*A procedural dispute over document handling has placed federal prosecutors under judicial scrutiny, with potential consequences for how the Justice Department manages sensitive court filings.*

*A permanent nomination would require Senate confirmation, giving lawmakers their first formal opportunity to scrutinize Blanche's tenure as both Trump's former defense attorney and the department's acting chief.*

*Beijing's decision to proceed with the annual civilian-track forum signals continued pursuit of people-to-people engagement with Taiwan even as official political dialogue between the two sides remains absent.*