NTD Good Morning

President Trump has unveiled his long-awaited ‘Great Healthcare Plan' to lower healthcare costs, with Republicans planning to take quick action to move the ball forward, after enhanced Obamacare subsidies expired earlier this month. His newly released plan to lower healthcare costs builds on actions his administration has already taken, like negotiations with 15 pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce drug prices for Medicaid patients. The administration wants to send the money currently spent on subsidies directly to Americans instead of insurance companies.President Trump announced the creation of a Gaza Board of Peace, following phase two of a US-backed cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas terror group. Trump says the board will oversee Gaza's governance. Trump also met Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. Meanwhile, officials delivered sharp warnings to Iran at an emergency UN Security Council meeting.26 people have been indicted on federal criminal charges for an alleged game-fixing scheme in men's college basketball. Authorities say it started in 2022 with rigged games in China, before expanding to NCAA games in the U.S. The fixers allegedly paid players $10,000 to $30,000 per game to underperform, after placing millions of dollars in wagers against them.

The head of Iran's judiciary system said today there will be fast trials and executions for detained protestors. President Trump warned on Tuesday during an interview on CBS that the U.S. will take action if Iran starts hanging protestors. He encouraged protestors to continue demonstrating, writing on Truth Social that 'help is on the way.' The London-based opposition broadcaster Iran International is reporting that at least 12,000 people may have been killed in Iran's brutal suppression of anti-government protests.Officials from Greenland and Denmark will appear for meetings on Wednesday on Capitol Hill and the White House, as President Trump doubles down on security concerns in the region. He has emphasized that if the U.S. does not take some sort of action in Greenland, that China or Russia will. The Prime Minister of Denmark says that they want to engage in dialogue and are not looking for conflict, but makes it clear that Greenland is not for sale.The fallout from alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota is intensifying. President Trump says his administration will cut federal payments to sanctuary cities starting February 1, accusing them of protecting criminals and enabling fraud. Trump also vowed to revoke the citizenship of naturalized immigrants convicted of defrauding Americans, saying offenders would be deported.

A violent encounter involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis is under investigation. Homeland Security says an illegal immigrant ambushed an ICE officer, leading the officer to shoot him in the leg in self-defense. Both men have been hospitalized. Minnesota officials are calling for protesters not to engage in violence.President Trump says Iran's repression of protesters may be easing. He told reporters he has it on good authority that the government has no plans to execute demonstrators. Iran's foreign minister has also denied any plans for hangings. Trump says the U.S. will watch and see, as Iran briefly shut down, then reopened its airspace amid concerns over possible military action.A push from Democrats on Capitol Hill to limit President Trump's directives in Venezuela has failed after two Republicans decided to switch their vote in the final hour. The resolution would have blocked Trump from using military force within or against Venezuela. This comes as Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is expected to visit the White House on Thursday.

The U.S. Embassy in Iran is urging Americans to leave the country immediately if it's safe to do so. It says U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages and consider leaving by land through neighboring countries. President Trump is also vowing that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25% U.S. tariff. This follows earlier warnings that the U.S. may carry out strikes over Iran's repression of protests in the country. Rights groups say nearly 600 people have died since the protests began.The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Tuesday on whether male athletes can compete in female sports, while claiming to be transgender. Federal judges in West Virginia and Idaho have ruled that banning boys from girls' sports is a civil rights violation that discriminates based on sex. The Republican Attorneys General Association is urging the high court to uphold state bans, calling it a matter of fairness. Currently, 29 states, the NCAA, and the U.S. Olympic Committee all have bans on transgender athletes competing.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota are far larger than expected, with taxpayer funds illegally sent overseas. In an exclusive interview, Bessent called Minnesota a blueprint for uncovering nationwide fraud, vowing to prosecute offenders, and recover stolen funds. Meanwhile, the Treasury and the IRS are expanding audits and launching new enforcement actions to stop the abuse.

President Trump says Iran's leadership has reached out to negotiate. That follows his warning that military options are on the table amid protests rocking the country. A top Iranian official says U.S. bases and Israel would be targeted if Iran is attacked. Trump also says he may work with Elon Musk to restore internet access after Tehran imposed blackouts. A rights group says the unrest has killed more than 500 people so far.Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the Fed has been served with grand jury subpoenas by the Department of Justice. Powell confirms officials threatened criminal charges tied to his June 2025 Senate testimony. Powell denies the probe is connected to that testimony, saying the threat stems from the Fed's handling of interest rates.Federal immigration enforcement is ramping up in Minnesota. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says hundreds more agents are arriving after about 2,000 were sent to the Twin Cities. The surge follows a January 7th fatal shooting involving an ICE officer, sparking large protests. President Trump and federal officials are defending the officer, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the operation is making the city less safe.

The FBI is investigating a shooting in Portland, Oregon. Authorities say a man and a woman were injured in an incident involving immigration agents.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop when the driver tried to run them over. Agents then fired a defensive shot before the two suspects drove away.DHS says the driver and passenger are suspected members of the Tren De Aragua gang, and that one was involved in a recent shooting.The Trump administration has announced a new Justice Department division dedicated to investigating fraud, led by an assistant attorney general overseeing major multi-agency investigations. The effort is already focused on Minnesota, where Vice President JD Vance says more than 1,500 subpoenas and nearly 100 indictments have been filed.President Donald Trump says Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is expected in Washington next week, where he said he'd be honored to meet her. And in a social media post on Jan. 9, the president said he canceled a second wave of strikes on Venezuela, following cooperation from the South American nation. This comes after Venezuela began releasing a large number of political prisoners. Trump also said at least $100 billion will be invested by what he called "big oil," and that he expects to meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday.

