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The FBI has arrested an Afghan man, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who was allegedly planning an Election Day attack on large crowds in the U.S. Tawhedi had been studying and sharing Islamic State propaganda online and had been communicating with a recruiter in a pro-ISIS Telegram group. Investigators foiled the plot by sending a confidential informant to buy computer equipment Tawhedi was selling online and offer to get him guns. Tawhedi and a juvenile were arrested as they purchased AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Tawhedi has been charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to Islamic State, and receiving a firearm to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism. [Extracted from the article]

Special counsel Jack Smith has submitted a 165-page document outlining allegations that former President Donald Trump committed "private crimes" in an attempt to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. The filing argues that Trump's actions were not protected by presidential immunity and lays out evidence such as statements made by Trump and his advisers. Trump has pleaded not guilty and accused Smith of ignoring a recent Supreme Court ruling. The document also includes details of conversations between Trump and his aides, as well as interactions with then-Vice President Mike Pence and former Attorney General Bill Barr. [Extracted from the article]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on charges of corruption, according to a 57-page indictment unsealed by federal prosecutors. The indictment alleges that Adams engaged in widespread corruption, including conspiring with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign campaign contributions. Adams, who has been accused of seeking and accepting improper benefits since 2014, denies the charges and has stated that he will defend himself. The indictment has sparked protests calling for Adams to resign. [Extracted from the article]

Ryan Wesley Routh, a man who allegedly hid at Donald Trump's Florida golf course with a loaded rifle, has been charged with attempted assassination of the former president. If convicted, Routh could face life imprisonment. The charges stem from an incident on September 15, where Routh was seen pointing a semiautomatic rifle through a golf-course fence while Trump was nearby. Although Routh did not fire a shot, authorities found the gun loaded with 11 rounds. A witness later provided law enforcement with a note Routh had written, suggesting that he had planned the attack as a failed assassination attempt. Routh is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday. These assassination attempts are part of a larger trend of threats and attacks on politicians and public officials leading up to the November elections. Attorney General Merrick Garland has stated that the Justice Department will not tolerate violence that undermines democracy. [Extracted from the article]

A man named Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course. Prosecutors revealed that Routh had been planning the attack for months, keeping detailed lists of Trump's whereabouts and writing a note in case the attempt failed. The note, which was included in a court filing, apologized for the failed attempt and offered a reward of $150,000 to anyone who could complete the job. Routh had a criminal record that should have prevented him from purchasing a gun, and authorities are investigating how he obtained the weapon. The incident raises concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect presidential candidates during a volatile campaign season. [Extracted from the article]

A Secret Service internal investigation found that poor planning, communication breakdowns, and general sloppiness were the main reasons the agency failed to stop a gunman from attempting to kill Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that agents failed to secure the area properly, allowing the gunman to climb onto the roof of a warehouse and open fire. The report also highlighted other shortcomings, such as communication problems and malfunctioning technology. The Secret Service is facing fresh questions about its handling of a second threat on Trump's life and is requesting more resources to cover the campaign's final stretch. House lawmakers have voted to expand Secret Service protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates, and there are discussions about providing additional funding to the agency. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the ongoing failures of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in handling child sex-abuse cases, despite promises of reform after the Larry Nassar scandal. Topics discussed include the FBI's persistent investigative errors, the inspector general's findings on these failures, and the broader implications for victims and the bureau's reputation.

The article reports that special counsel Jack Smith is pushing to reinstate the indictment of former U.S. president Donald Trump. Topics discussed include the prosecution of Trump for illegally retaining classified documents after he left the White House, federal judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the case ruling that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional, and Smith's claim that Cannon made grievous errors and ignored precedent when she dismissed the case.

