erie and Niagara counties and the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The government shutdown continues to affect millions of Americans, with the House being kept in recess since September 19. Kennedy's comments highlight the ongoing stalemate and the need for a bipartisan solution to end the shutdown. With the deadline for food aid approaching, the pressure is mounting for a resolution to be reached soon.
Trump Urges Senate Republicans to End Filibuster to Break Funding Stalemate and Reopen Government
President Donald Trump on Thursday called on congressional Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster, calling it the “Nuclear Option,” to end the weeks‑long government shutdown that has now stretched past the previous record of 35 days. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” The directive came after Trump returned from several days abroad and marked a reversal of his previous position, placing fresh pressure on GOP leaders who have long resisted changing the 60‑vote threshold. Senate Majority Leader John Thune earlier this month had ruled out any rule change to end the shutdown, describing the filibuster as “a bulwark against a lot of really bad things happening with the country.” Thune said he had received no White House pressure to scrap the filibuster, but Trump argued Thursday that Republicans should use their Senate majority to end the filibuster and immediately reopen the government, warning that Democrats would do the same when they regain power. The Senate is not scheduled to reconvene until Monday evening, leaving just days before the shutdown reaches the 35‑day mark, the longest in U.S. history. Critical food aid for tens of millions of Americans is slated to end over the weekend, and the White House convened a roundtable of airline industry representatives and union leaders on Thursday to highlight the strain the shutdown is placing on air traffic controllers. Lawmakers on both sides reported signs of progress toward a deal, but an agreement remained out of reach as of Thursday.
Mamdani rally at Forest Hills Stadium draws 29 noise complaints, surpasses several concerts
Zohran Mamdani held a sold‑out mayoral “New York is Not For Sale” rally at Forest Hills Stadium on Sunday, featuring high‑profile supporters Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. The event generated 29 calls to the city’s 311 system, with 12 of those specifically alleging excessive sound. Residents reported the noise as “loud music,” “loud talking,” “loud party,” and similar phrases that continued until almost 9 p.m. Police closed all complaints the same night, noting they responded and “took action,” though it was unclear what that action entailed. The 29 complaints outpaced the 10 logged for the King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard concert on Aug. 1, which earned a city Department of Environmental Protection violation for violating noise‑code limits. It also surpassed the 12 complaints each logged for Dr. Dog on June 21, Phish on July 23, and Above & Beyond on Sept. 5, none of which resulted in DEP penalties. In addition to the sound concerns, the rally sparked illegal parking, with cars blocking fire hydrants and crosswalks, and followed a police directive to remove vehicles from surrounding streets without mentioning the political event. The Forest Hills Garden Corp., a homeowners’ group representing nearly 4,000 members, filed a federal lawsuit last week alleging the city’s police “unconstitutionally” seized private property on more than 30 concert days to help the stadium generate revenue. Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Second ICE shooting in California in a week: Driver injured and arrested in Ontario
Federal authorities are investigating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement shooting in Ontario on Thursday, the second in California in just over a week. ICE officers were conducting a vehicle stop around 6:30 a.m. in the 2800 block of Vineyard Avenue when an unrelated driver stopped in front of them, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. After officers ordered the driver to leave, McLaughlin said the vehicle reversed directly toward the agents. “An ICE officer, fearing for his life, fired defensive shots at the vehicle,” she said, adding the driver fled and abandoned the car. The family identified the driver as Carlos Jimenez, 24, a U.S. citizen on his way to work at a food bank. Jimenez was shot in the shoulder and taken to a hospital by his wife before being booked at the West Valley Detention Center. The family shared photos showing blood inside the car and a shattered front passenger window. His relatives described him as nonpolitical and dedicated to his wife and children. The incident drew an FBI evidence response team and criticism from local advocates, who warned unmarked, heavily armed operations cause fear in the community. Ontario Police said they responded to a mutual-aid request and provided traffic control; they were not part of the initial encounter. Rep. Norma Torres called for a transparent investigation and for ICE to release body camera, security and witness footage. The Ontario shooting follows an Oct. 22 confrontation in South Los Angeles in which ICE officers fired after boxing in a car they said tried to ram them; a deputy U.S. marshal was struck by a ricochet. Other recent cases include an Oct. 29 shooting in Phoenix during an ICE traffic stop and several California incidents since August. McLaughlin called the Ontario case another example of threats ICE officers face while enforcing laws.
