The FDA is reportedly preparing to add a boxed 'black box' warning to COVID-19 vaccines, the agency’s most serious safety alert. President Trump urged bipartisan cooperation on health care as the administration promises a new plan following Senate deadlock and the potential expiration of enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Indiana Republicans voted down a Trump-backed congressional map, and western Washington faces record flooding with tens of thousands at risk of evacuation. A federal judge ordered the release of a man mistakenly deported, and the president signed an order preempting state AI rules in favor of a national framework.
5 Things to Know — Dec. 12: FDA Eyes 'Black Box' for COVID Vaccines; Trump Pushes Health Unity; Washington Floods
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the Congressional Ball at the White House on Thursday. - Alex Wong/Getty Images
The Food and Drug Administration is reportedly planning to add a boxed, or 'black box,' warning to COVID-19 vaccines — the agency's most serious safety alert — to flag significant risks, according to sources. Here are the other developments you need to know this morning.
1. Trump Calls For Bipartisan Health-Care Talks
At the White House Congressional Ball, President Donald Trump unexpectedly urged both parties to work together on health care, saying he expects bipartisan cooperation soon. The administration says it will unveil a new approach after the Senate rejected competing proposals from both parties. The standoff comes as enhanced Obamacare subsidies may expire in January, potentially driving up monthly premiums for millions of Americans. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said details will be shared "very soon."
2. Indiana Lawmakers Reject Trump-Backed Map
In Indiana, 21 Republicans joined 10 Democrats to vote down a proposed congressional map that would have positioned the GOP to win all nine U.S. House seats. Several lawmakers said their constituents opposed the redistricting. Former President Trump criticized the dissenting Republicans and suggested they could face primary challenges from MAGA-aligned challengers.
3. Record Flooding Rips Through Western Washington
Record rainfall and swollen rivers have led to widespread evacuations and dozens of water rescues in western Washington. In Sumas, floodwaters reportedly reached as high as 15 feet, prompting mass rescues. Officials say roughly 100,000 residents statewide could face evacuation orders, and Skagit County ordered its entire 100-year floodplain evacuated. Meteorologists warn an incoming atmospheric river could bring additional heavy rain next week.
4. Judge Orders Release After Mistaken Deportation
A federal judge ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from ICE custody after he was mistakenly deported earlier this year. The case sparked a contentious legal fight that included tense exchanges with the Justice Department and has come to symbolize broader debates over the Trump administration's immigration policies and deportation practices.
5. President Signs Order To Preempt State AI Rules
President Trump signed an executive order barring states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence regulations, directing the federal government to create a single national framework for AI. Tech leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, warned that a patchwork of state laws could slow innovation and weaken U.S. competitiveness with China. Critics counter that federal preemption could reduce accountability for AI companies if their products harm consumers.
Other Notable Headlines
- An Australian skydiver’s parachute became entangled on a plane’s tail at roughly 15,000 feet; the incident ended without a major catastrophe.
- The U.S. penny’s phaseout is just the start of broader changes to American coinage next year.
- Former crypto executive Do Kwon was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a fraud scheme prosecutors say involved about $40 billion.
- Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald will step down amid a challenging retail environment.
- Hundreds of flights were canceled after a Brazil-wide blackout left more than 1.4 million people without power.
- An experienced hiker was rescued after becoming stuck in quicksand in Utah’s Arches National Park.
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