Current2 News

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order denying birthright citizenship, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional,” as Trump aims to redefine the 14th Amendment to curb illegal immigration. In Southern California, the Hughes fire has burned 10,000 acres, forced 31,000 residents to evacuate, and is 24% contained, while the smaller Sepulveda fire was quickly limited to 40 acres; worsening weather this weekend poses challenges for firefighters. Pete Hegseth, a controversial Defense Secretary nominee, moved closer to confirmation after a narrow Senate vote despite allegations of misconduct, which he denies. Scientists are concerned after the NIH canceled meetings and paused public communications pending review by a Trump appointee. Finally, President Trump signed an executive order to declassify files on the assassinations of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., calling it a long-awaited move. Judge blocks Trump’s citizenship order (AP) SoCal Hughes fire update (CNN) Pete Hegseth passes Senate vote (NBC) NIH cancels key meetings (NPR)  Trump orders release of JFK files (CNN)

A “last-minute crisis” with Hamas delayed Israel’s vote on a Gaza ceasefire, Biden signed an executive order boosting US cybersecurity and anti-hacking measures, a report accused Trump’s AG pick Pam Bondi of undermining voting rights, Southern California wildfires claimed 25 lives, and destroyed over 12,000 structures with winds expected to worsen next week, and Rudy Giuliani settled his defamation case, retaining his World Series rings and apartments in exchange for undisclosed compensation and a vow to cease defamation. Netanyahu delays Cabinet vote on Gaza ceasefire deal (AP) Bien signs cybersecurity order (NPR) NAACP report finds Pam Bondi undermined voting rights (The Hill) LA wildfires continue to burn (CBS) Giuliani to keep World Series rings, apartments after defamation settlement (ABC)

Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faced scrutiny from senators about past comments and misconduct in his confirmation hearing. Hamas agreed to an early Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft, making the end of the 15-month conflict imminent. South Korean law enforcement officers entered the presidential residence to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The White House announced that Biden will remove Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism as part of a prisoner release deal with the Caribbean country. Princess Kate Middleton announced her cancer is in remission and that she will be making a gradual return to public-facing engagements. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth is grilled by senators in confirmation hearing (NBC) Hamas agrees to draft of Gaza ceasefire and hostage plan (AP) South Korean law enforcement enters presidential residence to arrest impeached Yoon (AP) Biden removes Cuba’s designation as a U.S. state sponsor of terrorism (BBC) Princess Kate says her cancer is in remission (AP)

Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed 16, left 16 missing, and destroyed nearly 40,000 acres, with firefighters partially containing the Eaton and Palisades fires as strong winds threaten progress. President-elect Donald Trump was convicted in the New York hush-money case, receiving an unconditional discharge that upholds the verdict but imposes no punishment. Ukrainian President Zelensky offered to trade two captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian POWs held by Russia, with support from South Korean intelligence. President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreements, with a potential deal expected before Biden’s term ends. Italy released Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, charged by the U.S. with conspiring to export sensitive drone technology to Iran, following his December arrest in Milan. 16 dead, 16 missing in LA wildfires (New York Times) Trump sentenced in NY hush-money case (AP) Zelensky proposes exchange of N. Korean soldiers (BBC)  Biden and Netanyahu in talks about Gaza ceasefire, hostage deals (Axios) Italy releases Iranian man wanted for drone attack that killed 3 US soldiers (NPR)

President-elect Donald Trump called for Congress to abolish the debt ceiling, while the House rejected his new government funding plan, risking a government shutdown if no deal is reached by Saturday. Luigi Mangione was escorted to a NYC federal court, facing multiple charges including federal stalking, weapon and murder charges that could lead to the death penalty. A Georgia state appeals court removed DA Fani Willis from Trump's election interference case, citing an "appearance of impropriety" due to her relationship with the special prosecutor. All 51 men in France's Gisèle Pelicot rape trial were convicted, with Dominique Pelicot sentenced to 20 years for drugging, raping and facilitating the mass rape. The Teamsters went on strike at Amazon facilities across the U.S., marking the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history. Trump tells Congress to abolish debt ceiling, House rejects Trump funding plan (NBC, AP) Luigi Mangione appears in federal court in NYC (CBS) Fani Willis removed from Georgia Trump election case (AP) All 51 defendants found guilty in Gisèle Pelicot rape trial (New York Times) Teamsters begin ‘largest strike against Amaazon in U.S. history’ (ABC)

