Leticia James' attempt to reindict fails; Fresh boat strike adds to Capitol tensions

A grand jury in Virginia has declined to bring new mortgage-fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. This comes just after a federal judge dismissed the initial case, marking a significant obstacle for the Trump administration.

Letitia James Case

The grand jurys refusal follows the dismissal of earlier indictments against James and former FBI Director James Comey, which were ruled invalid because prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was improperly acting as U.S. Attorney. Despite hopes from the Justice Department for fresh charges, the jurors chose not to proceed.

James had been accused in October of misrepresenting a Norfolk, Virginia, property as a second home to secure a favorable mortgage, later renting it out and saving approximately $19,000. She has denied all allegations, calling the charges "baseless" and a misuse of the justice system, expressing gratitude for the grand jurys decision and public support.

U.S. Forces Conduct New Lethal Boat Strike

The Pentagon faces mounting scrutiny after a new U.S. strike targeted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing four men onboard. This strike followed a closed-door briefing where lawmakers were shown unedited footage of a September 2 operation that had killed two survivors. The video has sparked sharply divided reactions along party lines.

Republicans defended the operations as lawful, while Democrats described the footage as "deeply troubling," questioning whether the men were still a threat when killed. The military confirmed the vessel was operated by a designated terrorist group transporting illegal drugs. Lawmakers are pressing for clarity on rules of engagement and legal justification.

Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested in Virginia

The FBI arrested Brian Cole Jr., 30, from Woodbridge, Virginia, suspected of planting pipe bombs outside both the RNC and DNC headquarters on January 5, 2021. The bombs were discovered moments before the Capitol breach. Cole is charged with transporting explosives and attempted destruction using explosives, and he appeared in court Friday as authorities continue gathering evidence.

National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C.

The National Guard remains in D.C. after a federal appeals court temporarily blocked an order to withdraw troops. This follows security concerns after a deadly shooting near the capital. The deployment has drawn criticism from the D.C. Attorney General, though President Trump praised the Guard for maintaining safety.

White House Ballroom Project Changes Leadership

The president has replaced the architect for a $300 million White House ballroom expansion after delays and disputes over design. Shalom Baranes, an experienced federal architect, will take over. The project has already begun major construction work, though it faces scrutiny from preservationists and potential new legislation for oversight.

Rare Jaguar Spotted in Arizona

Researchers confirmed a new jaguar sighting in southern Arizona, marking the fifth recorded since 2011. Scientists are studying the animals gender, habits, and diet. The discovery is encouraging for conservationists, as the species primarily resides in Central and South America.

Author: Riley Thompson