A train in Hinsdale, Illinois hit the front of a vehicle. The vehicle's driver had minor injuries and went to the hospital. Train passengers switched to another train after the accident.
Key Facts
The collision happened in Hinsdale, Illinois, involving a Metra commuter train and a vehicle.
The driver was the only person in the vehicle at the time.
The driver was taken to Hinsdale Hospital with minor injuries.
The train stopped working after the collision, and passengers had to change to another train.
Alina Habba resigned as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey after a court ruled she wasn't lawfully serving in the role. The appeals court decision found her appointment violated guidelines for temporary government positions. The Trump administration plans to challenge the court's decision.
Key Facts
Alina Habba resigned from her role as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
President Trump's administration plans to appeal this court ruling.
Habba stated she resigned to maintain the stability and integrity of the office.
She was serving as acting U.S. attorney without prior prosecutorial experience.
Habba was previously President Trump's personal lawyer.
Normally, U.S. attorney roles are filled with Senate-approved candidates.
Other Trump associates in similar roles have faced legal challenges over their appointments.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as "foreign terrorist organizations" in Florida. This decision directs state agencies to withdraw support from those backing these groups, and CAIR plans to contest this order in court.
Key Facts
Governor Ron DeSantis is a Republican leader in Florida.
DeSantis announced the designation via his official social media account.
The designation includes instructions for Florida state agencies to prevent support for these groups.
DeSantis also mentioned potential new laws to stop the influence of sharia law in Florida.
CAIR is planning to sue DeSantis, stating the move is defamatory and unconstitutional.
CAIR describes itself as a major Muslim civil rights group in the U.S.
The group criticizes DeSantis for allegedly prioritizing foreign interests over Floridians.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used Christmas-themed social media posts to promote its deportation plans. These posts included images of officers with Santa hats and tanks decorated with Christmas lights. The use of these images and messages has led to criticism from religious and public figures.
Key Facts
DHS shared Christmas-themed images to promote deportations.
The images featured law enforcement officers wearing Santa hats.
Tanks and police shields were shown with Christmas decorations.
DHS and the White House have faced criticism for using such imagery.
Religious leaders and public figures have spoken against the campaign.
California Governor Gavin Newsom cited a Bible verse in response to the imagery.
DHS mentioned offering incentives for self-deportation, including free flights and cash.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem discussed increased deportations during a Cabinet meeting.
President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to help U.S. farmers affected by his tariff policies. The money for this aid comes from funds raised by tariffs, and it aims to support farmers who are struggling due to trade disputes and higher costs. Trump emphasized his support for farmers, who played a big role in his 2024 election victory.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers.
The aid comes from money raised through tariffs.
The aid is a response to challenges farmers face due to trade disputes.
Farmers have had difficulties because of high costs for seeds and fertilizers.
Up to $11 billion will go to a new program called Farmer Bridge Assistance.
China has promised to buy U.S. soybeans, but has only bought a small amount so far.
U.S. farmers received around $40 billion in government payments this year.
The announcement highlights Trump's ongoing support from the farming community.
President Trump's second term is showing signs of tension within the Republican Party. Some Republicans are opposing his policies and decisions, especially with midterm elections approaching. Disagreements have emerged on various issues, including personnel decisions and policy matters.
Key Facts
Republicans are increasingly resisting President Trump as his approval ratings decline.
There is disagreement within the party over releasing certain legal documents and on trade-related policies.
Some Republican lawmakers are questioning decisions made by Trump’s Cabinet members.
Republican Senator Rand Paul has called for testimony from the Defense Secretary on a military operation.
Senator Bill Cassidy has criticized the Health Secretary’s vaccine policies.
The Republican-controlled House is facing internal conflicts, with some members leaving Congress.
Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized Speaker Mike Johnson as inexperienced.
High-profile Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Marjorie Taylor Greene are leaving Congress after disagreements with Trump.
Twelve former FBI agents have filed a lawsuit claiming they were wrongfully fired by President Trump's administration for kneeling during racial justice protests in 2020. The agents say they kneeled to calm a tense situation, not to show political support. They argue their firing was part of a campaign against those seen as political opponents.
Key Facts
Twelve ex-FBI agents are suing over being fired for kneeling during 2020 protests in Washington D.C.
The lawsuit claims the firings were politically motivated by President Trump's administration.
