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FBI Releases New Surveillance Footage of 2021 DNC, RNC Pipe Bomb Suspect as 0,000 Reward Renewed
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FBI Releases New Surveillance Footage of 2021 DNC, RNC Pipe Bomb Suspect as $500,000 Reward Renewed

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The FBI has released new, higher-quality surveillance footage showing previously unseen movements of the suspect who planted pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices on Jan. 5, 2021.

The agency is again offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

In a statement posted to X, the FBI wrote, “The FBI is still offering a $500,000 reward for information that helps identify the person who placed pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee on January 5, 2021. As part of our ongoing investigation, we’re releasing an updated video of the subject, which includes previously unreleased footage, higher quality video, and longer clips of the subject’s movements.”

The newly released video follows the suspect’s path through several Capitol Hill neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the night before the Capitol riot.

The individual can be seen carrying a backpack and placing explosive devices outside both party headquarters before leaving the area.

According to the FBI, the suspect is believed to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black gloves, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes featuring a yellow logo.

The person also covered their face with a mask while carrying the backpack containing the devices.

Investigators said the suspect was first spotted near 1st Street and North Carolina Avenue SE at 7:34 p.m.

Surveillance footage shows the individual moving through residential streets before stopping briefly on South Capitol Street, where one of the bombs was reportedly placed.

At approximately 7:54 p.m., the suspect sat on a bench outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, where video shows one of the explosive devices being positioned near the building.

The second device was planted at the Republican National Committee headquarters at about 8:16 p.m., after which the suspect disappeared from view.

In January, the FBI renewed its focus on the case by releasing additional video of the suspect.

In May, Deputy Director Dan Bongino told “Fox & Friends” that investigators were “pretty confident” they were closing in on suspects connected to the incident.

The FBI has reviewed thousands of hours of video footage and followed hundreds of leads since the pipe bombs were discovered.

The agency said it has conducted more than 1,000 interviews as part of its investigation.

Officials continue to encourage the public to submit any information that might help identify the person responsible.

Bongino stressed that public cooperation and social media remain essential tools in tracking down the suspect, noting that even small details from eyewitnesses or digital evidence could prove critical.

Although the devices were safely removed and no one was injured, authorities said the potential danger was significant.

The bombs were planted on the eve of the Capitol riot, during heightened tensions across Washington.

Then–Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the Democratic National Committee building when the device near that location was found.

Then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California had also passed by the area earlier in the evening before the device was safely defused by law enforcement personnel.

The FBI continues to urge anyone with relevant information to contact its tip line or visit fbi.gov/pipebombs.

The $500,000 reward remains available for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

Scott Jennings: Democrats Too Scared of Their Base to End Shutdown, Brings Receipts
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Scott Jennings: Democrats Too Scared of Their Base to End Shutdown, Brings Receipts

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Concerns are growing within the Democratic Party that the far-left faction of its base has become increasingly unmanageable, with some lawmakers reportedly fearing political and even physical consequences if they compromise on reopening the federal government.

Political commentator Scott Jennings highlighted the issue during a CNN appearance, citing reports of Democrats hesitant to support a continuing resolution, or CR, to fund the government.

Jennings said one Democratic senator privately acknowledged that members are afraid to vote for a deal out of fear of backlash from their own base.

“If they stop holding the government hostage, they could easily walk in there tonight, pass the CR, give us seven weeks. The president brings everybody together. And my strong belief is that they would wind up negotiating on a number of issues, and they would come to an agreement,” Jennings said.

He continued, “A Democrat senator anonymously said none of us want to vote to open the government because ‘we’d face the guillotine.’ That’s their words from our base.”

Jennings’ comments come amid mounting frustration from both sides of the aisle over the shutdown impasse.

Lawmakers have struggled to agree on a temporary spending measure, even one similar to those that have routinely passed in previous years.

Republicans have pushed for what they describe as a clean CR, extending government funding while negotiations continue on broader fiscal priorities.

Democrats, meanwhile, have appeared divided over whether to back such a measure, with some citing pressure from far-left activists demanding hardline stances on social and budgetary issues.

In recent months, reports and internal statements have surfaced suggesting that many Democratic lawmakers fear backlash from within their own ranks.

According to party insiders, members of the progressive wing have accused more moderate Democrats of being unwilling to “fight hard enough” for left-wing policy goals.

