2022 ends with looming risk of a new coronavirus variant, health experts warn

As the world enters a new year, many public health and infectious disease experts predict that monitoring for new coronavirus variants will be an increasingly important part of Covid-19 mitigation efforts -- and some are turning their attention to a surge in cases in China.

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Barbara Walters left behind messages about her 'sense of isolation' as a child — and what drove her success

Millions of Americans are mourning Barbara Walters, a pioneer in broadcasting and an Emmy Award winner, who died this week at age 93.

Walters was a longtime ABC News anchor who also hosted the primetime show "20/20" and created the women's talk show "The View" in 1997. 

When Walters' personal account of her life, "Audition: A Memoir," came out in 2008, book critics widely praised the "blockbuster" nonfiction work for being a "smart, funny, fascinating book" as well as "compulsively entertaining."

BARBARA WALTERS, JOURNALIST PIONEER, DEAD AT 93

It was full of "heartfelt candor," critics said.

It was "indispensable" and "intensely readable," they also said.

It was also "suffused with an emotional intensity," one critic wrote.

Still another wrote that it was "intimately personal" while at the same time "wonderfully larger than life."

Knopf published the book in May 2008 — and today, as of publication time, the book is ranking at the no. 2 spot on Amazon's "journalist biographies" bestseller list as well as no. 4 on its "television performer biographies" bestseller list.

In her memoir, Walters detailed the numerous steps she took in her storied journalism career after growing up in Boston and attending Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. 

Notably, Walters also peeled back the layers of her early family life.

She described her alternately precarious and loving relationship with her older sister, Jackie, whom she described as "mentally retarded, as the condition was called then," Walters wrote in her book.

Walters said her sister, while older, seemed like the younger sibling. 

Her intellectual impairments, wrote Walters, were "just enough to prevent her from attending regular school, from having friends, from getting a job, from marrying — just enough to stop her from having a real life."

KIRK CAMERON GREETED BY OVERFLOW NEW YORK LIBRARY CROWD FOR MESSAGE OF FAITH, FAMILY, COUNTRY

The TV personality also shared in her book that from a "very early age," she realized that "at some point, Jackie would become my responsibility" — and that keen understanding was "one of the main reasons I was driven to work so hard."

But it wasn't just about the financial responsibility, Walters wrote, when it came to how she would be responsible for her sister throughout their lives.

"For so many years, I was embarrassed by her … ashamed by her … guilty that I had so much and she had so little," Walters detailed in "Audition."

She noted that when Jackie was born — over 100 years ago now — there was very little known about "mental retardation" or the "mentally impaired."

She also said there were few schools for those who were different and that few employers who would take on such workers.

"Today," Walters wrote in 2008, "Jackie could probably get a job, something simple but productive … She might even have met and married a nice man."

However, back then, her sister's life, wrote Walters, "was essentially one of isolation" — except, she added, for the "relationship she had with me, and my mother and father."

Walters said her sister's condition was "never discussed" outside the family circle.

That was because, she added, her parents felt others wouldn't understand — or would "shun" her or humiliate her.

Notably, Walters added that because her sister's life was so isolated — so was her own life.

"As a child, I didn't have birthday parties because Jackie didn't. I didn't join the Girl Scouts because Jackie couldn't join. I rarely had friends over to the house because they didn't know what to make of my sister, and I would hear the whispers, real or imagined."

Walters said that as she grew older and started going out with friends or on dates with young men, her mother would ask her to please take Jackie along with her.

"I loved my sister. She was sweet and affectionate — and she was, after all, my sister."

Added Walters, "There were times I hated her, too, for being different … [and] for the restraints she put on my life."

She also said, "I didn't like that hatred, but there's no denying that I felt it. Perhaps you'll be horrified at my admission," Walters added bluntly. 

"Or, perhaps you're guilty of the same emotions and will feel relief that you are not alone," she also wrote.

Walters noted that almost anyone else who has a chronically ill sibling, or a sibling who is mentally or physically impaired, will "understand what I mean."

She went on to note how beautiful her sister was physically — and "you wouldn't have known" there was anything different about her "until she opened her mouth to talk."

She revealed her sister's stuttering — and that their parents tried everything possible in those days to try to help her with "her speech impediment."

She shared, too, how difficult it was for her to watch her sister be bullied by other children.

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Walters said her sister died in 1985 of ovarian cancer — but that up until that point, Walters "agonized" over the relationship with her sibling and over Jackie's challenging life circumstances. Still, she knew her sister always loved her, she said.

Walters' memoir "Audition," released originally in hardcover and a no. 1 national bestseller when it came out, was also produced in paperback as well as in Kindle and audiobook versions.

NOAA satellite captures Earth mosaic showing stunning panoramic view

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the first image from its NOAA-21 Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument. 

The recently-launched satellite captured a stunning panoramic view of the Earth, created from swaths of data captured throughout the full globe over a period of 24 hours between Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. 

Polar-orbiting satellites observe the entire planet twice each day, unlike geostationary satellites.

According to the agency, the mosaic image shows bright blue water containing phytoplankton in the Caribbean Sea, weather systems moving and smog from agricultural fires in Northern India.

2022 SPACE STORIES THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD

Dr. Satya Kalluri, Joint Polar Satellite System program scientist, said in a release that the turquoise color around Cuba and the Bahamas is due to sediment in the shallow waters around the continental shelf.

VIIRS provides measurements of ocean color helping to detect harmful algal blooms and monitor phytoplankton activity and sea surface temperature. 

Over land, the satellite – which also flies on the Joint Polar Satellite System’s NOAA-20 and Suomi-NPP satellites – is able to detect and measure the intensity of wildfires, droughts and floods. 

The fire intensity is fed into a product that tracks the thickness and movement of wildfire smoke. 

RUSSIAN SPACE CAPSULE LEAK LIKELY DUE TO MICROMETEORITE STRIKE, OFFICIAL SAYS

VIIRS also generates critical environmental products on snow and ice cover, clouds, fog, aerosols and dust, as well as the health of the world’s crops. 

The instrument was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on Nov. 10.

NOAA-21, previously known as JPSS-2, is the second operational satellite in a series called the Joint Polar Satellite System.

NOAA and NASA oversee the development, launch, testing and operation of all the satellites in the system.

