Dan Bongino will leave his job as the FBI's deputy director in January. President Donald Trump appointed him in February, and Bongino is returning to his media career. He announced his decision on social media.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino will step down as FBI deputy director in January.
President Trump appointed Bongino to this role in February.
Bongino has previously worked as a New York City police officer and a US Secret Service agent.
He gained popularity through his podcast and media appearances.
The FBI Agents Association opposed his appointment.
Bongino expressed frustration over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
President Trump praised Bongino's performance in office.
Some Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives joined with Democrats to try to extend federal healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. However, the effort failed, and the subsidies are likely to expire at the end of the year. This could affect millions of Americans who rely on these subsidies for health insurance.
Key Facts
Four centrist Republicans broke from their party's leadership to support a Democratic plan to extend healthcare subsidies.
The House vote to extend the subsidies did not pass, with a tally of 204-203.
The contested vote was cut short by Republican leadership, leaving some House members unable to vote.
The subsidies help around 24 million Americans who use the Affordable Care Act for insurance.
The current subsidies are set to expire on December 31, possibly leading to higher insurance costs for some people.
Republican leaders support a different proposal that aims to lower some insurance premiums while reducing overall subsidies.
The Republican proposal could result in 100,000 fewer insured people each year on average, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The healthcare debate is a significant issue leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, with affordability being a major focus.
Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, was arrested in a convenience store in Los Angeles on Sunday. He faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents. Surveillance footage showed him wandering around the store before the arrest.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is the son of director Rob Reiner and producer Michele Reiner.
Nick Reiner was arrested on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Surveillance footage captured Reiner in a convenience store before his arrest.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Dan Bongino has announced he will leave his position as FBI deputy director in January. His departure follows a tenure of about nine months marked by controversy over his public statements and clashes with the Justice Department. President Trump stated that Bongino wants to return to his media career.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino will leave his role as deputy director of the FBI in January.
President Trump mentioned that Bongino intends to return to his show.
Bongino's time at the FBI was controversial due to his public statements and disputes with the Justice Department.
Rumors of his resignation began in July after a disagreement with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
He was involved in promoting conspiracy theories and false claims regarding FBI investigations.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was appointed as co-deputy director, suggesting Bongino's time might be ending.
Previously, Bongino hosted a Fox News show and worked in the U.S. Secret Service.
Bongino's early career included the NYPD and the Secret Service's Presidential Protection Division.
Susie Wiles, President Trump's Chief of Staff, gave interviews to Vanity Fair where she made several remarks about notable figures. The White House claims the interviews were misrepresented, calling them a "framed hit piece." Podcast hosts Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher discuss these events with journalist Chris Whipple.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is credited with being a key figure in President Trump's re-election campaign.
She is known for being a significant but media-shy presence in the White House.
Wiles described President Trump as having an "alcoholic's personality" in her interviews.
She referred to JD Vance as a "conspiracy theorist" and Elon Musk as "an odd, odd duck."
The White House accused Vanity Fair of taking Wiles' statements out of context.
The podcast episode features discussions about the interviews and includes thoughts from journalist Chris Whipple.
The Americast podcast is produced by the BBC and discusses U.S. political events.
President Donald Trump announced that about 1.45 million U.S. military service members will receive a "warrior dividend" of $1,776 each before Christmas, in honor of the country's founding year, 1776. He mentioned that tariffs are helping to fund these payments, though details on the funding process were not provided.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced a payment called the "warrior dividend."
Each U.S. military service member will receive $1,776.
Around 1.45 million service members are eligible for this payment.
The payment is planned to be distributed before Christmas.
The amount $1,776 represents the year of America’s founding.
President Trump suggested that tariffs are helping fund these payments.
Exact details on how the payments are funded have not been explained.
President Donald Trump announced an initiative to reduce drug prices significantly by negotiating with drug companies and foreign countries. He introduced a new website, TrumpRX.gov, where these reduced prices will be available starting January 2026.
Key Facts
President Trump aims to lower drug prices by 400 to 600%.
He negotiated with drug companies and foreign nations to achieve these reductions.
Trump stated that no previous politicians have taken on special interests in this way.
The price reductions will be available through a website, TrumpRX.gov.
The TrumpRX.gov website is set to launch in January 2026.
The announcement was made during a prime-time address from the White House.
The U.S. military carried out a strike on a boat suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people. This action is part of a series of attacks authorized by President Trump to target drug cartels. The initiative has led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers.
