Two attorneys and an aide from President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign attended a court hearing in Wisconsin. They face felony forgery charges related to a fake elector plan. Similar cases have failed in Michigan and Georgia, but another case in Nevada is ongoing.
Key Facts
The court hearing took place in Wisconsin.
The charges involve a fake elector scheme from the 2020 election.
Two attorneys and one aide from President Trump's 2020 campaign are involved.
The Wisconsin case continues despite similar cases ending in Michigan and Georgia.
A special prosecutor dropped a federal case related to Trump's alleged election conspiracy.
President Donald Trump posted a statement on social media about the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, suggesting Reiner's criticism of him played a role. The post, which used the term "Trump Derangement Syndrome," drew backlash from people across the political spectrum, including some Trump supporters.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner, a well-known actor and director, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
Police are investigating their deaths as a possible homicide, and their son, Nick Reiner, is in custody.
President Trump posted a message on Truth Social expressing condolences but suggested Reiner's criticism of him contributed to his death.
Trump referred to Reiner’s alleged obsession as "Trump Derangement Syndrome," a term often used by Trump supporters.
The statement sparked criticism from both conservative and liberal social media users.
Experts are warning that Lake Mead is drying up and urgent action is needed to address water consumption. The Colorado River, which feeds into Lake Mead, is under strain due to rising temperatures, drought, and growing water demand. The situation is critical because Lake Mead supplies drinking water to about 25 million people.
Key Facts
Experts have released a report calling for immediate action to reduce water consumption in the Colorado River Basin.
Lake Mead is expected to reach its lowest recorded level by 2027 if current trends continue.
Rising temperatures and drought are causing the Colorado River to lose water, impacting Lake Mead.
Lake Mead provides drinking water for around 25 million people, highlighting the importance of its water levels.
Current rules for managing the river's water levels will expire in October next year, requiring new regulations.
Experts propose measures such as buying land to stop water use and increasing water recycling to address declining levels.
Some states, like Nevada and Arizona, have made efforts to recycle wastewater, but others have lower recycling rates.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is showing signs of improvement according to pollster Nate Silver. Despite recent gains, his rating is still lower than before the government shutdown. Upcoming 2026 midterm elections add importance to his approval ratings, affecting the GOP's position in Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has slightly improved from a recent low of -15 percentage points.
Current approval is at 42.8%, with 54% disapproving, resulting in a net rating of -11 percentage points.
Recent polls show improvement; an Economist/YouGov poll indicates a 5 percentage point increase.
I & I/TIPP polling reports a net approval rating of -3 percentage points.
Trump's approval among millennials increased by 3 percentage points, from -19 to -16.
Morning Consult found Trump's net approval is positive in 22 states.
The GOP holds a slim majority in Congress, making Trump's approval significant for the 2026 midterms.
New York City suspended Alternate Side Parking (ASP) rules due to heavy snowfall. This aims to help city plows clear the streets by not requiring cars to move for street cleaning on specific days.
Key Facts
New York City suspended ASP rules on Monday, December 15, due to heavy snow.
More than 2 inches of snow fell over the weekend, with more expected.
The ASP suspension is active from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
Drivers must still obey other parking rules and pay at meters.
ASP rules will also be suspended on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The city might extend the suspension depending on weather forecasts.
Over the weekend, parts of the Midwest experienced colder temperatures than the North Pole, with a drop as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit below normal. This unusual cold was due to shifting weather patterns that brought Arctic air to the region while causing warmer conditions at the North Pole.
Key Facts
The Midwest saw temperatures drop lower than those at the North Pole.
The cold was around 40 degrees colder than normal for the Midwest.
Some areas struggled to see temperatures rise above zero degrees Fahrenheit.
The unusual weather is due to a strong blocking pattern near the North Pole, displacing the cold air south.
Temperatures in Minnesota fell as low as -25 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chicago experienced its coldest early winter temperatures since 2013.
Over 20 states had winter weather-related advisories early Monday.
The East Coast is expected to experience freezing conditions, with such warnings from Texas to Florida.
The FBI stopped a planned bombing for New Year's Eve in Los Angeles. They arrested five people linked to a group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which is said to have extreme views.
Key Facts
The FBI disrupted a planned attack before New Year's Eve.
Multiple suspects were arrested in connection to the plot.
The group involved is called the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
The suspects planned to use improvised explosive devices.
The planned attacks targeted five locations in Los Angeles.
A fifth suspect was arrested later in New Orleans.
The group has pro-Palestinian and anti-government views.
A report shows that certain states in the U.S. are more at risk for package thefts, known as "porch piracy," during the holiday season. Alabama leads with the highest increase in thefts, followed by California and New York. Security experts recommend solutions like in-store pickups and enhanced visibility to prevent theft.