Orlando International Airport Experiences Ground Delay Due to Air Traffic Controller Staffing Issues
A ground delay is in effect at Orlando International Airport due to staffing issues with air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an advisory stating that at some point, there will be no certified air traffic controllers available, resulting in no arrivals being able to land. On average, flights are running about three hours behind at MCO. The airport has reduced the rate of arrivals, and passengers may experience delays of around 2 1/2 hours. The issue comes amid the 30th day of the federal government shutdown, during which air traffic controllers and other federal aviation staff are working without pay. A spokesperson for MCO advised passengers to check with their airline for individual flight information and appreciated their patience during this busy travel period. The situation is developing, and updates are expected throughout the evening.
Trump Calls for Jack Smith to be Jailed as Ex-Special Counsel Offers Public Testimony
President Donald Trump demanded in multiple Truth Social posts this week that former Special Counsel Jack Smith be "hauled off to jail," calling the prosecutor "a disgrace to humanity" and "a criminal." Trump made these comments following reports by Axios that 160 Republican figures may have been investigated in the FBI's "Arctic Frost" probe into alleged efforts by Trump's allies to overturn the 2020 election. The Arctic Frost probe was led by an anti-Trump FBI supervisor and later taken over by Smith, treating Trump's allies' efforts to submit alternate electors to Congress as a criminal conspiracy. However, experts who reviewed newly released documents described the probe as "thin on evidence and legal justifications." Smith led two federal criminal indictments against Trump during his presidential campaign. In response to Trump's posts, Lanny Breuer, Smith's attorney, stated that Smith is "happy to discuss his work as Special Counsel and answer any questions at a public hearing" like other special counsels investigating presidents. Smith has also sent a formal letter to House and Senate Judiciary Committee leaders requesting to testify publicly, rather than behind closed doors as requested by House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan. In the letter, Smith's lawyers seek reassurance from the DOJ that he "will not be punished" for testifying and request guidance on grand jury secrecy requirements.
Military families face anxiety and hardship as shutdown drags on
As the government shutdown passes a month with no end in sight, military families are living with mounting anxiety and fear of missed paychecks. Just ahead of the latest pay day, the Trump administration moved Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security funds and accepted a controversial private donation to ensure service members would be paid—offering a brief reprieve but little relief from the stress of anticipating financial hardship. “People panic, people worry about paying bills,” said Coast Guard spouse Jessica Manfre, a senior case advisor at Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, describing the uncertainty over rent, mortgages and essential expenses. Many families are visiting food banks and stockpiling groceries. In Hampton Roads, Virginia, Navy spouse Kady Frazier told CNN’s Jeff Zeleny the situation is “a real stressful situation and a real struggle.” Long before the shutdown, the military community has struggled with food insecurity: a 2023 study by the Military Family Advisory Network found a quarter of active-duty families face hunger, a number that “is definitely spiking right now,” according to Stronghold Food Pantry founder Monica Bassett. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to extend SNAP benefits, which expire at the end of the month. Military families with medically complex children are bearing extra costs as treatment facilities cannot order needed medications, forcing them to civilian pharmacies where co-pays apply. “A handful of families … are so paralyzed with fear that they haven’t prepared because they can’t figure out where to start,” said Exceptional Families of the Military CEO Austin Carrigg, an active-duty Army spouse. Military spouse unemployment stands at about 20%—nearly five times the national average—despite many spouses having bachelor’s degrees, and frequent moves every two to three years compound job insecurity. Recent federal layoffs and restructuring have left many spouses furloughed or unpaid, though the Trump administration has rehired some workers laid off by DOGE. Blue Star Families, a leading nonprofit serving military families, reports receiving hundreds of inquiries from families experiencing financial and psychological strain, with many less likely to recommend military service—raising concerns about potential national security impacts. As families balance the risks of service with the reality of unstable pay and benefits, the shutdown is testing the country’s commitment to those who serve.