Key Facts
The U.S. military attacked a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people.
The boat was suspected of drug smuggling and operated by narco-terrorists.
This recent strike brings the total number of such attacks to 26, with at least 99 individuals killed.
President Trump justifies these attacks as necessary to combat drug flow into the U.S.
There is increasing scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the strikes.
On the same day, the House voted against resolutions that would limit President Trump's military actions against drug cartels.
House Republicans rejected measures that needed Congress's approval for future strikes.
President Trump describes the U.S. efforts as an "armed conflict" with drug cartels.
Jack Smith, the former Justice Department Special Counsel, defended his role in two criminal cases against President Donald Trump, during a closed-door meeting with the House Judiciary Committee. These cases alleged Trump mishandled classified information and attempted to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith argued that his actions were based on facts and law, not politics.
Key Facts
Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee in a closed meeting.
He led two criminal cases against President Trump, one about mishandling classified information and the other about attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
Smith claimed there was "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" of Trump's involvement in trying to overturn the 2020 election.
The Republican-led committee accused Smith's investigations of being politically motivated.
Smith insisted his decisions were based on law and facts and not influenced by Trump's political status or candidacy.
Smith was subpoenaed by the committee to testify and to provide documents by December 12.
Smith dropped the cases after Trump's re-election in 2024, aligning with the policy against prosecuting a sitting president.
President Trump has called for investigations into Smith and other critics since returning to office.
The U.S. Senate has passed a $901 billion defense bill for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill includes military spending plans and policies backed by President Donald Trump's administration. It features provisions that seek to ensure Congress keeps oversight over military actions and supports U.S. commitments abroad.
Key Facts
The bill is called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and passed the Senate with a 77-20 vote.
It combines priorities from President Trump's administration with measures to maintain Congress' control over military activities.
The bill requires keeping at least 76,000 U.S. soldiers in Europe unless reductions are deemed necessary with NATO consultations.
It includes $800 million in support for Ukraine over the next two years.
The NDAA allocates $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to strengthen defense ties with Taiwan.
It provides $600 million in security assistance to Israel, including missile defense programs like the Iron Dome.
The bill repeals authorizations for past U.S. military actions in Iraq and the Gulf War to reduce the risk of future actions without Congress' approval.
Several provisions align with President Trump's America First strategy, with a focus on Asia-Pacific and easing restrictions on Syria.
The U.S. government admitted that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Army had roles in a midair collision between a passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., which resulted in 67 deaths. The government claims the air traffic controller didn’t follow procedures and that the Army helicopter pilots didn’t stay alert to avoid the crash. American Airlines and PSA Airlines may also share blame, but they are seeking to dismiss the charges.
Key Facts
The collision happened near Washington, D.C., between an airliner and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
67 people died in the incident, including passengers, crew, and soldiers.
The U.S. government admits the FAA and Army contributed to the crash.
Air traffic control procedures were not adequately followed.
The Army pilots did not maintain enough attention to avoid the jet.
American Airlines and PSA Airlines are also accused but are fighting the charges.
The NTSB highlighted issues like the helicopter flying too high and poor risk recognition by the FAA.
The FAA has stopped relying on visual separation after recognizing its flaws.
Nick Reiner appeared in court for the first time after being accused of killing his parents in Los Angeles. His lawyer asked people not to make quick judgments about the case until all the facts are presented.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner.
The incident happened in their home in Los Angeles.
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
His lawyer spoke to the public, asking them not to judge quickly.
The lawyer emphasized waiting for all details to emerge in the case.
A Florida jury found Alex Lopez guilty of first-degree murder and robbery after he killed Raied Shihadeh during a robbery at a convenience store in 2024. The victim's wife, Monique Shihadeh, was on a video call with him during the shooting and testified in court. Lopez was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Key Facts
Alex Lopez was convicted for the murder of Raied Shihadeh and armed robbery.
The crime occurred on May 30, 2024, at a convenience store in Leesburg, Florida.
Raied Shihadeh’s wife was on a FaceTime call with him when he was shot.
Police found Raied with gunshot wounds and he later died from his injuries.
Surveillance footage showed a masked man entering the store, shooting the victim, and stealing money and a vape product.
Public tips helped identify Lopez as the suspect, leading to his arrest in June 2024.
