Most Americans trying to stay within their means as they buy gifts this holiday season — CBS News poll (www.cbsnews.com)
Tanker hit off India coast by drone from Iran, says US (www.bbc.com)
A chemical tanker was hit by a drone launched from Iran in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, the US military says....
North Dakota lawmaker made homophobic remarks to officer during DUI stop, bodycam footage shows (apnews.com)
A North Dakota lawmaker who serves on a panel that handles law enforcement legislation made homophobic and anti-migrant remarks to a police officer who arrested him on a charge of driving drunk, body camera footage shows....
New York governor vetoes bill that would ban noncompete agreements (apnews.com)
New York’s governor vetoed a bill days before Christmas that would have banned noncompete agreements, which restrict workers’ ability to leave their job for a role with a rival business....
Iowa won't participate in US food assistance program for kids this summer (apnews.com)
Iowa will not participate this summer in a federal program that gives $40 per month to each child in a low-income family to help with food costs while school is out, state officials have announced....
Ukraine Accuses Senior Defense Official of Embezzling $40 Million (www.nytimes.com)
The Ukrainian police have arrested a senior Defense Ministry official on suspicions that he embezzled nearly $40 million as part of a fraudulent purchase of artillery shells for Ukraine’s military....
‘God is under the rubble in Gaza’: Bethlehem’s subdued Christmas (www.japantimes.co.jp)
The Israel-Hamas war has cast a pall over the birthplace of Jesus.
'Leave them stranded': Rideshare drivers shut off apps at Atlanta airport, boycott for hours (www.fox5atlanta.com)
If you have company flying into Atlanta for the holidays, they may have a hard time getting a ride to your place.
Childhood vaccine exemptions are at an all-time high. Doctors worry diseases like measles could return (abcnews.go.com)
Putin could be open to a pause in fighting amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report (thehill.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin may be open to a cease-fire in his war with Ukraine, so long as the country could still declare victory, a new report by the New York Times found....
Sniffing women’s tears reduces male aggression by 44%, study finds (newatlas.com)
NewAtlas.com
Some Catholic bishops reject Pope's stance on blessings for same-sex couples. Others are confused (apnews.com)
In an extraordinary pushback against Pope Francis, some Catholic bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere say they will not implement the new Vatican policy allowing blessings for same-sex couples....
When Immigrant Dairy Farm Workers Get Hurt, Most Can’t Rely on Workers’ Compensation (www.propublica.org)
Wisconsin’s exemption for small farms is one of many federal and state carve-outs that have historically left farm workers — and dairy workers in particular — with fewer rights and protections than others....
Colorado releases additional 5 gray wolves as part of reintroduction effort (apnews.com)
Wildlife officials in Colorado have released an additional five gray wolves in the state, bringing the total so far under a voter-approved reintroduction program to 10....
Third-tallest tower in Los Angeles sells for 45% less than last purchase price as remote work, interest rates drive down office values (fortune.com)
Multiple people injured in shooting at Florida mall, police say (abcnews.go.com)
Cummins pickup truck engines systematically tricked air pollution controls, feds say (www.usatoday.com)
Laura Lynch, founding member of The Dixie Chicks, dies in car crash in Texas (www.nbcnews.com)
A Black woman in Ohio was charged after miscarrying in her bathroom. Experts warn of the dangerous precedent. (www.nbcnews.com)
Brittany Watts, 33, was charged after police searched her toilet following her miscarriage in September....
It's not just you: Christmas lights look different now, and can give you headaches — NPR (apple.news)
That story explains why I dislike led lights
A group representing TikTok, Meta and X sues Utah over strict new limits on app use for minors (www.nbcnews.com)
Labor-Led March Protests AIPAC Campaign Contributions to New York Politicians (www.democracynow.org)
Here in New York, thousands of protesters led by union organizers marched through the streets of Manhattan Thursday evening to demand a ceasefire and an end to the influence of the powerful lobby group AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Protesters marched past AIPAC’s offices holding banners displaying the...
State attorney argues Iowa schools have been too broad in banning books under SF 496 (www.desmoinesregister.com)
The attorney representing the state of Iowa suggested in federal court Friday that school districts have been too broadly interpreting a new state law that restricts schools from teaching about LGBTQ-related topics and requires them to ban books depicting sex acts....
Washington state police accountability law in the spotlight after officers cleared in Ellis' death (apnews.com)
A Washington state law aimed at improving police accountability is in the spotlight after three Tacoma officers were acquitted in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face-down on a sidewalk as he pleaded for breath....