The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are both investigating the shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. The incident is drawing national attention, and the Trump administration says the officer acted in self-defense, alleging the woman attempted an act of domestic terrorism by using her vehicle as a weapon. Governor Tim Walz blames heightened immigration enforcement for escalating tensions, while the White House points to anti-ICE rhetoric.Lawmakers held the first public hearing on Capitol Hill following allegations of fraud taking place in Minnesota. A federal prosecutor gave a report last month that around $9-billion may have been stolen. At the hearing, Republicans criticized Minnesota officials for not acting quickly enough. Democrats and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have defended their handling of the crisis, but Walz has since dropped his re-election bid. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has called on Walz to testify in February.Efforts are underway to stabilize Venezuela following the removal of former dictator Nicolás Maduro. The White House says president Trump has a three-phase plan, beginning with stabilization. Marco Rubio says the next steps focus on economic recovery, national reconciliation, and a gradual transition of power led by the Venezuelan people.

The CDC made major changes to its vaccine recommendations on Monday, narrowing the number of shots recommended to all children from 14 down to 8. The recommendations now more closely align with other developed countries such as Denmark, Germany and Japan. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. said the decision protects children, respects families and rebuilds trust in public health.Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty on Monday at an arraignment hearing in Manhattan. They are being charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking and weapons charges.vThe couple agreed to waive their right to a speedy trial and did not request bail at this time.vA second hearing is scheduled for March 17th.A Minnesota hotel cancellation involving ICE agents is drawing sharp criticism from the Department of Homeland Security. It's also prompting apologies from Hilton and a local operator. DHS says agents' reservations were canceled after being booked with official government emails. Hilton says the property is independently owned and that the actions were not company policy.

The CDC made major changes to its vaccine recommendations on Monday, narrowing the number of shots recommended to all children from 14 down to 8. The recommendations now more closely align with other developed countries such as Denmark, Germany and Japan. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. said the decision protects children, respects families and rebuilds trust in public health.Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty on Monday at an arraignment hearing in Manhattan. They are being charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking and weapons charges.vThe couple agreed to waive their right to a speedy trial and did not request bail at this time.vA second hearing is scheduled for March 17th.A Minnesota hotel cancellation involving ICE agents is drawing sharp criticism from the Department of Homeland Security. It's also prompting apologies from Hilton and a local operator. DHS says agents' reservations were canceled after being booked with official government emails. Hilton says the property is independently owned and that the actions were not company policy.

Nicolas Maduro has arrived at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where he is expected to be arraigned on Monday. President Trump says the U.S. is now in charge in Venezuela and plans to have American oil companies revive the country's energy sector. Trump also predicted Cuba is close to collapse without Venezuelan oil, and hinted traffickers in Colombia and Mexico could face U.S. military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the Maduro's capture was a law-enforcement operation without need of congressional approval.For many Americans, it won't feel like the middle of winter. Forecasters say a big warm up is heading eastwards, bringing temperatures well above normal for this time of year. Record highs are expected in central U.S. A strong high pressure system is expected to keep temperatures high for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, California is dealing with flooding and mudslides.Authorities say they've finished identifying all 40 victims of the deadly New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss bar. Swiss police say, many of the victims were just teenagers, including two 14-year-olds. No names have been released yet. Hundreds of people marched in silence through the ski resort of Crans-Montana on Sunday to honor the victims. Swizterland will hold a national day of mourning on Firday, which church bells ringing and a moment of silence to honor the victims.

From Times Square to the streets of London, Madrid, and Rio, millions around the world rang in 2026 with spectacle, tradition, and reflection. Revelers in New York City were treated to a surprise, as the Times Square ball was relit in red, white, and blue, before rising again to mark the start of the United States' 250th year. The Washington Monument in the District of Columbia also put on a light show for America's upcoming 250th birthday.The Trump administration imposed sanctions on four firms operating in Venezuela's oil sector on Wednesday. The United States is accusing the oil tankers of being part of a shadow fleet serving President Nicolas Maduro's government. The latest ship sanctions are meant to deny the firms and tankers access to any property or financial assets held in the United States. The actions are part of the Trump administration's months-long pressure campaign on Maduro's authoritarian regime.Zohran Mamdani is officially the mayor of New York City. The Democratic Socialist took the oath of office at a historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. Mamdani is the first Muslim leader of America's biggest city, and took his oath on a Quran. The ceremony was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, and he will be sworn in again by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at City Hall on Jan. 1.

Health and Human Services now says it is freezing all federal child care funding to Minnesota following an investigative video by independent journalist Nick Shirley on alleged fraud at child and health care center. HHS provides Minnesota with $185 million in child care funding every year. Federal agents have also surged into the state for massive investigation into the child care operations.For the first time in 20 years, rain is expected to shower the thousands of spectators at the Rose Parade in Southern California. At Times Square for the New Year's Eve Celebration, attendees will be experiencing the coldest ball drop in 10 years, as well as light to moderate snowfall. Out in the Midwest, a powerful winter storm is beginning to sweep across the U.S. bringing strong winds and heavy snow.Thieves broke into a German bank vault over the Christmas holiday weekend and made off with millions of dollars worth of valuables. Police say the suspects drilled their way through a concrete wall before breaking into the bank's safe deposit boxes. The perpetrators used the quiet Christmas period to escape detection, with police only discovering the hole after a fire alarm went off on Monday.

Harsh winter weather is expected across the Great Lakes and the Northeast on Tuesday after a bomb cyclone traversed the Midwest at the start of the week, bringing snow, frigid temperatures, and leaving tens of thousands without power. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern New York state until New Year's Eve, with 1 to 2 feet of snow and winds of up to 50 miles per hour expected.President Donald Trump sat down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the president's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday. The two discussed advancing the Gaza cease-fire plan, disarming Hamas, and resolving the status of the last deceased hostage still in Gaza, Ran Gvili. Israel's Minister of Education also formally announced that Trump will be receiving the Israel Prize, the country's highest civilian honor.Trump said the United States struck a loading facility in Venezuela linked to drug boat traffic sometime before Dec. 26. The president said the measure was part of an ongoing campaign against narcotics shipments to the United States. U.S. Southern Command also reported that the U.S. military struck another suspected drug boat on Monday.

