Trump Unveils $12 Billion Farmer Aid Package; Alina Habba Resigns As New Jersey US Attorney (Dec. 8)

Welcome to Antidening News. Our Tom Strike tonight. President Trump unveils 12 billion dollar in aid for farmers. The announcement comes a day before he's expected to travel to Pennsylvania to tout his economic record. When does the president have the authority to fire the head of a government agency? A US Supreme Court case gets off the ground today. Jason Blair has the details. Acting US attorney Alina Haba steps down after a federal court disqualifies her. what she says about the court ruling and her plans for the future. It's day four of the evidentiary hearing in the Luigi Manion case. Arlene Richards has the latest on witness testimony about what was found in Manion's backpack. President Trump says Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinsky has not yet read the latest US peace proposal. Arian Pdar has a response from Zalinsky as the peace talks continue. A powerful earthquake hits Japan and triggers a tsunami. what officials say about the damage and the dangers lying ahead. This is NTD Evening News live from our global headquarters in New York City. Here's Tiffany Meyer. >> Good evening and thank you for joining us tonight. President Trump unveils a $12 billion farm aid package at a round table with cabinet members and American farmers. This comes just a day before the president jets off to Pennsylvania to highlight his efforts to reduce inflation. We now go live to NTD's Washington correspondent Mariosu at the north lawn of the White House. Mari, good evening. >> Tiff, good evening. Yes, President Trump today announced that 12 billion farmer aid package here in the cabinet room alongside uh farmers of corn, soybean, cattle, and other industries. Uh he said that an initial 11 billion will target uh farmers of row crops. Then an additional $1 billion is still being sorted out uh for specialty crops. The aid will be given through one-time bridge payments under the Department of Agricultures new program called the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Uh here's Court Hul, a farmer from Iowa who is in the cabinet room today saying how the aid will affect his family. Take a look. >> I think you brought I think you brought Christmas to farmers uh with this bridge payment. You have a backbone to stand up to other countries for trade. I'll be able to potentially pass on a farm to my children because of you. Agriculture Secretary Broo Rollins says the payments will start by February 28th, >> but by the end of this month, so just in the next couple of weeks, every farmer uh that is able to apply for it will know exactly what that number looks like. >> Farmers are an indispensable national asset, part of the backbone of America. I've always felt it so strongly. They're so important. This announcement comes as the US has been in a trade war with China, leading to some US farmers struggling to sell their crops as Beijing pulled back on purchases of products like soybeans. A move that President Trump condemned as economically hostile. >> Either in person or when we are on a call with President Xi, the first thing the president asking for is more soybean purchases. We we we don't talk about geopolitics. We don't talk about trade. It's about soybean. >> We don't even say hello. We immediately start Soybean. Start with the soybean, please. Could you do a little? It's always could you do a little more. >> Soybean purchases gradually ramped up after a late October agreement between President Trump and CCP leader Xihinping with China making its biggest daily soybean buy in 2 years last month. >> China committed to purchased at least at least 12 million metric tons of US soybeans this brewing season, followed by a minimum of 25 million tons annually for the next 3 years. However, uh current soybean purchase quantities are still far behind the 12 million tons that China committed to by the end of February. And President Trump, meanwhile, is planning to lift a block on exports of Nvidia's H200 chips to China. The H200 chips are one generation prior to the most advanced Black Wall lineup. Uh and under these terms, the US government will get a 25% cut from these future sales. as some fear that China could use these chips for military ambitions. But President Trump says that sales will be subject to quote conditions that allow for strong national security. Tiff >> and Mari when the round table opened to questions the president got some on the administration's boat strikes in Venezuela. This comes as some Democratic lawmakers are urging Secretary Beha's resignation. What is the latest on that? >> Sure, Tiff. So, while uh Secretary Hegsath is facing allegations of war crimes uh by some lawmakers in the Caribbean uh with several urging his resignation, Hegath shows no signs of stepping down and uh from public from President Trump is still getting public support uh after the president said that he'd support releasing that September 2nd boat strike video last week uh tout touting his administration's transparency in doing so. Uh today the president said that he defers to the secretary of war's uh decision on that. Take a look. >> Are you ordering the secretary to release that full video? >> Whatever he decides is okay with me. So every boat we knock out of the water, every boat we saved 25,000 American lives. Uh that was a boat loaded up with drugs. I saw the video. I told you whatever Pete Hath wants to do is okay with me. And this is all coming just a day before President Trump uh is expected to be uh in traveling to Pennsylvania where he'll be touting his economic agenda and the inflation crisis before the 2026 midterm elections. Tiff, back to you. Mari, thanks for those updates. Why is President Trump's 12 billion aid package needed for American farmers? Tonight, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai joins Capital Report with Steve Lance. Tune in at 700 p.m. Eastern time. President Trump says he'll sign an executive order this week on a federal AI approval process. He says this will avoid having different rules in each of the 50 states. Trump wrote on Truth Social today, quote, "There must be only one rule book if we are going to continue to lead in AI. We are beating all countries at this point in the race, but that won't last long if we are going to have 50 states, many of them bad actors, involved in rules and the approval process. The president said he will be doing a one rule executive order this week. Trump did not provide details. Leading AI firms have called for national AI standards instead of a 50-state patchwork of laws, but the move is likely to face push back from the states who have previously warned of disastrous consequences if the technology is left unregulated. The Supreme Court will decide whether to lift some limitations on the president's authority to fire certain agency officials. The case kicked off today with oral arguments, leaving the impression that the court will eliminate some of the barriers. NTD correspondent Jason Blair has more. After hearing oral arguments, the Supreme Court seems likely to remove certain barriers, limiting the reasons a president can remove members of the Federal Trade Commission and independent federal agencies. President Trump fired FTC head Rebecca Slaughter in March after Slaughter won some appeals. The Supreme Court ruled to allow Slaughter's removal while agreeing to hear Trump versus Slaughter, which started arguments on Monday. If the high court does indeed side with the federal government, it would strengthen the president's ability to remove senior officials from some federal agencies. The president cited in the case is 1935's Humphre Executive versus United States. The court ruled that FTC members can't be removed without a cause. Chief Justice John Roberts suggested that a 2020 case see the law versus consumer financial protection bureau had hollowed out the decision in Humphrey's executive. Roberts indicated that Slaughter's attorney amid Agarwal should switch to using a different president to support his case. The one thing sea law made pretty clear I think is that Humphrey's executive is just a dried husk of whatever uh people used to think it was because in the opinion itself it described the powers of the agency it was talking about and they're vanishingly insignificant has nothing to do with what the FTC looks like today. >> Some of the other justices also seem skeptical of limits that Slaughter attempted to impose on Trump's executive authority. However, some justices expressed concern about overruling a 90-year-old president. >> You're asking us to destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that a the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent. Trump's firing of FTC Commissioner Slaughter is part of the president's broader push to remove officials from independent agencies whose leaders have traditionally been protected from at will dismissal without cause. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in Trump versus Slaughter by the end of June 2026. Jason Blair, NTD News. >> Alina Haba, the acting US attorney for New Jersey is stepping down. This comes after a federal court ruled that she was unlawfully appointed by President Trump. In a statement posted on X today, Haba said, quote, "As a result of the third circuit's ruling and to protect the stability and integrity of the office, which I love, I have decided to step down in my role as the US attorney for the District of New Jersey. But do not mistake compliance for surrender. This decision will not weaken the Justice Department, and it will not weaken me." Earlier this month, the third circuit court of appeals sided with a lower court decision and disqualified Haba because she was not confirmed by the Senate. Haba and the Trump administration have argued that Democratic senators are stifling the confirmation process. Haba said she will continue to serve as the senior adviser to Attorney General Pam Bondi for US attorneys while she waits for further review of the court ruling. It's day four of a hearing in the case against accused killer Luigi Manion in which his defense is attempting to get key evidence removed before trial. ENTD's Arlene Richards was in the courtroom and has the latest on today's testimony. Two more witnesses testified for the prosecution on Monday in day four of the Luigi Manion evidentiary hearing. Nicole Smith, first assistant district attorney for Blair County, Pennsylvania, took the stand Monday morning. She provided testimony on when Manion's backpack was searched and what items Altuna, Pennsylvania police lawfully seized. The defense is contending that the search was conducted unlawfully because police didn't have a warrant. Smith said an officer on the scene contacted her to get approval for the charges of forgery and tampering with regard to the fake driver's license Man gave to police. Once he got the approval, the officer placed Mangioni under arrest. Smith said the officer told her that Manion may be the person that New York police were looking for in the shooting of Brian Thompson, the United Healthcare CEO, and that this approval was necessary because they would eventually have to transfer the evidence to New York police. She said once Mangion was placed under arrest, Pennsylvania law allows them to search any property on his person and in his bags. Smith also explained the difference between contraband evidence and inventory evidence. Contraband would include items like a gun and ammunition. Whereas inventory is items like clothing, notebooks, and food. The contraband could be seized and not returned to the backpack. Inventory items were returned to the backpack and transported with Mangioni to the corrections facility where he was ultimately placed. The defense did not cross-examine Smith. Officer Christy Wasser conducted the search of the backpack. She testified that she didn't begin the search until after Manioni was officially handcuffed and placed under arrest. She called it a search incident to arrest, which includes the person and the bags he had with him. She found several items, including a pocketk knife and a loaf of bread. On cross-examination, Waser testified that at least 10 officers were present when she arrived and that Manion's backpack had been placed on a table across from him. She said three officers stood between Mangioni and his backpack before and after the arrest, which prevented him from leaving or having access to his belongings. More witnesses are expected to be called this week. A trial date has not been set. Arlene Richards, NTD News. President Trump says Ukrainian President Bam Zalinski has not yet read the latest US peace proposal. Meanwhile, Zalinsky says Ukraine is still waiting for detailed information on the most recent talks between the US and Russia. NTD's international correspondent Arian Pdar has the latest. >> I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zalinsky hasn't yet read the proposal. That was as of a few hours ago. His people love it, but he hasn't. Russia's fine with it. President Trump on Sunday saying Ukrainian President Zilinski hasn't yet read the latest peace proposal. Meanwhile, Zilinski says Ukraine is still waiting for detailed information on the last talks in Russia. >> I expect detailed information from them on everything that was said to the American envoys in Moscow and on the nuances the Americans are prepared to modify in negotiations with us and with the Russians. >> Have you read the peace plan, Mr. President? Zilinski is in London on Monday rallying support among Kiev's allies in a US-led peace push. He says unity between Europe, Ukraine and the US is important when negotiating an end to the fighting. >> Things which are very important for today. I think unity between Europe and Ukraine and also unity between Europe, Ukraine and the United States. There are some things which we can't manage without Americans. Things which we can't manage without Europe. And that's why we need to make some important decisions. >> At the meeting, French President Emanuel Mcron said Russia's economy is starting to suffer after the latest round of sanctions. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Fred Mertz said he's skeptical about certain aspects of the US position on ending the war. But Merz didn't give any further details on the stance. Moscow says it is open to negotiations and blames Kiev and the West for blocking peace. But Ukraine and its allies say Russia is stalling and using diplomacy to entrench its gains. And Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country will focus on strengthening the defense of a Russia dominated military alliance. This comes as Moscow prepares to take the rotoring leading chair of the collective security treaty organization or CSTTO. It is clear which areas we see as priorities strengthening our defense capabilities, coordinating our policies in military activities and in military technical cooperation. The group includes Russia and the former Soviet nations of Kazakhstan, Kystan and Tajikhstan. Are ambassador NTD news. >> A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan today. It triggered a tsunami of up to 28 in. The Japanese government is still assessing the damage from the earthquake and the tsunami, but so far they said 23 people were injured, including one seriously. Most of the victims were hit by falling objects. The earthquake struck at about 11:15 p.m. local time in the Pacific Ocean around 50 mi off the coast, roughly 30 mi below the sea surface. Authorities issued a tsunami alert and later downgraded that to an advisory. They said about 800 homes were without electricity and some train lines were suspended in parts of the region. Some 500 residents are in shelters. No irregularities were reported at nuclear power plants in the region. Japan is one of the world's most earthquakerprone countries. Officials are cautioning about possible aftershocks in the coming days. Coming up, secretaries Marco Rubio and Pete Hexath meet with their Australian counterparts at the State Department. This comes as the Chinese regime continues to amplify its military aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Jack Bradley in DC. And Hamas terrorists continue to search for the body of the last remaining hostage in the Gaza Strip. The mother of that hostage says Israel won't heal until he is returned. Jason Perry brings us that story after the break. Welcome back. I'm Tiffany Meyer. On Capitol Hill, a vote this week to make changes to the Department of War. Lawmakers this weekend unveiled the final defense bill that aims to lock in President Trump's agenda. NTD's Molina Weissup has the takeaways. >> This year's bill will codify 15 of President Trump's War Department related executive orders. >> One of the most important pieces of legislation that we do every year. Um, and it is uh fits in very consistently with the president's peace through strength agenda. And then we got a >> it aims to strip the Pentagon of programs like CRT, DEI, and climate initiatives and refocuses on merit-based promotions instead of diversity to drive admissions to servicemies. Doge cuts are included, eliminating 20 billion in obsolete weapons, inefficient programs, and Pentagon bureaucracy. Enlisted service members would get a 4% pay raise. The bill would cement Trump's deployment of troops to the border to combat illegal immigration and drugs. As for policy abroad, lawmakers aim to strengthen USIsrael military operations and ramp up defense in the Indoacific to deter CCP aggression towards Taiwan. >> She has ordered the People's Liberation Army to be ready to take Taiwan by force by 2027. The CCP has conducted the largest military buildup since World War II. Countering China and Russia's technology and weapons development is also a focus in the newest defense bill. Lawmakers this week are expected to vote on the yearly defense bill. Reporting from Washington DC, Molina Weissup, NTD News. Top Australian diplomats visit Washington to strengthen ties amid escalating tensions from the Chinese regime. That's as Japan and Taiwan work to ensure the US will have their backs to counter China's aggression. NTD's Washington correspondent Jack Bradley has the details. Top officials in Washington meeting with their Australian counterparts amid an increasingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party, which is conducting more military drills, sometimes dangerously close to US allies in the Indoacific. >> This is an incredibly strong alliance. The stronger we are together, the more we can deter the kinds of conflicts neither of us want to see. >> And we welcome President Trump's statement. We are full steam ahead. >> President Trump and Australia's prime minister at the White House back in October signed a deal on critical minerals, those used in technology from cell phones to fighter jets. That's after China restricted its global exports on critical minerals, but later paused that decision for a year as part of the US China trade deal. >> We have to have critical critical mineral supplies and supply chains that are reliable and that are diverse and not overly invested in one place where they can be used as leverage against us or our partners of the world. >> Australia's defense minister emphasizing the role that the US plays in their security. Our relationship with the United States is the most important relationship that we have and indeed our alliance with the United States is really the cornerstone of Australian strategic and foreign policy. >> But that's not just true for Australia. All of America's allies in the Indoacific are to some degree dependent on American leadership encountering a potential attack from the Chinese regime. >> You know, you travel, I'm sure you do too, you travel to Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, uh almost anywhere you go. The question is, will America be there for us when if and when the time comes? >> And the US's position is to deter China through strength rather than conflict. >> It's our job to make sure Beijing sees unquestionable US military strength that if necessary can back up our national interests. >> In the latest escalation on Sunday, two Chinese fighter jets aimed a radar beam signaling to fire at Japanese military aircraft near Japan's Okinawa Islands. China's radar lockon was a dangerous act exceeding the scope necessary for the safe flight of aircraft. We will respond calmly and resolutely. >> The heightened tensions between China and Japan come after the Japanese prime minister said that her country would protect Taiwan in the event of a CCP attack. Last week, Trump signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, which requires the State Department to update its guidelines for US engagements with Taiwan at least every 5 years. and that's designed to deepen the relationship between both countries in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Reporting from Washington DC, Jack Bradley, NTD News. In the Gaza Strip, the Hamas terrorist group and the Red Cross continue to search for the body of the last remaining hostage. The mother of that hostage says Israel won't heal until her son is returned. Entities Jason Perry has the details. A member of the International Committee of the Red Cross was seen on Monday handing two-way radios to Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Hamas and the Red Cross were seen leaving in a convoy to continue searching for the last remaining hostage, Ron Gavilli. In an interview released on the same day, Gavill's mother said it was by fate that her son is the last hostage yet to be returned. You know, we had a joke in the family like in the first months of the war and we sat and laughed and said it's so like Ronnie to be the one to turn off the lights to come back last like because that's Ronnie. And you know it was this kind of cynical joke that was told here at home and somehow it became reality. And she added this. We were promised unequivocally by the prime minister and everyone we spoke to that they're bringing everyone back. Without Ronnie, it's not everyone. Without Ronnie, we still have a wound in our heart. Without Ronnie, our country won't rise. >> And on Monday, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, met with Gavill's parents. Waltz also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Waltz said the US was committed to the release of the final hostage. The two also discussed the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and President Trump's 20point peace plan, which is set to move on to phase two after the last hostage is returned. Phase two includes the disarmament of Hamas, something the terrorist group has not yet agreed to. Israel's government spokesperson said Netanyahu was set to meet with President Trump on December 29th. They will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilization force of the ceasefire plan. >> And she said phase three will be focused on the dradicalization of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, a former hostage who was released a couple of months ago said he is still dealing with the trauma resulting from Palestinian Islamic jihad captivity. >> They tortured my soul, leaving physical and spiritual scars everywhere. I am coping with these physical, spiritual, and emotional scars with psychiatry. >> I met survivors who can no longer talk and communicate. They have lost their minds. >> He called his rescue a miracle from God. Jason Perry, NTD News. >> Coming up, Democrats maintain their demands on healthcare, the sticking point through the longest government shutdown in American history. Their proposal to address the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits is expected to fail again as lawmakers rush to find a compromised solution. Loose Martinez on Capitol Hill. In which way is the Supreme Court leaning after hearing oral arguments in a case about President Trump's firing of an FTC commissioner. What implications could the case have on the FTC in our government more broadly? Attorney Gerard Fiti joins us to discuss when we come back. Welcome back. I'm Judy Meyer. The Supreme Court today appeared ready to side with President Trump on the firing of a member of the Federal Trade Commission. At the center of the case is Trump's decision in March to fire Rebecca Slaughter despite a federal law that requires presidents to show cause before doing so. The court's decision could have sweeping implications beyond the FTC. Joining us now to discuss is Gerard Fit, senior counsel at the Lawfair Project. Gerard, thank you so much for joining us. Always great to have you. First, based on arguments today. Any idea on where the high court is leaning? >> The argument certainly seemed to favor President Trump and his ability to fire directors of independent agencies. That was the line of questioning. If you follow Justice Roberts and the Republicans on the Supreme Court, that did seem to indicate that we are in for a significant sea change in the way that the law is interpreted when it comes to the president's ability to fire heads of agencies. >> And expanding on that, if the court sides with the president, how significant would this be? >> It it's very significant. It sets aside over 80 years worth of precedent and understanding that the independence of certain agencies is beyond the purview of the presidency. Uh but this is also consistent with what we have seen from the Supreme Court which has over the years wanted Congress to be much more specific when designating powers uh within regulations and within agencies. So this is very significant that it gives the president much greater powers to fire people in agencies that he deems incompatible with his agenda. Digging into that, would a win for President Trump be the end of what we today call federal independent agencies? >> Well, I don't think it will. I think what we see, if there is a win for President Trump, is that we will have a more carefully designed uh parameters in which people are appointed and in which they exercise their powers. One of the issues that has led to this point is that over the course of 80 or 90 years, these independent agencies have gathered much more power onto themselves than was ever intended by Congress. Yet there's never been a good way to hold them accountable except through normal resignations or normal terms. This is a way to hold agencies more accountable which they were not before. >> And to your earlier point, how does a 90-year president called Humphrey's executive v United States fit in here? Talk to us about that. >> Well, that's really what set the precedent for the independence of certain agencies. But the problem with Humphrey's executive is that when you have an agency like the FTC, the Federal Trade Commission, which is an issue here, it's defined by statute that's belonging both a little bit in the legislative branch and a little bit in the judicial branch. So that makes it incompatible with separation of powers. What we saw in the 1930s was a decision that was appropriate at the time. At the time, we needed government agencies to be more independent to deal with the financial and social context. Today we need more accountability because we have more and broader powers for these agencies. So we're likely to see gradual narrowing down of this interpretation of the law which we have seen and now we're likely to see it thrown out altogether in Humphrey's executive >> and Jordan if Humphre is overruled what would be the impact on other officials besides Slaughter? >> Well there are about two dozen federal agencies that are similar to the FTC that are considered independent or quasi independent. If the if Humphrey's executive is overturned in this case, then it gives the president cart blanch effectively to fire or to remove directors from those agencies as well. So again, this brings it more in line with accountability and having these these branches of the government which effectively are really part of the executive be responsible to the president and not serve as many autocracies. >> Gerard Vidia, as always, thank you so much for joining us. >> Pleasure. Thank you. Congress will hold its first vote this week on a series of proposals to address the expiring ACA healthcare tax credits. Our Washington correspondent Luis Martinez has the details. >> The Senate will vote this Thursday on the Democrats proposal to address the expiring COVID era affordable care act healthcare tax credits. The vote on Thursday is a commitment that Republicans made to Democrats. So, a small group of Democrats would vote to reopen government last month. I'm announcing that Senate Democrats will introduce legislation for a threeyear clean extension of the current ACA tax credits. This bill, a cleanear three extension of the ACA tax credits that Democrats will bring to the bring to the floor for a vote on Thursday. And every single Democrat will support it. Every single Democrat. The Democrats demands, which cost the longest government shutdown in American history, have remained unchanged. A three-year clean extension of the CO era tax credits would cost American taxpayer approximately 120 billion. The the CO era subsidy only affects 7% of Americans. Okay? All this hallelu is over 7%. Now, every American, 100% of Americans need their healthcare costs to come down. Republicans have ideas to do that. Now what I've got to do is build consensus deliberately around the best ideas and we've been working on that. >> So sadly this is not really a serious effort. Just to extend 3 years something that has not been working that was meant to be temporary from the beginning is not a good vote. That's not a thoughtful vote to say we're just going to extend what we're doing. >> Yeah. >> A group of bipartisan lawmakers in the House of Representatives have also proposed a two-year extension with a commitment to agree on reforms by July 2026. These reforms could include income caps on beneficiaries as well as measures to reduce fraud. >> Uh we need action from this Congress and all we're getting are stunts Republicans obtained from the Government Accountability Office last week so that they could yell fraud, fraud, fraud to justify uh denying these credits. But if you look at the details of the report, it shows the fraud is coming from a group of insurance brokers and agents that the Biden administration responded by suspending 850 of those people. >> This Thursday's vote on the Senate floor on the Democratic proposal to address the expiring tax credit is expected to fail. A group of Republican senators have also proposed passing along the subsidies directly to consumers instead of to insurance companies. The tax credits expire by the end of December. Reporting from Washington DC, Luis Eluardo Martinez, NTD News. >> Has the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare been working out for Americans? NTD Sam Wong was out on the National Mall in DC to hear from the people. >> Do you think Obamacare is a good idea? Do you think it's affordable? >> I don't I don't know much about it now. When it first came out, I didn't think it was. as I tried to get my employees to take advantage of it. Um, I think it would have been hard on us if we'd have been over the 50 uh employee limit where it taxed us for a business who had not planned for that. >> I think it should be extended cuz people really need to help especially now that things are so expensive. I was on insurance with my kids, you know, cuz I couldn't afford to buy insurance and it was really beneficial. My medical care has gone through the roof in the last 7 to 8 years since Obamacare because doctors and I have many friends who are can't get a full price of what they're worth. So they have to up upcharge >> in order to get the 40 or 50% back from Medicare and Obama. So it's basically a Ponzi scheme. >> I think Obamacare has been good for people overall. I'm from Sweden originally. So I fully support socializing medicine. They should do that. Um make sure it's free for everybody. It would be good for everyone. >> President Trump has been talking about a potential reform for Obamacare. So basically instead of paying money directly to the insurance company, he's talking about giving it to the people instead so that they can choose the kind of healthcare they want. What are your thoughts on that? >> Uh well that would depend on how much it would be if it would like cover, you know, like be equal amount to Obamacare and not be financially stressful for the people. >> I think that's a better plan, but I'm not sure it's viable in America today cuz people are so irresponsible with money. Um, I don't think the government should be in anybody's bedroom, healthcare issue, whatever. All the money that we pay in taxes, we should be able to have access to just like Social Security, just like Medicare. If every dime I'd put in Social Security and Medicare as a working individual was in my pocket, I'd be a multimillionaire and I'd be retired. I'd be in the Bahamas right now, not here. >> I think that's a great idea. And I mean, based on what they can afford. I mean, it's I just the way the system works. Some people are saying that Obamacare uh the way it was initially designed kind of took competition out of healthcare and that's what was driving up the prices. Would you say you agree? Like what do you think? >> Well, I think insurance companies can be the bad guy very much so. They have to be take more of the hit. I mean I understand everybody's in business to make money but uh I mean they do well the insurance companies is the way I look at it and see Former Democratic Congressman Colin Alred is ending his US Senate bid in Texas. He'll instead run for the newly drawn 33rd Congressional District. His announcement came just hours before the state's filing deadline, reshaping the Democratic primary landscape. Alred said he concluded that a tough Democratic Senate primary and possible runoff could weaken the party heading into a highstakes general election. He called the decision difficult, but said he intends to continue serving his community. The 33rd district redrawn by the Republican le legislature is a heavily Democratic seat that includes the area where Alred grew up. He noted it is also where he and his wife are raising their two children. And just hours after his announcement, Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett found paperwork to run for the US Senate if she becomes the Democratic nominee. She'll face the winner of a GOP primary that includes Senator John Cornin, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Congressman Wesley Hunt. Coming up in what could be one of the biggest mergers in entertainment, Paramount launches a competing bid for Warner Brothers Discovery despite Netflix agreeing to buy the company last week. Find out the stakes in the potential acquisition. David Lam has the details. Arctic air is sweeping across much of the US, bringing cold temperatures, heavy snow, and flood risks. Millions are under winter weather alerts with dangerous conditions expected on roads and across affected regions. Christina Corona has the weather update. And in college football, the playoff field is finally set, but not without some controversy. D. Martin joins us to discuss when we return. Welcome back. I'm Tiffany Meyer. And what could reshape the entertainment industry? Paramount is stepping in with a competing bid as Netflix attempts to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery. Entity's David Lamb reports. Paramount on Monday launched a counter offer for Warner Brothers Discovery. This after top Warner managers agreed to a 72 billion deal with Netflix to sell Warner Brothers TV, film studios, and streaming division for $27.75 per share. But Paramount is appealing to Warner shareholders with an allcash offer for $30 per share to buy all of Warner's business, including the cable networks, which Netflix does not want. The winner of the bid would buy one of Hollywood's most prized platforms that's behind CNN, HBO, and DC studios. Paramount said it's challenging Netflix's offer after Warner quote never engaged meaningfully with six previous proposals from Paramount. Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, said, "This acquisition will improve our offering and accelerate our business for decades to come." The fight for Warner Brothers drew strong reactions as politicians chose sides, citing the likely impact on streaming prices, movie theater employment, and the diversity of entertainment choices. On Sunday, President Trump told reporters that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has made significant feats in the entertainment industry. >> I met with Ted. I think he's fantastic. I think he's in the history of Hollywood, there's really been almost, you could say, nothing like what he's done. Trump didn't say whether he favored the Netflix Warner deal, but he pointed to potential market domination in the streaming industry. >> They have a very big market share and when they have Warner Brothers, you know, that chair goes up a lot. So, I don't know. That's going to be for some economists to tell. And also, and I'll be involved in that decision, too. Actress Jane Fonda said regardless of which company ends up acquiring Warner Brothers, consolidation at this scale would be catastrophic for an industry built on free expression. If Warner goes through with the Netflix agreement and the government regulators approved the deal, the transaction could be completed in the next year to year and a half. David Lamb, Entity News, California. The US is bracing for a surge of arctic cold, frigid temperatures, and snow are creating hazardous travel from the Midwest to the Northeast. While millions are under alerts for flooding, snow, and other winter hazards, entities Christina Corona has the details. Frigid temperatures and powerful storm systems are sweeping across much of the US this week, bringing dangerous cold, snow, and flooding concerns. A surge of arctic air is pushing temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal across areas east of the Mississippi River with the coldest conditions focused over the northern plains, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest. By Tuesday morning, some cities in the Northeast, including Boston, New York, and Philadelphia could see nearrecord low temperatures. Winter weather alerts are posted for at least 12 million people from eastern Kentucky through Virginia and into northern North Carolina. A fast-moving storm Monday could drop two to four inches of snow in that region with higher totals possible in central Virginia. Additional snow is forecast to spread from North Dakota into the Great Lakes and New England by Wednesday. Snowfall is expected to calm by Monday night, but slick roads could make the evening commute dangerous across the region. At the same time, a powerful atmospheric river is set to soak large portions of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The National Weather Service issued warnings for widespread rainfall of 4 to 6 in with some areas along the Cascades foothills expecting up to a foot of rain. Christina Corona, NTD News. And now for your sports news, we're joined by ND's Dave Martin. Dave, we have baseball, basketball, and NFL news. But let's start in college football as the playoff field was announced yesterday. Not without some controversy, though. What did you make of Notre Dame being left out? >> You know, I was pretty surprised, of course. But I'll say this. I mean, the playoff committee had a near impossible task of choosing two out of Miami, Alabama, and Notre Dame. They chose Miami and Alabama, let the Irish out. Notre Dame naturally was a little surprised and very disappointed. But what really upset some people is that the committee had Notre Dame ahead of Miami in all five previous playoff rankings. But then in this final one, they moved Miami ahead of Notre Dame despite neither of them playing last week since the last playoff rankings came out. So really, what changed between this week and last week if both teams were off? I mean, that it's kind of a head stretcher. Now, Notre Dame's athletic director kind of summed up my whole thoughts on this when he said, "Any rankings ahead of the final ones are quote, waste of time." Now, of course, the committee, of course, they have every right to change their minds, but it really makes all those previous rankings look completely irrelevant. Now, now my guess is that both since both Miami and Notre Dame were 10 and two. Miami though won their head-to-head battle back in early September, late late August, so they decided maybe to make it that switch because of that. Also, I think they didn't want to leave the ACC out, but I mean the rug was pulled out from Notre Dame here. So, with that said though, the playoffs start with those first round game, those first round games, these four right here, starting December 19 and December 20th. So, Tiff, mark your calendars. All right, >> keep our eyes peeled. Shifting gears to the NFL though, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones left yesterday's game with a leg injury that was feared to be serious as the team updated his condition. Yeah, Jones suffered a torn Achilles as fear. Now he's out for the rest season. So, a very tough loss for the Colts here, especially after Jones's resurgence season. He was top 10 in the in the NFL in a number of passing categories, including passing yards and pass rating. But it might get even worse for the Colts. His replacement, rookie Riley Leonard, suffered a knee injury during the game. They're hopeful he plays this Sunday against the Seahawks. Elsewhere in the league yesterday, there was that very ugly injury to Commanders tight end Zack Ers, who was hit very hard by Viking safety Jay Ward while attempting to catch a pass. Z had to be helped off the field. He suffered a torn ACL. He's out for the rest of the season. And you know, the guy is 35 years old. It's not a given actually that he will be back. He's fifth right now all time among tight ends in 825 career catches. He's played in three Pro Bowls. So, but you saw that uh that uh the hit. It was uh it was pretty ugly. >> It was gruesome. It seems like there's a lot of really bad injuries lately. >> Yeah. You know, that's that's football, right? That's the worst I've seen though this season. It's got to >> It does look rough. >> I couldn't watch it a second time. >> The normal. Moving to college basketball news, though. Arizona replaced Purdue as the number one team in the country. >> Yeah. Wildcats are 9 and0. One of six unranked teams out there who are undefeated. And personally, I think you can make a case for several of them to be number one. Now, Michigan, which is number two right now. They're eight and0. Their average margin of victory is 28 points per game. I mean, that is a lot. Now, they won that players era festival a couple weeks ago by blowing out San Diego State, Auburn, and Gonzaga by a combined 110 points. That's an average of 33 per game there. Even fourth ranked Iowa State probably has a case for number one. They beat number one or previous number one Purdue Saturday by 23 points. It was at Purdue as well. That was that tied for the biggest home loss ever by an AP number one team and they are 9 and0. Iowa State is now as far as the schedule goes this weekend. We have a couple more top 25 showdowns tomorrow night. 18th ranked Florida takes on number five Yukon in the Jimmy B Classic. And we got several more on Saturday. Number 17 Arkansas plays 16th ranked Texas Tech. 23rd ranked Nebraska faces number 13 Illinois. 25th ranked UCLA faces number eight Gonzaga. That's always a good matchup. And finally, new number one Arizona plays both ranked Alabama in Birmingham this Saturday. So Tiff, I can tell you're already excited for these games. You'll have a busy weekend. Looking at baseball news, though, former Ji second baseman Jeff Kent was elected to the Hall of Fame of the weekend, but it's who wasn't elected that made headlines. >> Yeah, Kent made it a well-deserved honor for sure. The guy was MVP in 2000 when he was with the San Francisco Giants. He's a career leader in home runs by a second baseman with 377. But as you just alluded to, Tiff, it was almost as noteworthy that the all-time great Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds did not make it. Now, Clemens won a record seven young awards as a pitcher. Bonds won a record MV uh record number of MVP awards, seven as a hitter. He is also the career leader in home runs with 762. But they are tied really to baseball so-called steroid era. Though both players have denied ever using performance enhancing drugs, enough voters unfortunately feel otherwise. Now there's multiple ways to be elected to the Hall of Fame. But these two are running out of out of opportunities. Their next is going to be on a veterans committee ballot in 2031. So six years still, but if it was it was up to me, Tiff, I would vote for you. >> All right. Well, there's that vote. Uh Dave Vas, thanks for joining us. >> Thank you, Tiff. >> And that's all for today's news. For on the clock coverage, visit us at ntd.com/live or download our NTD app. Thanks for tuning in. I'm Tiffany Meyer. Good night.