Key Facts
Alabama experiences the highest rise in package thefts before Christmas, with a 12.5% increase.
California and New York also see significant spikes in thefts, with increases of 8.8% and 8.4% respectively.
Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Texas, and Rhode Island are also in the top 10 for theft risk.
An estimated 37 million packages are expected to be stolen across the U.S. as Christmas nears.
The average number of parcels delivered per household is highest during the holiday season.
"Porch pirates" prefer stealing packages where the risk of being seen is low.
Security improvements such as cameras, lighting, and neighborhood visibility can help deter theft.
Vermont is noted as the safest state during the holiday season with a significant decrease in thefts.
President Donald Trump stated that film director Rob Reiner died because of Reiner's strong criticism of him. Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home, and the Los Angeles Police suspect homicide. The investigation is ongoing with no suspect or motive identified.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump said Rob Reiner died due to his strong criticism of Trump.
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their home.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths as an "apparent homicide."
Reiner was known for directing films like "The Princess Bride" and "When Harry Met Sally..."
Reiner frequently criticized President Trump for his political views.
No suspect or motive has been made public regarding the deaths.
Former President Barack Obama and other public figures expressed condolences and praised Reiner's impact on film and society.
President Trump's advisers are upset with Senator Josh Hawley for starting an anti-abortion group. They worry that focusing on abortion could hurt Republicans in the upcoming elections. Hawley's new group aims to support state-level anti-abortion measures and campaigns.
Key Facts
President Trump's advisers are unhappy with Senator Josh Hawley's anti-abortion group.
The group is called the Love Life Initiative and does not need to disclose its funding sources.
Trump's team believes pushing anti-abortion measures could harm Republicans in elections.
Trump and some Republicans prefer to focus on economic issues for upcoming elections.
In 2022, the Supreme Court's decision on abortion affected voter opinions.
Polls show more Americans currently identify as pro-choice than pro-life.
Hawley's actions suggest he might prepare for a 2028 presidential run.
Trump wants states to decide on abortion laws rather than a federal ban.
President Trump and his team are confident that the U.S. economy will improve significantly early next year, due to a key bill he signed in July. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicts positive changes like increased tax refunds and business investments. Meanwhile, Trump maintains that talk of a financial crisis is misleading.
Key Facts
President Trump believes the economy will improve in early 2026 due to a bill signed in July.
The July bill extended Trump's 2017 tax cuts, affecting tax returns and business incentives.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent forecasts Americans could receive up to $2,000 in tax refunds.
Businesses have increased capital expenditures, which could lead to more hiring and wage increases.
Stock markets are expected to rise, driven by support for AI companies.
Inflation is around 3%, unemployment is below 4.5%, and real wages have risen by about 1%.
Some Americans struggle with increased costs for groceries and utilities despite positive economic indicators.
Trump's messaging includes skepticism toward the term "affordability crisis," which he refers to as a "con job."
A new poll shows a decrease in the number of Republicans identifying with the MAGA movement associated with President Donald Trump. The shift comes as more Republicans now identify with traditional Republican values. This change occurs ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where the Republican Party aims to maintain control of Congress.
Key Facts
The number of Republicans identifying with MAGA has decreased by 7 percentage points since April 2025.
At the same time, those identifying with traditional Republicanism increased by 7 percentage points.
Currently, 50% of Republicans identify with MAGA, while 50% align with traditional Republican values.
Recent elections did not favor the Republican Party, including the New York City mayoral election.
Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene had a public disagreement with Trump and plans to resign from Congress in January 2026.
The White House Chief of Staff mentioned a strategy change involving President Trump campaigning for the 2026 midterms.
According to the NBC poll, 58% disapprove of Trump, while 42% approve, showing a slight decline in approval.
The poll sampled 20,252 adults from November 20 to December 8, with a margin of error of +/- 1.9 percentage points.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas plans to cancel a $30 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after backlash from other Native Americans. The contract was for planning immigrant detention centers, and the tribe faced criticism due to their historical experiences with forced relocation.
Key Facts
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is working to end a $30 million contract with ICE.
The contract involved planning immigrant detention centers in the U.S.
KPB Services LLC, a new tribal business, signed the contract in October.
Critics say it's inappropriate for the tribe, whose ancestors were forcibly moved, to profit from detention centers.
The tribe's leadership faced internal backlash, leading to executive firings.
The tribe's chairman emphasized transparency and reconsideration of the contract.
The contract was increased from $19 million to $29.9 million, nearing the threshold requiring more justification.
Tribal members expressed feeling blindsided and concerned about reputational impacts.