President Zelenskyy said on Monday that the U.S. is offering Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of a proposed peace plan, after a meeting with President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Sunday. Zelenskyy has said though, he would prefer a commitment of up to 50 years to deter Russia from further attempts to seize land. Details of the security guarantee have not been made public.Post-holiday travelers are facing delays and dangers on Monday, as winter storms spawn along a cold front along much of the northeast. In the midwest, forecasters warn of blizzards, with winds predicted to go up to 60 miles per hour in some areas. The FAA says Chicago O'Hare Airport had a ground stop on Sunday.China's military launched air, navy and rocket troops to conduct military drills around Taiwan on Monday. The live-fire drills will take place in five maritime and airspace zones around Taiwan, according to China's Eastern Theater Command. Taiwan's government condemned the drills, accusing China of 'military intimidation', while deploying its own forced in a 'rapid response exercise.' The drills follow what could become one of the largest arms sales between the U.S. and Taiwan from earlier this month.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, will once again be tracking Santa Claus this year, as he travels around the world, bringing gifts to kids across the globe. What started 70 years ago as a mistaken phone call from a child to the former Continental Air Defense Command, is now a beloved holiday tradition for families everywhere. More than a thousand volunteers will be staffing NORAD's Santa Operations Center, to answer the hundreds of thousands of phone calls that come in from around the world.In Southern California, powerful winter storms are threatening holiday plans. Millions in California are expected to hit the road for Christmas, but are likely to meet hazardous travel conditions. Officials are warning residents about potentially deadly flash flooding and mudslides, and to reconsider their holiday travel plans. Local and state officials are gearing up to respond to emergencies through the week. The state has also deployed resources and first responders to a number of counties along the coast and in Southern California, with the California National Guard on standby to assist.A fire and explosion erupted in the Bristol Health and Rehab Center near Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon. At least two are dead and 20 are inured. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says firefighters, rescue crews and bystanders were helping to get the nursing home residents to safety. Authorities are investigating a possible gas leak as the cause.

Severe weather from the Pacific Ocean is causing havoc in California. An atmospheric river is bringing more downpours throughout the state this week. Evacuation warnings are in effect Tuesdays for area with burn scars from recent wildfires. State and local officials are reminding residents to be extra cautious behind the wheel, with the National Weather Service expecting up to five inches of rain across the northern Sierra by mid-week.The Department of Education says it's reviewing safety at Brown University following the shooting on campus that killed two students. The department says officials are investigating whether school officials violated federal campus safety and security requirements. In addition, Brown University's president placed the campus police chief on leave. A former chief of the Providence Police Department will replace him. Brown's president said the University is “deeply committed” to campus safety and security.President Trump unveiled plans on Monday to build a new class of battleships as part of his vision to strengthen the military. The so-called 'Trump-class' ships will be part of the administration's vision for a 'golden fleet,' aimed at deterring U-S adversaries like communist China. He says the new warships will be the largest, with one hundred times the force. President Trump made the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. The U.S. hasn't built any battleships since World War II, with the last American battleship retiring in 1992.

The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. A U.S. official told The Epoch Times on Sunday that the vessel part is of Venezuela's "illegal sanctions evasion." It comes as tensions are increasing in the Caribbean, with the United States building up a naval presence in the region, and striking alleged drug boats.Utility crews in San Francisco are working to restore power to thousands of residents and businesses after a widespread outage on Saturday. A fire at an electrical substation knocked out power for about 130,000 customers. Farther north, residents in Redding, California experienced flash flooding, leaving at least one dead. The heavy rains flooded highways and roads, leaving several vehicles stranded.A Russian general was killed in an apparent car bombing in Moscow. Russian officials are blaming Ukraine for the latest assassination of a senior military officer. Officials said Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov died on Monday morning. Russian officials say investigators are considering various motives for the attack, including a theory it was organized by Ukrainian special forces.

Rhode Island's attorney general said law enforcement late Thursday tracked Portuguese national Claudio Neves Valente, the man suspected of killing two students at Brown University, to Salem, New Hampshire. They found him inside a storage unit after he took his own life with a gun. Investigators are also accusing him of killing MIT professor Nuno Loureiro two days after his rampage at Brown.Social media giant TikTok is selling just over 80 percent of its U.S. assets to avoid a looming ban in the country. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance said Thursday it had signed agreements with three major investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX. The deal would create a new U.S. company called TikTok USDS Joint Venture. ByteDance will retain a stake of just under 20 percent.Seven people have died, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, after a business jet went down on Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport, just north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Flight tracking data show the aircraft attempted to return shortly after takeoff amid severe weather. Federal investigators are now working to determine what caused the deadly crash.

The U.S. government is admitting responsibility in the deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. Federal filings cite air traffic control errors and a faulty altimeter aboard an army helicopter. The Senate has now passed the ROTOR Act, strengthening helicopter tracking requirements and closing military loopholes.President Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday night, pointing to what he called economic gains since returning to office. Trump also teased what he described as aggressive housing reforms and announced a $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” for U.S. service members. Separately, Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for U.S/ personnel killed in Syria.Lawmakers in the House just passed a Republican plan to bring down the cost of health care, without extending subsidies for Obamacare. The bill would lower premiums and provide subsidies for low income families for out of pocket health expenses. It now goes to the Senate where it's expected to fail without democratic support. In a separate vote, 4 republicans joined Democrats to force another vote on a 3 year clean extension of the COVID-era Obamacare subsidies.