Russia fires 20 cruise missiles at Ukraine on New Year's Eve, at least 1 dead, dozens injured

Russia on Saturday fired 20 cruise missiles at Ukraine as civilians looked to welcome in the New Year, resulting in the death of at least one and dozens injured.

Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 12 of the 20 missiles launched using Tu-95ms strategic bombers positioned in the Caspian Sea along with ground-based missile systems Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said on Telegram. 

The strikes hit locations across the Kyiv, Zhytomyr and the Khmelnytskyi regions. 

RUSSIA READIES AIR DEFENSES OVER MOSCOW, GIVES SHELTER MAPS TO BORDER CITY AHEAD OF NEW YEAR

Ukrainian air defense forces shot down six missiles in Kyiv where at least one person was killed and 16 were injured, along with five missiles in the Zhytomyr region and one in the Khmelnytskyi region, which left seven injured, including three in "serious condition" according to Ukrainian news outlets. 

 Five districts in the western, central, southern, and eastern parts of Kyiv were hit including at least one hotel, the Ukraine Palace concert hall, and residential buildings.

 KYIV, LVIV WITHOUT POWER AFTER RUSSIA LAUNCHES 'MASS’ AIR AND SEA BASED CRUISE MISSILE ATTACK ACROSS UKRAINE

Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko took to Twitter to announce the strikes Saturday morning and said, "There are explosions in Kyiv! Stay in shelters!"

Klitschko said that while Kyiv residents still had access to water and heat, certain train lines had been closed and roughly 30 percent of the city was without electricity.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI funeral to be held Thursday in St. Peter's Square, with Pope Francis presiding

Pope Francis will celebrate a funeral service for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI next week after the retired pope passed away Saturday.

The Vatican announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away Saturday at 9:34 a.m. He was 95 years old.

Benedict's body is currently being held in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City, where he spent the majority of his life post-papacy.

POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI DEAD AT 95, VATICAN SAYS

On Jan. 2, his body will be moved for viewing by the faithful to St. Peter's Basilica. In accordance with tradition, the body of the deceased pope will be exhibited to the public to allow mourners to pray for the pontiff on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Jan. 5, Pope Francis will preside over the late pontiff's funeral mass in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican stated. 

POPE BENEDICT'S VISION OF CATHOLICISM, VATICAN II, AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH ENDURE THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS

The service will be open to the public and the Vatican has provided contacts for Catholics worldwide wishing to concelebrate the mass remotely.

Benedict was elected to the papacy in 2005. He later claimed that he prayed he would not be chosen throughout the conclave but was forced to accept what he believed was God calling him to greater service. 

POPE BENEDICT XVI GIVES FAREWELL TO CARDINALS, PROMISES OBEDIENCE TO SUCCESSOR

In February 2013, at 85 years old, Benedict became the first pope in centuries to resign from his post. 

"I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise [of the pontificate]," he said at that time. 

From Pope Francis' ascension onward, the former pontiff went by the title "Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI," but per canon law, exercised no authority over the church.

On June 29, 2021, Benedict celebrated the Platinum Jubilee — 70th anniversary — of his ordination into the priesthood. 

BYU football mourns the lost of offensive lineman Sione Veikoso, who was killed in construction accident

BYU offensive lineman Sione Veikoso was killed in a construction accident in Kailua, Hawaii, the team announced late Friday.

"Rest in Love Sione. God be with you till we meet again," the Cougars wrote on Twitter.

Before he enrolled in BYU, Veikoso served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018-20 in Brazil. He began his college career at Arizona State.

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He eventually transferred to BYU and appeared in one game during the 2022 college football season. Veikoso was a three-star high-school recruit.

FORMER NEBRASKA QUARTERBACK TOMMY ARMSTRONG JR. RESCUES FAMILY FROM HOUSE FIRE

"We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our brothers, Sione Veikoso," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake wrote on Twitter. "His passing is heartbreaking to all of us. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family as we share in their grief. Our love for you is forever, Sione!"

Veikoso was part of a crew working on a 15-foot retaining wall when it partially collapsed, according to KITV News in Honolulu. Multiple individuals were trapped after the collapse. 

Firefighters responded to the scene and removed the rubble to reach the people who were trapped, the report revealed. At least two were in serious condition.

"The BYU Football Family mourns the passing of our dear teammate and fellow Cougar, Sione Veikoso," BYU athletics director Tom Holmoe said on Twitter. "May his family and friends feel our love and faith at this most sacred and difficult time. Peace be with you now and forever Sione."

No other details were immediately available.

How Barbara Walters helped Americans understand their presidents

Over the course of a half-century interviewing American presidents, Barbara Walters interviewed the most powerful men in the world about their regrets, their mothers, their marriages -- even their sleeping arrangements with their wives.

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They eat what? New Year's food traditions around the world

Soba noodles in Japan. Hoppin' John in the USA. Feast on these plus eight other New Year's food traditions around the world.

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'Real Housewives' star Teresa Giudice boasts about sex life with husband: ‘We're very into each other'

"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice and her husband Luis "Louie" Ruelas are not shy about sharing their passion for each other. 

Back in August, Giudice revealed she and her man were having sex five times a day during their honeymoon, and it seems that sexual spark is still very much alive, four months later.

"That was on our honeymoon. You figure morning, afternoon, nighttime and in between," Giudice told People magazine. "But I mean, listen, my point is, if you don't do that, then that's not normal. That means you love the person you're with and want to be with ... I mean if not, then why be with that person?"

"It's a normal thing when you love someone," the 50-year-old reiterated.

TERESA GIUDICE REVEALS LUIS RUELAS REACHED OUT TO HER EX HUSBAND JOE, MADE KIDS ‘HAPPY’ AMID SPLIT

Her husband agreed, commenting that during their European honeymoon there was little need for all the items they had packed in their suitcases.

"I'm like, 'I'm going home with a lot of clean clothes,' 'cause we stayed naked a lot of the time, but it was like ... I'm attentive to [her] needs," Ruelas told the outlet.

During a Q&A at the Live! Casino and Hotel in Philadelphia, after the happy couple had returned from their vacation, Giudice was asked how often she and Ruelas have sex when they aren't on their honeymoon.

Giudice said that it happens "definitely every day, twice a day. Morning and at night."

"If he gets me during the day, that's three," she joked. "We're very sexual. And I love it, because when you love someone, you want to be that way with them."