The rhetoric from some activists has alarmed party strategists.

Over the summer, Democrats reportedly acknowledged that certain segments of their base have adopted increasingly militant rhetoric, suggesting that “there needs to be blood” for meaningful political change.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the escalating tensions on Wednesday, criticizing Senate Democrats for prioritizing fundraising efforts over negotiations to reopen the government.

Scalise specifically called out Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia for collecting campaign donations during the shutdown.

“Sen. Jon Ossoff is raking in millions in donations while refusing to vote for a clean CR,” Scalise said, adding that the Democratic Party has been “hijacked by radicals, including communists and socialists.”

Scalise argued that the refusal to pass a short-term funding measure demonstrates how deeply the Democratic Party has been influenced by its most extreme activists.

The GOP leader noted that Democrats have supported similar resolutions in the past but are now avoiding action amid growing pressure from their left flank.

The government shutdown, which continues to affect federal operations and worker pay, has become another flashpoint in the broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party.

Analysts say the tension reflects a growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its most outspoken grassroots members.

The standoff has left President Trump and congressional Republicans urging Democrats to break the deadlock by supporting a clean CR to keep the government open while budget talks continue. So far, no bipartisan path forward has emerged.

As the shutdown drags on, questions remain about whether Democratic leadership can regain control of its message — and its base — in time to reach an agreement.

Texas Democrat Threatens to Slash Republicans’ Throats on Live CNN Interview
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Texas Democrat Threatens to Slash Republicans’ Throats on Live CNN Interview

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A Texas state lawmaker running for Congress, Rep. Jolanda Jones, drew condemnation Wednesday after a televised interview on CNN in which she said she would respond to political opponents with violent force.

Jones made the remarks during an appearance on Erin Burnett’s program, telling the host that because she is “from the hood” she would escalate confrontations to physical harm.

“I’m from the hood, okay!? So when the bully comes like – if there are no rules you have to figure it out so Donald Trump has changed things,” Jones said.

She went on to link her comments to what she described as Democrats losing support among certain constituencies: “And I think that’s why Democrats are losing black people. That’s why they’re losing poor people.”

Jones then described a violent escalation in blunt terms: “Because poor people, all they want is for us to fight, so if you hit me in my face, I’m not gonna punch you back in your face, I’m gonna go across your neck.”

She added an explicit call for political retribution directed at other states, saying, “You gotta hit hard enough where they won’t come back and so yeah, for the same way that I went to New York and spoke with governor Kathy Hochul and said that if they’re gonna try to wipe up out in Texas, we need to wipe out every Republican in New York and California, and Illinois.”

The exchange was notable not only for Jones’s language but for the soft response she received from the CNN host.

Burnett did not confront Jones about the violent phrasing or demand clarification during the live interview, a point that critics seized on afterward.

Jones is campaigning for the U.S. House seat in Texas’s 18th Congressional District.

Her campaign materials emphasize extensive domestic policy priorities and a combative approach toward Republican opponents.

On her campaign website, Jones lays out a slate of policy goals in language quoted directly from the site:

“In Congress, I will fight to stop Trump cuts to healthcare and Medicaid, Social Security, education, and veterans. I’ll fight to lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand coverage for mental health care and substance abuse – and make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all of us,” Jones writes.

She also pledges to prioritize reproductive rights: “I’ve been fighting my entire career for women’s rights, bodies, and voices, and will never stop working to restore abortion rights to make sure women — not politicians — make their own healthcare decisions.”

Jones framed her campaign as a call to more aggressive Democratic action: “Everywhere I go, people ask why Democrats aren’t fighting harder. Join me – and together, let’s show them exactly how to fight Donald Trump,” the website states.

Jones’s remarks on CNN come amid heightened scrutiny of political rhetoric and the role media outlets play in moderating interviews.

Critics argued the host should have challenged Jones’s descriptions of violence and asked whether she was endorsing physical harm against political opponents.

Supporters of Jones have defended her statements as rhetorical and contextualized within a broader critique of political tactics and inequality; detractors said the comments cross a line by normalizing threats of physical violence.

The episode adds to a series of high-profile moments in which elected officials’ on-air comments have prompted debate about acceptable political discourse.

Federal and local law-enforcement agencies are typically sensitive to direct threats and language that could be interpreted as incitement.