The agents knelt to help de-escalate a tense protest situation, not as a political statement.
The firings are part of broader allegations against the administration targeting perceived political enemies.
The lawsuit mentions previous incidents of fired federal employees, including those linked to investigations into Trump.
FBI Director Kash Patel is named as having pushed for the firings despite a review saying agents acted to calm tensions.
The agents' termination letters cited them for unprofessional conduct and lack of impartiality.
The lawsuit references historical events such as the Boston Massacre to highlight the potential dangers of the protest situation.
Alina Habba, who was appointed by President Trump as New Jersey's top prosecutor, resigned after a court said her appointment was not valid. The court found that her role violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act because it bypassed Senate approval. Habba will continue working as a senior adviser within the justice department.
Key Facts
Alina Habba resigned from her role as New Jersey's top prosecutor.
A court decided that Habba's appointment was not lawful because it bypassed Senate approval.
The court ruling was related to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi accepted Habba's resignation.
Habba will remain at the justice department as a senior adviser.
President Trump appointed Habba for the role earlier this year.
The ruling might affect many criminal cases in New Jersey.
Pam Bondi praised Habba for her work, noting reduced crime rates in Newark and Camden.
Alina Habba resigned from her position as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. She stepped down after an appeals court ruled she was serving unlawfully. Habba will continue to work as a senior adviser to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Key Facts
Alina Habba was acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
An appeals court said she was unlawfully serving in her role.
Habba resigned from her position on Monday.
She will still serve as a senior adviser to Pam Bondi.
President Trump once had Alina Habba as his personal lawyer.
The White House directed questions to Bondi and did not comment further.
The Justice Department has not responded to requests for comments.
A judge in Massachusetts declared President Donald Trump's order to stop offshore wind projects unlawful. This decision allows the Revolution Wind project, a major wind energy initiative, to continue.
Key Facts
A federal judge overturned President Trump's executive order stopping offshore wind projects.
Revolution Wind, a nearly $6 billion project, was halted due to this order.
The court found the order unconstitutional, allowing the wind project to proceed.
Revolution Wind aims to power approximately 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Judge Lamberth stated the halt caused significant financial harm, costing $2.3 million each day.
About 70% of the wind turbines for the project were already installed.
President Trump has criticized wind energy, claiming it is costly and harms the environment.
The Supreme Court is considering a case that could change how much power the President has over independent government agencies. This case might affect long-standing rules about removing members from these agencies.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is hearing a case about presidential power.
The case could change the rules that have been in place for 90 years.
Currently, presidents cannot easily remove members of independent government agencies.
These independent agencies function separately from direct presidential control.
The decision might expand how much power the President has over these agencies.
Amy Howe, a Supreme Court analyst, discussed the case on a news program.
Some Republicans in important U.S. House districts are trying to address issues related to the possible end of expanded health care subsidies. These subsidies, which help people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, are set to expire, potentially affecting their political chances in future elections.
Key Facts
Republicans in key U.S. House districts are concerned about health care subsidies ending.
The subsidies, called enhanced premium tax credits, are set to expire after December 31.
The expiration could raise health insurance costs for many people.
This issue could impact the 2026 midterm elections and President Trump's agenda.
U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie from Pennsylvania is part of a group seeking to extend these subsidies.
The effort to extend subsidies faces significant opposition from within the GOP.
These health care subsidies are linked to the Affordable Care Act, sometimes called "Obamacare."
Indiana's Senate met to discuss redrawing the state's congressional maps before the 2026 election. The proposed changes could increase Republican seats, and President Trump is very interested in the result.
Key Facts
Indiana Senate held a meeting on redrawing congressional maps.
The new map could give Republicans two more seats.
The changes are being considered for the 2026 election.
President Trump is very interested in how this issue develops.
Liz Landers, a White House correspondent, is following the story.
A Ukrainian woman named Viktoriia Bulavina was detained by U.S. federal agents during her green card interview in San Diego. She has been in the U.S. legally and married to an American citizen. The detention is part of a trend where immigrants are being detained for issues that were previously considered minor.
Key Facts
Viktoriia Bulavina is married to a U.S. citizen, Victor Korol, who has cancer.
She was detained by ICE after a USCIS interview about her green card application.
She arrived in the U.S. under the "Uniting for Ukraine" program in 2022.
Bulavina was approved for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until April 2025.