Police identified the suspect in Monday’s Wisconsin school shooting as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who killed a fellow student and a teacher before turning the gun on herself. Suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione was indicted on a first-degree murder charge as an act of terrorism, potentially facing life in prison without parole. Russia's chemical weapons chief Lt. General Igor Kirillov was killed in an explosion claimed by Ukraine’s SBU security service. A mass grave found outside Syria's capital could contain thousands of remains, many showing signs of execution and torture, since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Congress released a short-term funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, including provisions for disaster relief and economic help for farmers, with lawmakers set to break for the holidays on Friday. Abundant Life Christian School identified as teenage female student (NBC) Luigi Mangione indicted on first-degree murder charge (New York Times) Russia's chemical weapons chief and mouthpiece killed in Moscow (BBC) Mass grave discovered near Syria’s capital (Al Jazeera, BBC) Congress releases funding bill to avert government shutdown (NBC)

ABC News agreed to pay Donald Trump $15 million to settle a defamation suit over statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The Israeli government approved plans to double Golan Heights settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. Cyclone Chido caused severe damage in Mayotte, with the death toll expected to reach thousands. Karen Friedman Agnifilo will represent Luigi Mangione in the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case. Lawmakers are calling for action on drone sightings in the northeastern U.S., though officials maintain the drones are not a threat. ABC settles Trump defamation suit for $15 million (Al Jazeera) Israel plans to expand settlements in Golan Heights (BBC) Death toll in Mayotte is ‘several hundred’ in aftermath of Cyclone Chido (AP) Luigi Mangione retains Karen Friedman Agnifilo as defense attorney (NPR) Federal response to drone sightings prompts bipartisan criticism (CNN)

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced he will resign at the end of President Biden's term next month, citing a desire to avoid further entangling the Bureau in political controversies. New evidence in the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case revealed that Luigi Mangione’s fingerprints were a match to those found at the crime scene, as the city also saw a surge of "Wanted" posters targeting corporate executives. Luxury real estate brokers Oren, Tal, and Alon Alexander were indicted on federal sex trafficking charges for allegedly running a scheme involving drugging and assaulting women from 2010 to 2021. The Franklin Wildfire devastated Malibu, forcing celebrities like Cher and Dick Van Dyke to evacuate, with Van Dyke, who turns 99 this week, urging prayers for his missing cat, Bobo. In a positive development, Hannah Kobayashi, who had been missing after missing a flight connection, was found safe, though her family has not provided further details on her recent situation. FBI Director Christopher Wray set to resign at end of Biden’s term (NPR) Updates on Mangione case (BBC, ABC) High-profile real estate brokers indicted on sex trafficking charges (CBS) Franklin fire pushes out celebrities like Dick Van Dyke, Cher (New York Times, ABC) Hannah Kobayashi found safe, family says (People)

The 26-year-old man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione, challenged his extradition to New York in a Pennsylvania court on Tuesday, as the Manhattan DA's office plans to forcibly extradite him. Israel launched a major military campaign in Syria, deploying ground troops and airstrikes while destroying the Syrian fleet in what Defense Minister Israel Katz called a “great success.” The Franklin Wildfire in Southern California forced evacuations and threatened Pepperdine University, with over 40,000 residents losing power due to fire concerns. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, suffered a sprained wrist and facial injury after a fall at the Capitol, adding to his series of public health issues. An internal DOJ investigation revealed that the Trump administration secretly seized phone and text records from 43 congressional staffers and two Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns about the impact on Congressional oversight. Luigi Mangione challenges extradition to NY (ABC, NYPost) Israel launches campaign in Syria (CNN) Franklin wildfire update (AP) Mitch McConnell falls (CNN) Horowitz reports Trump DOJ seized 40+ phone logs of congress. staffers (NBC)

Donald Trump, in his first network interview since winning the 2024 election, vowed to pass major tax cuts, pardon the Jan. 6th rioters, deport all illegal immigrants, and end birthright citizenship, though he did not explain how he would bypass the 14th amendment. Syrian rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in a swift takeover, with the capital Damascus falling and the president reportedly seeking refuge in Moscow. In the wake of Syria’s collapse, Israel seized the Golan Heights demilitarized zone, with Prime Minister Netanyahu calling it a temporary defensive move. Jurors in the Daniel Penny trial failed to reach a verdict on second-degree manslaughter charges, leaving them to consider a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. Notre Dame held its first inaugural mass since the 2019 fire, attended by dignitaries like French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Jill Biden, marking the cathedral's official reopening. President-elect’s first network interview (NPR, Politico) Assad regime crumbles (NYT) Israel seizes Golan Heights buffer zone (BBC) Daniel Penny jury deadlocked (NYT) Notre Dame inaugural mass (NBC)