Rob Reiner, a Hollywood director known for criticizing President Donald Trump, was found dead along with his wife in their Los Angeles home in what is being investigated as a homicide. Authorities found they suffered stab wounds, and a family member is being questioned. Reiner was vocal about his concerns regarding Trump's influence on democracy in the U.S. and globally.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner, a movie director, frequently criticized President Trump.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
Their deaths are being investigated as an apparent homicide, with stab wounds reported.
A family member is being questioned by police.
Reiner previously expressed concerns about Trump's impact on U.S. democracy.
He warned about the shift towards autocracy if Trump returned to power.
Reiner was working on a documentary about Christian nationalism in the U.S.
Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the case.
A person detained after a shooting at Brown University was released, leaving police without any suspects. The attack killed two students and injured nine others. Authorities are continuing their search for the shooter.
Key Facts
A shooting at Brown University led to two deaths and nine injuries.
Police held and then released a person who they thought might be connected.
The shooting happened during a busy time on campus, affecting final exams.
Law enforcement is still looking for the shooter and using video footage to help.
Brown University canceled remaining classes and exams for the semester.
The person detained was a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, but no evidence confirmed his involvement.
The shooter fired more than 40 shots with a 9 mm handgun inside a classroom.
Many U.S. states are under winter weather alerts due to a storm that could bring up to 22 inches of snow in some areas. Alaska faces significant snowfall, while freeze warnings are in place for states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. The National Weather Service advises caution due to expected dangerous cold temperatures across several regions.
Key Facts
Up to 22 inches of snow are expected in some parts of the U.S.
Alaska has winter storm warnings for several areas due to ongoing heavy snow.
Parts of New York have winter weather advisories with warnings for slippery roads.
Freeze warnings cover Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Cold conditions could cause frostbite and hypothermia if people are not careful.
Wind chills could drop to 20 below zero in parts of West Virginia.
The cold weather might affect mail delivery in several states, including Montana and Massachusetts.
The National Weather Service is monitoring these weather conditions closely.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is asking people in snowy and icy areas to keep pathways to mailboxes clear to ensure safe and consistent mail delivery. USPS has advised residents to clear snow from mailboxes, sidewalks, and steps to avoid disruptions and protect mail carriers from potential injuries.
Key Facts
USPS has issued a plea to residents in several states affected by winter weather, including New York, Indiana, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
The request aims to keep pathways to mailboxes clear of snow and ice.
Clearing snow helps ensure that mail carriers can safely deliver mail without risking injury.
USPS states that mail delivery may be suspended if mailboxes are not safely accessible.
The agency provides guidelines like clearing snow from mailboxes and keeping sidewalks and steps free of ice.
USPS emphasizes the safety and accessibility of mail delivery during hazardous winter conditions.
Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife were found dead at their home in Los Angeles. Police say they are investigating the case as a possible homicide, and a family member is being questioned. Both were found dead from suspected stab wounds.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner and his wife were discovered dead in their Los Angeles home.
The LA Police Department is investigating the incident as a potential homicide.
The LA Fire Department responded to a medical aid call and found both victims dead.
Reiner was 78 years old, and his wife was 68 years old.
Media reports suggest both died from stab wounds.
A family member is being questioned by police in connection to the incident.
Rob Reiner was a director known for films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "This Is Spinal Tap."
Reiner was also known for his political activism and supporting Democratic candidates.
Schools in several U.S. states will either close or start late on Monday, December 15, due to severe winter weather. The weather includes very cold temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snow affecting areas like Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Key Facts
Schools in Ohio and Kentucky, such as Cincinnati Public Schools and Kenton County Schools, will be closed on Monday.
The Willington National Weather Service warned of extremely cold wind chills in parts of Ohio and Kentucky until Monday morning.
In West Virginia and Virginia, schools like Nicholas County Schools and Tazewell County Schools will be closed, and several others will have delays.
Middle Tennessee schools, including Cannon and Hickman Counties, will experience two-hour delays.
Pittsburgh-area schools, including Pittsburgh Public Schools, plan for delayed starts due to icy conditions.
In Central Indiana, schools will also have two-hour delays with very cold temperatures expected.
New rules now require H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents to have their social media reviewed by U.S. officials as part of their visa evaluation process. This change is aimed at enhancing national security and aligns with existing policies for international students and exchange visitors.
Key Facts
Starting today, H-1B visa applicants must make their social media public for evaluation.
The U.S. State Department will check social media posts and connections from the last five years.
H-1B visas allow highly skilled workers to enter the U.S., important for tech and academic sectors.
The new rules align H-1B checks with those for student/exchange visas such as F, M, and J categories.
The policy is part of a broader move under President Trump to tighten immigration and enhance security.
There are concerns that increased vetting may delay processes and affect free speech.
Social media checks are becoming a standard part of U.S. visa and immigration reviews.
