A judge in Missouri resigned after being disciplined for wearing an Elvis Presley wig in court and making frequent Elvis references during proceedings. The disciplinary action indicated that these actions could affect the seriousness of the court. The judge, Matthew EP Thornhill, accepted the disciplinary decision and agreed to retire.
Key Facts
Judge Matthew EP Thornhill wore an Elvis Presley wig in court, particularly around Halloween.
He played Elvis music during court proceedings and made references to the singer.
The Missouri disciplinary commission found these actions inappropriate for maintaining courtroom order.
Judge Thornhill accepted the allegations and agreed to retire after 20 years of service.
Additional behavior noted included campaigning from the bench and sharing his political views.
The commission initially recommended a suspension but agreed to his retirement.
President Donald Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to discuss shared goals for the city. The meeting was notable because of their past public disagreements. Social media reactions from Trump's supporters varied, with some interpreting the meeting as a surprising and strategic move.
Key Facts
President Trump met with Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Mayor-elect, on Friday.
Trump and Mamdani talked about their shared goals to help the city.
Mamdani had previously described himself as "Donald Trump’s worst nightmare."
Trump had in the past called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic.”
During the meeting, both showed mutual respect and focused on working together.
Mamdani won the mayoral election, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Trump initially supported Cuomo before the election.
Mamdani will officially take office on New Year's Day.
President Donald Trump praised Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City. Trump noted their shared desire for the city to succeed and complimented Mamdani's ability to win against strong competition.
Key Facts
President Trump praised Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City.
Trump mentioned that both he and Mamdani want the city to do well.
Trump highlighted Mamdani's success in the election, saying he defeated many smart opponents.
Mamdani is not referred to negatively by President Trump.
Abortion is now illegal in North Dakota after the state's Supreme Court decided not to uphold a previous ruling that struck down the ban. The law makes performing an abortion a felony, but patients are not prosecuted. Doctors who perform abortions could face prison time and fines.
Key Facts
North Dakota's Supreme Court decided against upholding a previous decision that struck down an abortion ban.
The law makes performing an abortion a felony crime.
Patients are protected from prosecution under this law.
Doctors could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for performing an abortion.
Three justices found the law unconstitutionally unclear under the state constitution.
At least four out of five justices are needed to overturn a law, and this decision fell short.
North Dakota's Attorney General, Drew Wrigley, supported the court's decision, stating it upheld important legislation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a Norwegian woman with diabetes in San Diego during her green card interview because she overstayed her visa. Her husband expressed concern for her health and noted that she has no criminal record. The detention is part of increased immigration enforcement under President Trump, focusing on individuals without legal status.
Key Facts
ICE detained Hanne Daguman at her green card interview in San Diego after she said she overstayed her visa.
She came to the U.S. on a student visa to study at California State University and later worked legally for a year.
She and her husband married in October 2024, and she has been working to obtain her green card.
Daguman is held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center; her husband is worried about her diabetes care there.
ICE states that they enforce federal immigration laws, focusing on national, public, and border security.
There is concern from her attorney that detaining individuals without criminal records creates immigration backlogs.
President Trump’s administration has increased deportations, with critics noting the impact on non-criminal immigrants.
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met in the Oval Office, surprising many with their friendly interaction despite previous criticisms. The meeting focused on issues like the city's high living costs and marked a shift in tone between the two leaders. Vice President JD Vance commented on the encounter, calling it a memorable moment.
Key Facts
President Trump and Mayor-elect Mamdani had their first meeting in the Oval Office.
The meeting gained attention because of the friendly tone despite past criticisms between the two.
They talked about New York City's high cost of living and affordability issues.
Trump had previously called Mamdani a "communist" and threatened to cut federal funds.
Mamdani had labeled Trump a "fascist" before their meeting.
Trump used humor when reporters asked about Mamdani's past comments.
Vice President JD Vance called the meeting an "all-timer" on social media.
The U.S. Department of Education has changed which degrees count as "professional," affecting student loans. Nursing and other healthcare fields are no longer included, leading to financial concerns for students in these programs. This change was made under President Trump's fiscal plan.
