Josh Hafner

USA TODAY

Will Montana voters put a guy into Congress who just yesterday allegedly assaulted a reporter? We'll know after tonight.

News broke that U.S House candidate Greg Gianforte allegedly "body-slammed" a reporter on the eve of Thursday's vote, with witnesses later describing the Republican as having grabbed the journalist by the neck before hurling him to the ground. A misdemeanor assault charge and an attack ad stemmed from the incident, along with a condemnation from House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Many thought a loss for Giaforte might signal shifting winds for a Trump-led GOP in a traditionally red state. Then a body slam happened, and now folk-singing Democrat Rob Quist might pull of a major upset. Maybe.

Also on Thursday: Trump pushed a prime minister, which, all things considered, seems quaint.

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Federal appeals court metaphorically body-slams Trump travel ban

Trump's travel band will stay stymied. A federal appeals court in Virginia on Thursday ruled to uphold a prior decision barring the president's controversial ban, which targets six majority-Muslim countries. Now a Supreme Court battle over the ban seems all the more likely. A blunt statement from Chief Judge Roger Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said that despite revisions removing any mention of religion, the ban still failed to hide "President Trump’s desire to exclude Muslims from the United States."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the case would be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Trump declines body slam, merely shoves prime minister

It was the shove seen 'round the world: President Trump seemingly grabbed the right arm of the prime minister of Montenegro and pushed him back into a crowd of NATO leaders before standing tall and adjusting his jacket. Video of the incident aided Trump's second viral moment this week on Thursday, after his wife Melania was caught apparently swatting his hand away in Israel. At the NATO meeting, Trump pressured leaders of the military alliance to throw in their "fair share" for the group's costs. Trump also declined to endorse the NATO treaty's Article 5, which states an attack on one member country is considered an attack on all. A White House spokesman later said his support for it was implicit.

Lieberman won't wrestle for FBI gig, citing 'conflict of interest'

A no-go for Joe. One-time senator Joe Lieberman pulled his name off the list of finalists under consideration to lead the FBI on Thursday, citing a possible "conflict of interest." It turns out that Lieberman is a senior counsel at the same law firm where Trump's personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, is a senior partner. Kasowitz currently represents Trump on various ongoing investigations tied to Trump, Lieberman noted. That makes the idea of Lieberman replacing James Comey, the former FBI director who oversaw a Russia inquiry tied to Trump, a bit messy.

Lieberman, who served four terms in the Senate, said he was "grateful" for Trump's consideration.

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