Dec 27 U.S. ambassador thanks Japan for defense upgrade and allowing a Patriot missile sale By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press In a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara on Wednesday, Emanuel noted a series of steps Japan has taken to bolster its military power and the countries' alliance, saying it brings the "level of deterrence to capital D deterrence."… Continue reading
Dec 27 Poland's president defies new government in battle over control of state media By Associated Press Poland's political battle over state media continued Wednesday as the president filed a revised spending bill in defiance of the new pro-European Union government's goal of freeing the media from political control. Continue reading
Dec 27 A Russian drone and artillery attack kills 6 in Ukraine and knocks out power in a major city By Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides' soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war. Continue reading
Dec 27 Russian presidential hopeful loses appeal against election officials' refusal to register her for the race By Associated Press A Russian politician calling for peace in Ukraine has lost her appeal against election officials' refusal to accept her nomination for the country's presidential race that President Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win. Continue reading
Dec 27 Jacques Delors, architect of the modern European Union, dies aged 98 By John-Thor Dahlburg, Associated Press Under his tenure from 1985 to 1995, member countries agreed to tear down barriers that prevented the free movement of capital, goods, services and people. Continue reading
Dec 27 Prosecutors seek to bar Trump from bringing politics to federal election interference trial By Eric Tucker, Associated Press The motion to preclude Trump from introducing broad categories of arguments is a way for prosecutors to try to set parameters on what information they believe the jury should, or should not, hear when the case reaches trial. Continue reading
Dec 27 China sanctions U.S. research firm, 2 individuals over reports on Xinjiang human rights abuses By Associated Press China says it is banning a United States research company and two analysts who have reported extensively on claims of human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups native to the country’s far northwestern region of Xinjiang. Continue reading
Dec 27 Michigan Supreme Court decides Trump will stay on state primary ballot for 2024 By Corey Williams, Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press The court said Wednesday it will not hear an appeal of a lower court's ruling from groups seeking to keep Trump from appearing on the ballot. Continue reading
Dec 27 Poll says Americans lack confidence in the primary election process, major political parties By Nicholas Riccardi, Linley Sanders, Associated Press With the Republican primaries around the corner, a new poll finds that party members aren't sure votes in the presidential nominating contest will be counted accurately. Continue reading
Dec 27 Thousands flee widening Israeli assault in central Gaza as military launches new strikes By Najib Jobain, Wafaa Shurafa, Lee Keath, Associated Press Thousands of Palestinian families are fleeing from the brunt of Israel’s expanding ground offensive into Gaza’s few remaining, overcrowded refuges. Continue reading