Legal experts say that while heated rhetoric is protected in many circumstances as political speech, statements that amount to targeted threats or calls for violence can carry legal consequences depending on context and intent.

Jones’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment beyond the statements on her website.

The CNN segment remains available in archived clips and on the network’s digital platforms, where viewers can review the exchange in full.

As Jones continues her congressional bid, the incident is likely to be raised by opponents and media analysts alike, who will scrutinize both the lawmaker’s rhetoric and the network’s handling of her remarks.

Stephen A. Smith Bends the Knee, Says Sorry to Rep. Jasmine Crockett
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Stephen A. Smith Bends the Knee, Says Sorry to Rep. Jasmine Crockett

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SiriusXM host Stephen A. Smith issued a public apology Wednesday to Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas during his show “Straight Shooter,” following criticism of his earlier comments about her rhetoric toward President Donald Trump.

Smith had faced backlash after his Oct. 8 remarks, in which he described Crockett’s frequent verbal attacks on President Trump as “disrespectful” and questioned whether her behavior served her constituents.

The sports and political commentator said in a video on his YouTube channel that he regretted how his comments may have been used to amplify attacks against Crockett.

“I get it now with Trump feeding into that nonsense, giving him fodder or ammunition to continue to go out there and talk about our black women that way. I got it. I don’t like that at all. I don’t want to be associated with nothing like that,” Smith said.

“And I apologize because I respect the hell out of Jasmine Crockett and what she has accomplished. I absolutely do. And I appreciate the fact that she feels compelled to fight the way that she’s fought, the way that she fights because of what she’s dealing with.”

Smith said his intent was never to add to criticism of Crockett from others, including the president.

He continued, “I don’t want enemies. I truly don’t. But I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to call it like I see it. It should be done respectfully. It should be done with the sensitivity that it needs to be done with. I get it. I understand.”

He then reiterated his apology directly, saying, “But I’m going to be me. I’m going to call it like I see it. I can look Jasmine Crockett in the face and say, ‘I’m sorry for any, any, any, any kind of noise I caused in your direction.’ Because she is accomplished and she is smart and she does have an incredible, incredible challenge working in this political climate on Capitol Hill. I got it.”

Smith did not identify which of President Trump’s remarks prompted his apology, but Trump had referred to Crockett as “a very low IQ person” during an appearance on “Sunday Morning Futures.”

 

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“And when Trump came at her like that, I said, ‘Damn it.’ I was pissed off because I said that’s what they’re talking about when they’re saying, you know what, when you question something about her, it’s going to invite that,” Smith said.

“I understand.”

Before his apology, Smith had addressed the controversy on Oct. 13 without retracting his original critique.

He said then that he stood by his assessment but emphasized that his comments were meant as constructive criticism.

“What I was saying was: this educated, brilliant black woman representing over 750,000 people is engaging in verbiage and rhetoric for the streets! And that’s fine when you in the streets!” Smith said.

“How many of y’all bring the streets to the table when you at the negotiating table trying to get a deal done? How many of you are able to think that for a second that you able to bring street verbiage to Capitol Hill and that’s gon’ work for you?”

Rep. Crockett, who has drawn attention for her combative approach in Congress and frequent clashes with Republicans, has been outspoken in her criticism of President Trump.

She has referred to him as both a “wannabe Hitler” and “an enemy to the United States.”

During an interview on SiriusXM’s “The Lurie Daniel Favors Show” on Wednesday, Crockett said she is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.

She claimed that she believes she could defeat the current Democratic primary field, citing recent polling data.

Crockett, a first-term congresswoman representing Texas’s 30th Congressional District, has built a national profile through high-profile committee confrontations and strong partisan commentary.

Smith’s apology appears to have been aimed at repairing tensions after his remarks drew pushback from Crockett’s supporters and segments of his own audience.

The exchange between Smith and Crockett marks the latest in a series of public clashes involving prominent figures reacting to the congresswoman’s outspoken style.

Whether the apology will ease tensions between Smith’s audience and Crockett’s supporters remains unclear as both continue to comment publicly on political and cultural issues.

Democrat Councilman Switches Sides, Joins GOP and Endorses Ciattarelli
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Democrat Councilman Switches Sides, Joins GOP and Endorses Ciattarelli

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A Democratic councilman in Bergen County, New Jersey, announced Wednesday that he is leaving the Democratic Party and joining the GOP, becoming the latest local official in the state to back Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli.

