Is Christmas Eve now a federal holiday? Trump’s order explained
This year, federal employees will receive two additional days off around Christmas, a situation that has not occurred in recent years.
This year, federal employees will receive two additional days off around Christmas, a situation that has not occurred in recent years.
Texas prosecutors in Harris, El Paso and other counties report that increased ICE deportations and immigration enforcement actions have caused them to lose key witnesses in criminal cases, including murder prosecutions. District attorneys say witnesses have been detained, deported or become too afraid to appear in court, leading to weakened cases and, in some instances, reduced charges or dismissals. Local officials report ongoing efforts to coordinate with federal authorities, reassure immigrant communities and adapt prosecution strategies as they track the impact of immigration enforcement on criminal trials.
The U.S. Department of Justice has released the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related records under a disclosure law signed by former President Donald Trump. The material includes photographs and redacted grand jury testimony drawn from past federal investigations. Officials say the documents are the initial installment in a phased review and release process mandated by statute. The files are subject to legal limits on grand jury secrecy, privacy and security concerns. Future releases will follow additional review cycles as agencies evaluate remaining Epstein records for public access.
The U.S. Justice Department has released the first set of Jeffrey Epstein-related records under a new federal transparency law signed by former President Donald Trump. The initial Epstein files include redacted investigative and administrative documents, with more releases expected as agencies continue review. The law directs the DOJ, FBI, and other federal offices to disclose qualifying records while protecting victim privacy, investigative methods, and national security interests. Lawmakers and the public are closely watching the process amid ongoing scrutiny of past prosecutorial decisions and the handling of Epstein’s prior cases.
A Milwaukee County judge has been convicted by a jury on one felony count of obstruction in a case linked to a man living in the U.S. without legal status. Prosecutors said the judge helped the man evade federal immigration authorities, arguing the conduct interfered with a lawful attempt to detain him. The defense denied criminal intent and disputed the state’s evidence. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, and the conviction carries possible prison time and fines under Wisconsin law.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Austin, Texas, reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. The order directs agencies to move cannabis to a lower schedule, easing some research restrictions while stopping short of federal legalization. Supporters expect expanded scientific studies and potential new medical products, while critics warn of enforcement and public health challenges. State regulators, law enforcement, researchers, and businesses are now reviewing the implications of the federal shift and awaiting detailed implementation rules from federal agencies.
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a violent Mexican fuel-theft cartel and its imprisoned leader under the Trump administration’s crackdown on cartels that fund operations through stolen oil and gas. The measures block assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bar American individuals and entities from doing business with the designated group and its leader. The action aims to disrupt the cartel’s financial networks, limit access to the U.S. financial system and weaken revenue streams derived from illegal oil and gas theft, as part of wider cross-border efforts against organized crime.
Rep. Jamie Raskin plans to introduce a bill requiring major White House renovation and construction projects to undergo formal federal-style review. The proposal responds to past projects, such as President Trump’s ballroom, that drew attention for limited oversight. The measure would apply existing federal standards on planning, spending, and preservation to future large-scale work at the executive mansion. Lawmakers are examining how to balance security needs and privacy with transparency and congressional notification.
President Donald Trump offered condolences Sunday for victims of violent attacks at Brown University and in Australia and praised first responders. He also turned attention to the ongoing health care debate in Congress, where lawmakers continued to struggle over proposed changes to federal health care law. Republicans worked to build support within their ranks as Democrats warned of possible coverage losses and higher costs. Congressional committees prepared for a full week of health care negotiations and briefings while authorities in the United States and Australia continued investigations into the recent attacks.
The United States condemned the China Coast Guard for using water cannons and cutting anchor lines against Filipino fishermen near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, an incident that injured three crew members and damaged a Philippine fishing vessel. US officials, including State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott and Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, said the actions endangered lives, threatened livelihoods, and undermined regional stability. The Philippine Coast Guard released video of the encounter, assisted the injured fishers, and asserted the country’s sovereign rights in its claimed maritime zones amid ongoing tensions with China.