A government shutdown was averted with the passing of a funding bill on the night before the deadline. The chaos previewed legislative challenges for President Trump’s first 100 days, with funding only extended for three months. The spending fight revealed the influence of Elon Musk on Capitol Hill, as Trump laughed off suggestions that he had ceded power to the tech billionaire. In Germany, a suspect with strong anti-Islamic views was identified in a Christmas market attack that left five dead and dozens injured.
In the U.S., parts of the country may see a white Christmas Eve, while a storm system may impact holiday travel. A pregnant woman in North Carolina was left in debt after being denied reimbursement by a medical cost-sharing service. In politics, fears of reprisals by Kash Patel and Lara Trump’s decision not to run for Senate were discussed, along with the increasing influence of young Indian Americans in Republican politics.
Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson passed away at 65, and actress Blake Lively accused her director of sexual harassment. TikTok creators are providing budget-friendly holiday planning tips, and concerns over foreign interference in UK elections and an increase in bird flu cases were also highlighted. Additionally, police are utilizing AI-powered cameras to enforce road safety, while a new social media platform, Bluesky, faces challenges like scams and moderation issues. Ethical concerns in the Supreme Court and potential implications of restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender teens were also addressed.
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