A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulted in the deaths of two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. Nine other students were injured in the incident that occurred when a gunman entered the campus.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at Brown University on Saturday.
Ella Cook, 19, was vice-president of the school's Republican student organization.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, was an aspiring neurosurgeon and first-year student.
Ella Cook was attending a review session for an economics exam when the shooting occurred.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov had a scholarship to attend Brown University.
A total of nine students were injured during the shooting.
Tributes and vigils have been held in honor of the victims.
President Trump has identified 19 countries as "high-risk", leading to the cancellation of naturalization ceremonies for immigrants from these countries. This affects the final step for many immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
Naturalization ceremonies are the last step for immigrants to become U.S. citizens.
Recently, ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries have been canceled.
The cancellations are due to these countries being labeled as "high-risk" by President Trump.
The decision impacts people waiting to complete their legal process for citizenship.
The issue was discussed by Amna Nawaz and Gail Breslow from Project Citizenship.
President Trump received unusual criticism from some members of his party after posting on social media about the death of director Rob Reiner. Additionally, Congress is short on time to reach an agreement on the Affordable Care Act.
Key Facts
President Trump made a social media comment about Rob Reiner's death.
Some members of Trump's political party criticized him for this comment.
Rob Reiner is a well-known director.
The Affordable Care Act is also known as Obamacare.
Congress has limited time to make a decision about the Affordable Care Act.
U.S. service members recorded the song "Rock of Ages" for Hanukkah as part of a News Hour tradition. The Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service produced the video.
Key Facts
U.S. service members performed the song "Rock of Ages."
It was part of a tradition for the News Hour program.
The video celebrates the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.
"Rock of Ages" is a song from the 13th century.
The Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service produced the video.
President Trump mocked the death of director Rob Reiner on social media, diverging from many MAGA supporters who called for compassion. Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home, and their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested in connection to their deaths. Trump's comments received criticism from within his party for being insensitive.
Key Facts
President Trump mocked Rob Reiner's death on social media, mentioning "Trump derangement syndrome."
Rob Reiner and his wife were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
The couple's son, Nick Reiner, was arrested in connection with their deaths.
Some MAGA voices drew comparisons to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and criticized political celebrations of deaths.
Several Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticized Trump's response.
Trump’s post on Truth Social led to rare criticism from his Republican allies.
Rob Reiner was known for his opposition to President Trump.
A JetBlue flight and a US Air Force tanker nearly collided near Venezuela. The incident is being reviewed, and the Air Force is checking the details. The JetBlue flight had to stop its climb to avoid the military plane.
Key Facts
A JetBlue plane almost collided with a US Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela.
The JetBlue flight was traveling from Curaçao to New York City.
The military plane's transponder, a device that helps air traffic controllers track the plane, was not on.
The JetBlue pilot reported the incident and described it as "outrageous" because the planes were very close.
US Southern Command and the Air Force are reviewing the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration had advised US aircraft to be cautious in Venezuelan airspace due to security concerns.
President Donald Trump made a controversial statement blaming actor-director Rob Reiner's criticism of him for Reiner's death. The police are investigating the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, as a possible homicide. Their son Nick Reiner has been taken into police custody.
Key Facts
President Trump blamed Rob Reiner's criticism of him for Reiner's death.
Rob Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home in Los Angeles.
The police believe the couple died from stab wounds.
Their son, Nick Reiner, is in police custody.
Police are investigating the case as a possible homicide.
Trump's comments were unusual for a president, as they were critical rather than consolatory.
Trump's statement received criticism from conservatives and his supporters.
President Donald Trump announced plans to sue the BBC for up to $15 billion. He claims a BBC documentary falsely portrayed him as encouraging the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, by editing his words.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to file a lawsuit against the BBC.
The lawsuit could be for up to $15 billion.
Trump accuses a BBC documentary of making him look like he supported the Capitol riot by editing his speech.
The BBC director-general and CEO resigned after the accusations about the documentary.
Trump suggested that his words might have been altered using AI.
Trump stated the lawsuit would be filed either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.
Rob Reiner, a well-known filmmaker, and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested and charged with their murders. President Trump and former President Biden issued different statements on the couple's deaths, with Biden offering condolences and Trump making controversial remarks.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner directed several famous movies including "Stand by Me" and "When Harry Met Sally."