A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been charged with plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump and other politicians, according to law enforcement officials. Asif Merchant traveled to New York in April to recruit hit men for his scheme, but was reported to the FBI by one of the people he approached, who became an informant. The indictment does not mention Trump by name, but was unsealed after U.S. officials announced a threat against him from Iran. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by officials leading up to the presidential election. [Extracted from the article]

The Secret Service experienced a major communications breakdown during a rally where a gunman attempted to kill Donald Trump. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe revealed that technical issues, including spotty cellular service and malfunctioning technology, contributed to the failure. Additionally, critical information couldn't reach the agency because there were no Secret Service agents inside a command post set up by local police. The agency is now facing scrutiny and is working to address the challenges and ensure the security of the people it protects. [Extracted from the article]

President Biden has asserted executive privilege over the audio recordings of his interview with special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated his handling of classified documents. House Republicans have threatened to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to release the recordings. The Justice Department has provided transcripts of the interview but not the audio. The House Judiciary and Oversight committees argue that they need the audio as part of their investigation into the Biden family's business dealings. This dispute marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between House Republicans and the Biden administration. [Extracted from the article]

Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar and his wife have been indicted on corruption charges, accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in foreign bribes. The charges stem from a long-running FBI probe into Cuellar's work with Azerbaijan. Cuellar, who denies the allegations, is a conservative Democrat representing a competitive district on the Texas-Mexico border. He has been a vocal advocate for strengthening border security and is the last remaining Democrat in Congress who opposes legalized abortion. Cuellar's arrest is part of a series of public-corruption cases pursued by the Justice Department against lawmakers involved in dealings with foreign countries. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: SADIE GURMAN and ERIC TUCKER, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS DENVER -- Police officers across the country misuse confidential law-enforcement databases to get information on romantic partners, business associates, neighbors, journalists [...]

The U.S. Justice Department has agreed to pay approximately $100 million to around 100 victims of former national women's gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. This settlement is due to the FBI's failures to take seriously the reports of potential abuse brought to its attention. The agreement resolves the last remaining legal claims against the institutions involved and brings the total amount of legal payouts over liability for Nassar's actions to nearly $1 billion. The victims include prominent gymnasts such as Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, and Aly Raisman. The FBI's handling of the complaints was criticized in a report by the Justice Department's inspector general, which detailed multiple failings in the investigation. [Extracted from the article]

The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which resulted in the deaths of six workers. The investigation is focusing on whether the crew of the containership Dali failed to report any issues with the vessel before it departed from port. The National Transportation Safety Board is also conducting an investigation into the incident. The bridge collapse has had significant economic consequences, as it has closed off a major port and affected thousands of dockworkers. The city of Baltimore is taking legal action against the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and manufacturer of the Dali in an effort to mitigate the impact of the collapse on its residents. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump's strategy of delaying his criminal cases through legal motions appears to be working in his favor. At a recent hearing, a federal judge entertained arguments from Trump's lawyers about dismissing charges related to his handling of classified documents. The judge did not immediately rule on the motions or provide a trial date, indicating that the case may be delayed further. Trump's legal team has filed additional motions to dismiss the case, potentially leading to more hearings and a slow-moving trial. Trump's efforts to delay his criminal cases are seen as an attempt to push court proceedings beyond the 2024 election. [Extracted from the article]

Special Counsel Robert Hur is set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee to address his report on President Biden's mishandling of classified documents. The report found no criminal charges against Biden but portrayed him as forgetful. This led to negative headlines and questions about Biden's fitness for office. Hur is expected to face intense questioning from lawmakers, particularly regarding Biden's mental acuity. The White House is considering releasing a redacted transcript of the interview. Hur's appearance comes after Biden's energetic State of the Union address, which aimed to counter the narrative of his struggles. House Republicans plan to press Hur on Biden's alleged memory challenges and the decision to end the probe without charges. Hur has stated that there are material distinctions between Biden and former President Trump's cases. Hur's testimony style will be crucial in dispelling any notion of bias. The report has strained the relationship between Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. [Extracted from the article]

President Biden's push to ease restrictions on marijuana has sparked tensions among federal officials. The Department of Health and Human Services recommended removing marijuana from the most restrictive category of drugs, but some officials within the Drug Enforcement Administration are resistant, citing concerns about the drug's medicinal benefits and potential for abuse. The DEA is continuing its review, and the disagreements come as more than half of states have legalized marijuana. Public polling data shows that younger adults are more supportive of liberalizing marijuana policies, and Biden will likely need their support in the upcoming election. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump's trial on charges of mishandling classified documents is likely to be delayed, according to a federal judge. The trial was originally scheduled to start on May 20, but both sides now acknowledge that the schedule will slip. Federal prosecutors are pushing for a July start date, while Trump's lawyers are seeking a longer delay due to his presidential campaign. The judge noted that there are still pending legal motions and a lot of work to be done before the trial can proceed. Trump faces 40 felony counts related to his handling of classified material at his Mar-a-Lago club. [Extracted from the article]