President Donald Trump has ordered a naval blockade targeting sanctioned oil shipments off the Venezuelan coast, in an escalation of tensions with regime leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump said the pressure would increase until what he described as stolen U.S. oil, land, and assets were returned. The Maduro regime previously described the United States' recent seizure of a tanker filled with Venezuelan crude oil as “international piracy.”The manhunt is intensifying for the Brown University shooter. Investigators are trawling the neighborhood for any new evidence that might help identify the suspect. They're also focusing on what might have motivated the attack. Rhode Island officials have released video footage and a new, enhanced image of the suspect. The FBI has also released an updated timeline, showing the assailant's known movements.Australian authorities have charged the surviving suspect in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack with fifteen counts of murder and dozens of other charges. Funerals began on Wednesday for the fifteen people killed in the anti-Semitic attack. Jewish leaders also vowed that the Hanukkah celebration would return despite last weekend's violence.

Australian authorities say the deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney may have been inspired by ISIS, citing evidence including homemade ISIS flags and explosives found in the suspects' vehicle. Police also say the father-son duo travelled to the Philippines last month. The purpose of that visit is under investigation. The Bondi beach attack is Australia's worst shooting in nearly 30 years.The Justice Department announced on Monday that the FBI foiled a bomb plot planned for New Year's Eve in the Los Angeles area. Officials say 4 individuals were arrested, ranging from ages 24 to 41.They are members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which the DOJ describes as a pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group. Authorities say the suspects were plotting to use backpacks filled with improvised explosive devices that would detonate at least 5 different sites in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.President Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion. He is accusing the broadcaster of defamation over a documentary aired just one week before the 2024 election. The lawsuit argues the BBC misleadingly edited Trump's January 6th speech, splicing together separate remarks to falsely suggest a call for violence. Court filings include a letter from the BBC chair acknowledging the edit created a misleading impression.

Police in Providence have released a man who was held as a person of interest in the Brown University shooting. The attack left two students dead and nine others injured. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley says the investigation is moving in a “different direction." The first victim has been identified as sophomore Ella Cook. President Donald Trump paid his respects to the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.Authorities are still investigating a shooting that took place at Sydney's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Police say two gunmen opened fire on a crowd of about a thousand people. One of the shooters died during the exchange of gunfire and the other is in the hospital. The shooting is being condemned all over the world as an anti-Semitic attack.An ISIS terrorist ambush in Syria killed two U.S. National Guard troops from Iowa and a U.S. civilian interpreter. An Iowa police chief identified his son, Nate Howard, as one of the two soldiers killed. Names of the other victims are expected to be released later today. The ISIS terrorist was killed, and five people suspected of having a connection to the gunman were arrested. Trump is warning of a "very serious retaliation." Lawmakers are encouraging the continued cooperation to totally dismantle ISIS.

The U.S. is increasing pressure on Venezuela, sanctioning three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores, two of whom are known narcotics smugglers. it comes after the U.S. seized an oil tanker with alleged links to terrorist groups. Venezuela calls the action piracy, while the White House says the U.S. intends to take the oil from the vessel.The Indiana State Senate voted down a new congressional map yesterday 31-19, that would have favored Republicans. That's despite having a 40-10 Republican super-majority in the chamber. The redrawn map would have given Indiana Republicans all nine of the state's U.S. House seats, two more compared to what they currently have. Republicans and Democrats are separated by just 3 seats in the U.S. House, and redistricting could determine control of the chamber in the 2026 midterms.Days of torrential rain have triggered historic flooding in Washington state, leaving families stranded, sweeping away homes, and prompting rescues. Tens of thousands remain under evacuation orders. The storms have shut roads and halted Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver. Officials warn the powerful atmospheric river is pushing rivers toward record levels.

The Senate, is preparing to vote on two healthcare bills today. One bill is a clean extension of the Obamacare tax subsidies for the next three years. The other bill is a plan that would take the money granted to the subsidies and put them into health savings accounts to help Americans pay out-of-pocket health costs. The U.S. House of Representatives, meanwhile, passed a massive $901-billion defense policy bill on Wednesday. The bill now heads to the Senate before heading to President Trump's desk.The Federal Reserve has approved a quarter-point rate cut in a divided vote. Chair Jerome Powell called the move a close call. President Trump criticized the cut as too small and said higher rates are holding back the economy. Trump is weighing potential candidates to replace Powell when his term ends in May.President Trump has officially launched his new immigration “Gold Card” offering a fast-track U.S. residency for non-citizens who donate $1 million and pass vetting. The announcement comes as the administration also moves to tighten the Visa-Waiver Program. Travelers from 42 countries would be required to submit five years of social media history and other personal data.

President Trump unveiled a $12 billion farm aid package at a round-table meeting with cabinet members and American farmers on Monday. $11 billion will be given to row-crop farmers and an additional $1 billion will be sorted out for specialty crops. This comes as Trump is expected to visit Pennsylvania on Tuesday to discuss the U.S. economy, with the White House pointing to cheaper gas and falling rent prices.The Trump administration is rolling out a billion-dollar plan to make America's airports healthier and more family-friendly. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the initiative on Monday at Reagan National Airport. He outlined new federal grants to help airports improve traveler health and comfort. The upgrades could include healthier food choices, expanded nursing spaces, children's play areas and even workout stations.Democrats and reporters are pressuring President Trump to release footage of a military strike that killed two alleged drug smugglers who survived an earlier strike. During a heated exchange, Trump explained to a reporter why he's directing the strikes in the first place, telling her every boat strike saves 25,000 American lives. The pentagon is now reviewing the footage to determine what can be released publicly.

