What if Democrats' Big Shutdown Loss Turns Out to Be a Win?  —  Despite considerable hand-wringing in the party about caving to Republicans in the government closure, some Democrats see potential upsides in the outcome.  —  At first blush, the deal that paved the way to end the government shutdown …

Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy Heir, to Seek Nadler's N.Y. Congressional Seat  —  Mr. Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy, said the Democratic Party needed someone who could stand up to President Trump and his allies.  —  Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy …

Fannie Mae Watchdogs Probed How Pulte Obtained Mortgage Records of Key Democrats  —  FHFA's acting inspector general handed probe report to U.S. attorney office that had indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James  —  Fannie Mae watchdogs who were removed from their jobs had been probing …

Obamacare could collapse under Trump's new plan, policy experts say … If younger, healthier consumers choose such so-called junk health plans — with lower costs and less robust coverage — or don't use the money for health insurance, it could throw off the balance of risk and prompt insurers …

Epstein Alleged in Emails That Trump Knew of His Conduct  —  In a message obtained by Congress, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein wrote that Donald J. Trump spent hours at his house with one of Mr. Epstein's victims.  —  House Democrats on Wednesday released emails …

Kash Patel's ‘Effin Wild’ Ride as FBI Director  —  In just one week in October, he ticked off his bosses with premature comments about a terror investigation and squeezed in a trip to the ‘Boondoggle Ranch’ on the bureau jet  —  On Halloween morning, FBI Director Kash Patel had a big announcement to make …

It's Not Just Affordability, Americans Are Anxious Over Jobs Too  —  Voter frustration over affordability fueled Democratic wins in last week's state and local elections, and on top of that, Americans are becoming uneasy about the job market too.  —  Some 55% of employed Americans …

Democratic wins in redistricting war offset GOP gains  —  Democrats have racked up a number of key victories in the redistricting battle in recent days, giving the party hope it can cancel out GOP gains in next year's midterms.  —  The party's latest win came late Monday …

Mike Johnson finally schedules Grijalva swearing in  —  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has finally set a date to swear in Rep-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), weeks after she was elected to her seat, his office announced Tuesday. … - Grijalva has pledged to be the final signature …

The letter the BBC could send back to Trump  —  Welcome to the Empty City blog, the name of which is explained here.  This blog offers independent and informed commentary and law and policy and is funded by subscribers.  —  Posts like these take time and opportunity cost - and this blog …

Trump defends H-1B visas: “You don't have certain talents” in the U.S.  —  President Trump said in a Fox News interview that aired Sunday evening H-1B skilled worker visas are necessary because “you don't have certain talents” in the U.S. … - Trump signed an executive order …

Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments, with shutdown potentially near an end  —  The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended an order blocking full SNAP payments, amid signals that the government shutdown could soon end and food aid payments resume.

Starmer allies issue warning to PM's rivals as fears grow over leadership challenge  —  No 10 said to be in ‘full bunker mode’ over fears of attempt to oust him after budget or May local elections  —  Downing Street has launched an extraordinary operation to protect Keir Starmer amid fears among …

Damning Video Shows DHS Agents Pepper-Spray a Baby … President Donald Trump's federal law enforcement crackdown has hit a disgusting new low, after federal agents reportedly pepper-sprayed a 1-year-old in Chicago and then lied about it.  —  Rafael Veraza, 25, claimed at a press conference Sunday …

Pakistan's Army Chief Is Granted Sweeping Authority Over All Military Branches  —  A constitutional reform in the nuclear-armed country extends the chief's power over all the military and brings Pakistan's highest court under tighter political control.  —  Pakistan's powerful army chief …

ICE Caged This Man For His Instagram Posts And Likes  —  A FEW WEEKS AGO, FOREVER WARS highlighted the ordeal of Yaa'kub Ira Vijandre, a DACA recipient whom ICE took into custody at gunpoint a month ago for nothing more than expressing support for U.S. foreign policy targets—and he alleges, for refusing to become an informant.

You should quit social media for good  —  This essay will be most useful to knowledge workers and young people, but I imagine it will be of interest to anyone generally curious about the impact of social media on politics and our lives today.  The piece tells my personal story …

Duffy: Travel disruptions will get “much worse” if shutdown doesn't end soon  —  Air travelers faced more flight delays and cancellations on Tuesday and Transportation Secretary Sean Duff warned if the record government shutdown doesn't end soon “we're not going to get to Thanksgiving.”

DHS takes credit for crime being down in Chicago.  Data shows that was happening before they arrived.  —  Immigration officials on Tuesday said a drop in crime numbers was thanks to their work.  Police data show the decrease was taking place before federal agents arrived in the city.

Graham Platner's online history means he'd lose to Susan Collins, Dem poll warns … Before testing a matchup between Platner and Collins, the poll summarizes pro-Platner messaging — including his military service and his promise to “fight the billionaire class” and make politics work …

US firefighter detained on the job speaks out after deportation: ‘I feel betrayed’  —  Exclusive: Border patrol arrested José Bertin Cruz-Estrada while he was battling a wildfire in Washington.  He is now in Mexico, separated from his family in Oregon