Robert Hur, the special counsel who authored a report criticizing President Biden's handling of classified documents, is facing backlash from both Republicans and Democrats. Republicans accuse Hur of trying to influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, while Democrats believe his portrayal of Biden as an old man was intentional. Some current and former law enforcement officials defend Hur's report, stating that it was necessary to explain the decision not to pursue charges against Biden. However, others criticize the report's tone as patronizing and politically motivated. Hur, who previously worked on Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is now facing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. [Extracted from the article]

President Biden will not face criminal charges after a special counsel investigation found that he was careless in handling classified documents while out of office. The report revealed that Biden retained and disclosed classified materials to a ghostwriter while he was a private citizen, including documents on military and foreign policy in Afghanistan. Although the report criticized Biden's lapses in attention and vigilance, it concluded that there were innocent explanations for his actions and that he should not face criminal charges. Biden's aides are concerned that these revelations could be embarrassing as he campaigns for re-election against Donald Trump, who himself faces felony charges related to classified material. [Extracted from the article]

Special Counsel Robert Hur has completed his investigation into President Biden's handling of classified material and has written a critical report, which is expected to be released soon. The report will contain new details about how the documents were stored and will be shared with Congress and made public. While Hur is not expected to recommend criminal charges, the revelations could potentially embarrass Biden as he campaigns for re-election. The documents in question date back to Biden's time as vice president and were discovered at his home and former office. The investigation involved interviews with approximately 100 of Biden's aides, colleagues, and family members, including his son Hunter. [Extracted from the article]

A federal appeals court has unanimously rejected former President Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution on charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The court dismissed Trump's arguments that his actions fell within the scope of his official duties as president. The decision paves the way for a possible appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump's legal team has until February 12 to appeal the ruling. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: Sadie Gurman DENVER -- The death of a 112-pound jail inmate who choked on his own vomit and suffocated after Denver sheriff's deputies restrained him during a psychotic episode [...]

The Justice Department is investigating whether Democratic Representative Cori Bush's campaign improperly paid her husband for personal security services. Bush denies any wrongdoing and claims to be cooperating with the investigation. A nonprofit ethics watchdog had previously raised concerns about campaign payments to her husband, prompting a request for an investigation by the Federal Election Commission. Bush argues that she hired her husband because of his experience and ability to provide security services at or below fair market value. She dismisses the scrutiny as politically motivated and originating from right-wing organizations. [Extracted from the article]

The Justice Department plans to allocate more federal prosecutors, agents, analysts, and resources to combat gun crime in Washington, D.C., where violence has been difficult to control compared to other U.S. cities that have seen a decrease in homicides. The focus will be on addressing the rise in carjackings, which nearly doubled in the capital last year. This effort aligns with the Biden administration's emphasis on tackling violent crime, despite national data suggesting a decline in such crimes. The Justice Department has also initiated similar crime-fighting initiatives in other cities, including Memphis and Houston. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump's legal troubles have not hindered his chances of running for president in 2024 as his opponents had hoped. Trump's lawyers have successfully delayed legal proceedings, and he has benefited from favorable circumstances in the trials related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump has framed himself as a victim of partisan prosecutors and has raised money on his legal battles, gaining support from voters who view the prosecutions as politically motivated. While a conviction could pose problems for Trump in the general election, his legal obstacles have not significantly impacted his standing among primary voters. [Extracted from the article]

The Justice Department plans to seek the death penalty for Payton Gendron, a white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket in 2022. Gendron had already been sentenced to life in prison for state charges, but the Biden administration wants to emphasize its opposition to hate crimes and its focus on fighting violent crime. Gendron posted a document online filled with racist rants and details of his plans before carrying out the attack. The decision to pursue the death penalty comes after conversations with victims' families and civil-rights leaders, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has taken a nuanced approach to capital punishment, authorizing it in some cases while removing it as an option in others. [Extracted from the article]