Giudice is mom to daughters Audriana, 13, Milania, 16, Gabriella, 18, and Gia, 21, whom she shares with ex-husband Joe Giudice. 

Ruelas, 47, is dad to sons Louie Jr., 19, and Nicholas, 21, from a previous relationship. Even with a combined total of six kids, the newlyweds are still able to carve out plenty of alone time.

"We live on six acres, big house, a lot of work that goes on," explains Ruelas. "We'll fly past each other like ships in the night and be like, 'I'll see you tonight, I'm going to see all of you tonight. I'll meet up with you, I'll meet you later on.'"

'RHONJ' STARS MELISSA, JOE GORGA DISCUSS SKIPPING TERESA GIUDICE-LUIS RUELAS WEDDING

Giudice's husband adds that the kids know they're in love, although they don't always love to see their public displays of affection.

"In the house they're like, ‘Mom, please no P.D.A. right now,’" said Ruelas.

However, Giudice thinks it's good for them to see how much she and Ruelas care for one another. 

"I love how we're very into each other, 'cause I want my daughters to find whoever they marry and whoever they're going to be with to be the same way, because that's really important. . . . My parents were like that." Giudice told the outlet. "I feel like that's important to show your children whoever you're with, that you love that person. It's not just on the surface, [but] in every level."

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Giudice previously opened up to Fox News Digital about how well things are going with her new blended family.

"Our blended family is going amazing. I just had Luis’ ex-wife over for dinner, and it went great. . . . I love that. . . . I’m doing that for my two stepsons," Giudice said. 

She also revealed that her new husband has been in touch with her ex. 

"Luis reached out to my ex, Joe, and it went amazing. It made my children happy, so I want to make my stepsons just as happy."

Giudice met Ruelas in 2020, and the couple became engaged in October when he popped the question on the beach in Greece. 

The couple had a fairytale wedding at the Park Chateau Estate & Gardens in New Jersey in August.

The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" icon was surrounded by friends, family and colleagues from various Bravo franchises as she said, "I do" in front of more than 200 guests at the East Brunswick estate.

Giudice's daughters, Gia, Gabriella, Milania and Audriana, served as her official bridesmaids, while Ruelas' sons, David and Nicholas, stood at the altar with their dad as the couple said their vows.

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

The year in CNN visuals: Our favorite maps, illustrations and interactives and more

From breaking news, like the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, to lighter stories, like the time a young traveler bumped into David Bowie, the CNN visuals team helps to tell these stories through maps, charts, illustrations and interactives. The staff of designers, data editors, developers and more highlighted their favorite visuals of 2022.

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READ: House January 6 committee releases more transcripts, including Jared Kushner and Ginni Thomas

The House January 6 committee released over 20 new transcripts on Friday, including interviews with key members of former President Donald Trump's inner circle and others.

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Biden pardons woman convicted of murder, 5 others on drug, alcohol-related offenses

President Biden granted full pardons to six individuals Friday who have served their sentences and have since turned their lives around to become valued members of their communities, the White House said.

Among those pardoned are a domestic abuse survivor convicted of murdering her husband and five others who served sentences for drug and alcohol-related charges.

Biden has previously described America as "a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation." He has stated his commitment to pardoning individuals who have demonstrated their rehabilitation and served their communities.

Such is the case for Beverly Ann Ibn-Tamas, an 80-year-old woman who was convicted of second-degree murder after shooting her husband dead in 1976, when she was 33. Ibn-Tamas, who was pregnant at the time, had testified that her husband physically and verbally abused her and threatened her. She testified that he assaulted her in the moments before she shot him and was sentenced to one to five years' incarceration with credit for time served.

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After serving her sentence, Ibn-Tamas became the Director of Nursing for an Ohio-based healthcare business before stepping down and continues to work as a case manager there. 

Others pardoned include Gary Park Davis, 66, who served a six-month sentence for using a telephone for an unlawful cocaine transaction; Edward Lincoln De Coito III, 50, who served less than two years for marijuana trafficking; Vincent Ray Flores, 37, who plead guilty to using ecstasy and consuming alcohol while serving in the military and was sentenced to four months' confinement and paid a fine; Charlie Byrnes Jackson, 77, who sold whiskey illegally when he was 18 and was sentenced to five years' probation; and John Dix Nock III, 72, who served six months' community confinement for a marijuana offense 27 years ago. 

Top tech 'deaths' of 2022: 5 to remember

While 2022 saw the introduction of the iPhone 14, the rise of Artificial Intelligence for social media and much more, the year also said farewell to some classics – and not-so-classics. 

While some of these platforms and tech gadgets were relatively short-lived, others were around for decades.

But, as in the fashion industry, one minute you're wired and the next you're tired. 

In memoriam, here are five tech "deaths" to take note of: 

CALIFORNIA RESCUERS SAY 'FIND MY IPHONE' FEATURE HELPED SAVE WOMAN AFTER 200-FT. PLUMMET

Introduced in 2001, the first-generation iPod could hold thousands of songs to dance to. Just six years later, it took a hit with the release of the iPhone.

In May, Apple said that the iPod touch would be discontinued – the last remaining iPod on the market.

"Music has always been part of our core at Apple, and bringing it to hundreds of millions of users in the way iPod did impact more than just the music industry – it also redefined how music is discovered, listened to, and shared," said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Today, the spirit of iPod lives on."

Following more than 25 years on the web, Internet Explorer was officially retired on June 15. 

Microsoft wrote in an update that users are encouraged to move over to Microsoft Edge, with Internet Explorer progressively redirecting to the new browser, providing support for legacy and modern websites and apps. 

Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge will be supported through at least 2029. 

While the Long-Term Servicing Channel of Windows 10 will still include Internet Explorer next year, all consumer versions will end support of the browser, according to The Verge. 

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In January. Blackberry decommissioned the infrastructure and services used by its legacy software and phone operating systems, saying that it was focused on "providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world."

"At the time of termination of services, devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software, BlackBerry 10 software, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function … Applications (BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and BlackBerry Blend) will also have limited functionality," the company said in a Dec. 2021 release. 

 "The independence, mobility, security and privacy that so many of us came to associate with those ground-breaking BlackBerry devices remains alive and strong, as does the spirit of invention and innovation that got us here," Executive Chairman and CEO of BlackBerry Limited John Chen wrote in a blog post on Jan. 4.