Her green card application was filed in January 2024, alongside a pending TPS extension.
Recent reports indicate an increase in detentions at immigration interviews under the Trump administration.
Bulavina and Korol have five children between them.
Her legal team argues she had followed all legal requirements, and her detention lacks justification.
President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to help American farmers. This plan aims to support farmers facing challenges like decreased sales, increased costs, and effects from tariff policies.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a $12 billion relief plan for farmers.
The plan is intended to help American farmers.
Farmers have been facing lower sales.
Farmers are dealing with higher expenses.
The relief plan is also addressing issues from the president’s tariff policies.
Patrick Thomas from The Wall Street Journal discussed the announcement with William Brangham.
Political analysts Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discuss the recent political news where President Trump encounters resistance regarding his policies. This pushback includes responses from his own political party and reactions to his economic decisions.
Key Facts
President Trump faces criticism over certain policies.
Some resistance comes from members of his own political party.
Discussion covers the impact of Trump's economic policies.
Tamara Keith is from NPR.
Amy Walter is part of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.
The conversation takes place in a segment with Amna Nawaz.
Nearly 39% of Americans believe they will be worse off financially next year, which is the highest percentage recorded during President Trump's terms. This sentiment reflects ongoing concerns about inflation, credit access, and economic uncertainty in the United States. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's recent findings highlight these economic challenges.
Key Facts
38.97% of Americans think their financial situation will worsen next year.
This percentage is the highest recorded during either of President Trump's terms.
Inflation and high prices for everyday items are key concerns.
The Federal Reserve found slight improvement in unemployment expectations, but credit access perceptions worsened.
Many Americans are not experiencing financial benefits from the stock market.
Economic concerns are linked to excessive government spending and deficits.
Experts noted that people are worried as their expenses continue to rise without matching income growth.
The U.S. economy is growing, but many households do not feel the improvement.
The Supreme Court appears likely to allow President Trump to remove members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This decision could change a long-standing rule that prevents presidents from firing independent agency commissioners for political reasons.
Key Facts
The case, Trump vs. Slaughter, focuses on whether President Trump can fire FTC commissioners.
A 1935 decision, known as Humphrey's Executor, currently protects these commissioners from being fired without a specific reason.
The Supreme Court's conservative justices seem inclined to support expanding presidential powers to fire these commissioners.
President Trump had dismissed two Democratic FTC commissioners, Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, prompting the case.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted once presidential power is reduced, it's hard to regain through the legislative process.
Chief Justice John Roberts stated that the FTC has more power today than in 1935, questioning the current relevance of the precedent.
The U.S. Solicitor General argued that the current rule limits presidential powers unconstitutionally.
The liberal justices challenged the need to overturn a long-standing rule and expressed concerns about increasing presidential power over independent agencies.
A report by ProPublica claims that President Donald Trump committed "mortgage fraud" by declaring two different properties as his primary residence in 1993, which is a practice he has criticized in others. The report focuses on two mortgages Trump signed for homes in Florida and New York, and alleges that he may not have lived in either. The White House spokesperson has denied any wrongdoing, calling the report misleading.
Key Facts
ProPublica claims President Trump called two different homes his primary residence in 1993.
The report suggests this might fit Trump's own definition of "mortgage fraud."
Mortgages for primary homes usually have lower interest rates than those for investment properties.
The White House denies any wrongdoing, saying the same lender issued both mortgages.
Critics argue the claim highlights a double standard regarding political adversaries.
For taxes, people typically must choose one property as their primary residence.
President Trump was previously convicted on different charges related to falsifying business records.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across nine U.S. states due to expected snowfall of up to 14 inches from December 8 to December 10. Cold Arctic air waves associated with the polar vortex are also forecasted to spread from Canada to parts of the Midwest and East Coast, bringing temperatures significantly below average.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are in effect across nine U.S. states.
Up to 14 inches of snow is expected from December 8 to December 10.
Arctic air waves, relating to the polar vortex, will affect the Midwest and East Coast.
Temperatures in some Midwest areas could drop below zero Fahrenheit.
New York City may struggle to reach freezing temperatures on December 13 and 14.
Virginia could see between 2 and 5 inches of snow.
Parts of Wyoming and Montana might receive up to 2 feet of snow and 70 mph winds.
Alaska is also experiencing significant snowfall, with some areas receiving up to 7 inches.