Key Facts
The Department of Education updated its list of "professional" degrees.
Nursing and other healthcare jobs are not on the new "professional" list.
President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act led to these changes.
The GRAD PLUS student loan program is eliminated under the new plan.
Only students in "professional" degree programs can borrow up to $50,000 yearly.
The new rules go into effect on July 1.
The change could lead to fewer students pursuing careers in excluded fields like nursing.
This revision may worsen existing shortages in healthcare professions.
Representative Jason Crow from Colorado has asked the U.S. Capitol Police to investigate President Trump for certain social media posts that Crow's office describes as "threatening." The White House has denied that these posts, which mention severe punishments for a group of Democrat lawmakers, are threats. The Capitol Police have not commented on whether they will investigate.
Key Facts
Rep. Jason Crow has requested an investigation into President Trump's social media posts.
Crow's office claims the posts are "intimidating, threatening, and concerning."
The posts include calls to "ARREST" and "LOCK UP" Democrat lawmakers.
Trump described the lawmakers as "TRAITORS" and referenced "sedition punishable by death."
Trump's posts were in response to a video from some lawmakers urging military members not to follow illegal orders.
The White House has denied the posts are threats, with Trump saying in an interview that the remarks were not meant as threats.
The U.S. Capitol Police have not commented on whether an investigation will happen.
President Trump met with Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, in the Oval Office. During the meeting, they shared smiles and a handshake, and President Trump expressed cooperation with Mamdani.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump held a meeting with Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City.
The meeting occurred in the Oval Office.
President Trump showed support and willingness to work with Mamdani.
Both Trump and Mamdani displayed friendly behavior, such as smiling and shaking hands.
Mamdani was asked if he still considered Trump a fascist, a term he had used before.
Trump allowed Mamdani to simply agree with the term during the meeting.
An Ohio policeman, Connor Grubb, was found not guilty of killing a pregnant woman, Ta'Kiya Young, who he shot in a supermarket parking lot. The incident happened when officers confronted her on suspicion of stealing alcohol on August 24, 2023. Young, who was 21 years old and pregnant, died along with her unborn baby.
Key Facts
The incident took place in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio.
Ta'Kiya Young was suspected of shoplifting alcohol from a store.
Officer Connor Grubb shot her as she was in a car in the parking lot.
Bodycam video shows Young's car moving slowly towards Officer Grubb.
Young could be heard asking if the officer was going to shoot her.
The court found the officer not guilty of charges including murder and manslaughter.
Ta'Kiya Young, 21, was 25 weeks pregnant, and her baby did not survive.
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had a friendly exchange during a meeting in the Oval Office. Mamdani had previously called Trump a "despot" and a "fascist," but the president joked about the comments rather than becoming upset.
Key Facts
President Trump and Zohran Mamdani met in the Oval Office.
Mamdani had previously called Trump a "despot" and a "fascist."
During the meeting, Trump laughed off these comments.
Trump mentioned that he has been called worse than a despot.
The interaction was marked by humor despite previous political disagreements.
The article reflects on the life and legacy of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on what would have been his 100th birthday. It discusses his dedication to civil rights, social justice, and the ongoing struggles faced in America today. The piece encourages people to practice moral courage and compassion to foster positive change.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy would have been 100 years old this week.
He ran for president in 1968 during a time of war and social unrest in the U.S.
Kennedy worked closely with civil rights leaders and supported the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
He advocated for farmworker rights and anti-hunger programs.
The article mentions current challenges like immigration issues and political divisions.
It calls for Americans to act with moral courage and compassion.
The narrative emphasizes listening and understanding to overcome societal challenges.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of southwest Missouri on Friday afternoon due to strong winds and large hail. Over 10,000 people were advised to seek shelter and stay away from windows due to the risk of debris.
Key Facts
The warning came from the National Weather Service (NWS) for parts of east central Missouri.
Southwest Missouri residents were advised to stay indoors between 2:39 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. CST.
Affected areas included southwestern Franklin County and southern Gasconade County.
The storm moved east at about 25 miles per hour near Owensville.