He was an active political supporter of the Democratic Party.
Nick Reiner, their son, was arrested and charged with their murders.
President Biden expressed condolences praising the Reiners’ contributions.
President Trump made a statement linking the death to "Trump derangement syndrome."
Rob Reiner had withdrawn his support for Biden’s 2024 election bid.
Tributes for Rob Reiner came from notable figures like Stephen King and Barack Obama.
President Trump commented on the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, attributing it to what he termed as "Trump Derangement Syndrome." The circumstances of their deaths are currently being investigated as a homicide, with their son in police custody. Rob Reiner was a well-known director and vocal critic of President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to "Trump Derangement Syndrome" in response to Rob Reiner's death.
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead and their deaths are being investigated as a homicide.
Their son, Nick Reiner, is currently in police custody.
Rob Reiner directed famous movies such as "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally," and "Stand by Me."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed their deaths and called it a significant loss.
Reiner was known to frequently criticize President Trump and his administration.
The investigation into their deaths is ongoing by the LAPD.
President Donald Trump faced criticism from some Republicans over his remarks about actor Rob Reiner following Reiner's death. Trump, responding to the backlash, referred to Reiner as "deranged" and said he was not a fan. This interaction took place in the Oval Office.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on the late actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner on Truth Social.
Trump described Reiner as "tortured and struggling" and mentioned "Trump derangement syndrome."
Some Republicans criticized Trump for these remarks.
Trump stated in the Oval Office that he was "not a fan" of Reiner.
Trump further described Reiner as a "deranged person."
This is identified as a breaking news story with updates to follow.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction." He stated that adversaries use fentanyl to harm Americans and discussed efforts to reduce its trafficking through military operations and talks with China.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order regarding fentanyl.
Fentanyl is now classified as a "weapon of mass destruction."
Trump said adversaries are using fentanyl to harm Americans.
The U.S. is conducting military operations to stop drug trafficking at sea.
Trump mentioned working with China to address fentanyl trafficking.
Efforts have reportedly led to a 94% decrease in drug imports by sea.
There has been a 50% drop in fentanyl coming across the border.
Rekeya Frazier, sister of the woman who filmed George Floyd's murder, was arrested by federal agents after allegedly driving away with a DHS agent in her car. Her arrest occurred during "Operation Metro Surge," an initiative focusing on immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities area. Her boyfriend, Oluwadamilola Bamigboye, was also involved and is accused of overstaying his visa.
Key Facts
Rekeya Frazier, 23, was arrested in Minnesota after allegedly driving away with a DHS agent in her car.
The incident took place on December 10, just outside Minneapolis.
Oluwadamilola Bamigboye, Frazier's boyfriend, was the target of the federal operation.
The couple is charged with multiple offenses, including assaulting and resisting a federal agent.
Darnella Frazier, Rekeya's sister, is noted for filming George Floyd's murder in 2020.
The arrest is linked to the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" targeting immigration in the area.
Darnella Frazier claims her sister did not believe the agent was legitimate and drove to a police station out of fear.
Bamigboye is a Nigerian national who allegedly overstayed his student visa.
A trial has started for Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, who is charged with obstruction for allegedly helping an immigrant avoid arrest by immigration agents at a courthouse. The incident occurred during President Trump's immigration crackdown. The judge claims she was following procedure, while prosecutors argue she impeded the agents.
Key Facts
Judge Hannah Dugan is on trial in federal court in Milwaukee.
She is charged with obstruction for allegedly directing an immigrant out a private door to avoid arrest by federal agents.
The immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was at the courthouse for a hearing on a state crime.
The prosecution alleges Dugan told her court reporter she would take responsibility for her actions.
Dugan's defense argues she was only following courthouse policy.
Flores-Ruiz was arrested after leaving the courthouse and has since been deported.
The trial includes testimony from approximately two dozen witnesses.
The maximum possible sentence for obstruction is five years in prison.
A JetBlue pilot claimed that a near collision with a U.S. Air Force plane occurred in the Caribbean, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Southern Command and the Federal Aviation Administration. The JetBlue flight had to stop its climb to avoid the military aircraft, which reportedly did not have its transponder on and entered the jet's flight path.