Alpine Councilman David Kupferschmid revealed his party switch during a public statement, saying he no longer recognizes the Democratic Party’s direction.

He will now serve as the lone Republican on the Alpine Borough Council, marking the first time in more than two decades that a Republican has held a seat on the governing body.

“The Democrat Party does not represent us anymore,” Kupferschmid said.

“With my switch, I will now be the first Republican on the council in more than 20 years. I hope that this is the beginning of a resurgence for the Republican Party in Alpine where alternate voices are much needed on the governing body.”

Kupferschmid, who was first elected in 2023, will be up for re-election next year.

He cited the increasing influence of far-left figures, such as New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, as an example of how the party’s priorities have shifted.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist and front-runner in the New York City mayoral race, has drawn criticism for his openly pro-communist views.

“The Democratic Party has become unrecognizable,” Kupferschmid said, adding that his decision reflects a growing frustration among voters who no longer feel represented by the current leadership.

Alpine, a small Bergen County community of about 1,750 residents, has been reliably Democratic in local elections despite trending Republican in state and national contests.

In 2021, Ciattarelli carried Alpine by roughly 18 percentage points, and President Donald Trump won the community in last year’s presidential election.

However, Democrats have continued to dominate the town’s council races, with no Republican elected in over 20 years, according to the New Jersey Globe.

Kupferschmid expressed support for Ciattarelli’s campaign message, which he said focuses on issues that matter most to local residents.

“While Sherrill refuses to denounce the far left radicals in her party, Jack Ciattarelli has been appealing to all sides with a common sense message that includes putting the brakes on over-development and cleaning up crime, both of which are critical issues for Alpine,” he said.

Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, has drawn increasing bipartisan support in his current race against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

His campaign has gained traction in several northern New Jersey municipalities that have historically leaned blue.

Kupferschmid is not the only Democrat in Bergen County to break ranks.

Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. also announced his decision to leave the Democratic Party and endorse Ciattarelli.

The North Jersey county, which shifted toward Republicans in 2024, is often viewed as a bellwether for statewide elections.

Other Democrats crossing party lines include Dover Mayor James P. Dodd and Garfield Deputy Mayor Tana Raymond, both of whom also supported former Republican Gov.

Chris Christie’s 2013 re-election campaign. In addition, Jamel Holley, a Democrat who previously served in the State Assembly and as mayor of Roselle, has endorsed Ciattarelli.

Oscar James II, a former Newark City Councilman, said he too plans to vote for Ciattarelli this year.

Speaking with the New York Post, James said he believes Sherrill has failed to connect with average voters.

“When you talk to everyday people, the people picking up the kids when I’m picking up my kids, the people in the grocery line…she does not relate to Democratic voters,” he said.

James, who served on Newark’s City Council from 2006 to 2010, criticized Sherrill’s campaign for focusing too heavily on national politics and her opposition to President Trump instead of local concerns.

“People want to hear what she has to offer, not that this is a vote against Trump — and she’s not talking about what she has to offer.”

With growing discontent among moderate Democrats and independents, Ciattarelli’s campaign continues to gain momentum in areas long considered Democratic strongholds.

The New Jersey gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 4.

Kristi Noem Reports Nearly Half a Million Criminal Illegal Alien Arrests Under President Trump
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Kristi Noem Reports Nearly Half a Million Criminal Illegal Alien Arrests Under President Trump

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The Department of Homeland Security has arrested more than 480,000 illegal aliens since January, most of whom have criminal charges or prior convictions, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The announcement came Monday during a press conference in Sarasota, Florida, where Noem outlined the department’s ongoing enforcement actions under President Donald Trump’s direction.

“Since January, the Department of Homeland Security has arrested over 480,000 criminal illegal aliens — 70 percent of those individuals have criminal charges against them or have been convicted of those criminal charges,” Noem said.

The arrests represent a significant expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations nationwide. Noem said the department remains committed to removing dangerous individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

“We are not going to let these individuals terrorize our streets anymore and we’re not going to let them make victims out of families that live in this country,” she said.

According to Noem, DHS and ICE have prioritized targeting illegal aliens with serious criminal histories, including repeat offenders who have re-entered the United States after deportation. “We are focused on the worst of the worst, bringing these individuals to justice,” she said.