Meta is halting development of Portal. 

Portal, which was first released in 2018, was a smart display device with video calling capability and an AI-powered "smart camera."

"It was just going to take so long, and take so much investment to get into the enterprise segment, it felt like the wrong way to invest your time and money," CTO Andrew Bosworth told employees, according to Mashable Southeast Asia.

Like other tech firms, Meta laid off employees in November.

The iPhone 12 mini debuted in 2020. 

However, two generations later, Apple opted to replace the device with a new iPhone 14 "Plus." 

The advertising touted the "big and bigger" smartphones. 

Tesla shares are down 70% for the year as Morgan Stanley cuts price target

Tesla's stock is finishing out its tumultuous year with yet more turbulence: It's up almost 6% Thursday, but still down more than 10% since last week. And a new cut to its price target from Morgan Stanley isn't helping.

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CENTCOM says over a thousand ISIS fighters have been killed or captured in 2022 operations

The U.S. military and its partner forces in Iraq and Syria continued their fight to degrade ISIS in 2022, running hundreds of operations that killed or captured over 1,000 ISIS fights.

"While we have significantly degraded its capability, the vile ideology remains unconstrained," United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael "Erik" Kurilla said in a press release Thursday. "We must continue to pressure ISIS through our partnered operations."

Kurilla's comments come after CENTCOM unveiled its 2022 updates on the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, with the command saying that U.S. and partner forces have severely disrupted and degraded the terrorist group's ability to operate.

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The U.S. and partner forces ran 313 total operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria in 2022, CENTCOM said, with 108 of those operations being conducted in Syria and 191 in Iraq. The operations resulted in the detention of 374 ISIS fighters in total, 215 in Syria and 159 in Iraq. A total of at least 686 fighters were also killed in 2022, 466 in Syria and at least 159 in Syria.

CENTCOM credited Iraqi security forces for helping lead in the year's successes after the U.S. security relationship with Iraq transitioned to an advise and assist role a year ago, with Kurilla saying Iraqi forces now "display a high level of competence, professionalism."

"Over the past year, Iraqi Security Forces demonstrated an ability to continue operations to degrade ISIS, to aggressively pursue the terror group in Iraq, and to improve security and stability within Iraq," Kurilla said. "Today, they display a high level of competence, professionalism, and progress in leading tactical operations, but there is still much work to be done."

Kurilla also credited Syrian Democratic Forces, who he said have shown an ability to take the fight to the terror group.

U.S. FORCES CAPTURE SIX ISIS MILITANTS IN SERIES OF HELICOPTER RAIDS IN SYRIA

"In Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to display the will, skill, and ability to aggressively root out ISIS leaders and fighters," Kurilla said. 

"The emerging, reliable and steady ability of our Iraqi and Syrian partner forces to conduct unilateral operations to capture and kill ISIS leaders allows us to maintain steady pressure on the ISIS network," Major General Matt McFarlane, commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, added in the release.

Kurilla said that U.S. and partner forces "have significantly degraded" the capability of ISIS but warned that "the vile ideology remains unconstrained."

"We must continue to pressure ISIS through our partnered operations," Kurilla said.

The commander pointed out that there are still currently thousands of ISIS fighters and leaders in detention throughout Iraq and Syria and that the group will continue to recruit new fighters in the future, meaning operations against the group will continue into 2023.

"We are committed and, more importantly, our partners in Iraq and Syria are committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS," McFarlane said.

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Russia's Lavrov flat out rejects Zelenskyy's conditions for 'peace formula'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday put the kibosh on a proposed "peace formula" offered by Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing Zelenskyy of being a puppet of western countries. 

"Obviously, Kyiv is not ready for dialogue," Lavrov told the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. 

"Putting forward all sorts of ideas and 'formulas of peace,' Zelensky cherishes the illusion of achieving, with the help of the West, the withdrawal of our troops from the Russian territory of Donbas, Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson region, the payment of reparations by Russia, and the surrender to international tribunals and the like," he said, according to Newsweek. 

"Of course, we will not talk to anyone under such conditions," Lavrov added.

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Zelenskyy proposed a 10-step "peace formula" while addressing the G20 in November, which included a war tribunal to hold the Kremlin accountable for war crimes committed in Ukraine. He also said Russia must withdraw its troops, cease hostilities, and restore Ukraine's state borders, including the four territories Russia annexed with sham referendums – Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014. 

Russia has flat-out rejected these demands.

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"There can be no peace plan for Ukraine that does not take into account today’s realities regarding Russian territory, with the entry of four regions into Russia. Plans that do not take these realities into account cannot be peaceful," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday. 

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the Associated Press on Monday that Ukraine wants a peace summit within a two-month time frame and called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to serve as mediator.

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But Kuleba said that while Kyiv will try to win the war in 2023, it does not believe that Russia would take part in the summit.

"What sort of ‘peace summit’ can occur without Russia," Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said, according to Russian state-owned news outlet Tass.

Polyansky called the proposal "diplomacy 404" and, in turn, said it was "very easy" to imagine a summit without Ukraine.

The UN chief has said he will only act as a mediator if both Russia and Ukraine want him to do so. 

Fox News' Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.

Massive hunt for missing 11-year-old faces challenges, police say

The massive hunt for missing 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari has been hampered by how late police in North Carolina were notified of her disappearance, Cornelius police Capt. Jennifer Thompson said in a video update.

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Roberts v. Gorsuch: Title 42 case pits Supreme Court's pragmatist against the purist

On Tuesday evening, the Supreme Court issued an order in the Title 42 case that stayed the nationwide vacatur issue by Emmet G. Sullivan. 

The 5-4 decision by Chief Justice Roberts prompted a dissent from Justice Neil Gorsuch who once again showed his independence in voting with his liberal colleagues. Indeed, the order was a classic example of the institutionalist (Roberts) and the purist (Gorsuch) going head to head. 

The case will now be heard in oral argument in February 2023 and, in the interim, the "Remain in Mexico" policy will remain in place. The order embodies what Gorsuch previously warned was a "holiday" of legal principles during the COVID crisis.

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Title 42 allowed the federal government to deny entry to certain aliens to prevent the spread of a contagion (COVID-19). Judge Sullivan issued a nationwide injunction in an earlier decision. The D.C. Circuit upheld the order.

