News Wrap: Rescuers search for survivors in aftermath of Tennessee tornadoes

Amna Nawaz:

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to rule quickly on whether to hear the case over former President Trump's claim of legal immunity.

That came after special counsel Jack Smith made the request, saying in a filing — quote — "It is of imperative public importance that claims of immunity be resolved and that trial proceed as promptly as possible."

Mr. Trump argues he is shielded from charges of trying to subvert the 2020 election results. The court ordered Trump's lawyers to respond by December 20. Smith hopes to keep a March 4 trial date.

Also today, Mr. Trump opted not to return to the witness stand in the civil fraud trial against his family business. He had already testified in his own defense in early November. The trial is set to wrap up in a few days, with a decision expected in January.

Trial began today on how much Rudy Giuliani must pay two Georgia election workers for falsely accusing them of fraud in the 2020 election. Giuliani arrived at the federal courthouse in Washington this morning. The former Trump lawyer has already been found liable for defamation. Plaintiffs Wandrea "Shaye" Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, were threatened and harassed over false claims by Trump allies.

On Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed today for an end to the stalemate over American aid. He spoke in Washington, where a battle over border security and immigration policy has blocked action $61 billion.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President:

The whole world is watching us, observing what destiny other free nations could face to live freely or to be subjugated. You can count on Ukraine, and we hope just as much to be able to count on you.

Amna Nawaz:

Zelenskyy will make his case directly to President Biden, and members of Congress, tomorrow.

Meantime, in Kyiv, debris from Russian missiles destroyed homes and left craters in a pre-dawn attack. It was part of a stepped-up aerial assault as winter sets in.

The jailed Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is missing. A spokeswoman says he's been transferred to a special security prison and has not been in touch for six days. The spokeswoman posted today on social media, saying — quote — "Where they have taken him, they refuse to say."

Local elections in Hong Kong have wiped away the last vestige of democratic rule. Mainland China loyalists dominated Sunday's races after opposition candidates were barred. Only about 27 percent of 4.3 million registered voters cast ballots. That's down from 71 percent in the last such elections in 2019.

The United Nations' COP 28 climate summit neared its climax today in Dubai, as criticism mounted that a draft agreement is too weak. The proposal sidestepped calls to phase out fossil fuels. The European Commissioner for climate action was among those voicing frustration.

Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action: The text, as it now stands, is disappointing. It is lengthy. We're still looking into all the various elements. And, yes, there are a couple of good things in there. But, overall, it is clearly insufficient and not adequate to addressing the problem.

Amna Nawaz:

The summit is scheduled to end tomorrow.

Back in this country, a pregnant woman has left Texas for an abortion after challenging the state's near-total ban. Kate Cox says her fetus has a likely fatal condition that could jeopardize her own health. She is now 20 weeks' pregnant, and her lawyers said today she can't wait longer for the state Supreme Court to rule. Her legal challenge will continue.

And on Wall Street, stocks advanced to open the week. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 157 points to close at 36405. The Nasdaq rose 28 points. The S&P 500 added 18.