Among the cases highlighted during the briefing was that of Erick Carlos Artiles Ramos, an illegal alien from Cuba who was previously convicted of homicide, kidnapping, robbery, armed carjacking, and drunk driving.

Artiles Ramos had been ordered deported by a federal immigration judge in 2008 but evaded removal until ICE agents apprehended him earlier this year.

Another case involved twice-deported illegal alien Oscar Alfredo Retana Marroquin of El Salvador, who was taken into custody after being convicted of sexual assault of a child and driving under the influence.

ICE also arrested Arturo Sanchez Morales, an illegal alien from Mexico who had previously been deported and had a final deportation order dating back to 2019. Sanchez Morales has been convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor, incest with a minor, and driving under the influence.

In addition, ICE officers arrested twice-deported illegal alien Lelis Reinaldo Bejarano-Zeron of Honduras, who has prior convictions for domestic violence.

Noem said these arrests reflect DHS’s renewed focus on enforcement after years of lax policies. The department, she said, is concentrating its resources on individuals with violent criminal records or those who have re-entered the country after prior deportations.

“Every arrest we make represents a step toward restoring law and order in communities that have been affected by repeat offenders,” Noem said. She added that ICE is working in close coordination with federal, state, and local agencies to locate, arrest, and remove criminal aliens.

Federal data from DHS shows that the current arrest totals mark one of the highest enforcement surges in recent years, driven by a directive from President Trump to expand interior enforcement operations and close gaps that had allowed criminal aliens to remain in the United States.

Noem said the administration will continue to pursue deportations aggressively and ensure that those with criminal backgrounds are removed from U.S. communities. “Our priority remains protecting the American people,” she said. “We will continue these operations until the job is done.”

The department did not provide additional details about pending prosecutions but confirmed that a majority of the recent arrests involved individuals with violent felony convictions. ICE officials said the agency will release updated nationwide enforcement figures in the coming weeks.

Man Charged After ‘Political Trigger Moment’ Leads to Shooting at Trump Supporter
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Man Charged After ‘Political Trigger Moment’ Leads to Shooting at Trump Supporter

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A Georgia man has been arrested and extradited to North Carolina after allegedly tearing down a pro-Trump banner and firing multiple rounds toward the home of its owner, authorities confirmed this week.

The Swain County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 37-year-old Benjamin Michael Campbell. He was taken into custody in Georgia on September 30 and extradited to North Carolina on October 7, where he is facing multiple felony charges.

According to investigators, the incident occurred on September 6 along U.S. Highway 19 in the Nantahala Gorge area of Swain County, North Carolina. Campbell was allegedly speeding when he spotted a pro-Trump flag displayed in the yard of homeowner Mark Thomas.

Thomas, 62, told The New York Post that Campbell “was driving along, saw the sign, slammed on his brakes — you know, had a political trigger moment — and he just had to tear the sign down.”

Surveillance footage captured from the property appears to show the suspect stopping his vehicle, removing the flag, and then firing several shots toward Thomas’s home through the sunroof of his car before fleeing the scene.

Thomas told the Daily Mail that he keeps firearms nearby for self-defense and quickly prepared to protect himself. “I have weapons for my protection and my enjoyment, and I keep them handy,” he said.

“You know, what good are they if you can’t get to them when you need them? So I reached over and grabbed my rifle.”

The Swain County Sheriff’s Office said the homeowner’s footage played a key role in identifying the suspect and coordinating with out-of-state authorities to locate him.

Campbell was arrested by law enforcement in Georgia and transported back to North Carolina, where he was booked into the Swain County Detention Center on October 7.

Campbell is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, and willful and wanton injury to personal property. Each charge carries potential prison time under North Carolina law.

Following his arrest, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office released a statement emphasizing the importance of community vigilance. “We take threats of violence seriously, regardless of motivation, and are committed to holding perpetrators accountable,” officials said.

Thomas said the attack left him shaken but resolute in maintaining his right to display political signs. “I’m a Trump supporter,” he said. “No one died here in my yard, but flip the coin, snap your fingers, somebody could have died here. And it’s becoming much more common.”

He also drew comparisons to other recent acts of political violence, referencing the September 10, 2025, assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Thomas called that incident “absolutely tragic,” suggesting both cases reflect an increasingly volatile climate.

