New Jersey’s medically assisted suicide law only covers state residents, appeals court rules
A federal appeals court ruled that New Jersey’s medical aid-in-dying law applies only to state residents, rejecting efforts by out-of-state patients and physicians to challenge the restriction. The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state’s residency requirement, finding that New Jersey is not required to make assisted suicide available to non-residents. In an opinion written by Judge Stephanos Bibas, the court acknowledged the difficult decisions facing terminally ill patients but said the option remains limited under state law. “Death brings good things to an end, but rarely neatly,” U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stephanos Bibas wrote in the opinion issued last week. “Many terminally ill patients face a grim reality: imminent, painful death. Some may want to avert that suffering by enlisting a doctor’s help to end their own lives. New Jersey lets its residents make that choice—but only its residents.” New Jersey is one of 11 states, along with Washington, D.C., that allow physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. Most states restrict the practice to residents, though Oregon and Vermont allow access regardless of residency. LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST KANSAS LAW NULLIFYING END-OF-LIFE CHOICES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN The case began when a Delaware woman with stage four lymphoma sought to use New Jersey’s law but was blocked by the residency rule. She died after arguments in the case. A New Jersey doctor who wanted to treat patients from nearby states also joined the challenge, as did other plaintiffs who have since passed away or retired. One of the plaintiffs, Dr. Paul Bryman, said he was disappointed by the ruling. “Terminal patients outside New Jersey should have the option of medical aid in dying without having to travel long distances,” he said. DELAWARE’S ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL SIGNED INTO LAW, MAKING IT THE 11TH STATE WITH SUCH A STATUTE New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed the measure into law in 2019, saying at the time that while his Catholic faith might prevent him from choosing assisted suicide for himself, he supported the right of others to make that decision. Under the law, a patient must be an adult New Jersey resident with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of six months or fewer to live. Two physicians must confirm the diagnosis and the patient’s capacity to decide. Patients must make two requests — at least one of them in writing with two witnesses — and must be given the opportunity to rescind. At least one witness cannot be a family member, heir, attending physician or an employee of the facility where the patient receives care. Patients must self-administer the medication, and doctors are required to offer alternatives such as palliative care. ‘LOVE YOU FOREVER’ AUTHOR MAY SOON DIE BY ASSISTED SUICIDE, PRO-LIFE GROUPS CALL DECISION ‘HEARTBREAKING’ A lower court previously dismissed the challenge, finding that physician-assisted suicide is not a fundamental right states must extend to non-residents. The appeals court agreed. “In our federal system, states are free to experiment with policies as grave as letting doctors assist suicide. Other states are free to keep it a crime,” the appeals court ruling said. “This novel option does not appear to be a fundamental privilege, let alone a fundamental right, that states must accord visitors.” Delaware’s own aid-in-dying law goes into effect on Jan. 1. Several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and Colombia, have also legalized physician-assisted suicide. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Environmental group sues Trump for replacing national park pass photo with his own image
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Wednesday to prevent President Donald Trump‘s face from appearing on next year’s National Parks Pass. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., argues the Trump administration violated the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act by substituting the winning picture from the National Parks Foundation’s annual public lands photo contest with an image of President Trump. “Blotting out the majesty of America’s national parks with a closeup of his own face is Trump’s crassest, most ego-driven action yet,” Kierán Suckling, the center’s executive director, said in a statement. “The national parks are treasured by Americans of every stripe. Their timeless power and magnificence rise above even the most bitter political differences to quietly bring all Americans together.” Suckling continued, “It’s disgusting of Trump to politicize America’s most sacred refuge by pasting his face over the national parks in the same way he slaps his corporate name on buildings, restaurants, and golf courses.” TOP TRUMP DEPARTMENT ROLLS OUT CHRISTMAS TREE SAVINGS PLAN: ‘MAKING THIS SEASON BRIGHTER’ The executive director added that national parks “are not a personal branding opportunity.” “They’re the pride and joy of the American people,” he asserted. According to the lawsuit, the 2026 America the Beautiful Pass was supposed to feature an image of Glacier National Park, the winner of the photo contest. “Instead the Department of the Interior (DOI) replaced it with a closeup of President Trump’s face,” the center said, adding that the Glacier National Park photo was “illegally relegated” to the new “Nonresident” pass. BURGUM CALLS CALIFORNIA A ‘NATIONAL SECURITY RISK’ AS ENERGY CHIEF WARNS BLUE STATES ARE SKEWING COST AVERAGES The center argued that the Trump administration broke the law by using a photo that was “not taken on federal land and was not entered in the public contest, and by creating new Resident and Nonresident passes expressly prohibited by the law.” “America the Beautiful means wild rivers and majestic mountains, not a headshot of a bloated, fragile, attention-seeking ego,” Suckling stated. “There’s nothing beautiful about that.” On Nov. 25, the DOI announced the launch of “America the Beautiful passes” intended to put “American families first” by implementing a new resident-focused fee beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The passes include photos of animals, parks, Trump with George Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt, the president most associated with the creation of America’s national parks. The Trump administration also added President Donald Trump’s birthday as a fee-free day for Americans visiting national parks, while eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list. Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and the Department of the Interior for comment. Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