Key Facts
A JetBlue pilot reported a near-miss with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker.
This incident happened in the Caribbean and involved JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York.
The U.S. Southern Command is investigating the situation.
Military aircraft are expected to follow specific procedures for safety.
The Air Force plane allegedly entered the JetBlue plane's path without having its transponder on.
Air traffic control was notified when the JetBlue plane had to stop its climb to avoid a collision.
JetBlue has reported the incident to federal authorities and will aid in the investigation.
A court case in Los Angeles will decide whether California's new congressional map, which aims to give Democrats an advantage in upcoming elections, can be used. The Department of Justice and the California Republican Party claim the map unfairly favors Hispanic voters, violating the Constitution. California voters approved this map to use in future elections, and the state's Democrats believe the lawsuit will not succeed.
Key Facts
A court in Los Angeles will review California's new congressional map's legality.
The map aims to help Democrats gain more seats in Congress in future elections.
The Department of Justice and California Republicans claim the map favors Hispanic voters, which they argue is unconstitutional.
California voters approved the map for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
The map was designed after state's voters passed Proposition 50 in November.
Similar redistricting efforts have happened in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio.
The federal Voting Rights Act requires fair representation for minority groups.
The court's decision could impact the balance of power in Congress.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, is actively engaging Latino voters to support Democratic candidates in various U.S. states. He has been helping Democratic campaigns and is seen as a growing influence in the party, possibly aiming for a future presidential run. Gallego is notably working to regain Latino voter support for the Democrats, which declined after the 2024 election of President Trump.
Key Facts
Sen. Ruben Gallego is from Arizona and is helping Democratic candidates reach Latino voters.
Gallego has been visiting states like New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida to support Democratic campaigns.
He plays a significant role in efforts to recover Latino voter support, which decreased in 2024.
Gallego is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and a potential 2028 presidential contender.
His work includes supporting women candidates in gubernatorial and mayoral races.
Gallego grew up in an immigrant household and has served as a U.S. senator, adding to his appeal among Latino voters.
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was disbarred in Connecticut due to ethical violations related to federal convictions. He agreed to the disbarment but did not admit to criminal behavior. A judge determined he broke several attorney conduct rules, including dishonesty.
Key Facts
Hunter Biden was disbarred in Connecticut on Monday.
The disbarment followed federal convictions and related complaints.
Biden agreed to the disbarment but did not admit to crimes.
A Connecticut judge cited violations of attorney ethics rules.
Biden was previously disbarred in Washington, D.C.
He was pardoned last year by former President Joe Biden for past felony convictions.
Hunter Biden was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1997 after graduating from Yale Law School.
Judge Aileen Cannon allowed President Donald Trump to make a final statement in a legal process concerning a report about classified documents. Trump can restate his previous legal points, but he cannot add new information. The decision comes before a deadline that will determine if the report will be made public.
Key Facts
Judge Aileen Cannon approved President Trump's request to participate as a "friend of the court," allowing him to reaffirm his past arguments.
Trump cannot submit new information in this process.
The issue revolves around whether Volume II of a report on Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents will be released.
Judge Cannon had previously stopped the report from being published, citing potential unfair impacts on Trump's former co-defendants.
Trump has argued against releasing the report, claiming it would legitimize an investigation he considers unlawful.
The deadline for resolving access to the report is approaching, with about two weeks left.
Trump is not a defendant in the case now, but the court will soon decide on the report's public release.
Judge Cannon had previously dismissed criminal charges against Trump due to issues she found with the special counsel's appointment.
The Supreme Court will hear the case of Terry Pitchford, a death row inmate in Mississippi who claims racial bias in his jury selection. The Court granted him permission to proceed without paying usual court fees, which happens rarely. His case involves a prosecutor previously scrutinized for similar jury selection issues.
Key Facts
Terry Pitchford is on death row for a 2004 murder in Mississippi.
He argues that the prosecutor excluded Black jurors in a biased way.
Only one Black juror served on his jury after others were struck.
The Supreme Court will review his case for potential racial bias.
He was allowed to proceed without court costs, which is uncommon.
The prosecutor involved had a similar case overturned in 2019.
Pitchford’s case is set for arguments in the spring of 2026.
Few people are granted fee waivers in Supreme Court cases.
