We’re back and we’re reading – everything from the “New York Times” to the “Washington Post.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and policy. Today, we’ve got an update on the Florida Senate race, a trip to California for Trump, and a victory for CNN.
The Florida Senate recount continues
Florida concluded the first phase of the midterm election recount on Thursday, but the results are still unclear.
According to the New York Times, state officials are ordering a manual recount in the Senate race between Republican governor Rick Scott and Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.
Scott maintained a slim margin of 0.15 percentage points over his opponent. But under state law, a manual recount is ordered when the margin is less than 0.25 percentage points.
The race will not be called until results are certified by election authorities, according to the Associated Press. This is scheduled to happen on Nov. 20.
U.S. imposes sanctions
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on 17 Saudis accused of involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to the New York Times.
This announcement came just hours after Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor announced they would seek the death penalty for five of the people accused of killing Khasoggi in the Saudi Consulate in October.
When announcing the sanctions, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested there might be more details to uncover about the killing.
As of Friday, there is no evidence to suggest that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved.
Those North Koreans again
North Korea deported a U.S. citizen who was detained last month, according to CNN.
Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained after illegally entering North Korea on Oct. 16. During his testimony Lowrance claimed he entered North Korea under “the control of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.”
Lowrance’s deportation coincides with reports that North Korea tested a “newly developed ultramodern” weapon in an event supervised by leader Kim Jong Un.
Since President Donald Trump met with Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in early this year, denuclearization talks have stopped.
According to CNN, Satellite images released Monday showed over a dozen undeclared North Korean missile operating bases.
Victory for CNN
A federal judge ruled that CNN correspondent Jim Acosta can keep his White House press pass, according to CBS News.
Trump-appointed judge, Judge Timothy J. Kelly, granted CNN’s request for a temporary restraining order, forcing the White House to return Acosta’s credential.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced last week that Acosta’s press pass was revoked after a heated exchange between him and the president during a press conference.
The White House argued that Acosta placed his hands on an intern during the televised news conference and that is why his credential was revoked. When they submitted their arguments; however, the White House did not mention that as a reason for revoking the pass.
Kelly said that he had not determined a violation of the First Amendment.
The plaintiffs are expected to return to court next week.
The fires continue
President Trump plans to visit California over the weekend to tour the damages of the wildfires and meet those affected.
This visit will come a week after he blamed state officials for the fire via Twitter. In his tweet president Trump said, “There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor.”
According to the New York Times, this statement received backlash from firefighters, experts and residents affected by the fires.
It is unclear how the president will be received during his visit. President Trump has only visited California once since he was elected and tends to clash with government officials in the state.
The Russia investigation continues
President Donald Trump has personally prepared – and finished writing answers to questions from special counsel Robert Mueller regarding the Russia investigation.
“I’ve answered them very easily. I’m working on them,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
The president stressed that he was the one writing the responses, not his lawyers, according to NBC News.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the questions only pertain to matter relating to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, not obstruction of justice.
That’s all we have for today. Check back Monday for more. Enjoy your weekend.
