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The cases against two Trump critics have been dismissed. 

A federal judge threw out the criminal indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), ruling that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—who brought both cases—was unlawfully appointed.

The judge ruled AG Pam Bondi’s 120-day interim-naming authority had lapsed when she appointed Halligan—President Trump’s former personal attorney. The White House maintains that Halligan “was legally appointed.” The DOJ is expected to appeal. 

Because the dismissals were without prejudice, the DOJ could refile—but Comey is largely shielded by a five-year statute of limitations, which expired in September. Comey said he expects Trump to “come after me again,” but that he’s innocent and “not afraid.” 

Both Comey and James pleaded not guilty, saying the cases were politically motivated.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to Him. Imitating our just and merciful Father, root for justice while retaining love for all parties – both the accused and the accusers – desiring restoration, not revenge. 

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”  
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

More families than ever before are going over the river and through the woods this Thanksgiving. 

AAA has projected 81.8M Americans will travel 50+ miles to eat turkey this week—the most in U.S. history and 1.6M more than last year. Officials have warned of delays on the road (like in California, where 9.6M drivers will clog highways) and in the air (TSA estimates it’ll screen 18M flyers). Meanwhile, storm systems in East Texas and the Rockies are expected to cause even-later-than-usual ETAs. 

And as Black Friday approaches, credit experts are warning of increasingly believable holiday scams… thanks to AI. Visa’s Holiday Threats Report (see this infographic) warns of fake websites, texts (think: your package cannot be delivered), and even charities designed to steal your Christmas cheer money and info. 

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PRAY WITH US
As we travel, cook, shop, watch parades, take family photos, navigate extended relationships, and share a meal with our loved ones—however we occupy ourselves this Thanksgiving—let’s pause and give thanks to the One who’s given us everything (James 1:17; Colossians 3:16-17). 

O God beyond all praising, we can’t begin to count the blessings You’ve given us. Whether ours is a bountiful feast or a meager meal, we are grateful because You have given it to us. Whether our families are a source of joy or pain, we are grateful that you are our Good Father. Whether our celebrations are filled with laughter or stress, You give us deep, abiding peace. We thank You for giving us life, family, friends, good food, homes to celebrate in, and, most abundantly, grace through Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

Last week, the retired Navy captain and former astronaut appeared in a video alongside five other Democratic lawmakers urging American service members to “refuse illegal orders”; they didn’t say which orders they believe are unlawful (watch it here). President Trump referred to the video as “seditious behavior, punishable by death,” later clarifying that he was “not threatening death” to the lawmakers.

President Trump called for the “traitors” arrest last Thursday, then the Department of War announced Monday that it will investigate Kelly—eligible for a court martial as a retired officer—for behavior that undermines military “loyalty, morale, or good order.”

The Pentagon’s move has been criticized by some across the aisle as politicizing the military, and Kelly said it’s “absurd” to say that reciting military law is against military law. 

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Verse to consider when an unexpected conflict throws a wrench into your Thanksgiving week… “Be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing... For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and let him turn away from evil and do what is good. Let him seek peace and pursue it, because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer.” 
1 Peter 3:8-12 (CSB) (read full passage)

X’s new location feature is stirring the online pot. The platform started showing where accounts are based, and screenshots circulated claiming several prominent U.S.-facing MAGA-branded accounts were actually based overseas. Another viral claim alleged the DHS account was based in Tel Aviv, Israel; X’s head of product said it was “fake news,” and DHS denied it.

Ukraine and Russia’s peace path just got (literally) shorter. Washington and Kyiv trimmed their 28-point proposal to 19, dropping requirements for Ukraine’s surrender of the contested Donbas region and pledge to never join NATO. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the revised plan “the right approach” and hopes to meet with President Trump to finalize the deal, while Russia called the changes “completely unconstructive.”

The Department of Government Efficiency has officially gotten DOGE’d. With eight months left on its mandate to chainsaw reduce federal waste, the initiative was quietly disbanded. The Trump administration claims that DOGE saved the government $214B and says its principles remain “alive and well,” but is no longer a “centralized entity.”

Uncle Sam’s reupping his Prime membership. In one of the largest public-sector cloud infrastructure commitments ever, Amazon announced a $50B investment to build AI infrastructure for the federal government. Starting in 2026, the quick-delivery giant will break ground on data centers to provide “high-performance computing infrastructure” that will add 1.3 gigawatts of power and expand agencies’ access to AI.

Turns out, Ozempic doesn’t put the brakes on Alzheimer’s. Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk had been testing whether semaglutides (think diabetes/weight-loss drugs like Ozempic) slow Alzheimer’s progression—but on Monday it announced the long-shot trial failed to meet its main goal. The Danish drug company’s stock hit a four-year low following the news.

We’ll be back in your inbox Friday with our Santa hats on, taking a break from the headlines to help you find meaningful gifts for your people. Want to get a head start? Check out our 40 favorite gift ideas in TPO’s Christmas Gift Guide!

…and a good old-fashioned hydraulic press video.

How We’re Avoiding the Dreaded Afternoon Crash
With LMNT*

Every day around 2 p.m…. It’d hit me. The brain fog, the yawning, the overwhelming desire to run upstairs and take a power nap check on the kids. 

Turns out, I just needed some electrolytes. I used to reach for coffee first thing, but after reading an article suggesting I wait an hour before my morning caffeine, I grab an LMNT instead (preferably my fave, Raspberry Salt). I actually feel the difference––a refreshing boost, without the crash. 

Their science-backed electrolyte ratio and zero-sugar formula make it an easy yes. Plus, TPO readers get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular flavors with any purchase.

Kathleen Wadkins | Hydrated Managing Editor

A Smarter Way to Tackle Credit Card Debt
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Debt can feel like quicksand… the harder you try to climb out, the more it pulls you in. 

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