A federal judge has ordered immigration officers in the Chicago area to begin wearing body cameras. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued the directive Thursday after reviewing footage of confrontations between agents and protesters during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The order applies to agents working under Operation Midway Blitz, which has led to more than 1,000 arrests since September. (Story URL)
Sen. Mitch McConnell fell Thursday in a Capitol hallway while walking to the Senate to vote. The 82-year-old senator, who plans to retire when his term ends in 2026, was approached by two environmental group volunteers before he tripped and fell. Aides and a security guard quickly helped him to his feet. McConnell smiled, waved to a nearby camera, and continued toward the Senate chamber. (Story URL)
Former Trump administration border czar Tom Homan denied taking a $50,000 bribe during a town hall at The Kennedy Center on Wednesday. Homan called the allegations “hit piece,” saying: “I didn’t take $50,000 from anybody.” An MSNBC report claimed FBI agents posing as executives recorded Homan accepting money in 2024. The White House says investigators found “no credible evidence” of wrongdoing. (Story URL)
President Trump said he had a “very productive” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and announced two upcoming meetings aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump said high-level advisors will meet next week, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The location for that meeting has not been set. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington on Friday. (Story URL)
The Alaska National Guard airlifted at least 300 people from flood-damaged villages following Typhoon Halong’s devastating impact on the state’s coast. The typhoon brought winds exceeding 100 mph and storm surge over 6 feet high. Kipnuk and Kwigillingok suffered the worst damage, with Kipnuk recording 6.6 feet of storm surge—nearly two feet above the previous record. Many homes were destroyed or swept to sea. (Story URL)