Trump Hosts White House Halloween Event After Asia Trip
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the White House's annual Halloween celebration Thursday, welcoming trick-or-treaters just hours after the president's return from a days-long trip to Asia. Without costumes themselves, the first couple spent under an hour distributing full-size chocolate bars to children from military and law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and children of Trump administration staffers. The Air Force Band provided entertainment with a mix of spooky tunes and pop hits, including instrumental versions of Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive," and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." Notable attendees included children dressed as star athletes, princesses, dinosaurs, and at least one Trump impersonator. The president interacted with various costumed visitors, including high-fiving his doppelgänger and balancing candy on a trick-or-treater dressed as electronic DJ Mashmallo, recreating a viral moment from the White House's 2019 Halloween party. Trump also greeted White House adviser Stephen Miller and his family, press secretary Karoline Leavitt and her family, and even retired NFL star Tom Brady. The event drew a crowd that Trump jokingly compared to the size of the White House ballroom.
Trump Hosts White House Halloween Celebration Amid Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a Halloween celebration at the White House on Thursday evening, welcoming hundreds of costumed guests including children dressed as superheroes, dinosaurs, and even the first couple themselves. The Trumps emerged on the South Lawn wearing formal attire - Trump in a blue suit with red tie and "USA" cap, Melania in a brown coat over an orange dress - to the orchestral version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." They distributed full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes with the presidential seal to a long line of children and parents. Temporary walls obscured construction of Trump's new White House ballroom, which has required East Wing demolition, though a bulldozer remained visible nearby. The tradition continued despite Trump returning hours earlier from a six-day Asia trip covering Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, and amid the government's 30th day of shutdown. While Trump has called for reopening, congressional Democrats demand extension of expiring health insurance tax credits. Despite tariffs on Chinese imports affecting Halloween costume availability and prices, the White House featured autumn decorations including large leaves, fall flowers, and carved pumpkins on the balcony stairs. Military and White House staff children attended, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt bringing her son as a pumpkin, while former aide Katie Miller dressed as a skeleton.
Trump’s Nuclear Testing Announcement Raises Questions and Global Concerns
President Donald Trump sparked uncertainty Wednesday by announcing on his social‑media platform that he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” posting the statement minutes before a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House declined to clarify whether Trump meant explosive testing of nuclear weapons – a practice only North Korea has undertaken in the 21st century – or routine testing of delivery platforms. Vice President JD Vance said the post “speaks for itself,” while Vice Adm. Richard Correll, nominee to lead U.S. Strategic Command, emphasized that neither China nor Russia has conducted a nuclear‑explosive test and warned against inferring a change to the long‑standing moratorium. The United States last performed a nuclear detonation in 1992, before President George H.W. Bush banned such tests. Although both the U.S. and Russia signed the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test Ban Treaty, it never entered force because of insufficient ratifications, yet a global norm against nuclear‑explosive testing has persisted for three decades. Experts warn that breaking the moratorium could destabilize the nonproliferation regime. Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association said the current consensus “is at an inflection point” and that any U.S. test would give China and Russia “more opportunities to test and refine warhead designs.” The Kremlin responded that Russia would act accordingly if the U.S. resumed testing, describing recent Russian exercises as routine. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, took the president’s remarks to mean nuclear‑explosive testing and noted that the U.S. conducted over a thousand Cold‑War tests, far more than Russia and dwarfing China’s 47. He argued that the existing testing freeze locked in a technical advantage for the United States and that reopening it could allow other powers to catch up.
