JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1084

Twelve former FBI agents fired after kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington have sued to get their jobs back, saying they knelt to calm a volatile crowd, not to make a political statement. They allege Director Kash Patel dismissed them in September for being perceived as not politically affiliated with President Donald Trump, despite a prior internal review and a Justice Department inspector general finding of no political motive. Framing the dismissals within a broader personnel purge, they seek reinstatement, back pay, damages, and expungement.

INDIANAPOLIS — State senators met Thursday to consider a Republican-drawn congressional map that would reshape Indiana districts and could eliminate two Democratic-held seats, concluding debate and pressure from President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and national Republicans. The House approved the plan on Dec. 5; senators debated amendments amid close margins and reports of threats against opponents. Supporters argue the map could yield up to two additional GOP seats; opponents cite fairness concerns and split local jurisdictions. The Senate vote will decide whether the new lines proceed to the governor. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Monday he will sign an executive order this week to establish a single federal regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, preempting state-level AI laws. The order, described on social media as a "One Rule" or "One Rulebook" approach, follows draft language reported in November that would allow the Department of Justice to sue states and threaten funding cuts for laws deemed unconstitutional or restrictive. Tech industry representatives expressed support for national standards to avoid a patchwork of state rules. Congressional attempts to block state preemption recently stalled. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. National gasoline averages fell below $3 this week, with GasBuddy reporting a $2.90 national average and AAA reporting $2.95 as of Dec. 8, 2025. Multiple state-level reports show varied local movement: Wyoming, Ohio, Indiana, Montana, Wisconsin, Georgia, Alabama, Idaho and Tennessee-area counties reported declines or localized fluctuations. Analysts at GasBuddy noted price cycling caused short-term spikes while overall downward pressure continues into the holidays. Diesel averages also eased to roughly $3.67 per gallon. Lower crude oil prices, weak demand and seasonal winter-blend fuel contributed to the drop. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research for consumers nationwide.

Orlando, Fla. The Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $1 billion Saturday after no ticket matched Wednesday night's drawing, extending a rollover that began after Sept. 6's $1.787 billion split between Missouri and Texas. Lottery officials reported multiple lower-tier winners across states, including three $1 million tickets and several six-figure prizes, and said the annuity totals near $1 billion with a $461.3 million cash option. State officials reiterated tax obligations and claim deadlines for winners. Players nationwide increased ticket purchases before Saturday's drawing. Drawings continue Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday that Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith will resign effective December 31 after serving since her 2023 appointment. Smith and Bowser praised department reforms Smith led, including a Real Time Crime Center and technology upgrades, and credited her tenure with reducing violent crime and cutting homicides to an eight year low. Smith told FOX 5 she cited family reasons for stepping down and denied federal pressure influenced her decision. Statements did not name a successor. Her departure follows months of National Guard deployments to the capital. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Lawmakers, enrollees and analysts are preparing for the year-end expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that could sharply raise marketplace premiums. KFF polls show many enrollees could not afford modest increases, while senators proposed a GOP bill capping eligibility and requiring minimum premiums. House Republicans highlighted a GAO report alleging subsidy fraud, and Democrats pursued extension efforts. President Trump urged direct payments to individuals during White House remarks; Senate votes were scheduled this week. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Indianapolis — State lawmakers advanced a mid‑decade congressional redistricting bill this week after the Republican‑led House passed new maps and the Senate Elections Committee approved them 6‑3 following extensive public testimony and protests. The proposal, backed by national allies and donor groups, would likely shift two Democratic seats to Republican control, potentially creating a 9‑0 GOP congressional delegation. About 127 people testified and hundreds rallied at the Statehouse. Some Republican senators resisted White House and outside pressure, while supporters urged rebalancing political power. The legislation now moves through the Senate for consideration. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: Congress included a repeal of the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in the compromise National Defense Authorization Act unveiled this week, and both chambers prepared votes within days. The provision removes automatic sanctions mechanisms and requires White House certification on counter-IS efforts, minority protections and restraint toward neighbors. The House approved the repeal and sent the NDAA forward; senators signaled swift consideration. U.S. lawmakers Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen and Rep. Joe Wilson publicly supported repeal, and Syrian groups announced the measure's finalization. The bill awaits presidential signature to take effect. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.