The Court ordered that:

This stay precludes giving effect to the District Court order setting aside and vacating the Title 42 policy; the stay itself does not prevent the federal government from taking any action with respect to that policy.

It is not clear what the Court meant by "does not prevent the federal government from taking any action with respect to that policy."

Justices Sotomayor and Kagan voted to deny the stay. Justice Gorsuch wrote a two-page dissent, joined by Justice Jackson.

The Gorsuch dissent was a classic. Gorsuch has long followed principle over convenience or compromise. 

As I discussed in my testimony at his confirmation hearing, "Gorsuch continued to apply cases with which he disagreed as an appellate judge, particularly cases following the Chevron doctrine."

SUPREME COURT PRAISED FOR TITLE 42 BORDER SECURITY RULING: 'HUGE VICTORY'

Gorsuch has long refused to blindly follow COVID rationales as an exception to constitutional or statutory limitations. In his concurrence in Roman Catholic Diocese in November 2020, Gorsuch wrote:

Now, as we round out 2020 and face the prospect of entering a second calendar year living in the pandemic's shadow, that rationale has expired according to its own terms. Even if the Constitution has taken a holiday during this pandemic, it cannot become a sabbatical.

In his dissent (joined by Justice Jackson) on Title 42, Justice Gorsuch clearly believes that the holiday has continued:

The States may question whether the government followed the right administrative steps before issuing this decision (an issue on which I express no view). But they do not seriously dispute that the public-health justification undergirding the Title 42 orders has lapsed. And it is hardly obvious why we should rush in to review a ruling on a motion to intervene in a case concerning emergency decrees that have outlived their shelf life. . . .

For my part, I do not discount the States' concerns. Even the federal government acknowledges "that the end of the Title 42 orders will likely have disruptive consequences." Brief in Opposition for Federal Respondents 6. But the current border crisis is not a COVID crisis. And courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort."

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The two positions between Roberts and Gorsuch captures a more fundamental difference than any disagreement over Title 42. Roberts is the ultimate incrementalist and institutionalist. He tends to resist the Court ordering radical changes as evident in his sole concurrence in Dobbs where he wanted to preserve Roe but uphold the Mississippi law. In that respect, kicking this issue to February is perfectly predictable. "Remain in Mexico" will remain as the Court (and possibly the administration) works things out.

Ironically, the Biden administration may secretly relish this result. It allow the President to satisfy immigration advocates and his base by fighting to lift the limitation. Yet, it prevents a further loss of control over entries along the Southern border.

Gorsuch's dissent is equally predictable. As I noted in my confirmation testimony:

"Judge Gorsuch is a refreshing departure from that trend. He has a record of well-considered writings both as a judge and as an author. This is no blind date. ...He is a thoughtful conservative jurist who is guided by first principles of constitutional and interpretive analysis. That is not to say that he is predictable on future votes ... He appears driven by his view of core, structuring principles—much like the jurist he will replace. That may take him in directions that are unexpected to the left or to the right. However, if his prior writings are any guide, it will be a direction that he believes is dictated by legal principle and not personal predilection."

Gorsuch recognizes that the Biden administration's opposition to Title 42 may fuel the flood of illegal immigration across the Southern border. However, he is bound by oath to apply the law, not tailor the law to fit political or policy demands.

That does not mean that Roberts is wrong in scheduling a full argument. The Court is merely allowing a full argument on the question and freezing the status quo until that time. However, no order more captures the fundamental divide between these two conservative jurists.

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NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, 49, eyes return to Cowboys: report

The Dallas Cowboys were in the market for Odell Beckham Jr., but they may go another, much older route (no pun intended) in the receiver market.

The agent of NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, who played for Dallas from 2006 to 2008, has been in "constant communication" with the Cowboys regarding a possible return, according to Sports Illustrated.

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If Owens comes back, he'd be the oldest player in NFL history, surpassing George Blanda who was under center for the Oakland Raiders at age 48 in 1975.

"Terrell is ready to contribute and play any role, big or small," Gregory D.L. Daniel told Sports Illustrated. "He's in outstanding shape. He looks no different than he did years ago. I watched him running routes full-speed with DeSean [Jackson] and he looked great. He didn't drop a pass."

Daniel claims that Owens recently ran a 4.50 40-yard dash — "which was his warm-up."

"He's a legend. We want to make history and see him break these records. If anybody can do it, it's him," Daniel added. "His three Ds are desire, dedication and discipline. He embodies that every day, even running hills at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning."

DOLPHINS’ MIKE MCDANIEL CONFIRMS TUA TAGOVAILOA SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, TEDDY BRIDGEWATER TO START VS. PATRIOTS

After passing on Beckham and signing T.Y. Hilton recently to go alongside CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, it doesn't seem like the Cowboys are in the receiver market — let alone trying to get one who hasn't played an NFL down in a dozen years.

However, the Cowboys would be getting one of the best receivers of all time.

He ranks third all-time in receiving touchdowns (153) behind Jerry Rice and Randy Moss, as are his 15,934 receiving yards, which he trails just Rice and Larry Fitzgerald. 

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, three years after he was first eligible, after playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

Owens last played in the NFL in 2010 and suffered a torn ACL in the offseason of 2011. He participated in the Seattle Seahawks' training camp in 2012 but did not make the final roster. He said he trained for several teams during the 2014 season but to no avail. He played alongside Johnny Manziel in Fan Controlled Football earlier this year.

Tent processing center for migrants going up in El Paso, expected to increase capacity by 1,000

In response to the increased number of migrants crossing the border in El Paso, US Customs and Border Protection is erecting a soft-sided tent facility to increase migrant processing capacity by about 1,000, according to Landon Hutchens, US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson.

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Paul Pelosi attack suspect David DePape pleads not guilty, waives right to speedy trial

David DePape, Paul Pelosi's accused attacker, pleaded not guilty to all state charges during a court appearance Wednesday in San Francisco. 

DePape, who also waived his right to a trial within 60 days, is set to appear in court again on Feb. 23, according to reports. 

The 42-year-old was arrested Oct. 28 for allegedly attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer inside Pelosis' San Francisco home. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., at the time. 

Local prosecutors charged DePape with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.

