This is AP Newsminute.

A. TRUMP COMEY / JAMES CASES

A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James,

The judge ruled the government's prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.

PENTAGON MARK KELLY

The Pentagon says it's investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly for possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot, joined a handful of lawmakers calling for U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders.

C. SPORTS BETTING ARRESTS

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to federal charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and another former NBA player.

All told, 30 people face charges in last month's sprawling investigation.

D. WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE

First lady Melania Trump welcomed this year's Christmas tree to the White House.

The 25-foot concolor fir comes from a tree farm in Michigan and will be displayed in the Blue Room at the White House.