George Michael Dead at 53
George Michael, who rose to fame as a singer in the ‘80s group Wham! before finding success as a solo star, has died at age 53, according to his publicist. He was known for hits including “Careless Whisper” and “Faith"
The Brief
Search for Clues in Russia Plane Crash With 92 Dead
Backed by ships, helicopters and drones, rescue teams searched for victims after a Russian plane carrying 92 people to Syria crashed into the Black Sea shortly after takeoff. Investigators said they are looking into every possible cause for the crash, including terrorism
Trump Faces Challenges in Shutting Foundation
Donald Trump announced that he plans to shutter his charitable foundation in an effort to rid himself of potential conflicts of interest, but he will likely face challenges in doing so, including from New York's attorney general
Christmas Blizzard Hits Parts of U.S.
It'll be a white—but slick and messy—Christmas for the northern Plains and some Western states. Most of the Dakotas and southwest Minnesota was turning into an "icy, slippery mess" due to freezing rain that was expected change into snow, forecasters said
Pope Francis' Christmas Prayer for Peace
Pope Francis wished Christmas peace for people scarred by wars and for those who have lost loved ones to terrorism that he said is sowing "fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities"
Israel Will Do 'All It Takes' After UN Vote: Netanyahu
Israel pressed forward with promises of retaliation and damage control following a U.N. vote on an anti-settlement resolution that passed thanks to an abstention by the U.S., Israel's close ally. "We will do all it takes so Israel emerges unscathed," PM Netanyahu said
A&E Is Ditching Plans for Documentary Series on the KKK
The A&E Network announced it will not be going forward with plans to air its controversial documentary series on the Ku Klux Klan after the network discovered some producers had paid for access to subjects
7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Chile
A powerful earthquake shook southern Chile on Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of deaths and only minor known damage. An initial tsunami alert was eased after the quake. The U.S. Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 7.7
German Town Evacuated After WWII Bomb Is Found
Thousands of people in the southern German city of Augsburg have left Christmas presents and decorations behind, forced to evacuate while authorities disarm a large World War II aerial bomb. About 54,000 people live in the evacuation zone
Powerful Typhoon Slams Into Philippines on Christmas
A powerful typhoon slammed into the eastern Philippines on Christmas Day, spoiling the biggest holiday in Asia's largest Catholic nation, where a governor offered roast pig to entice villagers to abandon family celebrations for emergency shelters
Investigators Hunt for Supporters of Berlin Suspect
Investigators on Saturday sought to hunt down where the Berlin Christmas market attacker got possible logistical support to cross at least two European borders and evade capture for days before being killed in a police shootout in a Milan suburb
Star Wars Actor Carrie Fisher in Intensive Care
Carrie Fisher's current and former co-stars, including the cast of the Star Wars franchise, are sending support and prayers to the actor as she remains in the hospital after having a medical emergency on a plane