President Trump unveiled a $12 billion farm aid package at a round-table meeting with cabinet members and American farmers on Monday. $11 billion will be given to row-crop farmers and an additional $1 billion will be sorted out for specialty crops. This comes as Trump is expected to visit Pennsylvania on Tuesday to discuss the U.S. economy, with the White House pointing to cheaper gas and falling rent prices.The Trump administration is rolling out a billion-dollar plan to make America's airports healthier and more family-friendly. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the initiative on Monday at Reagan National Airport. He outlined new federal grants to help airports improve traveler health and comfort. The upgrades could include healthier food choices, expanded nursing spaces, children's play areas and even workout stations.Democrats and reporters are pressuring President Trump to release footage of a military strike that killed two alleged drug smugglers who survived an earlier strike. During a heated exchange, Trump explained to a reporter why he's directing the strikes in the first place, telling her every boat strike saves 25,000 American lives. The pentagon is now reviewing the footage to determine what can be released publicly.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan says the Trump administration has thus far located 62,000 children who were illegally smuggled into the United States. Homan alleges that the Biden administration lost track of 300,000 minors. He says those children were smuggled into the country during the previous administration, and says the Trump administration has been actively searching for them.President Trump became the first U.S. president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating artists from Sylvester Stallone to Gloria Gaynor and KISS. At the event, officials praised the arts as a unifying force, while Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell highlighted new fiscal discipline. Trump also weighed in on the Netflix–Warner Brothers merger, calling it a major market shift.Lawmakers are gearing up to vote on the defense policy for 2026. This year's bill codifies 15 of President Trumps war-department related executive orders, including stripping the Pentagon of DEI, CRT and climate initiatives. Enlisted service members will also get a 4% pay raise, and codifies Trump's deployment of troops to the border to combat illegal immigration and drugs.

The Pentagon says U.S. forces have carried out another strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing four suspected narco-terrorists. The announcement came as Congress reviewed a previous operation that killed two survivors from an earlier strike. Top Senate Republican Tom Cotton defended the operation, while Democrats called the classified footage troubling.Homeland Security says an ICE operation in Minneapolis has led to multiple arrests of what the agency calls “the worst of the worst” criminal illegal immigrants. The Metro Surge operation began Monday. Many of those arrested are Somali nationals, with cases ranging from gang affiliations to sexual-conduct convictions and felony smuggling. Other charges include aggravated assault and domestic violence.The mid-terms are looking more favorable to republicans in Texas after the Supreme Court approved the republicans new map. GOP candidates will now have a better opportunity to flip Democrat seats in 5 Texas districts. Though the five potential gains in Texas could be offset by 5 potential gains in California, after voters approved a new map last month that favors Democrats. Now, Florida is the latest in a string of states that are working to redrawing congressional lines.

President Trump has rolled back Biden-era fuel-economy rules, saying the move will lower car prices and protect U.S. auto jobs. The White House argues the old standards were too costly and pushed electric vehicles on consumers. Officials say the change could cut car prices by about $1,000 and save Americans more than $100 billion.ICE officers have arrested an Afghan man on suspicion of providing support to a regional branch of the ISIS terror group. He is the third Afghan national to be arrested in just over a week, raising questions about a Biden-era program for refugees after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expanding social media vetting for applicants for all H-1B visas.President Trump said on Wednesday that land strikes on Venezuela will start very soon, and that these strikes will go beyond pressure campaign on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump also doubled down on his defense of the September 2nd strike in the Caribbean, saying that every boat that's taken down saves 25,000 American lives. He says that drugs coming in through the sea are down by 91% since the strikes began.

The push for a negotiated end to the nearly four-year war hit another stalemate this week, after a five-hour meeting in Moscow between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, ultimately producing no results. The Kremlin described the talks as constructive, but said compromises had not yet been found.Republican Matt Van Epps was projected to win a special election yesterday, to fill a vacant U.S. House of Representatives seat. Van Epps thanked Trump multiple times following his projected victory, padding the leader in the chamber heading into next year's midterm elections. Van Epps is a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, and defeated Democratic opponent, state Representative Aftyn Behn.President Trump held his ninth Cabinet meeting of the year on Tuesday, as scrutiny grows over a deadly boat strike in the Caribbean. Some lawmakers claim Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike that killed two survivors, calling it a war crime. Hegseth denies it, saying Admiral Frank Bradley made the call and that it was the right decision under the “fog of war.” Trump defended the strikes, saying they saved hundreds of thousands of American lives, and warned that land strikes on cartels are coming soon, not just in Venezuela, but in any country sending illicit drugs into the U.S.

Nearly 72 million people are under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to southern New England, as forecasters say a rapidly strengthening storm is forming over the eastern United States on Nov. 2. This is the third storm this week sweeping across the country. It's expected to set new low-temperature records, along with snow, rain, and a chance of Gulf Coast tornadoes. The FAA says some airports could see delays.The White House is defending a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. The White House says Vice Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the follow-on strike and acted within his legal authority. The strike, however, is raising questions, and Congress is now investigating, with Bradley set to brief lawmakers this week.The White House says the Trump administration is feeling very optimistic about the peace process between Russia and Ukraine. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Kremlin spokesman said the talks on Nov. 2 will be held behind closed doors. He declined to specify what issues the two are set to discuss.

The Kremlin said on Monday that an American delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff would be in Moscow on Tuesday, to meet with Putin to discuss the changes made to the U.S. proposed peace plan. That's following a critical round of diplomacy that happened over the weekend. Rubio said the U.S. and Ukraine made good progress during the meeting on Sunday, but says that Moscow still has to agree to the plans.Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela are increasing. President Trump says he spoke to President Nicolas Maduro over the phone. The administration has closed Venezuelan airspace, the FAA is warning of heightened military activity. Lawmakers are also demanding answers over reports of follow-up U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats.A new winter storm is moving from the Plains toward the Northeast, bringing snow and heavy rain to areas still recovering from last week's blast of snow. Lewis County, New York, could see up to eight inches of snow, with slick roads and low visibility creating hazardous travel conditions. Following the storm, Arctic air will plunge temperatures to the season's lowest levels across central and eastern U.S.