ICE accuses Dem lawmaker of joining ‘rioting crowd’ in Arizona, interfering in mass arrest
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday accused Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., of joining a “rioting crowd” and attempting to interfere with agents during a mass arrest operation last week. The accusation came after Grijalva claimed she was “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” during an immigration raid on Dec. 5 in Tucson, an account ICE flatly rejected. “During the operation, U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva joined the rioting crowd and attempted to impede law enforcement officers, then took to social media to slander law enforcement by falsely claiming she was pepper sprayed,” ICE said in a statement. Fox News Digital has reached out to Grijalva’s office for comment. JUDGE REJECTS REP. LAMONICA MCIVER’S BID TO TOSS ASSAULT CASE, SAYS HER ACTIONS HAD ‘NO LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE’ ICE and its federal partners arrested 46 illegal immigrants during the operation, the result of a “multiyear investigation into a transnational criminal organization involved in labor exploitation, tax violations, and immigration violations,” the agency said. ICE said “over 100 agitators” arrived at one of the locations it searched and “attempted to impede law enforcement operations.” “Agitators quickly turned violent, assaulting officers and slashing tires,” ICE added. DEM-BACKED ‘DIGNITY’ BILL COULD STRIP ICE OF DETENTION POWERS, ERASE IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, CRITICS WARN In a post on X on Friday, Grijalva said she was “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” after seeking information from officers during ICE’s operation near the Taco Giro restaurant. “ICE just conducted a raid by Taco Giro in Tucson — a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has served our community for years,” Grijalva wrote. “When I presented myself as a Member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed aside and pepper sprayed.” Grijalva also called ICE a “lawless agency” that is “operating with no transparency, no accountability, and open disregard for basic due process” in a separate X post. MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER FEDERAL AGENTS TAKE GUNFIRE AS RIOTERS RAM VEHICLES, HURL DEBRIS IN CHICAGO Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin immediately disputed Grijalva’s account, saying she was never directly sprayed but merely in the “vicinity of someone who was.” “If her claims were true, this would be a medical marvel,” McLaughlin said. “But they’re not true. She wasn’t pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who was pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement.” ICE said two people in the crowd were arrested – one for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer and another for damaging a government vehicle. Two Homeland Security Investigation Special Response Team operators were also injured. When reached for comment, DHS referred Fox News Digital to ICE’s statement on the operation. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump rips Indiana GOP leader over redistricting fight, warns Republicans could face ‘MAGA primary’
President Donald Trump lashed out at Indiana state Senate leader Rodric Bray on Wednesday, accusing the Republican lawmaker of undermining the party’s chances of expanding its House majority through a proposed redistricting plan now stalled in the state legislature. In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said Indiana has “a chance to make a difference in Washington, D.C.” by approving a congressional map that would give Republicans two additional House seats. The president claimed every other state “has done Redistricting, willingly, openly, and easily,” and warned that Indiana could become “the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down!” Trump accused Bray of “being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats,” saying he is pressuring “soon to be very vulnerable friends” to vote with him. REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR SIGNS INTO LAW TRUMP-BACKED CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP Trump argued that blocking the map would put “the Majority in the House of Representatives… at risk” and warned that Republicans who oppose the plan would be “met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring.” The president also charged that Bray and several allies were “partner[ing] with the Radical Left Democrats,” and he singled out “Failed Senate Candidate Mitch Daniels” while claiming the group had become “the favorite Republicans of Hakeem Jeffries, Crazy Nancy Pelosi, and Cryin’ Chuck Schumer.” “Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring,” Trump wrote, adding that Republicans who “will not do what is necessary to save our Country” risk “los[ing] everything to the Democrats.” TRUMP TURNS UP THE HEAT ON RED-STATE REPUBLICANS BLOCKING NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAPS Trump shared his repeated electoral success in Indiana, saying he won the state “six times, all by MASSIVE Majorities,” and argued that approving the map should be “a great thing to do for our Party, and for America itself.” He warned that Bray “and his friends won’t be in Politics for long,” vowing to “do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again.” Trump also blasted what he described as Republican “SUCKERS” assisting Democrats in the redistricting fight, saying the opposing faction “couldn’t be happier” to find GOP lawmakers willing to break ranks. The clash comes as both parties look toward the 2026 midterms, with Republicans holding a narrow House majority and Democrats targeting several competitive districts nationally. The White House, Bray and Indiana Senate Democrats did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Trump administration establishes militarized zone in California: “Strengthen border security operations”
The Trump administration announced Wednesday plans to establish a new militarized zone along the U.S.–Mexico border in California. The Department of the Interior said roughly 760 acres in San Diego and Imperial Counties will be placed under Navy jurisdiction to “strengthen ongoing border security operations.” Adding the installation will effectively allow federal personnel to detain suspected illegal immigrants for trespassing on U.S. territory. The department described the National Defense Area as a high-traffic corridor for illegal crossings. The zone will reportedly stretch from the western boundary of the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area to about one mile west of the California–Arizona state line, with Navy control set for three years. FEDERAL MAGISTRATE JUDGE DISMISSES TRESPASSING CHARGES AGAINST 98 ARRESTED IN NEW MILITARY ZONE Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the move directly advances what President Donald Trump has identified as his top national priorities. “President Trump has made it clear that securing our border and restoring American sovereignty are top national priorities,” Burgum said. “This action delivers on that commitment. By working with the Navy to close long-standing security gaps, we are strengthening national defense, protecting our public lands from unlawful use, and advancing the President’s agenda to put the safety and security of the American people first.” ‘MAIN HOTSPOT’ AT NORTHERN BORDER RECORDS 95% DROP IN ILLEGAL MIGRANT APPREHENSIONS IN MARCH: WHITE HOUSE The Department added that the corridor’s heavy traffic of illegal crossings has contributed to both “significant national security challenges” and environmental degradation. Militarizing the area will reportedly “enhance border operations while minimizing ecological damage” associated with sustained illegal activity. The Interior Department said it coordinated the move with the Navy to ensure it is lawful and consistent with the land’s original purpose — having been reserved in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt for border protection. In recent months, the administration has established several national defense areas, including sites in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. The moves were made to aggressively expand military authority along the southern border, including deploying federal troops and expanding rules to crack down on illegal migration, border security and overall crime. Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Interior and the Navy for more information.
Trump admin weighs terrorism sanctions against UN Palestinian aid agency over Hamas allegations
The Trump administration is weighing whether to pursue terrorism-related sanctions against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), as officials review allegations the agency has ties to Hamas and consider steps that could further pressure its leadership and operations, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The United Nations agency provides aid, schooling, healthcare, shelter and social services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. U.N. officials have described UNRWA as the backbone of Gaza’s aid effort during the two-year war between Israel and Hamas, but the Trump administration has accused the group of ties to Hamas – an allegation the agency vehemently disputes. Washington, once UNRWA’s biggest donor, froze funding in January 2024 after Israel accused roughly a dozen staff members of involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the war. In October, Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to UNRWA as a subsidiary of Hamas. NEW FILM PROBES UN AGENCY’S ALLEGED TERROR TIES AND CLAIMS IT FUELED THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT “UNRWA’s not going to play any role in it,” Rubio said at the time when asked whether the agency would assist in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. “The United Nations is here. They’re on the ground. We’re willing to work with them if they can make it work, but not UNRWA. UNRWA became a subsidiary of Hamas.” Reuters reported it was unclear whether recent internal discussions focused on sanctioning the entire agency or specific officials or operations, and that U.S. officials have not yet settled on what type of sanctions they might pursue. The sources said the State Department has discussed declaring UNRWA a “foreign terrorist organization,” or FTO – a step that would financially isolate the agency. UN UNDER FIRE AS USAID INVESTIGATORS PROBE HAMAS DIVERSION OF AID TO GAZA Any broad move against UNRWA could disrupt refugee aid across the region, as the agency is already facing a severe funding crisis. Such sanctions would be highly unusual, since the U.S. is both a U.N. member and the host nation of the body that created the agency in 1949. William Deere, who heads UNRWA’s Washington office, said the group would be “disappointed” if officials were discussing an FTO designation, calling such a