The search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer continues as the NYPD releases a photo of a male suspect and investigates leads related to the murder weapon and a hostel stay. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed a controversial policy limiting anesthesia coverage during surgery, citing public outrage and misinformation. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck northern California, prompting a tsunami warning that was later lifted, while over 10,000 residents were left without power. Syrian opposition forces captured the city of Hama, a significant loss for President Bashar Assad's regime amid ongoing civil war. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed not to resign and promised to appoint a new prime minister following a no-confidence vote that led to Michel Barnier’s resignation. A Texas federal judge rejected Boeing's proposed plea deal over the 737 Max crashes, siding with families of the victims who criticized the agreement as too lenient. Hunt for CEO Killer updates, Blue Cross Blue Shield limits anesthesia coverage (AP, CBS) 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits N. Cali (BBC) Syrian militias seize Hama (NPR) Macron to name new French PM in coming days (BBC) Judge rejects Boeing plea deal (NPR)

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in a targeted attack in Manhattan on Wednesday, with police still searching for the gunman and his motive remaining unclear. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier lost a no-confidence vote, likely paving the way for his resignation amid a political crisis in France, with President Macron set to address the nation. In South Korea, opposition lawmakers submitted articles of impeachment against President Yook Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration, with a vote expected soon. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors, with most justices appearing to oppose lifting the ban. Finally, U.S. officials revealed that Chinese hackers, known as "Salt Typhoon," breached at least eight U.S. telecommunications providers, stealing vast amounts of Americans' metadata in an ongoing cyberattack. UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed (CNN) French Gov. collapses (NYT) S. Korean lawmakers move to impeach President (NBC) S. Court hears arguments over Tenn. trans ban (BBC) Chinese hacking campgain breachs 8 US telecoms (The Guardian, CNN)

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted a controversial martial law decree after political pressure and protests, reversing his decision just hours after it was imposed. In the U.S., Donald Trump filed to dismiss his New York hush-money case, citing President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter and arguing for presidential immunity. A Yale investigation revealed that Russia, under Putin’s leadership, is responsible for forcibly transporting over 300 Ukrainian children into coerced foster care and adoption since the invasion. In California, the case of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi took a new turn after LA police found footage of her crossing the US-Mexico border alone, declaring her a voluntary missing person. Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court will soon deliberate on whether states can ban gender transition treatments for transgender youth, with the outcome potentially affecting laws in 24 states. South Korean president rescinds martial law decree (AP) Trump urges judge to toss out New York hush money case (NBC) Putin allegedly used planes to transport Ukrainian children into coerced Russian adoptions (NPR) Police declare Hannah Kobayashi a voluntary missing person (CNN) Supreme Court to consider state bans on gender-affirming care for trans teens (Washington Post)

A Delaware judge upheld her earlier ruling that Tesla must rescind Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package, citing "sham negotiations" in its formulation. Hezbollah launched projectiles into northern Israel on Monday, prompting Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 10 people in Lebanon, as the truce between the two sides remains fragile. Syrian opposition leader Hadi al-Bahra claimed that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah allowed rebels to seize Aleppo, a plan that had been delayed by the Gaza war. In France, both left-wing and far-right parties filed no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, likely leading to the collapse of his government, marking the first such vote since 1962. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the FDA unlawfully denied approval for flavored e-cigarettes, with the future of products like mango Juul pods still uncertain. Syrian opposition leader claims Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire led to Aleppo assault (Reuters) French government on the verge of collapse after no-confidence motions against prime minister (Reuters) Hezbollah launches projectiles at Israel for the first time since start of ceasefire (New York Times) Biden becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit Angola (NBC) Supreme Court probed FDA’s refusal to approve flavored vapes (NBC)

President Biden pardoned his son Hunter, reversing his previous promise and stating political opponents targeted him. President-elect Trump nominated Kash Patel to lead the FBI, raising questions about the future of current FBI director Christopher Wray and sparking outrage among Democrats and approval from Republicans. Trump threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they support a rival currency to the US dollar, warning of trade disruptions and inflation. Two million people in the Great Lakes region faced winter weather warnings, with almost four feet of snow in western New York and cold temperatures expected to persist in 70% of the US. UN negotiations on a global treaty to curb plastic pollution failed, with Saudi Arabia criticized for delaying progress and Panama condemning the postponement as a day against humanity. President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden (CNN) Trump nominates Kash Patel to FBI Director (New York Times) Trump threatens 100% tariffs against Brics nations (The Guardian) Great Lakes region under winter weather warning (CNN) Negotiations on UN treaty to cut plastic pollution fail (Al Jazeera)

