Free Veterans Day 2024 meals, deals, discounts for 2024 in Illinois – NBC Chicago

Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year, with a shadow period extending the influence to up to six months annually. The planet's effects on communication, travel, and technology are felt due to its proximity and speed. The retrograde process involves pre-shadow, the chaotic retrograde period, and post-shadow, offering opportunities for review and clarity amidst the chaos. Full Article

Court rulings have ordered thousands of fired federal workers to be reinstated due to lack of advance notice and individualized assessments. A U.S. official was absent from recent talks with Russia and Ukraine, as Russian President Putin reportedly did not want him involved. A couple faces over $100,000 in medical bills for services retroactively denied by their health insurance provider, leaving them considering drastic financial measures to clear the debt. Full Article

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he will vote to keep the government open despite a "very bad" funding measure, citing worse consequences of a shutdown. Some Democrats, including Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Watson Coleman, criticized Schumer's decision, while others like Susan Rice and Rep. Crockett expressed strong opposition. With Senate Republicans lacking full support and needing Democratic votes to advance the measure, the prospect of a government shutdown remains uncertain. Full Article

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism over her handling of the Palisades fire, with supporters claiming attacks are partisan and fueled by wealthy oligarchs. Allies have defended Bass, citing her response to the disaster and blaming climate change for the wildfire. Despite facing backlash for decisions like removing the L.A. Fire Chief and a controversial salary for a wildfire recovery czar, Bass's team remains steadfast in their support, emphasizing progress made post-disaster. Full...

Jack Teixeira, a Massachusetts Air National Guard member, used his court-martial to portray himself as a patriotic whistleblower exposing alleged lies of the Biden administration regarding the war in Ukraine. He pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and sharing classified documents, claiming he aimed to save lives and challenge what he saw as government misinformation. Teixeira's leaks revealed sensitive information about Russia's actions in Ukraine and other countries, prompting a security overhaul and disciplinary actions within...

The Republican-led Congress is willingly ceding its constitutional powers to the Trump administration, allowing for wide discretion in spending and tariff decisions, without oversight or recourse. This shift of authority is unprecedented, with lawmakers actively supporting the president's agenda and relinquishing their traditional role as a check on executive power. Despite claims of future control, the current trend shows a Congress more compliant to the White House than ever before. Full Article