step “unprecedented and unwarranted.” He pointed to multiple investigations – including one by the U.S. National Intelligence Council – that concluded UNRWA remains a neutral and essential humanitarian actor. UNRWA SCHOOLS ‘HIJACKED BY HAMAS,’ WATCHDOG REPORT WARNS The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The U.S. and Israel have maintained tough positions towards the agency, particularly in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre. President Donald Trump in February reaffirmed that the U.S. would not fund UNRWA. In the executive order, Trump said that “UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.” When the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in April 2025 demanded Israel work with UNRWA, Washington backed Israel, saying it was under no obligation to work with the agency and had “ample grounds to question UNRWA’s impartiality.” UNRWA announced in August 2024 the end of an investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services into whether its staff participated in the attacks, as Israel claimed. The probe examined 19 employees and resulted in nine dismissals over evidence that “could indicate” involvement. The investigation found one case with no evidence of involvement and nine others in which “the evidence obtained by OIOS was insufficient” to prove participation, the agency said. Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Reuters contributed to this report.
Speaker Johnson laughs off Jasmine Crockett Senate bid: ‘Absolutely delighted’ she is running
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters that he is “absolutely delighted” that progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, is running for U.S. Senate. Johnson was asked during a House leadership press conference on Wednesday what he thought of Crockett entering the race and whether he was worried about her chances of flipping one of Texas’ Senate seats. In response, Johnson rubbed his hands together and smiled. “I’m absolutely delighted that Jasmine Crockett is running for Senate in Texas,” said Johnson. “I think it’s one of the greatest things that’s happened to the Republican Party in a long, long time,” he went on, adding, “She is the face of the Democratic Party, she and [Zohran] Mamdani. Good luck with that.” CROCKETT’S POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR HAS REPEATEDLY RAILED AGAINST US IN REPARATIONS PUSH: ‘IT’S BEEN EVIL’ Johnson said that he would like Crockett to “have the largest, loudest microphone that she can every single day.” “We look forward to having that election down there,” he said, adding, “We are going to elect another Republican senator in Texas. Texas is a red state… The people of Texas are commonsense Americans, and what Jasmine is trying to sell will not be purchased by the folks of Texas.” Later that day, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., shot back at Johnson’s statements about Crockett, saying, “I think Speaker Johnson is trying to do anything he can to distract from the majority… that we see dwindling, and it’s like sand falling through his hands.” “He just can’t keep a hold of it – he sees that – he would much rather talk about a Senate race than he would the Georgia House races that Republicans lost or the mayor’s race that the vice-chair mentioned, the first time in 30 years that a Democrat has been mayor of Miami… he wants to distract and take away from this because he’s losing his grip on his majority. That much is very clear.” “So, the more that Speaker Johnson wants to talk about the national landscape and the Senate environment, I absolutely support because he’s losing his majority next November, if not sooner,” said Aguilar. MAMDANI DECLARES HE’S READY FOR ‘ANY CONSEQUENCE’ FOR STANDING AGAINST TRUMP’S FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT Crockett, who is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, launched a last-minute Senate campaign on Monday. The race may determine if the GOP holds its majority in the chamber next year. In her announcement speech to supporters in Dallas, Crockett framed her candidacy as an effort to stand up against Trump, something she said incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn will not do. “I’m done watching the American dream on life support while Trump tries to pull the plug. The gloves have been off, and now I’m jumping into the ring,” she said. “Many people wonder why I jumped in this race so late, and I just want to be clear that this was never my intention, this was never about me, I never put myself into any of the polls,” Crockett said. “But the more I saw the poll results, I couldn’t ignore the trends, which were clear, both as it relates to the primary as well as the general election, I could have played it safe and continued serving in the United States House of Representatives for as long as my constituents would have me, but I don’t choose to do that, because, Texas, this moment we’re in now is life or death.” “Many people asked, ‘Can we win this race in November?’ I’m here to say, ‘Yes, we can!’” Crockett fired back while echoing a slogan from former President Obama, whom she praised during her speech. FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SPENDS EYE-POPPING AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH ON LUXURY HOTELS, ‘TOP-TIER’ LIMO SERVICES “Texas is a big boy state made up of brawlers with a moral code. Our representation should reflect that, sadly enough, it doesn’t,” she went on. “After evaluating the data, analyzing the trends, researching historic numbers, and combing over the crosstabs, it was clear, the numbers were strongest for my candidacy for United States Senate, that’s why I decided to enter this race.” In the Democratic primary, Crockett will be facing off against state Rep. James Talarico, another rising Democratic star. On the Republican side of the aisle, Cornyn is being challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas.