Radar detected quarter-size hail, which can damage vehicles.
The NWS emphasized the importance of finding shelter in well-built structures and avoiding windows.
Wind gusts were reported to be below 50 mph.
Continued updates and safety instructions were issued by the NWS for the residents in the affected areas.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican congresswoman from Georgia, has recently criticized President Donald Trump, which has gained attention from Democrats. This is significant because Greene has been a strong supporter of Trump's MAGA movement.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Republican congresswoman from Georgia.
She has publicly criticized President Donald Trump in recent weeks.
Her criticism covers issues from the Epstein Files to the cost of living.
Democrats are recognizing her for standing up to Trump.
Greene has been a loyal supporter and leader of Trump’s MAGA movement.
Her actions are drawing interest because she is influential within the MAGA base.
There is a special election happening in Tennessee for a contested House seat.
The focus includes assessing the Democrats' chances in this traditionally Republican district.
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are meeting for the first time at the White House. The meeting is set for Friday at 3 p.m. EST, and Mamdani arrived quietly to avoid the press.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are meeting at the White House.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. EST.
Trump has called Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.”
Mamdani has described Trump’s administration as “authoritarian.”
Mamdani refers to himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.”
Mamdani entered the White House quietly to avoid journalists.
Ghislaine Maxwell will not take part in an interview with the House Oversight Committee. She has chosen to use her Fifth Amendment right, which allows her to avoid answering questions that could incriminate her. The committee, led by James Comer, has been trying to question Maxwell, who is in prison for her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell will not participate in a House Oversight Committee interview.
She is using her Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year federal sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer decided not to send staff to interview her.
Some Democrats questioned why Maxwell moved to a minimum-security prison after agreeing to another interview.
This situation is part of ongoing news and subject to updates.
Nearly half of House Democrats voted to condemn socialism. Despite increased visibility of socialist ideas, most Americans still view socialism negatively according to polls. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, will become a significant figure as he takes office.
Key Facts
86 Democrats in the House voted to condemn socialism.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, was elected as New York City Mayor and will start his role in January.
President Trump referred to Mamdani as a "communist lunatic."
A YouGov and The Economist poll found that 33% of Americans have a favorable view of socialism.
44% of Americans have an unfavorable view of socialism according to the same poll.
An NBC News poll showed 18% view socialism positively while 49% view it negatively.
A Gallup poll found that 66% of Democrats, 38% of independents, and 14% of Republicans view socialism positively.
Socialist leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have gained prominence in recent years.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump will meet at the White House. This meeting follows months of strong statements between them. Trump has called Mamdani a "communist future" of the Democratic Party, while Mamdani promised to protect New York City from Trump's policies.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor-elect of New York City.
President Donald Trump and Mamdani will have their first meeting at the White House.
Trump has threatened to withdraw billions in federal funds from New York City if Mamdani won.
Mamdani claims he will make New York City resistant to Trump's influence.
Mamdani's background includes roots in Uganda and a position as a state assemblyman.
Trump has labeled Mamdani as a "communist future" of the Democratic Party.
The U.S. Supreme Court is privately considering whether to review President Donald Trump's order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents. The order has faced legal challenges and has not been implemented. A decision on whether the Court will hear the case could come soon.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump issued an order to stop automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to noncitizen parents.
Birthright citizenship is currently protected by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Multiple lower courts have blocked the execution of Trump's order.
The Supreme Court is deciding if it will review the case, requiring the agreement of at least four justices.
The Supreme Court has a conservative majority of 6-3.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans support birthright citizenship.
A decision from the Supreme Court on whether to take the case could come as early as Monday.
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell has announced he is running for governor of California. He made his announcement during an appearance on a late-night TV show, expressing his intention to support Californians by focusing on economic issues.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a U.S. Representative and a member of the Democratic Party.
He announced his candidacy for California governor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Swalwell was involved in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in 2021 as a House manager.
He wants to help Californians by lowering prices and raising wages.
Swalwell referred to himself as a "fighter and a protector" for the state.
He mentioned his past confrontations with President Trump during his announcement.
