Today's quick-update roundup highlights the latest developments in crime, politics, national security and public health.
Brown University Shooting: Rhode Island authorities released enhanced images and video on Tuesday showing a person of interest in the campus shooting that left two Brown students dead and nine others wounded. The new image, like earlier releases, shows a man wearing a black face covering, a beanie and what appears to be a two-toned jacket as investigators continue the search.
Reaction From President Trump: President Donald Trump criticized Brown University on Wednesday for what he said was limited security camera coverage, commenting after the FBI came under scrutiny for briefly arresting and then releasing a suspect because of insufficient evidence.
FCC Hearing and Brendan Carr: At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Democrats accused Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr of politicizing the agency and 'weaponizing' his office in ways that could chill free expression. The hearing also included a notable reversal by Carr on whether the FCC should be considered an independent agency.
NDAA Passage: The Senate gave final approval to the National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday, passing the roughly $900 billion defense policy bill by a bipartisan vote of 77. The bill advances much of the administration's national security priorities, updates military procurement processes and seeks to strengthen congressional oversight of operations.
Brendan Carr, commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee oversight hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. This is the first Senate Commerce oversight hearing with all FCC commissioners present since 2020. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images
CDC Updates Hepatitis B Guidance: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on newborn hepatitis B vaccination. Instead of a universal mandate, the CDC now advises mothers who test negative for the virus to consult their health care providers about whether their newborns should receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth.
Planned Reorganization of NCAR: The White House announced plans to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the federal government's largest climate research laboratory. Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, posted the announcement on X, signaling a major reorganization of a leading climate science institution.
Guantánamo Transfers: U.S. officials said 22 Cuban migrants were transferred to the Navy base at Guantánamo Bay, repopulating the detention facility with men the United States intends to deport. These are the first such transfers in about two months.
Legal-Help Campaign For Troops: Two nonprofit groups launched an information campaign offering confidential legal guidance to service members who believe they may have received unlawful orders. The effort includes billboards reading 'Obey Only Lawful Orders' and online resources linking troops to legal advice and support organizations.
Sen. Lindsey Graham's Comments: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who once offered high praise for Joe Biden, told Fox News this week that he blames President Biden for a mass shooting in Australia, reflecting a noticeably tougher tone toward the president.
See you tomorrow.