PAUL PELOSI ATTACK SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY CITED ‘EVIL IN WASHINGTON’ 

DePape also pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges that include allegations he sought to kidnap House Speaker Pelosi. 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DAVID DEPAPE 

In a court appearance two weeks ago, body-worn camera footage reportedly showed DePape striking Paul Pelosi. 

San Francisco Police Sgt. Carla Hurley, who interviewed DePape for about an hour on the day of the attack, had testified that DePape said that there was an "evil in Washington" and noted how Nancy Pelosi was second in line to the presidency.

According to Hurley, DePape also listed other future intended targets, including Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and Hunter Biden, according to The Associated Press. 

Sam Bankman-Fried borrowed $546 million from his hedge fund to buy a Robinhood stake

When Sam Bankman-Fried bought a nearly 7.6% stake in Robinhood, the popular stock-trading app, earlier this year, he financed the deal with more than half a billion dollars borrowed from his own hedge fund — the entity that prosecutors say was illegally funneling customer funds from its affiliated platform, FTX.

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Billie Lourd posts sweet tribute to mom Carrie Fisher 6 years after her death

Billie Lourd had a message about living and grieving on the anniversary of her late mother's death.

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Trump tax returns to be released by House panel on Friday

The House Ways and Means Committee will release former President Donald Trump's tax returns Friday morning, a source familiar confirmed to CNN.

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Buffalo mayor torches winter storm looters: 'They are the lowest of the low'

Buffalo officials said Monday that multiple arrests have been made after incidents of looting were reported following the deadly winter storm in Western New York over Christmas weekend. 

"Our officers have responded to several reports," Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said at a news conference Monday afternoon. "We have made a few arrests, we have intervened in some of those. We have assisted at least one location that I’m aware of in getting a store boarded up."

Several people posted images and video of looting incidents on social media over the weekend, local TV station WRGZ reported. Videos appeared to show stores with smashed windows and a ransacked 7-11 convenience store. New York State Police said two confirmed reports of looting incidents were under investigation.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown blasted the reports of looting at a news conference with Gov. Kathy Hochul Monday afternoon.

BLIZZARD DEATH TOLL HITS 35 IN WESTERN NEW YORK; BIDEN APPROVES EMERGENCY DECLARATION

"People who are out looting when people are losing their lives in this harsh winter storm is just absolutely reprehensible," Brown said. "I don’t know how these people can even live with themselves, how they can look at themselves in the mirror. They are the lowest of the low.

"And from some of the pictures that we’ve seen in social media of these looters, they’re not looting foods and medicines. They’re just looting items that they want," he added. "So, these aren’t even people in distress. These are people that are taking advantage of a natural disaster and the suffering of many in our community to take what they want from retailers – also, potentially putting [emergency response] services at risk in the communities where they are looting."

AT LEAST 17 DEAD, 93 INJURED FROM HEAVY SNOW IN JAPAN

BIGGEST NATURAL DISASTERS OF 2022: EARTHQUAKES, SNOWSTORMS, FIRES AND MORE

As of Tuesday morning, officials said there have been at least 35 confirmed deaths in the aftermath of the blizzard.

Hochul also took time to warn businesses that price gouging would be prosecuted. 

"Price gouging is illegal and we have the attorney general’s office and our state is prepared to investigate any complains of price gouging," Hochul said. "Those who engage in this disgusting practice at a time when people in our community are hurting, that they’re trying so hard to get basic necessities, there’s a scarcity because stores have been closed since Friday, well then, shame on them. And they’re going to meet the law in a way they probably did not encounter. So we’re going to be going after them." 

The governor added that the Department of Financial Services is closely watching the insurance industry to make sure customers whose homes have been damaged are covered. 

An emergency declaration and travel ban remains in effect for Buffalo and several surrounding areas as officials work to clear roads and rescue anyone in distress.

Putin bans Russian oil exports to countries that imposed price caps, Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Tuesday banning oil supplies to countries that have introduced price caps on Russian oil and petroleum products, according to the decree published on the Kremlin's website -- a move that may prove to be largely symbolic.

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Father's Day Fast Facts

Read CNN's Fast Facts about Father's Day, celebrated the third Sunday in June.

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Police arrest man suspected of planting explosives in Brazil's capital ahead of presidential inauguration

The man arrested for being involved in a bombing attempt at Brasilia International Airport over the weekend said in a written statement to police that he intended to "create chaos" so a "siege state in the country" would be installed to prevent former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office again in January,

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This Virginia zoo really got a hippopotamus for Christmas

Fifties' child star Gayla Peevy's plea for a "hippopotamus for Christmas" came true for one Virginia zoo.

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Lizzo breaks down in tears after flutist James Galway sends her a personal Christmas greeting

Lizzo had an emotional Christmas after receiving a holiday greeting from one of her icons.

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Hanukkah celebrates triumph of 'spirit over matter' and 'light over darkness,' says faith leader

Even though the story of Hanukkah "happened to the Jewish people in Israel nearly 2200 years ago," the themes are "extremely relevant" to people of all faiths in America today, says one Jewish faith leader as the Jewish people soon conclude the celebration of Hanukkah this year.

"Ancient Greeks worshipped reason and with that, made great contributions to mathematics and the sciences," Rabbi Pinchas Taylor of Plantation, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

"However, coupled with that," he said, "their philosophy of materialism solely exalted the physical and made worship of the physical a virtue and an ideal."

PARENT TAKES TO REDDIT TO SAY CHILD LOVES HANUKKAH AND IS ‘CONVINCED’ HE'S JEWISH — WHEN HE'S NOT

Taylor said that this "created a culture" in which the human being was "glorified" as a "purely physical specimen."

He continued, "Everything was reducible to physicality and there was no real idea of a soul."

He also said, "The Greek concept of the soul was the intellect, and the Greek gods were projections of aspects of the human character."

This "immersion" in materialism naturally led to self-indulgence, he noted, and any real sense of "something transcendent" was offensive to their worldview.

HANUKKAH QUIZ: SEE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT THE JEWISH HOLIDAY

"In contrast," he added, "Judaism believes in a purposeful God who created man and endowed him with a soul, made in the divine image."

With human beings developing a "God-consciousness" through adherence to the Hebrew Bible, Taylor said, "the physical world becomes a conduit to express godliness."