President Biden announced that the US helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with French President Macron playing a key role in securing the deal effective November 27th. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of retaliatory tariffs on Mexican goods after President-elect Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff in response to border issues. The Biden administration unveiled a proposal to extend coverage for weight-loss medications to 3.4 million Medicare and 4 million Medicaid recipients, treating obesity as a chronic disease. Russian forces are advancing rapidly in Ukraine, having taken territory the size of London, while using North Korean troops and facing Ukraine’s long-range missile strikes. In Egypt, officials recovered four bodies and rescued five survivors after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea, with seven people still missing. Biden announces ceasefire in Lebanon (CBS) Steinbaum promises retalitary tariffs to US (AP, NBC)  Biden prop. to allow coverage for weight-loss meds (CNN) Russia gaining ground in Ukraine (Reuters) Egyptian officials rescue 5 from capsized boat, recover 4 (BBC)

President-elect Trump vowed to raise tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% and on Mexican and Canadian goods by 25% on his first day in office. Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a motion to dismiss federal charges against Trump, citing a DOJ policy barring prosecution of a sitting president, though he stressed the seriousness of the charges. Israel’s security cabinet is preparing to discuss a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, with both sides nearing an unofficial understanding of the deal. The resentencing hearing for brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, was postponed to January 30th to allow the new district attorney time to review the case. President Biden pardoned turkeys Blossom and Peach, marking his final participation in the annual tradition before they are sent to live on a Minnesota farm. Trump vows to increase tariffs (CNBC) Smith files motion to dismiss Trump cases (ABC) Israel, Hezbollah to meet over ceasefire agreement (Washington Post)  Judge delays Menendez bros. resentencing hearing (CNN) Biden pardons turkeys (NBC) 

Talks at the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan concluded with wealthier nations agreeing to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing countries until 2035, though critics argue this is far below the $1.3 trillion needed to combat climate change. Hezbollah launched 250 projectiles into Israel, injuring six people, in response to an Israeli strike on Lebanon, marking the group's largest air attack since last year's conflict began. The United Arab Emirates announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with the murder of Israeli rabbi Zvi Kogan, whose body was found in Al Ain after he went missing last week. Meteorologists forecast cold, wet weather across the U.S. as Thanksgiving approaches, with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures expected, and the TSA anticipates the busiest holiday travel week to date. A Connecticut couple faces felony charges for their involvement in a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, potentially amounting to $1 million in stolen goods. COP29 talks end with $300 billion agreement (AP) Hezbollah launches latest attack on Israel (NYT)  3 arrests in connection to murder of rabbi (Reuters) Winter storms to potentially cancel Holiday flights (NBC) Couple charged in Lululemon retail theft operation (CBS)

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination as Trump’s attorney general after Republican disagreement over his Senate confirmation, and Trump quickly replaced him with Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Hamas’ military commander, former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of war crimes in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which both sides deny. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others were indicted for allegedly attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss, with four military members arrested in connection to an assassination plot against President Lula. In Laos, at least five people, including one American, died from methanol-tainted alcohol, prompting international warnings about the toxic chemical used in some alcoholic beverages. FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year opened yesterday after a delay due to issues with last year’s application process. Pam Bondi now AG pick (NBC) ICC issues warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant (BBC) Frmr. Brazilian President Bolsonaro indicted (NPR) 5 dead in Laos, methanol poisoning (NYT) FAFSA form opened (CNN)

President-elect Trump announced Linda McMahon, WWE co-founder and wife of Vince McMahon, as his pick for Education Secretary. Trump also selected Matthew Whitaker, former acting Attorney General, as his NATO ambassador, with a focus on Ukraine and NATO defense spending. A powerful "atmospheric river" storm hit Washington state, causing widespread power outages, injuries, and deaths, before moving to California. Venezuelan migrant Jose Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison for the 2023 murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley, a case that sparked national debate on immigration. Lastly, Susan Smith, convicted of drowning her two sons in 1994, was denied parole, with the parole board citing the impact on the victims' father, who will continue to oppose her release. Trump taps Matthew Whitaker for NATO ambassador (NPR) Trump nominates Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education (AP, CNN) Deadly storm devastates Northwest U.S., leaves hundreds of thousands without power (Reuters) Jose Ibarra found guilty of killing UGA student Laken Riley (New York Times) Susan Smith denied parole (AP)