After the shooting, Thomas replaced his damaged Trump banner with a new one. He said he refuses to be intimidated into silence and hopes that justice will be served.

Local officials have not disclosed further details about Campbell’s background or possible motives beyond what was captured on video. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have urged residents to report suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement.

National Gas Prices Drop Below as OPEC Increases Production, White House Credits ‘Trump Effect’
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National Gas Prices Drop Below $3 as OPEC Increases Production, White House Credits ‘Trump Effect’

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The national average price of gasoline in the United States has fallen below $3 per gallon, reaching its lowest point since 2020. According to data released Monday, the average now stands at $2.98, marking a significant milestone as prices continue to decline heading into the final months of the year.

A report from GasBuddy showed that the national average is $0.152 lower than at the same time last year and $0.193 lower than just one month ago. The current trend follows what analysts described as the lowest Labor Day gas prices recorded since the early months of the pandemic.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, confirmed the downward shift and said the U.S. has not seen a $2.99 national average this early in the year since 2020.

“Gas prices have finally fallen below $3 per gallon nationally — the earliest date we’ve seen a $2.99 national average since 2020, when COVID was the primary driver of low prices,” De Haan said. “Currently, 35 states have average gas prices below $2.99/gal.”

De Haan attributed the ongoing decline in fuel prices primarily to expanded oil production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+.

“Americans largely have OPEC+ to thank for the decline in prices as they have steadily raised oil production for much of 2025,” he said.

Throughout 2025, OPEC+ has taken multiple steps to increase supply, offsetting prior reductions from earlier in the decade.

In early October, the alliance announced that eight member nations agreed to boost oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, with further adjustments expected before the end of the year.

De Haan said current projections suggest prices are likely to remain stable for the foreseeable future. “Barring any major disruptions, gas prices are likely to remain slightly below year-ago levels and could stay under $3 for much of the next few months,” he said.

The continued drop in gas prices has sparked reaction from Washington, where the White House described the decline as part of the economic stabilization seen under President Donald Trump’s leadership.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt credited what she called “the Trump effect” in a statement posted to X, emphasizing that consistent energy policy and increased production have contributed to stronger market conditions and lower consumer costs.

The decline marks a sharp contrast from the period under former President Joe Biden, when gas prices surged to record highs in mid-2022 following supply disruptions and restricted domestic output.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration recorded average prices above $5 per gallon at that time — the highest ever documented nationally.

According to GasBuddy, current price levels vary by region but remain below $3 in a majority of the country, including much of the Midwest, South, and Plains states. California, Hawaii, and Washington remain the only states where the average price per gallon continues to exceed $4.

Analysts say that if OPEC+ maintains its current production pace and demand remains stable, prices could stay below the $3 mark through the winter months.

The White House has not announced any new energy policy measures, but administration officials have expressed optimism that lower fuel prices will provide relief for consumers ahead of the holiday season.

Florida Files Supreme Court Case After Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Kills Three
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Florida Files Supreme Court Case After Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Kills Three

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The State of Florida has filed a lawsuit directly with the U.S. Supreme Court against Washington and California, accusing both states of violating federal law by issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to illegal immigrants who are not legally qualified to operate commercial vehicles.

The 73-page complaint, filed this week by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, alleges that the two sanctuary states have “openly defied federal safety and immigration standards,” creating widespread risks on America’s highways.

The lawsuit follows a fatal highway crash in Florida in August that killed three people.

The driver accused of causing the collision, 37-year-old Harjinder Singh, was an illegal immigrant from India who held a Washington-issued CDL despite failing multiple exams, including a post-crash English proficiency test.

According to the filing, Singh attempted an illegal U-turn across a Florida highway, blocking several lanes and causing a minivan to collide with his truck.

The crash resulted in three fatalities. Investigators found that Singh could only identify one of four road signs and answered just two of twelve questions correctly on an English Language Proficiency (ELP) exam administered after the crash.

Records show that Singh failed thirteen prior driving tests before Washington’s Department of Licensing granted him a full-term CDL in July 2023. In 2024, California also issued him a non-domiciled CDL despite his ineligibility under federal law.

“The result was three fatalities,” Florida’s complaint states. “Washington and California authorized illegal immigrants without proper training or the ability to read road signs to drive commercial motor vehicles,” in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken additional action in response to the case, announcing that the Trump administration will withhold $40 million in federal funding from California for failing to comply with federal English-language and CDL verification requirements.