In the story of Hanukkah, "the wicked King Antiochus and the Greek Hellenists believed that their worldview was far superior to a worldview based on God and faith," he also said.

"They wanted to replace the faith of the Jews with Greek rationalism, so they defiled the temple and forbade the observance of any of the super-rational Jewish commandments," he added.

Many Jews were even drawn to adopt some of the rationalist ideas and were "lured to the pleasures of materialism," he also said.

Hanukkah commemorates how the Maccabees, a "small ragtag group of faith-adhering soldiers," defeated the "large and well-equipped army "of Syrian Greeks, he said.

HANUKKAH 2022: HERE'S HOW THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IS CELEBRATED

This victory culminated with the Temple being "reclaimed, cleaned and rededicated," he said.

The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," he noted.

A further miracle occurred when "a small jug of sealed oil," which only had enough oil for one day of kindling the menorah — the candelabra used in the daily Temple service — lasted "miraculously for eight days," Taylor said.

"This was long enough to procure more usable oil and allowed the temple’s service to continue uninterrupted," he said, noting that the physical battle was one victory, but the oil burning "supernaturally" symbolized victory in the spiritual battle as well.

"The God-centered worldview had triumphed over rationalism and materialism."

HANUKKAH MENORAH IN TEL AVIV BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST MENORAH BUILT OF LEGOS

"Commemorating Hanukkah each year by lighting the candles symbolizes the eternal triumph of spirit over matter and of light over darkness," he also said.

Many societies over the centuries have, like the Greeks, "glorified the body over the soul" and the material "exclusively" over the spiritual, Taylor also shared with Fox News Digital. 

"While America is, at its core, a faith-filled nation, there is a trend, nowadays in particular, to focus primarily on the value of the material world," he said.

Whether we are considering a "societal preoccupation with physical beauty and acquiring material things," "looking at the entire spectrum of human experience as the mere sum-total of electrical activity in our brains" or "looking at existence as a cosmic accident" — we see an expanding worldview "focused exclusively on the material world," he said.

CRISPY POTATO LATKES FOR HANUKKAH: TRY THE RECIPE

While rationalism and the material world both "have their place," he said, a "soul-less world" becomes "an empty, hedonistic existence." 

He continued, "There is something inherently soulful and special to the human being, which, when embraced, enables a richer and more meaningful life."

"The human being is unique in his ability to be self-aware, humble, to choose a moral path, to be patient, to improve, to be compassionate, to have perspective, to have purpose and to change," he underscored.

"Throughout his life, man is constantly in search of things that have nothing to do with his physical makeup."

A healthy human being has a "will to find meaning," Taylor noted, and it is these "spiritual dimensions" that "set him apart from the animals." 

‘WEEKEND BRISKET’ FOR HANUKKAH: TRY THE RECIPE

He added, "How can the human being need transcendence, if transcendence has no actuality in the fabric of existence? What about a thirst for meaning? Could the thirst be there with nothing to satisfy it? Existence has inherent meaning, and the human spirit seeks to get in sync with it."

He continued, "So, who will win the battle of worldviews? The perspectives that focus on materialism and meaninglessness, or the faith-based view of spirit and purpose?"

Hanukkah is a time when the faithful "recount the battle between matter and spirit" and "celebrate the inevitable victory" of the spirit, he said.

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"This applied in the days of the Syrian-Greeks, it applies currently in America, and will continue through to our ultimate destiny," he also said.

"Whether you are of the Jewish faith and physically kindling the Hanukkah lights, or of another faith who shares this vision, it is a good opportunity to recall that the ‘soul of man is the candle of God (Proverbs 20:27),'" he noted.

Taylor also said it is important to "remember that you are imbued with purpose, and to shine your light and create a more soulful world."

China will end Covid restrictions and quarantining for international travelers

China will drop quarantine requirements for all passengers arriving from outside of the country's borders starting on January 8, 2023, its top health authority announced Monday.

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Police arrest man suspected of planting explosives in Brazil's capital ahead of presidential inauguration

Police in Brasilia arrested a man on Saturday suspected of planting and possessing explosive devices one week ahead of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's inauguration, Police Chief Robson Candido said during a news briefing.

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UK pub shooting leaves 1 dead on Christmas Eve

A shooting at a pub in England on Christmas Eve resulted in one woman dead and three men injured, according to police.

The Associated Press reported that the incident occurred just before midnight local time at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, and that the Merseyside Police said they were investigating it as a murder.

"This investigation is in the very early stages, and we understand that this is a truly shocking and devastating incident that has happened just before Christmas Day in a busy venue full of young people," Detective Superintendent David McCaughrean said.

Police said the woman was taken to a hospital, where she died "with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound." 

UK ‘SLEEPOVER KILLER’ CASUALLY TELLS POLICE ON VIDEO HE MURDERED PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND, 3 CHILDREN

As of Sunday morning, police did not have any suspects in their custody. McCaughrean said police were trying to locate witnesses and any existing video evidence of what happened.

"We believe that the gunman left the pub car park in a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a dark-colored Mercedes, shortly after the shooting, and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw this to contact us immediately," McCaughrean said.

UK WOMAN ARRESTED FOR PRAYING NEAR ABORTION CENTER WARNS MORE ARRESTS MAY COME

This is the second deadly shooting at an English pub over the holiday weekend. Essex Police arrested a 44-year-old suspect following a fatal incident at the Lamb and Lion in Westcliff-on-Sea.

The suspect in that case was charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

How to pick which wireless earbuds are best for you

Wireless earbuds are an essential add-on right after the perfect charger for our tech devices.

We all have different needs for wireless earbuds. Maybe you want a pair that will last through your grueling workouts, or you just need them for your Zoom meetings when you're working from home.

That's why I've gathered a list of the best earbuds you can get your hands on this year.

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The 2nd Generation of the Apple AirPods Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for great noise cancelation and immersive sound. They come with what's known as an H-2 chip, which provides spatial audio for the listener making for an incredible listening experience.

Being able to block out much of life's distractions is why I love the Active Noise Cancelation feature that allows you to make outside noise almost disappear. With a quick long press on the volume of your iPhone you can choose Transparency Mode if you feel more comfortable hearing the surrounding noise in addition to what you're listening to. AirPods Pro also comes with Touch Control, which allows you to control the volume of what you're listening to directly from your AirPod stem.