Following a shooting near the White House earlier this week, authorities have confirmed that National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom has died. A second soldier, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. The attack has renewed scrutiny of immigration policy. The administration has ordered a review of all green cards from so-called “countries of concern,” including Afghanistan.At least 128 people are now confirmed dead in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court fire, one of the city's deadliest disasters in generations. Rescuers are still combing the burned high-rises, with around 200 residents unaccounted for, as investigators examine how renovation materials and faulty alarms may have fueled the fast-moving inferno. Officials say the fire engulfed seven of the eight residential towers after bamboo scaffolding and renovation materials fueled the flames.A powerful winter storm is poised to disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel across the Northern Plains, the Upper Midwest, and into the Great Lakes. Forecasters warn snow could spread as early as Friday and intensify through the weekend, creating hazardous road conditions and ushering in a sharp drop in temperatures.

Millions of Americans prepare for the rush to head home this Thanksgiving holiday, with the Federal Aviation Administration saying this would be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years. On top of the crowded airports and busy highways, travelers will also be facing a surge of wintry weather. A strong midweek storm will advance from the East Coast to the Midwest, bringing thunderstorms, rain along I-95, and wind-driven snow near major hubs like Chicago and Detroit.President Donald Trump says peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine are making progress, with U.S. officials preparing for high-level meetings with both sides. Trump says the revised roadmap is now a 22-point plan, with greater European involvement. He also suggested some territorial concessions might be inevitable.The FBI is probing six Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who posted a controversial video last week in which they told the military to refuse to follow what they referred to as “illegal orders.” Those involved haven't specified orders they are urging the military to ignore, but Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said her main issue is with the National Guard deployment. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) has filed legislation challenging Trump's authority to carry out strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Two National Guardsmen are in critical condition after being shot near the White House on Wednesday in what officials are calling a targeted attack. The suspect, an Afghan national, was wounded and taken into custody. President Donald Trump and National Guard leaders offered prayers for the victims. Meanwhile, the Trump administration halted all immigration processing for Afghan nationals pending new security reviews.Millions are expected at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, and New York City is ramping up security to keep them safe. Mayor Eric Adams is urging parade-goers to stay alert. The NYPD Commissioner said there are no known credible threats, but thousands of officers, drones, K-9 units, and emergency teams will line the route, with social media monitored in real time.Forecasters are warning that a powerful storm system will blanket the Northern Plains and Great Lakes with heavy snow over the holiday, and that a second storm system is brewing in the Pacific Northwest. Winter storm warnings are in place from Minnesota to Michigan, with some areas expecting more than a foot of snow. The storms are threatening one of the busiest travel weekends on record, as more than 80 million Americans are expected to hit the roads and skies for Thanksgiving.

President Donald Trump spoke with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday—their first call since tensions rose over her comments on Japan's possibly defending Taiwan against Chinese aggression. Takaichi said Trump requested the conversation, and reaffirmed their close cooperation. Trump also spoke with China's Xi Jinping on Monday, with Ukraine, fentanyl, and farm-trade issues discussed. Trump also accepted Xi's invitation to visit Beijing in April.A federal judge has dismissed the indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge also found the appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan to be unlawful. The indictments were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the cases could be brought back. However, the statute of limitations has already passed for Comey's case, barring the Justice Department from bringing the same charges against him. The DOJ said it would appeal the ruling.Two special turkeys named Gobble and Waddle are set to receive a presidential pardon on Tuesday, an annual tradition ahead of Thanksgiving. The two birds are currently enjoying life at the Willard Hotel ahead of their big debut. The fowl were supplied by Butterball, one of the nation's largest poultry producers. The annual Thanksgiving pardoning tradition goes back to 1989, when President George H.W. Bush pardoned the turkey instead of sending it for slaughter.

The United States and Ukraine say they've made progress on a revised peace plan during talks in Geneva over the weekend. The White House says the updated framework strengthens protections for Ukraine and keeps its sovereignty non-negotiable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks the most productive so far, though key issues remain.Operations at one of JFK International Airport's terminals have resumed following a systems failure that happened on Sunday, leaving travelers facing major delays. The outage happened at the beginning of a busy Thanksgiving travel week, with two possible winter storms also expected to hit parts of the United States. Heavy rain is expected in Texas and parts of the southwest this weekend. Forecasters are also warning of lake-effect snow and white-out conditions across western New York state.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Americans can expect substantial refunds in early 2026. He is also optimistic that the broader economy will avoid a recession despite the impact of the record government shutdown. Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett says real wages are up about $1,200 this year, and predicts 2026 could be a strong year for the economy.

President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law on Wednesday, ordering the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The law bars the withholding or redaction of records for political reasons, although protections remain for victims, ongoing investigations, and sensitive material.Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and three others have been indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA disaster funds in 2021. Prosecutors say the money was tied to a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, and allege it was laundered through multiple accounts and used to support her special-election campaign. Officials also allege she routed funds through friends and family as straw donations.Federal authorities say they've dismantled a major methamphetamine smuggling operation from Mexico into Colorado, part of a two-year probe that led to 15 indictments and one of the largest meth seizures in state history. At sea, meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard says its crews have just offloaded more than 49,000 pounds of cocaine in Florida—the biggest haul ever from a single Coast Guard patrol.

