Colder-than-average conditions across much of the U.S. may give way to a warmer pattern next week, reducing the chance of a white Christmas for many. Investigators continue a manhunt in Providence after a mass shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine injured; authorities released new images and enhanced video of a person of interest. In Los Angeles, Nick Reiner was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents and is being held without bail. Australia charged a suspect in the Bondi Beach massacre that killed 15 people, and a new federal law requires the Justice Department to release Jeffrey Epstein investigative files by Friday.
5 Things to Know — Dec. 17: Brown University Manhunt, Reiner Murder Charges, Bondi Beach Massacre, Expanded Travel Ban, Epstein Files
Cold, snowy weather has persisted across much of the United States since Thanksgiving, but a pattern change next week could erase chances of a white Christmas for many as forecast models point to warmer-than-average temperatures in several states.
1. Brown University Manhunt Continues
Days after a mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others hospitalized, authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, are still searching for a suspect. Investigators released an updated photo and enhanced video clips showing a person of interest in the hours leading up to the attack; officials say footage of the individual’s posture, gait and movements may help identify them. The campus remains on edge, and the Rhode Island governor has ordered a comprehensive review of school safety procedures. Law enforcement data show at least 75 school shootings in the U.S. so far this year.
2. Nick Reiner Charged With First-Degree Murder
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has charged 32-year-old Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder, alleging he fatally stabbed his parents, director Rob Reiner and producer Michele Singer Reiner. The charges carry penalties up to life in prison without parole or the death penalty; prosecutors have not yet confirmed whether they will seek capital punishment. Reiner is being held without bail and will be arraigned at a later date. The case has drawn intense media attention and renewed focus on Reiner’s background, including prior struggles with addiction.
3. Bondi Beach Massacre: Suspect Charged
Australian police have charged a 24-year-old suspect in the Bondi Beach massacre that killed 15 people. Authorities say the accused faces 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and additional charges including committing a terrorist act. Police allege the attack involved the suspect and his 50-year-old father, who was shot and killed at the scene. The first funerals have already taken place, and emotional crowds gathered outside the Chabad of Bondi ahead of a service for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the victims.
4. Epstein Investigative Files To Be Released
A new federal law requires the Department of Justice to release a large cache of investigative records related to financier Jeffrey Epstein by Friday. The files document probes into Epstein, who died in 2019, and survivors have said they hope the release will identify additional perpetrators. Congress passed the measure last month compelling the DOJ to disclose Epstein-related records in its custody; media reports indicate the president initially opposed the bill but ultimately signed it. Officials have not yet specified which documents will be made public or how much of the material is newly disclosed.
5. U.S. Expands Travel Restrictions
The number of countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions has risen sharply after a presidential proclamation expanded the list with full or partial limits to 39 countries, up from 19. The White House said the added nations show "severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information-sharing." Officials framed the move as part of a broader immigration-security effort following a November shooting in Washington, D.C., that killed a National Guard member and critically wounded another.
Other Quick Hits
- President Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is reported to be engaged to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. - The White House criticized Vanity Fair over wide-ranging interviews with the president's chief of staff, Susie Wiles. - A convenience-store chain has earned millions leasing space to cryptocurrency ATMs even as the machines are increasingly implicated in fraud schemes. - Looking for comfort food? A lifestyle feature lists 20 soups from around the world. - A science note highlights an "ultrablack" fabric engineered to trap light very effectively. - Game designer Hideo Kojima gave a CNN interview about how he crafts standout console titles.
Today's edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN's Andrew Torgan. Check your local forecast for details on how the weather will evolve in your area.
