The Trump-Vance transition team announced Tuesday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice, allowing the FBI to conduct background checks and security clearances for cabinet nominees and incoming White House staff. The agreement follows a period of hesitation by the transition team, citing distrust of the FBI. Traditionally, the FBI is responsible for vetting cabinet nominees and managing security clearances, but the process had been delayed due to the lack of an agreement.
Reproductive rights advocates have filed a lawsuit in Arizona to challenge the state’s 15-week abortion ban, citing conflicts with a newly approved constitutional amendment that expands access to abortion up to the point of fetal viability.
Nathan Hochman, a seasoned attorney and advocate for a balanced approach to criminal justice, was officially sworn in as Los Angeles County's 44th district attorney on Tuesday.
The final U.S. House race for 2024 has concluded, with Democrat Adam Gray narrowly defeating Republican incumbent John Duarte in California’s 13th Congressional District. The result flips the Central Valley seat back to Democratic control.
Political analyst Mark Halperin expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding the likelihood of California Governor Gavin Newsom running for president in 2028, despite the governor’s rising popularity among Democratic voters. A recent Emerson College poll showed Newsom trailing only Vice President Kamala Harris, who leads the 2028 Democratic field with 37% support, while Newsom holds 7%.
President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his opposition to the proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japanese company Nippon Steel. Trump pledged to block the deal, continuing the stance taken by the Biden administration earlier this year. He proposed stronger tariffs and tax incentives to reinvigorate the iconic steel company and prevent it from relocating its operations out of Pittsburgh.
The corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues to unfold with significant testimonies and evidence presented by federal prosecutors. Madigan, along with co-defendant Michael McClain, faces 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, and official misconduct tied to an alleged scheme referred to as the "Madigan Enterprise."