President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law on Wednesday, ordering the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The law bars the withholding or redaction of records for political reasons, although protections remain for victims, ongoing investigations, and sensitive material.Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and three others have been indicted for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA disaster funds in 2021. Prosecutors say the money was tied to a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, and allege it was laundered through multiple accounts and used to support her special-election campaign. Officials also allege she routed funds through friends and family as straw donations.Federal authorities say they've dismantled a major methamphetamine smuggling operation from Mexico into Colorado, part of a two-year probe that led to 15 indictments and one of the largest meth seizures in state history. At sea, meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard says its crews have just offloaded more than 49,000 pounds of cocaine in Florida—the biggest haul ever from a single Coast Guard patrol.

New York City is expected to see expanded immigration enforcement soon. Border czar Tom Homan made the announcement on Tuesday, just one month after ICE agents conducted a sweep on street vendors in Manhattan that turned chaotic after officers were swarmed by protestors. Federal agents are also expected to go to Louisiana and Mississippi under Operation Swamp Sweep, which aims to arrest 5,000 people.The Trump administration is moving ahead with major structural changes to the Department of Education, and is preparing to shift several of its core programs to other federal agencies as part of efforts to dismantle the department. One change involves moving more than $30 billion in federal grants to the Department of Labor. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says the restructuring is meant to break down bureaucracy and return control of education to states and local leaders.President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday. During their meeting, Trump announced that the United States would designate Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally.” This represents a substantial elevation of the country's diplomatic standing with America. The crown prince praised Trump's peace efforts and announced that he's boosting Saudi Arabia's U.S. investments to $1 trillion.

President Donald Trump will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday. This is the crown prince's first visit to Washington in more than seven years. Trump said he plans to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, with defense cooperation one of the leaders' key talking points.Federal immigration agents could begin enforcement operations in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, with Mayor Janet Cowell confirming that agents are already in the city. The deployment follows a weekend sweep in Charlotte that led to more than 130 arrests. In Tennessee, meanwhile, a judge has blocked National Guard deployments in Memphis, but temporarily paused the order to allow the governor time to appeal.The House is expected to vote on a bill on Tuesday to force the Justice Department to publicly release the Epstein files. President Trump is also changing course on his previous opposition to the bill, calling on House Republicans to vote to release the files. After passing the House, it would then head to the Senate, where it's still not clear how the upper chamber would handle the bill. Trump said he would sign the bill if it passed both chambers of Congress.

The United States is planning to designate the Venezuelan ‘Cartel of the Suns' a foreign terrorist organization. The move expands federal authority to target the group, which the Trump administration says is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. forces are continuing strikes on suspected narcotics-smuggling vessels, including one this weekend in which three suspected drug traffickers died.President Donald Trump is considering ways to allow Americans to directly feel the benefits of his tariffs. The measures include a plan to send a $2,000 check to low- and middle-income Americans next year, to be paid for by revenue gained from tariffs. The plan would need approval from Congress to take effect. Some conservative Republicans have expressed openness, but others say tackling the national debt should come first.With the federal government back in business, the Federal Aviation Administration says its order to reduce flights ended at 6 a.m. on Monday morning, allowing normal air traffic operations to resume. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency will now refocus on hiring more air traffic controllers and modernizing U.S. air traffic control systems. SNAP benefits are also now being paid again under updated federal rules. However, beneficiaries must meet new work and citizenship requirements to continue receiving food assistance.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has awarded checks to two-dozen TSA agents at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Noem said the payments recognized employees who went “above and beyond” while working without pay during the shutdown, and that the department will continue awarding bonuses to TSA employees who showed exemplary performance.The White House announced new trade deals on Thursday with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador. According to an official, the deals will lift reciprocal tariffs on some products the United States relies on, such as coffee, cocoa, and bananas. President Donald Trump is planning to ramp up his domestic travel ahead of the 2026 midterms, when he intends to talk with voters about the cost of living.Millions of Americans are facing higher health insurance costs as COVID-era tax subsidies for Obamacare are set to expire. Democrats want a clean extension of the subsidies. Some Republicans support this, but many want major reforms—or to replace Obamacare altogether. Senators are expected to vote on an Obamacare extension in December, with bipartisan negotiations already underway. Trump is proposing “Trumpcare,” which would create health accounts for people to pay for medical issues.

After a record 43 days, the federal government shutdown is finally over, with President Donald Trump signing a stopgap bill on Wednesday night to restore funding. The bill will keep much of the federal government running through January and fund SNAP benefits through next September. Six House Democrats joined Republicans to vote in favor of the bill, while others still called it a bad deal. The health care debate at the heart of the shutdown remains unresolved.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that flight reductions will remain frozen at 6 percent even after the government shutdown ends. However, the measure will also halt a planned increase in cuts to 8 and then 10 percent. Duffy said the freeze is meant to stabilize operations while the FAA works to restore normal service. Duffy also said air traffic controllers will receive 70 percent of their back pay within 48 hours of the shutdown ending.A discharge petition has secured enough signatures to force a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill is supported by all Democrats and four Republicans. It would direct the Justice Department to release unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) plans to bring the measure to the floor next week. It will still face approval in the Republican-controlled Senate before reaching the president.

House lawmakers are back in Washington on Wednesday after an absence of nearly two months. They will vote on a measure to reopen the government, which is expected to pass before it heads to the president's desk. The bill will contain the same spending levels as the one sent to the Senate two months ago, and will fund the government until the end of January.Much of the country got its first taste of winter in recent days, with a wave of Arctic air sending temperatures plunging. Nearly 18 million people in the Southeast were under freeze warnings this week. Up north, heavy snow buried parts of Michigan and New York State, while out west, California is bracing for heavy rain later this week.The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to keep food stamp payments on hold—extending a pause on a judge's order to restore funding during the shutdown. The administration argued that courts can't legally reallocate federal funds, and that only Congress can resolve the crisis by reopening the government. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, voting to resume payments.