James Comey Lawyers Seek Clarification on Alleged False Statements as They Move to Dismiss Case
Attorneys for former FBI Director James Comey filed a motion Thursday seeking dismissal of the federal case against their client, arguing the indictment is overly vague and requesting prosecutors specify exactly what false statements Comey allegedly made to Congress. The legal team contends that questions posed by GOP Sen. Ted Cruz during a September 2020 Senate hearing were "fundamentally ambiguous," making it impossible for Comey to have knowingly made false statements. Comey stands charged with making false statements and obstructing Congress, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. During the 2020 hearing, Cruz questioned Comey about whether he had ever been an anonymous source in news reports or authorized FBI leaks. Comey responded by standing by his 2017 testimony where he stated he had never been an anonymous source. However, prosecutors allege that Comey actually leaked information about the Hillary Clinton email investigation through one of his former attorneys. Comey's attorneys also want the judge to release grand jury records, arguing prosecutors may have misstated key facts. Additionally, the defense is fighting a prosecutor's motion to review privileged communications between Comey and his attorneys, which were obtained during a separate investigation. The presiding judge scheduled a Wednesday hearing to address the communication review request.
Democrats Unsatisfied with Classified Briefing on US Military Strikes
Democrats have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction after a classified briefing on recent US military strikes against suspected drug boats in the western hemisphere. The briefing, which was attended by Democratic lawmakers, failed to provide critical details about the strikes, with Pentagon lawyers being pulled at the last minute. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts stated that he was not satisfied with the briefing, citing a lack of strategy and end game, while Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said that the information provided was only a tactical brief. The Trump administration has accelerated its attacks on boats alleged to be involved in drug trafficking in recent weeks, but lawmakers have criticized the administration for failing to provide enough information related to the strikes. Democrats have repeatedly asked for more transparency, but the administration has defended its information sharing, claiming to have given seven separate classified briefings on the strikes to various committees. The lack of transparency has led to concerns about the administration's legal justification for the strikes, with Democrats saying that the information provided fell short of what they needed to provide proper congressional checks on the president's war powers. Some Republicans, including Sen. Mike Rounds and Sen. Kevin Cramer, have agreed that Democrats should have been included in the briefing and that the information should be shared on a bipartisan basis. The incident has highlighted the tensions between the administration and Democrats, with Sen. Mark Warner calling the administration's actions "corrosive" and "downright dangerous" for national security. The administration has yet to comment on the matter, but the Pentagon has been reached out to for comment.
Trump Administration Sets Refugee Limit at 7,500, Prioritizing White South Africans
The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the annual refugee admission limit, capping it at 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year. This number represents a drastic decrease from the previous year's ceiling of 125,000 set under President Joe Biden. Notably, the majority of these refugees will be White South Africans. The decision, published in the Federal Register, cites "humanitarian concerns or national interest" as justification but does not provide further details. This move marks another blow to the long-standing refugee program, which has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. President Donald Trump initially suspended the program on his first day in office, resulting in only a small number of refugees being admitted since then, mostly White South Africans. The administration introduced a program for Afrikaners in February, stating that White South African farmers face discrimination and violence, a characterization strongly denied by the South African government. The reduced cap has significant implications for organizations that help resettle refugees, many of which have had to lay off staff due to the plummeting number of arrivals. The decision reflects a continued shift in the U.S. approach to refugee admissions under the Trump administration, prioritizing a specific group over the broader global need. The dramatic decrease in refugee admissions is expected to have far-reaching consequences for those seeking refuge in the United States.
Justice Dept. Scrubs Trump, Jan. 6 References From Sentencing Memo, Sparks Alarm Among Prosecutors
The Department of Justice placed two career prosecutors on leave and edited a sentencing memo to erase all mention of Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol attack in the case of Taylor Taranto. Taranto, who was convicted in May of bringing illegal firearms near Barack Obama’s Washington home and making a false bomb threat, had originally been sentenced in a memo that noted he reposted Trump’s social‑media post containing Obama’s address and that he entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Within 24 hours of the filing, the original memo disappeared from the public docket, and the two attorneys—Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White—were suspended. Former and current career prosecutors described the changes as an “Orwellian” whitewash of the record. Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney, said the prosecutors “upheld their duty of candor” by citing established facts. Judge Carl Nichols, a 2019 Trump appointee, praised the two attorneys at sentencing, saying they “upheld the highest standard.” The Justice Department declined to comment on personnel matters but reiterated its commitment to prosecuting threats of violence. At the Thursday hearing, Judge Nichols sentenced Taranto to 21 months—essentially time already served—while emphasizing his limited criminal history. The episode has intensified concerns within the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington and among federal law‑enforcement employees about political interference in DOJ filings.
