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
Russia Says Focus Not On Terrorism In Plane Crash Probe
Russia's transport minister says a pilot error or a technical fault is likely to be the cause of Sunday's plane crash over the Black Sea. All 84 passengers and eight crew members on the plane are believed to have died when it crashed two minutes after taking off.
Blizzards, Ice Storms Wreak Havoc Across Northern U.S. Plains
Travel conditions remain hazardous across much of the northern Great Plains as a winter storm continues to sweep across the region. There were power outages in the Dakotas, Nebraska and western Iowa. A National Weather Service meteorologist's advice to travelers: "Stay put"
Democrats Turn Up Pressure on Trump's 'Conflicts of Interest'
President-elect Donald Trump says he will dissolve his charitable foundation before taking office to avoid conflicts of interest. The Democratic Party says that's not enough and is calling for the billionaire businessman to put his assets in a blind trust.
Aleppo's Christians Celebrate Christmas and Hope for Peace
Christians in Aleppo celebrated under a giant Christmas tree lit up for the first time in five years, hailing what many described as the return of peace to a city that came back under full government control last week
Powerful Christmas Typhoon Kills at Least 4 in Philippines
A typhoon that spoiled Christmas Day in parts of the Philippines weakened slightly on Monday as it roared toward a congested region near the country's capital, officials said. Typhoon Nock-Ten killed at least four and destroyed homes, as tens of thousands were forced to spend Christmas in crowded and powerless emergency shelters
Israel: Humbled Netanyahu Places Hopes in Trump
After the U.N. Security Council's adoption of a resolution opposing Jewish settlements in occupied territory, the office of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu's said he looked forward to working with Trump "to negate the harmful effects of this absurd resolution"
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"
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
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
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