Lopez received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
A few centrist Republicans in the House joined Democrats to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years. This move was against the wishes of the House Speaker, Mike Johnson. However, the measure is likely to face challenges in the Senate.
Key Facts
Some centrist Republicans in the House helped Democrats get enough signatures to vote on extending ACA tax credits.
The proposal is for a three-year extension of the ACA tax credits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson did not support this move by the centrists.
The measure can be delayed in the House for seven days but is expected to face resistance in the Senate.
Centrist Republicans and Democrats had been working on a compromise but were unable to agree.
Republicans have opposed similar measures in the Senate previously.
Moderates in the GOP have been trying to get a vote on their version of the ACA subsidy extension without success.
Some GOP moderates felt the leadership rejected their request for a compromise vote, leading to frustration and the eventual signing of the Democratic petition.
A new poll shows that 57% of Americans disapprove of President Trump's handling of the economy, with only 36% approving. This is the lowest rating he has received on economic issues during his time in office.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by PBS News, NPR, and Marist.
57% of participants disapprove of President Trump's economic management.
36% of respondents approve of his performance on the economy.
This is President Trump's lowest economic rating in his presidency.
Economic concerns are currently a major focus for many Americans.
Lawmakers in the U.S. are working to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire soon. Some Republicans joined Democrats to propose a three-year extension of these subsidies.
Key Facts
Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies will end for many people in two weeks if not extended.
A group of Republicans and Democrats in Congress are suggesting a three-year extension of these subsidies.
The effort shows bipartisan support, with members from both parties working together.
Speaker Johnson's position was defied by a few Republicans who joined Democrats in this proposal.
The subsidies are important for helping people pay for health insurance.
The discussion was highlighted by interactions between Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley and Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta.
As the Affordable Care Act subsidies are nearing expiration, Republicans have proposed a plan to help Americans pay for health care using health savings accounts (HSAs). This plan focuses on directing money into these accounts as an alternative solution.
Key Facts
The Affordable Care Act (commonly referred to as Obamacare) subsidies are expiring soon.
Republicans have suggested using health savings accounts (HSAs) to help people manage health care costs.
Health savings accounts are accounts where individuals can save money specifically for health-related expenses.
These accounts allow people to use pre-tax dollars for medical costs, potentially lowering their overall health expenses.
The proposal is part of the Republicans' efforts as an alternative to the current health care system.
HSAs are typically available to people with high-deductible health insurance plans.
Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, appeared in a Los Angeles court charged with the first-degree murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner. The court postponed his arraignment until January 7, allowing time for further evaluations, and he remains in custody. His lawyer highlighted the complex issues in the case and urged for a fair process.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner has been charged with the first-degree murder of his parents.
He appeared in court but did not enter a plea, with the arraignment rescheduled for January 7.
Rob and Michele Singer Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home.
The court advised the media not to film Nick Reiner during the hearing.
Nick Reiner wore a suicide prevention vest in court.
A psychiatric evaluation might be conducted to determine if he is fit for trial.
If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
During a Senate hearing, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, faced criticism for removing "independent" from the FCC's mission statement and pressuring networks over content critical of the administration. The changes happened amid President Donald Trump's actions against media outlets he disfavors. Carr, aligned with Trump's policies, suggested the FCC was influenced by the President.
Key Facts
The FCC removed "independent" from its mission statement during a Senate hearing.
Democratic senators questioned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr about his actions towards broadcasters.
Carr suggested the FCC was not independent of President Trump's influence.
President Trump has been challenging media outlets through legal and public criticisms.
Carr justified his actions under federal communications law standards for networks.
The hearing highlighted concerns over the FCC potentially losing its historically independent role.
Republican senators deflected accusations onto previous administrations and other unrelated issues.
Next year, 15 common drugs will be cheaper for people on Medicare, thanks to approvals from the Trump administration. The prices are set to drop by an average of 44%, with expectations of total savings reaching about $12 billion. Medicare's negotiation capabilities, enhanced by the Inflation Reduction Act, will allow these savings.
Key Facts
Medicare-approved price cuts are set for 15 widely used drugs in 2024.
Total savings on these drugs are expected to be $12 billion.
The price cuts result from Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices.
Discounts will range from 38% to 85%.
These changes are part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which began in 2022.
Medicare Part D enrollees could save $685 million in total.
Around 5.3 million people use these 15 medications.
The list includes drugs for diabetes, cancer, and asthma.