The longest government shutdown in history is nearing an end after 41 days. Senators approved a bipartisan deal on Monday night that's now headed to the House. With the bill expected to pass the House, it will then head to the president's desk, which could happen as early as Wednesday. Meanwhile, flight delays are continuing at airports across the country. The FAA said that starting on Monday, flights across the country would be reduced by 6 percent with plans to increase that to 10 percent by the end of the week.The Supreme Court heard several key cases on Monday and is continuing to review President Donald Trump's global tariffs case. Trump warned that the economy could face trillions in losses if the Supreme Court strikes down his emergency tariff powers, calling any unwind “devastating.” The administration is also asking the Supreme Court to approve National Guard deployment in Illinois, a move lower courts blocked. Trump is also taking his dispute with magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll to the Supreme Court. Trump asked the court on Monday to review a $5 million civil judgment against him after a federal appeals court upheld the jury's verdict last year.An arctic blast is continuing its record-setting journey East on Tuesday. The freeze is impacting the area from New York to Florida, bringing inches of snow and, potentially, record-setting low temperatures. Forecasters are predicting snowfall in the Great Lakes area on Tuesday as residents in the Midwest dig their way out, with inches of snow accumulating into the double-digits in some areas on Monday.

An end to the 40-day government shutdown is now in sight after 8 Democratic Senators joined Republicans to advance a bill to reopen the government through January 30. Part of the deal will require Republican leadership to hold a December vote on extending Obamacare subsidies. Without a guaranteed outcome, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) did not support the deal to reopen the government. House lawmakers will return to Washington this week, with the measure expected to easily pass the lower chamber.President Donald Trump has pardoned more than 70 prominent figures involved in challenging the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, including Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, John Eastman, and Mark Meadows. The document states that “this proclamation ends a grave national injustice perpetrated upon the American people following the 2020 Presidential Election and continues the process of national reconciliation.” The proclamation also states the pardon does not apply to Trump himself.The United States is marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Monday. At the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Washington on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance, a Marine veteran himself, praised the Corps' enduring strength. Across the country, communities are honoring 250 years of service with parades, flyovers, and special tributes to Marines past and present. There are currently more than 200,000 active duty and reserve Marines serving in the United States.

Senators are expected to meet on Friday for a 15th vote on reopening the government. Republicans made an offer to fully fund parts of the government while patching funds for the rest until January, plus a promised Obamacare vote. Until Thursday evening, the deal looked promising to secure the votes needed from Democrats. Now, however, key negotiators are casting doubts that a breakthrough is possible before the weekend. If Senators don't see any hope of a deal coming to fruition, they could leave Washington for the next week.A Rhode Island judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund food stamps for November. The ruling affects about 42 million Americans in the SNAP program. Judge John McConnell said people have “gone without for too long.” Vice President JD Vance called the decision “absurd.” The Trump administration is appealing the ruling.Following Supreme Court arguments on President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs, the president is describing the case as the most important in U.S. history. Trump said his 100 percent tariff threat against Beijing was key in getting Chinese regime leader Xi Jinping to ease rare earth export controls. He said if the Supreme Court does not rule in his favor, he will need to come up with a new plan regarding his tariffs. Trump said such a ruling would be “devastating” and a life-or-death scenario for the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to cut 10 percent of flights at 40 major airports as early as Friday if the government shutdown continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the move will ease pressure on air traffic controllers, who haven't been paid in weeks. The cancellations are expected to disrupt many Americans' travel plans, but Duffy said safety remains the top priority.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he's very optimistic about the Supreme Court case that is weighing the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariff case. Bessent attended oral arguments at the high court on Wednesday. He said that the Solicitor General presented strong and persuasive arguments, while, in his opinion, the plaintiff had fundamentally misunderstood and misrepresented Trump's tariff goals. The president has repeatedly emphasized that without the tariffs, the United States would have no national security.Seven New York City firefighters are recovering after a car explosion in the Bronx sent a massive fireball into the sky. Officials say the blast happened on Wednesday night after a trash fire spread to several vehicles. Fire Chief John Esposito says five firefighters suffered burns to their hands and faces. Three remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Democrats have swept the ballot box, winning several key races across the nation. Zohran Mamdani is projected to become the next mayor of New York City, beating out independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. In the New Jersey governor's race, Democrat Mikie Sherrill is set to beat out Republican Jack Ciattarelli. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is projected to win the governor's seat over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.A cargo plane crash at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport has killed at least seven people. The UPS jet went down moments after take-off near an industrial area just outside the airport. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called the crash catastrophic. UPS has paused operations at its Worldport hub in Louisville as the investigation continues.Wednesday marks the 36th day of the government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history. President Donald Trump is again calling on Republicans to end the filibuster in order to work around the Democrat votes needed to reopen the government. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is also warning of the possibility of having to close sections of U.S. airspace. Bipartisan talks are said to be underway with some predicting the shutdown could come to an end this week, although it's still uncertain if the talks will make a difference.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, according to his family. The statement said his passing was “due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.” Cheney served alongside Republican President George W. Bush for two terms, from 2001 to 2009. He is considered one of America's most powerful modern vice presidents, and the primary architect of America's ‘War on Terror.'Voters are heading to the polls as President Donald Trump urges voters to back independent candidate Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor over Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, who he called a “communist.” A new poll shows the race tightening, with Mamdani's lead shrinking as Cuomo gains late momentum. Meanwhile, Trump also made a last-minute push for GOP candidates in New Jersey and Virginia ahead of today's gubernatorial races, holding tele-rallies.The Trump administration will partially fund food stamps for November as the shutdown enters its second month. The USDA says about half the usual benefits will be paid using limited contingency funds. Meanwhile, Head Start programs are closing nationwide, leaving thousands of families without child care as the shutdown ties the record for the longest in U.S. history.