I will soon not forget touring the audio labs within Apple's headquarters. My jaw about hit the ground at how huge the single focus of audio receives at Apple. It's astonishing how deeply the research and development team goes to innovate sound in their products. I remember thinking that Apple's audio R&D labs were as vast as some entire companies' footprint in size.

That's likely where one of AirPods Pro's new best features is developed. The charging case in generation 2 now comes with a built-in speaker that makes finding a misplaced case and earbud easier to locate.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is an excellent choice for people looking for earbuds that can last a long time on a single charge. These earbuds can have continuous sound for up to 11 hours at a time without recharging.

Once you do need to recharge them, just 3 minutes of charging will get you another hour of playtime. Aside from Galaxy Buds Pro's top-notch charging qualities, they also come with 1 internal and 2 external microphones. That audio abundance makes it so you never have to worry about your voice being drowned out by the outside if you're on an important call. Keep in mind Galaxy Buds Pro is compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

 The Apple AirPods 3rd Generation earbuds are yet another quality release from the mega-tech company.

These popular earbuds have features that were once exclusive only to Pro-level AirPods, including personalized spatial audio and Find My integration to avoid losing your pair.

They also come with a case that's compatible with Apple's MagSafe Charging system, allowing for up to 30 hours of listening on one charge.

These more affordable AirPods even come with quick access to the Siri feature when you need information fast. I love the force sensor allows you to control your entertainment and answer calls immediately. For more in-depth coverage of AirPods, head to CyberGuy.com and search "Airpods".

These earbuds by Cleer Audio are great for safe listening so that you don't damage your eardrums with high volume.

The Open Ear design allows you to hear your surroundings naturally while still enjoying whatever you're listening to with a lot less chance of damaging your ear canal, unlike other earbuds that reach deep into the canal.

The design from the San Diego-based engineers added a flexible hinge that goes over your ear as well, so you don't have to worry about them falling out of your ears. They feature touch controls that allow you to answer and end calls, adjust volume, and change tracks without having to take your phone out.

One of the best features of these Samsung earbuds is that they are water-resistant, so you don't ever have to be overly worried about them getting ruined if you spill a little water or get caught in the rain one day.

They're protected for as much as 3 feet of immersion for as long as 30 minutes. And they come with all the other features you'd expect from high-quality earbuds as well - Active Noise Cancelation, Touch Music Control, and long-lasting battery life with a wireless charging case.

Perhaps the most unique feature of these wireless earbuds by TAGRY is the charging case. The case comes with an LED power display and a whopping 60 hours of playback that shows the power level of the charging case and the earbuds.

The earbuds also have a nano-coating that can prevent water and sweat from penetrating, so it's great for athletes who want to use them while they work out.

They come with One-Step Pairing and Easy Touch Control, allowing the earbuds to connect with your device as soon as you open the case. I like that they come in three different sizes, so you're more than likely to find a pair that fits your ears best.

For more of my latest gadget tips, head over to CyberGuy.com and be sure to sign up for my free newsletter. 

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2 people found dead at Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado, suspicious device found at the scene

Law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide at a Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado where two adults were found dead, police said.

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At least 10 people buried in avalanche in Austria

At least 10 people were buried in an avalanche on Sunday near the mountainous villages of Lech and Zurs in Austria, according to a statement from the state-run Austrian Press Agency.

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8 warm places to go for Christmas around the world

Santa Claus and shorts can go together if you're in the right spot. From South America to Europe, CNN Travel's found eight warm places to go for Christmas around the world.

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A 16-foot reticulated python was rescued in Austin, Texas after being missing for months

An "unhappy" 16-foot albino reticulated python was rescued by an animal shelter in Austin, Texas on Monday -- after being missing for months.

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Arizona judge rejects Republican Kari Lake's challenge to gubernatorial election

An Arizona judge has ruled against Republican Kari Lake's challenge to the result in the November gubernatorial race where Democrat Katie Hobbs was declared the winner by roughly half a percentage point. 

In a decision Saturday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson, who was appointed by then-Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, found that the court did not find clear and convincing evidence of the widespread misconduct that Lake had alleged had affected the result of the 2022 general election.

The judge rejected Lake's claim that problems with ballot printers at some polling places on Election Day were the result of intentional misconduct.

The judge said Lake’s witnesses didn’t have any personal knowledge of intentional misconduct.

KARI LAKE’S OPENING SALVO IN ELECTION FRAUD CASE APPEARS TO FALL SHORT

"The Court cannot accept speculation or conjecture in place of clear and convincing evidence," Thompson said.

In the ruling, the judge acknowledged the "anger and frustration" of voters who were inconvenienced in the election and noted that setting aside the results of an election "has never been done in the history of the United States."

ARIZONA JUDGE RULES TWO OF KARI LAKE'S ELECTION CHALLENGE CLAIMS CAN GO TO TRIA

Lawyers for Lake focused on problems with ballot printers at several polling places in Maricopa County, home to more than 60% of Arizona’s voters. The defective printers produced ballots that were too light to be read by the on-site tabulators at polling places. Lines backed up in some areas amid the confusion.

Lake’s attorneys also claimed the chain of custody for ballots was broken at an off-site facility, where a contractor scans mail ballots to prepare them for processing. They claim workers at the facility put their own mail ballots into the pile, rather than sending their ballots through normal channels, and also that paperwork documenting the transfer of ballots was missing. The county disputes the claim.

In a tweet following the ruling, Lake said she will file an appeal.

"My Election Case provided the world with evidence that proves our elections are run outside of the law," Lake tweeted. "This Judge did not rule in our favor. However, for the sake of restoring faith and honesty in our elections, I will appeal his ruling."

Associated Press contributed to this report

Ohio 46-car pileup leaves at least 4 dead in winter storm 'whiteout' crash

At least 46 cars were involved in a massive pileup on the Ohio Turnpike Friday afternoon, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) confirmed. Troopers on the scene reported four fatalities and multiple injuries in the Sandusky County crash.

GEORGIA POLICE OFFICER BUYS HOMELESS MAN HOTEL ROOM, WARM MEAL AMID FREEZING WEATHER: 'ACT OF SERVICE'

Multiple agencies from across several counties are conducting rescue operations. Parties involved in the crash are being moved to a local facility by bus to stay warm. 

OSHP confirmed that weather was a factor in the crash. