Evert Nelson / The Capital-Journal via USA Today file
After string of abortion-rights wins, conservatives look to curtail the ballot measure process
Republican-led legislatures are mounting an increasingly fierce battle to curb the ability of citizens and other lawmakers to place ballot measures — a move progressive groups say is explicitly aimed at making it difficult to give voters in red and purple states direct say over major issues such as abortion rights.GOP stumbles with independents contributed to midterm woes
A sweeping national survey of the electorate, AP VoteCast, finds that Republican House candidates nationwide won the support of 38% of independent voters during last month's midterm elections.
apnews.com
Democrats rip Gov. Abbott over Christmas Eve migrant drop off near VP Harris’ residence in record-cold temps
Texas governor Greg Abbott is facing criticism from Democrats for the late-night drop off of over 100 migrants in freezing temperatures in Washington, D.C., on Christmas Eve.
www.foxnews.com
S. Korea launches jets, fires shots after North flies drones
South Korea’s military has fired warning shots, scrambled fighter jets and flew surveillance assets across the heavily fortified border with North Korea after North Korean drones violated its airspace for the first time in five years.
apnews.com
Western NY death toll rises to 28 from cold, storm chaos
The death toll from a pre-Christmas blizzard that paralyzed the Buffalo area and much of the country has risen to 28 in western New York, authorities said Monday as the region dug out from one of the worst weather-related disasters in its history.
apnews.com
McConnell calls out 'diminished' Trump, vows not to bow to his candidates in 2024
Exclusive: The Senate GOP leader says in an interview that Trump hurt the party in the 2022 elections by making swing voters see Republicans as “nasty” and attracted to “chaos.”
www.nbcnews.com
White House denounces migrants being bused to VP's home on freezing Christmas Eve
Three buses arrived Saturday outside Vice President Kamala Harris' residence at the Naval Observatory
abcnews.go.com
Twitter Files: White House pushed Twitter to censor COVID-19 'misinformation'
The White House pressured Twitter to suppress tweets that included "misinformation" about the COVID-19 pandemic, even when Twitter users shared information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
China sends 71 warplanes, 7 ships toward Taiwan in 24 hours
Taiwan says China’s military sent 71 planes and seven ships toward Taiwan in a 24-hour display of force directed at the self-ruled island.
apnews.com
Early voting skepticism causes headaches for GOP heading into 2024
Republican leaders are urging their base to take a less skeptical stance on early and mail-in voting after the party suffered significant losses in the midterms through heavily relying on in-person…
thehill.com
Death toll rises to at least 57 as freezing temperatures and heavy snow wallop swaths of U.S.
“The life-threatening cold temperatures and in combination with dangerous wind chills will create a potentially life-threatening hazard for travelers,” the National Weather Service warns.
www.nbcnews.com
The AP Interview: Ukraine FM aims for February peace summit
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s foreign minister said Monday that his nation wants a summit to end the war but he doesn’t anticipate Russia taking part, a statement making it hard to foresee the devastating invasion ending soon.
apnews.com
DeSantis-Trump differences come into view
The differences between former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are coming into sharper focus as the two emerge as potential rivals in the 2024 presidential contest. Trump’s endors…
thehill.com
Death toll rises after ‘blizzard of the century’ blankets US
Officials in hard-hit New York state area say situation remains dangerous as crews work to rescue people, clear roads.
www.aljazeera.com
Millions of Americans to lose Medicaid coverage starting next year
Recently passed government spending bill allows states to kick people off the program as early as April.
www.cbsnews.com
Buses with migrants have dropped off outside of VP Harris' house before. Why Christmas Eve was different.
Buses carrying around 110 to 130 people were dropped off outside Harris’ residence in temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
www.usatoday.com
Gaetz issues Christmas Day rallying cry for Jordan to take on McCarthy - Washington Examiner
Conservative firebrand Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) endorsed former House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) as best-suited for House speaker when Democrats relinquish the gavel to Republicans next week.Gaetz tweeted his opposition against House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) over the...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Democrats to wield power when Minnesota Legislature convenes
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democrats will control both the House and Senate for the first time in eight years when the Minnesota Legislature convenes Jan. 3, giving them power to decide how to use a $17.6 billion projected budget surplus — and new opportunities to pass liberal initiatives that the outgo
apnews.com
Ukraine's foreign minister aims for February peace summit
But Dmytro Kuleba said that Russia could only be invited to such a summit if the country faced a war crimes tribunal first.
www.politico.com
Massachusetts man, son of famous American painter, convicted on four charges in Jan. 6 protests
Vincent Gillespie, 61, was found guilty on four charges related to his storming of the U.S. Capitol last January. Gillespie is the son of famous postwar painter Gregory Gillespie.
www.foxnews.com
'Blizzard of the century': Death toll rises as Buffalo digs out
At least 60 people have died from the cold, wintry weather that wreaked havoc across the U.S. over Christmas weekend.
abcnews.go.com
Twittergate: 63% want FBI ‘censorship’ of social media investigated - Washington Examiner
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has lost the confidence of half the nation, with even more now calling for an investigation into allegations the agency teamed with liberals to police top social media sites in order to benefit Democrats and President Joe Biden.In the latest Rasmussen Reports...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Gaetz presses Jordan to go after Speaker job
Rep. Matt Gaetz (Fla.) said over the weekend that his Christmas wish is for his Republican colleague, Jim Jordan (Ohio), to run to be the next Speaker of the House. “All I want for Christmas …
thehill.com
Pennsylvania politics are heated. It soon could be utter chaos.
The state House is a mess, with each side claiming they are in the majority and Republicans potentially passing amendments after Democrats won more seats.
www.politico.com
Republican stumbles with independents contributed to midterm woes and losses
Republican House candidates nationwide won the support of 38% of independent voters in last month’s midterm elections, according to AP VoteCast.
www.usatoday.com
Russia says it shot down Ukrainian drone near air base
The Russian military says it shot down a Ukrainian drone approaching an air base deep inside Russia. It was the second time the facility was targeted this month.
apnews.com
Six major developments that shaped 2022 for Palestinians
The UN called 2022 the deadliest year for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 16 years.
www.aljazeera.com
Ukraine open to February peace summit at United Nations
Ukraine is in favor of holding a peace summit mediated by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in February, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
www.foxnews.com
Brutal storm keeping frigid grip on much of Northeast as Buffalo struggles to cope
Buffalo was struggling to cope with its worst storm in years. The massive system is expected to claim more lives after trapping some residents in frigid homes and cars.
www.cbsnews.com
White House says Abbott ‘abandoned children’ in latest immigrant drop off - Washington Examiner
The White House condemned Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) for dropping the latest busload of immigrants, which includes children, outside of Vice President Kamala Harris's residence on Christmas Eve. The White House claimed that the move was a "cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt,” according to CNN...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Dems lambaste migrant buses as violating the spirit of Christmas
A spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appeared to confirm his office's knowledge of dropping the migrants outside the vice president's D.C. residence.
www.politico.com
Russia-Ukraine live updates: Putin suspends key US-Russia nuclear treaty in speech denouncing West
Live updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
abcnews.go.com
Ukrainian drone is shot down deep within Russia, killing 3, officials say
The drone was allegedly flying near installation where long-range strategic bombers are based.
www.nbcnews.com
Buffalo blizzard: Storm turns city into 'war zone'
Half the deaths from the big freeze across the US and Canada are recorded in western New York State.
www.bbc.com
Serbia places its troops on Kosovo border on combat alert
Serbia has placed its security troops on the border with Kosovo on “the full state of combat readiness,” ignoring NATO’s calls for calming tensions between the two wartime Balkan foes.
apnews.com
Trump lambastes Biden’s border as ‘worst in history’ following brutal November report - Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump blasted the Biden administration for allowing U.S. border security and illegal immigrant encounters to plummet to the “worst” levels ever following the release of troubling new numbers.More immigrants were encountered attempting to enter the United States without...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Kathy Whitworth, winningest golfer in history, dies at 83
Her 88 victories are the most by any player on a single professional tour.
www.nbcnews.com
Biden issues emergency declaration in western New York as winter storm death toll hits 28
President Biden has approved an emergency declaration for western New York as the state deals with a massive winter storm that has claimed more than two dozen lives. Biden issued an emergency decla…
thehill.com
Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2022
One would have to go back hundreds of years to find a monarch who reigned longer than Queen Elizabeth II.
apnews.com
Who’s the new No. 4 Democrat? There may be a dispute
As Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) scrambles to shore up enough GOP support to become the next Speaker, House Democrats are grappling with a question swirling around their own leadership …
thehill.com
Western NY death toll continues to climb as winter storm rages on
Erie County, New York, continues to be plagued by snow and below-freezing temperatures, resulting in thousands losing power during one of their worst winter storms ever.
www.foxnews.com
ABC News' 'The Year: 2022' takes a look back at this year's major news events
Robin Roberts and other ABC News correspondents will highlight the top stories in a new primetime special.
abcnews.go.com
Physical attacks on power grid surge to new peak
People are shooting, sabotaging and vandalizing electrical equipment in the U.S. at a pace unseen in at least a decade, amid signs that domestic extremists hope to use blackouts to sow unrest.
www.politico.com
Tesla malfunctions: From recalls to car fires, a look back at Tesla’s 2022 woes - Washington Examiner
This year started with some difficulty for the electric car maker Tesla, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announcing in February that it launched an investigation into more than 400,000 Teslas after receiving 354 complaints about phantom braking. Its investigation, which...
www.washingtonexaminer.com
White House assails Texas Governor Abbott over Christmas Eve migrant drop
The White House accused Texas Governor Greg Abbott of endangering lives after busloads of migrants were dropped near Vice President Kamala Harris' home in Washington, D.C., on a cold Christmas Eve.
www.reuters.com
California to flip from warm and dry to rainy and snowy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's warm and dry Christmas holiday was set to give way Monday to periods of stormy weather through the New Year's weekend.
apnews.com
‘A sea change’: Biden reverses decades of Chinese trade policy
Forget tariffs. Biden’s actions to crack down on Beijing’s tech development will do more to hinder the Chinese economy — and divide the two nations — than Trump ever did.
www.politico.com
West Point begins removing Confederate symbols, including Robert E. Lee portrait, from campus display
The U.S. Military Academy is taking down a portrait and stone bust of Confederate General Robert E. Lee over the holiday break, officials announced.
www.cbsnews.com
Iran protests: 'No going back' as unrest hits 100 days
Anger swells despite a fierce crackdown as the regime faces its biggest challenge in decades.
www.bbc.com
Border city El Paso nearing $10M spent in city funds housing, feeding, busing migrants
AUSTIN, Texas — Southern border city El Paso has spent just shy of $10 million in taxpayer money responding to the border crisis and giving aid to the tens of thousands of immigrants released onto its streets this year.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Opinion | 2022 Is the Year We All Finally Got Tired of Narcissists
Narcissists had their moment in the sun. But in 2022, some of them got their comeuppance and some of them got worse: our disinterest.
www.politico.com
Why natural gas plays a key role in the clean energy transition
The near-term climate policy that our nation — and the world — desperately needs may reside in the unlikeliest of places: the American gas industry.
thehill.com
Belarus hands opposition activists prison terms in absentia
Belarusian authorities have handed lengthy prison terms to two opposition activists who had fled the country.
apnews.com
What is behind a resurgence of violent attacks in Pakistan?
Analysts say the government must assert its dominance and immediately devise a strategy to counter escalating attacks.
www.aljazeera.com
Psychedelic therapies are on the horizon. Therapists are signing up for training
Schools are ramping up training programs to teach therapists and other practitioners how to safely give psychedelics to patients.
www.nbcnews.com
Water pipe robots could stop billions of litres leaking
About 20% of our water supply is lost to leaks and scientists say miniature 'pipe robots' could help.
www.bbc.com
Following gang truce, Colombia city becomes experiment in peace
In the city of Buenaventura, a ceasefire between two rival gangs is being held up as a model for government peace plans.
www.aljazeera.com
Migrants dropped near vice president's home on frigid Christmas Eve
Local organizers in Washington say three buses of recent migrant families arrived from Texas near the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in record-setting cold on Christmas Eve.
www.cbsnews.com
Nepal's new PM takes oath at the helm of fragile coalition
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal’s newly appointed prime minister took his oath Monday, leading a fragile coalition that includes his former opponent and other smaller political parties.
apnews.com
Peru arrests six generals amid graft investigation of ex-President Castillo
The anti-corruption unit of Peru's attorney general's office on Monday detained six generals amid an investigation into allegations the government of ousted former President Pedro Castillo illegally promoted police and military officers.
www.reuters.com
Another above-average wildfire season for 2022. How climate change is making fires harder to predict and fight.
Fire season 2022 surpassed the 10-year average for number of fires and acres burned. Experts say climate change is making things worse.
www.usatoday.com
Idaho murder victim's dad believes killer will be caught: 'This isn’t something that people get away with'
The father of Madison Mogen believes that whoever is responsible for his daughter's death will be caught because it is too difficult for someone to get away with such an act.
www.foxnews.com
Woman charged after giving birth in woods
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — A woman who gave birth in the woods in Manchester faces criminal charges after police say she initially misled officers about the newborn's location.
apnews.com
Hundreds more flights are canceled, but winter storm travel disruptions are easing
More than 1,700 flights were canceled Monday and 2,200 more were delayed, down from nearly 3,200 canceled flights and 7,700 delayed U.S. flights Sunday.
www.nbcnews.com
Bolsonaro's call to arms inspired foiled Brazil bomb plot, police are told
Tensions remain high after the most fraught election in a generation.
www.reuters.com
NY attorney general invites price gouging complaints
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday invited the state’s residents to report any price gouging by stores facing shortages of painkillers and fever reducers for children.
apnews.com
More migrants dropped off outside vice president’s home in freezing weather on Christmas Eve | CNN Politics
Several busloads of migrants were dropped off in front of Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence in Washington, DC, on Christmas Eve in 18 degree weather late Saturday.
www.cnn.com
Russia intensifies attacks on Kherson in Ukraine's south, Bakhmut in east
Russian forces increased mortar and artillery attacks on the city of Kherson more than six weeks after it was retaken by Ukrainian troops, while also exerting pressure along frontlines in the east, Ukraine's military said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Jersey flats explosion: Tenth person injured dies
Kathleen McGinness, 73, lived in a building next to the block which collapsed on 10 December.
www.bbc.com
Israeli air force veterans say incoming government a danger
Over 1,000 senior Israeli air force veterans have urged the country’s top legal officials to stand tough against the incoming government.
apnews.com
Weather disruptions linger for U.S. flights, led by Southwest Airlines
Weather-related flight cancellations and delays that snarled U.S. commercial air traffic over the holiday weekend dragged on through Monday, with Southwest Airlines accounting for the bulk of the lingering disruptions a day after Christmas.
www.reuters.com
Jackson, Mississippi, mayor declares state of emergency amid boil-water advisory
The City of Jackson, Mississippi -- long plagued with water problems -- issued a boil-water advisory on Christmas Day until further notice.
abcnews.go.com
Retail investors have suffered this year. Here’s what they’re investing in and what to expect for 2023
Retail investors, whose average portfolios are down 35% from highs, have shifted their behavior this year after getting burned by riskier bets.
www.cnbc.com
South Korea lifts ban on imported sex dolls
South Korea has formally lifted a ban on the import of full-body sex dolls, ending years of debate over how much the government can interfere in private life.
apnews.com
Biden and Harris celebrate Kwanzaa in social media posts | CNN Politics
The White House celebrated Kwanzaa in a pair of pre-recorded videos posted to Twitter on Monday, marking the seven-day non-denominational holiday aimed at honoring African Americans’ ancestral roots.
www.cnn.com
'Incendiary devices' found after apparent murder-suicide at Colorado Jehovah's Witness hall
“An adult female was shot and killed by an adult male, who then shot and killed himself,” Thornton police said in a statement.
www.nbcnews.com
Holiday sales up 7.6% despite the squeeze of inflation
Holiday sales rose as American spending remained resilient during the critical shopping season despite surging prices on everything from food to rent, according to one measure
abcnews.go.com
Analysts' favorite growth stocks for 2023 include two electric vehicle charging companies expected to double
Despite this tough year, analysts expect big gains from some growth stocks in 2023. To find them, CNBC Pro screened for those that met several criteria.
www.cnbc.com
Teen victim identified in Mall of America shooting
Johntae Raymon Hudson, 19, of St. Paul, Minnesota, died from multiple gunshot wounds in Friday's shooting, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
www.nbcnews.com
North Korean drone reaches north of Seoul
"Unmanned aerial vehicles" violated South Korean airspace, say the country's joint chiefs of staff.
www.bbc.com
Volatile rouble recovers ground after biggest weekly slump since July
The Russian rouble strengthened sharply in a volatile session on Monday, recovering some ground after its largest weekly slump since early July on fears over the impact of oil and gas sanctions on Russia's export revenue.
www.reuters.com
Russia ready to resume gas supply to Europe via Yamal-Europe gas pipeline | CNN
Russia is prepared to resume gas supplies to Europe via the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline, which was previously stopped for political reasons, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Russian state news agency TASS on Sunday.
www.cnn.com
In Nigeria's long war, a young woman is brutalised by both sides
Enslaved by Boko Haram. Coerced into an abortion. Two children dead. The ordeal of Aisha shows how women's lives are a battlefield in Nigeria’s brutal war.
www.reuters.com
Iran protests: Family of football legend Ali Daei stopped from leaving
The wife and daughter of Ali Daei, who has backed protesters, are taken off a flight out of Iran.
www.bbc.com
Whoopi Goldberg denies 'doubling down' on Holocaust remarks after drawing criticism from ADL
Whoopi Goldberg says she "believes the Holocaust was about race, and I am still as sorry now as I was then that I upset, hurt and angered people."
www.usatoday.com
Russia puts foreign investigative journalist on its ‘wanted’ list | CNN
Russia has put the investigative journalist Christo Grozev on its “wanted” list, according to the Russian Interior Ministry.
www.cnn.com
Rohingya refugees reach Indonesia after month at sea
A boat carrying more than 180 Rohingyas lands in Indonesia - the second to do so in two days.
www.bbc.com
N.C. Chick-fil-A fined after paying workers with free meals instead of a wage, Labor Department says
The Labor Department fined a North Carolina Chick-fil-A for violating federal child labor and wage regulations after it paid workers with meals
www.usatoday.com
Israeli businesses decry calls to revise anti-discrimination law
Several leading Israeli businesses pledged on Monday to strengthen their internal anti-discrimination rules following remarks by hard-right members of Israel's incoming government seen as undermining gender equality and minority rights.
www.reuters.com
Top Wall Street analysts say buy these stocks in a challenging 2023
TipRanks analyst ranking service pinpoints Wall Street's best-performing stocks, including Amazon and Costco.
www.cnbc.com
Long COVID: Could mono virus or fat cells be playing roles?
A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher share a prominent pandemic bond: They’re each credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.
apnews.com
China to scrap COVID-19 quarantine for incoming passengers
China will drop a COVID-19 quarantine requirement for passengers arriving from abroad starting Jan. 8.
apnews.com
Long COVID: What scientists have learned about the symptoms affecting millions around the world
A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher each helped bring long COVID into the public's consciousness.
www.cbsnews.com
Blood pressure tablets recalled over potential cancer risk, FDA announces
The FDA announced the second recall in months of blood-pressure medication over an elevated cancer risk. This time Quinapril tablets are being pulled.
www.usatoday.com
China races to vaccinate elderly, but many are reluctant
Chinese authorities are going door to door and paying people who are older than 60 to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
apnews.com
DIY dental 'hacks' keep going viral on TikTok. But dentists say they can be dangerous and painful.
Aspirational beauty standards and the high cost of dental care push some people to try at-home braces and DIY veneers, despite the long-term risks.
www.nbcnews.com
Tesla extends Shanghai plant shutdown amid COVID-19 surge
Tesla over the weekend extended a shutdown of its Shanghai factory plant as COVID-19 cases surge in China. The Tesla factory halted its car production on Saturday, a day earlier than planned, and w…
thehill.com