Duffy criticized sanctuary states for disregarding federal safety standards and placing unqualified drivers on the road.

“Washington State improperly issued the driver a full-term CDL. Asylum seekers or illegal aliens are NOT allowed to receive this!” Duffy wrote in a public statement following the crash.

“States MUST FOLLOW THE RULES. If they had, this driver would NEVER have been behind the wheel and three precious lives would still be with us.”

He added that the Department of Transportation has initiated a full audit of state CDL programs and will move to cut federal funding from states that continue to license illegal immigrants.

“The failures here are despicable,” Duffy said. “Non-enforcement and radical immigration policies have turned the trucking industry into a lawless frontier.”

Florida’s lawsuit also cites Washington’s 2019 “Keep Washington Working Act,” which prohibits state agencies — including the Department of Licensing — from inquiring about a driver’s citizenship or immigration status.

Between 2018 and 2025, Washington’s DOL issued CDLs to 685 individuals who failed to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, the filing claims. The department acknowledged the oversight following Singh’s crash but has not repealed the sanctuary statute.

Washington’s enforcement of English-language requirements has also been minimal. Over a three-month period in 2025, state inspectors conducted more than 6,000 commercial vehicle checks but disqualified only four drivers for failing English proficiency tests.

Florida’s complaint draws parallels between Singh’s case and the Skyline CDL School scandal, in which an investigation revealed that unqualified applicants obtained CDLs through a bribery network in Auburn, Washington, and Vancouver, Oregon.

State documents from that case found that 80 percent of the school’s graduates failed re-testing requirements, and several drivers had never been properly examined.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s complaint argues that sanctuary policies in both states conflict with federal law, which requires states to verify both citizenship and English-language competency before granting CDLs.

“The sanctuary laws are expressly preempted,” the complaint asserts, calling Washington and California’s actions a “public nuisance” that endangers drivers across the nation.

Florida is asking the Supreme Court to declare both states’ sanctuary CDL laws unconstitutional, prohibit them from issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, and order compliance with all federal verification and English-language regulations.

The lawsuit also seeks reimbursement for Florida’s legal costs and expenses associated with increased enforcement caused by noncompliance in other states.

“The policies of Washington and California have endangered the traveling public and cost lives,” Florida’s filing states. “Their defiance of federal safety and immigration standards has forced law-abiding states to bear the burden of additional inspections, enforcement, and preventable tragedies.”

JD and Usha Vance Arrive in Israel to Bolster Fragile Gaza Cease-Fire
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JD and Usha Vance Arrive in Israel to Bolster Fragile Gaza Cease-Fire

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Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a series of urgent high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as reported by the New York Post.

The couple landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, where they were welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and other American and Israeli officials.

Vance did not make any public remarks upon arrival but immediately began closed-door meetings with Israeli leadership and U.S. envoys working on the Gaza negotiations.

Vice President Vance’s itinerary includes a sit-down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussions with senior White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been central to the administration’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

The visit comes as Washington seeks to stabilize the first phase of the cease-fire, which was brokered under President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan earlier this month.

The administration is now pressing both sides to honor the agreement and move toward the more difficult second phase of negotiations.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the truce since it took effect on Oct. 10. Despite the mutual allegations, both sides maintain that they remain committed to the deal.

A senior Israeli official said the vice president’s visit is meant to “advance the Gaza talks to the second phase” and ensure the cease-fire remains in place long enough to recover all hostages and remains.

Under the agreement, Hamas is required to turn over the remains of 15 hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Thirteen have already been returned since the cease-fire began.

Israel, for its part, handed back the remains of 15 Palestinians on Tuesday, officials confirmed.

Vance, who is expected to stay in the region until Thursday, will also meet with the families of hostages whose remains have yet to be recovered. The meetings are expected to provide reassurance that the U.S. remains actively engaged in seeing the cease-fire plan through to completion.

Dec 8, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump stands with West Point cadets during the 119th Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

President Trump has emphasized the importance of the plan’s success, describing it as “critical to restoring lasting stability in the region.”

Administration officials say the White House remains in close contact with both Israeli and Qatari mediators overseeing the implementation of the deal.

The coming days will test whether the cease-fire, now in its second week, can hold amid growing tension and pressure for further progress in the negotiations.


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