National Guard members from Texas are in Illinois in Trump's latest move to send troops to cities
ELWOOD, Ill. (AP) — National Guard members from Texas are at an Army Reserve center in Illinois. It's the most visible sign yet of the Trump administration’s plan to deploy troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders. The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood in the far southwestern suburbs of Chicago. On Monday, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media showing National Guard members from his state boarding a plane, but he didn’t specify where they were going.
Q&A: A look at the National Guard's role as Trump seeks to deploy troops in Oregon and Chicago
President Donald Trump’s efforts to send National Guard troops into U.S. cities — including Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; and Chicago — over the objections of Democratic mayors and governors have prompted a host of questions about the president’s authority and who controls the Guard. A judge in California has ruled that the deployment of 4,000 National Guard members — along with 700 Marines — in Los Angeles earlier this year violated federal law. A judge in Oregon issued two temporary restraining orders over the weekend blocking the administration from deploying federal troops to protect federal property in that state. And on Monday, Chicago and Illinois sued in hopes of obtaining a similar order there.
Trump administration threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is warning of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a shutdown. That would be a reversal of what's been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees. Trump said some people “don't deserve” to be taken care of during an event at the White House. A memo being circulated by the White House on Tuesday says legislation the Republican president signed into law in 2019 does not require back pay. The memo says it's up to Congress to provide the funds. The move was widely seen as a negotiating tactic. But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray calls it a “scare” tactic since the law is clear that workers will be paid.
Bondi dodges questions as she clashes with Democrats over claims she's weaponized Justice Department
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi has repeatedly deflected questions while seeking to defend herself during a combative congressional hearing in the face of growing criticism that she's turning the law enforcement agency into a weapon to seek vengeance against President Donald Trump’s political opponents. Democrats sought to use Tuesday's hearing to warn of what they view as the politicization of a department that has long prided itself on remaining independent from the White House. The hearing comes on the heels of the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, which has deepened concerns about the politicization of the department.
Trump-backed Van Epps and Democrat Behn win Tennessee primaries for US House special election
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Matt Van Epps, a former commissioner in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, has won a crowded Republican primary in the special election to replace a GOP congressman who left office this summer. In the Democratic primary, state Rep. Aftyn Behn won a four-way contest and will face Van Epps in the general election. Van Epps clinched Tuesday's victory with an endorsement from President Donald Trump that came after in-person early voting ended. Eleven Republicans were on the ballot for the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mark Green. The Dec. 2 general election could gauge the popularity of Trump’s aggressive second-term agenda, especially with suburban Republican voters.
A divided Israel marks 2 years since Oct. 7 attack as war in Gaza grinds on and hostages languish
REIM, Israel (AP) — Israelis are mourning the dead and fearing for the remaining hostages as they mark two years since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war. Tuesday's commemorations come as Israel and Hamas hold indirect negotiations in Egypt. The main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families. The government-organized memorial will be held according to the Jewish calendar next week. The rift reflects deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands and razed entire towns and cities in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza peace talks appear to gain momentum on the war's anniversary
CAIRO (AP) — Peace talks between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Egypt. The second day of indirect talks Tuesday took place on the two-year anniversary of Hamas' surprise attack on Israel that triggered the war. The talks focus on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the fighting. Hamas is demanded guarantees that Israel will not resume the war after the remaining hostages are released. The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops and an international security force taking over. Israel has demanded that Hamas disarm, a condition the militants have yet to accept. Qatar's prime minister and Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to join the talks Wednesday in a sign of their momentum.
Hundreds of hikers rescued from Mount Everest after severe snowstorm
BEIJING (AP) — About 900 hikers, guides, and staff stranded by a snowstorm on Mount Everest's Chinese side have reached safety. A severe storm hit Saturday night, trapping them at over 16,000 feet in elevation. By Monday noon, 350 hikers had descended, and the rest arrived by Tuesday. State media reported some hikers had hypothermia, and a dozen were helped with food, medicine and oxygen on the descent. The scenic area at Mount Everest is temporarily closed. In neighboring Nepal, a South Korean climber died in a storm near Mera Peak, a Himalayan mountain south of Everest.
Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on 'conversion therapy' for LGBTQ+ kids
WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of Supreme Court justices seem to be leaning in favor of a Christian counselor who is challenging bans on LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights. Her lawyers argued Tuesday that the laws passed in about half of U.S. states wrongly restrict voluntary, faith-based therapy. President Donald Trump’s administration is backing her challenge to Colorado's law. The state argues the measure simply regulates licensed therapists by barring a practice that’s been scientifically discredited and linked to serious harm. But the conservative-majority court seemed unconvinced that states can restrict talk therapy aimed at changing feelings or behavior while allowing counseling that affirms kids identifying as gay or transgender.
Raleigh, Suarez, Crawford homer and Mariners top Tigers 8-4 for a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series
DETROIT (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit a two-run homer, Eugenio Suarez and J.P. Crawford had solo shots and the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Tuesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series. The Mariners are within a win of their first AL Championship Series since 2001. Their first chance to advance is on Wednesday afternoon in Game 4 at Comerica Park and if necessary, another opportunity awaits on Friday back in Seattle for a decisive Game 5. Seattle’s Logan Gilbert gave up one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking none over six innings.