Republicans Downplay Looming Health Insurance Premium Crisis as Costs Set to Double or Triple in 2026
Health insurance premiums are set to surge dramatically in 2026, with millions of families facing payments that will double or even triple due to Republicans allowing Covid-era subsidies to expire. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz has downplayed these substantial increases, claiming Americans will only pay $13 more next year for coverage through the Affordable Care Act's federal marketplace. Oz incorrectly stated that KFF, a leading health research group, had retracted their assessment that average plans could increase by around 115% without extended subsidies. Other Republican officials are similarly minimizing the crisis. House Speaker Mike Johnson derided what he called the "so-called forthcoming health-care crisis," while Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told CNBC that he doesn't think enhanced subsidies expiring will create a "gut-wrenching problem." Representative Mark Alford of Missouri acknowledged many consumers will have difficulty with increased costs but still wants Republicans to maintain their current position. The article notes that Oz's claims about minimal increases appear to be false, as actual projections suggest vastly worse outcomes than his $13 figure. While Republican officials recognize the political risks of downplaying the problem, the party appears to lack alternative solutions for addressing the looming crisis that affects millions of Americans.
Democratic Senators Demand ICE Account for Use of Full-Body Restraints on Deportation Flights
Eleven Democratic US senators have written to immigration officials demanding answers about ICE's use of full-body restraints known as "the Wrap" on deportation flights. Led by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the group called for ICE to provide a full accounting of its air operations and to stop using the restraints until policies are explained. The senators cited an Associated Press investigation that revealed multiple examples of ICE using the device on people for hours during deportation flights dating back to 2020. Joining Van Hollen were Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Alex Padilla, Tammy Duckworth, and six others. The Wrap is the subject of federal lawsuits likening improper use to punishment and torture. Advocates are concerned that ICE isn't tracking the device's use as required by federal law, making it unclear how many people have been subjected to the restraints. ICE has not provided AP with records documenting the Wrap's usage despite multiple requests. Since 2015, DHS has paid the manufacturer, Safe Restraints Inc, $268,523, with Trump administrations responsible for 91% of that spending. Representative Delia Ramirez announced she's working on legislation to limit ICE's use of the Wrap, calling the practice a serious safety and human rights concern.
US Launches Military Strikes Against Boats in Caribbean, Killing Dozens
The United States has launched military strikes against at least 14 boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 57 people. The administration claims that the boats were a source of fentanyl, a drug that has contributed to overdose deaths in the US. However, experts and officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security have stated that most fentanyl enters the US from Mexico, not the Caribbean. The strikes have raised concerns about the use of military force in law-enforcement situations and the lack of transparency from the administration. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to the region has also sparked speculation about potential further military action. The administration's actions have been criticized for lacking clear justification and for potentially violating international law. The situation has also raised questions about the administration's goals in the region, including the possibility of regime change in Venezuela. Experts and lawmakers, including Senator Rand Paul, have expressed concerns about the legality and wisdom of the strikes. The administration's use of military force in this situation marks a departure from traditional law-enforcement approaches to drug trafficking. The lack of information and transparency from the administration has made it difficult for the public and lawmakers to understand the rationale behind the strikes and the potential consequences of further military action. The Pentagon has also restricted access to information, barring reporters from the building and limiting their ability to ask questions. This has created a climate of fear and made it harder for the press to provide accurate information to the public. As the situation continues to unfold, there are concerns about the potential for escalation and the long-term implications of the administration's actions in the region.