University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned following intense criticism from the White House, lawmakers, and high-profile alumni over comments she made during a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism. Magill had apologized for her comments and reaffirmed her commitment to fighting antisemitism on campus, but the damage had already been done and the university was facing the threat of losing a $100 million donation. The university has yet to announce a replacement for the position, and will continue to work to combat antisemitism on campus.
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A federal judge in California has approved a settlement that prohibits the U.S. government from reviving the Trump-era "zero tolerance" family separation policy for the next eight years. The settlement provides social and legal benefits to migrant families affected by the policy, such as access to mental health services, legal representation, and assistance with reunification. It also requires the government to provide notice to families of their rights and to create a system for tracking separated families.
The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily stayed a lower court ruling that would have allowed a Dallas woman to have an abortion. The case has sparked a heated debate over abortion rights in the state, with supporters arguing for the woman's right to make her own decisions and opponents arguing for the state's right to protect unborn children. The court is expected to issue a final ruling in the coming weeks, which could have far-reaching implications for abortion rights in Texas.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level 1 travel advisory for Baja California, Mexico, warning travelers of the potential risk of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). After a San Diego resident who traveled to Baja California died last month from the disease, the CDC is urging travelers to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. The agency is also recommending that travelers to Baja California take extra precautions to reduce their risk of contracting RMSF and other tick-borne illnesses.
Ethan Crumbley, 17, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021, which left four students dead and seven others injured. Judge Kwamé Rowe imposed the maximum sentence, citing the incident as a "true act of terrorism," and Crumbley's attorney said his client was remorseful for his actions. This sentencing brings closure to a tragedy that shocked the community of Oxford and the entire state of Michigan.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. has ruled to reinstate a gag order limiting what former President Donald Trump can say in the case involving his alleged attempts to thwart the transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election. The court noted that Trump's public statements have the potential to influence witnesses and jurors, and that the order was necessary to ensure a fair and impartial trial. Trump is now barred from making public comments about potential witnesses and prosecutors in the case, as well as lawyers in the case other than the special counsel, members of court staff and lawyers' staff, and their family members.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed regret for comments he made in a team meeting four years ago, which were revealed in an article. He apologized for the misunderstanding and said he never meant to cause any offense. The Bills organization released a statement saying they were aware of the article and supported McDermott's commitment to creating a culture of respect and understanding.
The U.S. economy added 199,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations and signaling that businesses are still hiring despite signs of a slowing economy. The unemployment rate declined to 3.7%, the lowest rate since 1969, and average hourly earnings increased by 0.4% for the month and 4% from a year ago. The strong job growth and low unemployment rate are positive signs for the economy, but the Federal Reserve will be closely watching the data to determine the best course of action.