Top automaker unleashes 250 limited-edition Corvettes inspired by America’s founding
General Motors’ Chevrolet announced a new America250 “Stars and Steel” collection celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, which will include a “one of one” Corvette auctioned off in January and a set of 250 “limited-edition” Corvettes. The “Stars and Steel” collection will include cars across five Chevrolet vehicle models from its 2026 lineup — the Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD and Colorado, which are all manufactured in the U.S. with globally sourced components. The collection’s modernized design features will entail dark, metallic finishes meant to embody American craftsmanship and patriotism. The “one of one” 2026 Corvette ZR1X with a special “Stars and Steel” inspired design will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, with 100% of the final hammer cost going to the veterans’ advocacy group Tunnel to Towers Foundation. NFL TO HONOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTES ONCE CALENDAR FLIPS TO 2026 The collection will make its first public, in-person appearance at this weekend’s Army-Navy football game in Baltimore Saturday. In advance of the game, Fox News Digital obtained photos of the wide-ranging fleet. The “one of one” Corvette is still in the final stages of production, but it will be a ZR1X model pictured below. The “Stars and Steel” collection will also include an exclusive “limited-edition” series run of 250 Corvette units, which will be available in all models from the Stingray to the ZR1X, and will be offered in both coupe or convertible styles on 3LT/3LZ trims only. Only the Corvette will be limited to 250 units. Buyers of one of these 250 exclusive units can choose between Arctic White with a Santorini Blue interior and black with an Adrenaline Red interior. Each limited edition includes American flag-inspired, full-length stripes in satin silver or satin black, “250” flag graphics on doors and spoiler ends, unique sill plates and an interior plaque featuring build sequence number, black gloss, carbon-flash or carbon fiber wheels. OUSTED DIRECTOR SAYS AMERICA250 LEADERS ‘HATE TRUMP MORE THAN THEY LOVE AMERICA’ AFTER FIRING FOR KIRK POST “The Stars & Steel Collection celebrates a key milestone for the country that not only served as the birthplace of our brand but has also been its home for nearly 115 years,” Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet, said. “Each vehicle in this collection is proudly assembled in the United States and honors the rich legacy of our nation.” Production is expected to begin in early spring 2026 with package pricing to be announced at a later date. In addition to giving the final auction cost of the “one of one” Corvette to Tunnels To Towers, a nonprofit group that helps build homes for the families of first responders and military troops lost in the line of duty, Chevy will also donate $250 to nonprofits that support the veteran community for every vehicle from the “Stars and Steel” collection that gets sold. The “Stars and Steel” collection follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January establishing a White House task force to lead planning and execution of celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. The White House told Fox News Digital it would be engaging with the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, nonprofits and educational institutions to put on various events and other initiatives honoring the nation’s heritage leading up to the official anniversary in 2026. The 250th anniversary celebrations will include, among other events, a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn June 14, President Trump’s 80th birthday.
