Congress unveils stopgap bill to avert shutdown

Congressional leaders unveil a stopgap bill to fund the government until March. And a mega-merger between Nissan and Honda might be revving up. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

Congressional leaders unveil stopgap government funding bill

With just days left to prevent a shutdown, Congress unveiled a stopgap bill to keep the government funded into March. It’ll be down to the wire with the Dec. 20 deadline, as House leaders are supposed to wait 72 hours before bringing proposed legislation to the floor for a vote. This practice allows lawmakers time to review the bill.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday, Dec. 17, that he believes in adhering to the 72-hour rule, but with the deadline approaching so quickly that might not be feasible.

This new stopgap bill includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid, a one-year extension to the farm bill, $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers, a bill to renew expiring health care programs and a measure to restrict U.S. investments in China. 

Right now, the government is funded through Friday by a different stopgap measure approved by lawmakers in September.

I am particularly proud that this bill advances some of my key priorities including strong proposals to help the United States out-compete the Chinese Communist Party. pic.twitter.com/k73axXhUl0

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 18, 2024

In a statement last night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he’s “pleased these negotiations led to a bipartisan government funding agreement free of cuts and poison pills, while also securing Democratic priorities like millions for child care, workforce training and job placement, assistance for the key bridge rebuild, additional disaster relief funding and more.” 

If approved, this new stopgap bill would keep the government open through March 14, after the GOP has gained control of both the House and Senate.

Luigi Mangione charged with first-degree murder as an act of terrorism

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month, has been indicted of first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. 

In a press conference Tuesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the shooting outside a Manhattan hotel a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.” 

Mangione faces 11 counts, including two second-degree murder charges. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole. 

Mangione, who remains in a Pennsylvania prison, is set for two hearings on Thursday, Dec. 19. One for charges he faces in the Keystone State and another hearing for his extradition to New York.

1 dead, 9 hurt in Baltimore shooting

A shooting near a Baltimore, Maryland, funeral home left one person dead and nine others injured. 

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said officers responded to reports of shots fired at around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and found a vehicle lying on its side in flames. McCullough said it appears the car was involved in an incident that caused it to crash and catch on fire but did not say how that was related to the shooting. 

“We know that there are some additional scenes that we’re investigating right now where other gunfire took place throughout the neighborhood,” McCullough said. “And that was evidenced by the multiple calls for service from the neighbors who were calling 911 about the gunshots in the community.” 

McCullough said the incident was “intentional and targeted.” No arrests have been made in connection with this case.

Madison school shooting motive appears to be ‘combination of factors’: Police

Wisconsin authorities provided more information on Tuesday about the shooting inside a Christian school classroom that left three dead: a teacher, a student and the 15-year-old suspect.

In a press conference, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said the motive appears to be “a combination of factors.” Barnes added investigators are speaking with other students to see if bullying was one of those factors.

“Some have asked if people were specifically targeted,” Barnes said. “Everyone was targeted in this incident, and everyone was put in equal danger.” 

Barnes said investigators are looking into the suspect’s social activity. Police identified the suspect as Natalie Rupnow and asked anyone who knew her to contact them.

Police said Rupnow opened fire Monday morning, Dec. 16, during a study hall full of students from multiple grade levels at Abundant Life Christian School. She struck several people before shooting herself. Six others were injured in the shooting and two remain in critical condition.

Nissan shares surge amid rumors of merger with Honda

Shares for Nissan surged following reports of potential merger talks with Honda. Both automotive giants released a statement to media confirming the whispers of a possible “business integration,” but not confirming any decisions set in stone yet. 

The two have already collaborated on electric vehicles and battery technology, but the companies could benefit from deepening ties as both have seen challenges this year.

Nissan and Honda have seen dwindling sales in China, the world’s largest car market. Additionally, both automakers are navigating a slow shift to the electric vehicle market amid growing competition. 

Talks of the potential merger saw Nissan shares notch their best day in more than 40 years with a 24% surge, though Honda saw a dip.

Some reports suggested the two will sign “a memorandum of understanding” on the potential deal soon. Mitsubishi is said to be a potential third player in the mix.

Tom Cruise receives Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award

Nearly 40 years after he first starred as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the film “Top Gun,” actor Tom Cruise was awarded the U.S. Navy’s top civilian honor on Tuesday.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the Distinguished Public Service Award to Cruise during a ceremony in London for his contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps. 

“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said during the ceremony. “I know in life something that is very true to me is that is to lead is to serve, and I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women. I see that in you, and you understand that. And I appreciate everyone’s dedication. And it’s a true honor to represent them. And I’m just very proud.” 

The Navy said the 62-year-old actor’s efforts in the film industry have increased public awareness and appreciation for its “highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”

As for what’s next for Cruise, his film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is set to be released in theaters in May.