On Wednesday, District Court Judge Dale Ho dismissed, with prejudice, the federal criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This action effectively terminates the possibility of the Department of Justice (DOJ) resurrecting the five-count indictment against the Democrat in the US District Court in Manhattan.

The dismissal follows a controversial request by the Trump administration, nearly two months prior, to drop the corruption charges. The DOJ argued that prosecution would impede Mayor Adams’ ability to govern New York City and collaborate with the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

The request prompted significant internal dissent, culminating in the resignation of seven federal prosecutors, including the acting Manhattan US attorney. Their departure underscores the contentious nature of the decision to seek dismissal and the ethical questions it raised within the Department. The “with prejudice” ruling solidifies the finality of this complex and closely watched legal battle.

On Wednesday, the United States levied sanctions against individuals and entities based in Russia, accusing them of facilitating the procurement of weapons, commodities, and stolen Ukrainian grain for Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The Treasury Department identified Hushang Ghairat, an Afghan businessman residing in Russia, and his brother, Sohrab Ghairat, as key operatives in this network. They allegedly assisted senior Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal in securing millions of dollars’ worth of goods from Russia destined for Houthi-controlled territories.

According to the Treasury, these goods included weapons, sensitive materials, and controversially, stolen Ukrainian grain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities,” emphasizing the network’s critical role in supplying the Houthi’s military capabilities. This action signals the US’s continued efforts to counter Houthi aggression and disrupt their logistical support lines.

The White House has officially stated that the controversy surrounding the recent leak of war plans via the Signal messaging application is now considered closed. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced on Monday that measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents from recurring, though she declined to provide specific details.

This declaration effectively ends speculation regarding potential disciplinary action against National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, individuals implicated in the incident. The resolution, however, has drawn criticism. Democratic lawmaker Madeleine Dean has accused Republicans of employing deflection tactics and failing to adequately address the security breach, demanding accountability and further explanation.