A Washington federal appeals court has indicated that it will likely reject former President Donald Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution in a case involving his alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election. Trump's legal defense has become intertwined with his presidential ambitions, as he seeks to portray himself as the victim of politically motivated prosecutions. While his approach has resonated with Republican supporters, legal experts argue that the case raises fundamental questions about the rule of law and the accountability of high officeholders. The court's decision could determine the timing and outcome of Trump's federal election-interference trial. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump has asked a federal appeals court to dismiss the case against him for allegedly seeking to overturn his 2020 election loss. His lawyers argue that his actions were within the scope of his official duties as president and that he is immune from prosecution. The Supreme Court declined to fast-track a decision on Trump's immunity, leaving it to the appeals court. The trial, scheduled to start on March 4, may be delayed, potentially impacting the 2024 campaign season. [Extracted from the article]

Special counsel Jack Smith plans to present a comprehensive history of Donald Trump's baseless claims of election fraud and his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attacks in the former president's federal election-interference case. Smith's approach aims to demonstrate a pattern of behavior relevant to the specific crimes charged, but legal experts warn that this strategy can backfire with juries and expose the conviction to appeal. Trump's legal team may request the exclusion of historical evidence they deem unrelated to the core case. The trial is set to begin on March 4, 2024, and is the most likely to conclude before the 2024 election. [Extracted from the article]

A federal appeals court has upheld a gag order on former President Donald Trump in the criminal case accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The court ruled that Trump can criticize special counsel Jack Smith but must refrain from commenting on witnesses and court staff. The decision is seen as a setback for Trump, who sought to have the gag order lifted entirely as he campaigns for president and prepares for his trial in March. The court acknowledged the public interest in what Trump has to say but emphasized that he must abide by the same procedures as any other criminal defendant. [Extracted from the article]

Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, has been indicted on nine tax charges, adding to his legal troubles as he faces scrutiny from Congress and a separate prosecution on gun charges. The indictment accuses Hunter Biden of evading at least $1.4 million in federal taxes over a four-year period and filing false or fraudulent returns. His lawyer claims that the charges are politically motivated and that if his last name were not Biden, the charges would not have been brought. The indictment also details Hunter Biden's lavish spending habits, including money spent on drugs, escorts, luxury hotels, and adult entertainment. [Extracted from the article]

Four Russian military personnel have been charged by U.S. prosecutors with war crimes for abducting and torturing an American citizen in Ukraine. The indictment alleges that the men abducted the American man from a village in southern Ukraine, where they interrogated him, threatened to execute him, and subjected him to severe beatings. The case marks the first time the U.S. has brought charges under the War Crimes Act, and Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that more cases can be expected. While it is unlikely that the defendants will be brought to an American courtroom, the Justice Department has expressed its commitment to pursuing them. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump's claims of absolute immunity to avoid legal actions against him have been rejected in two separate legal decisions. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied Trump's bid to dismiss a case related to election interference, stating that former presidents do not enjoy special conditions on their federal criminal liability. Additionally, a federal appeals-court panel ruled that civil lawsuits holding Trump accountable for the January 6th Capitol attack can proceed, as campaigning for re-election is not considered an official act of the presidency. Trump is facing multiple indictments at both state and federal levels. [Extracted from the article]

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. has indicated that it will likely uphold a gag order imposed on former President Donald Trump in the criminal case accusing him of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The three-judge panel expressed skepticism towards Trump's argument that the gag order violated his First Amendment rights. However, the panel also suggested that the order could be narrowed to allow Trump to publicly criticize the special counsel overseeing the case while maintaining a ban on criticizing witnesses and court staff. The judges raised concerns about potential threats and harassment against individuals involved in the case. Trump's lawyers have argued that the gag order is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent for restricting political speech. [Extracted from the article]

Special Counsel Robert Hur is expected to release a report that criticizes President Biden and his aides for mishandling classified documents, but it is unlikely to result in criminal charges. The investigation has interviewed approximately 100 of Biden's associates, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The report, expected to be released in the next few months, focuses on how the documents were handled and ended up at Biden's home and office. The investigation is separate from the one prosecuting former President Trump for retaining classified material. [Extracted from the article]