Walz urges Noem to ‘reassess’ immigration enforcement strategy in Minnesota after alleged citizen arrests
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “reassess” her enforcement strategy after he said multiple U.S. citizens have been arrested during federal immigration operations across the state amid the Trump administration’s aggressive mass deportation campaign. In a letter to Noem, Walz said he was writing with “serious concern” regarding arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. “Reports indicate that some citizens were documenting federal activity, while others were going about their daily lives,” he wrote. “This troubling pattern raised serious questions, not only about due process and the rights of U.S. citizens, but also about trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities.” MINNESOTA COLLEGE ADMINISTRATOR ACCUSED OF IMPEDING ICE ARREST TO PROTECT STUDENT SEXUAL PREDATOR “This series of incidents raises serious concerns about civil liberties and trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities,” Walz said in a statement regarding his letter. “Minnesotans have long valued civic engagement, and detaining citizens for lawfully exercising those rights or going about their daily lives sends a deeply disturbing message. I am urging Secretary Noem to respect the constitution and for her administration to ensure that federal operations are conducted lawfully and with respect for the rights of all individuals.” He stated that the “forcefulness, lack of communication and unlawful practices” displayed by federal agents won’t be tolerated in Minnesota. He urged Noem to reassess the broader enforcement strategy. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Walz cited one alleged incident in which someone named “Sue” was physically pushed, handcuffed and taken to a federal facility after she refused to move back from a scene after being asked to do so while documenting a law enforcement operation. She was told she would be charged with obstruction, Walz said. BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN FIRES BACK AT CNN HOST IN DEFENSE OF ICE TACTICS: ‘THEY’VE BEEN SHOT AT’ Another person named “Mubashir” was chased, tackled and handcuffed before being detained despite stating his citizenship status, he said. The governor said those who document law enforcement activity “play an essential role in transparency, accountability and safeguarding civil liberties in Minnesota.” Immigration officials have said that individuals are free to watch and film law enforcement operations, but anyone obstructing authorities from doing their jobs could face arrest. In his letter, Walz urged Noem to review recent arrests made by federal agents to ensure they have a judicial warrant authorizing detention or seizure and to clarify the legal standard under which a citizen may exercise his rights to document and witness “aggressive law enforcement actions.” He also asked that she ensure ICE agents operating in Minnesota receive guidance and training on respecting the civil rights of U.S. citizens and residents.
Obama surprises Chicago students in Santa hat for holiday library story time reading session
A group of Chicago elementary school students had an unexpected visitor Tuesday when former President Barack Obama walked in wearing a Santa hat and sat down to read to them. The Burke Elementary School students were at the Bessie Coleman branch of the Chicago Public Library, where they were learning about leadership qualities. As the students were learning, Obama walked into the library and asked, “How you guys doing?” After making introductions, Obama began to read “Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight.” TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK FOR LAWN CARE, FIXING HINGES AT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES. TRUMP-LED REFORMS AIM TO STOP IT The book recounts how Coleman, for whom the library branch is named, broke barriers to become the first Black female pilot. Obama shared a video of his visit on X, saying he had a good time. “I had fun reading to some Burke Elementary students at the Chicago Public Library today,” he wrote. “When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, we’ll have a new branch of the library for the community to enjoy.” FOX 32 in Chicago reported that Obama’s appearance was a sneak peek into the story time programming that will be offered at the library branch coming to the Obama Presidential Center next June. The center’s opening comes after years of delays and protests and more than a decade of planning. “We’re going to open in June so that y’all don’t have to bring your coats up,” Obama said during a visit to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas last week, without revealing a firm opening date, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. CHICAGO RESIDENTS CALL OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER A ‘MONSTROSITY,’ FEAR THEY’LL BE DISPLACED: REPORT The presidential center’s site on Chicago’s South Side was announced in May 2015. The center, which will include the presidential library, was projected to open in 2021 but has been tied up in lawsuits and federal reviews that have pushed the timeline back years. The center will be home to the presidential library, a museum, an auditorium, a Chicago Public Library branch, a garden, an athletic facility and other attractions on its 20-acre campus. “We want to create a campus, a place where the public gathers for a range of things that puts them face to face with each other and get them to meet and be in dialogue and conversation and exposed to new ideas with each other,” Obama said last week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. PROTESTERS RAGED, CRITICS MOCKED – NOW OBAMA SAYS HIS LIBRARY’S ACTUALLY OPENING The $850 million project in Jackson Park was first hit with a yearslong lawsuit in 2018 when a group called Protect Our Parks alleged that Chicago illegally transferred parkland to the private Obama Foundation. That court battle persisted until 2022, when a federal judge terminated a revised version of the suit. The planned construction also sparked federal reviews because the project required an overhaul of roads in the area and because Jackson Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Those reviews did not wrap up until late 2020, local media reported at the time. The Obama Foundation has celebrated the center as “a lively community hub, economic anchor and beacon of democracy right here on the South Side of Chicago.” A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was not held until 2021, with construction picking up in earnest in the last year. Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.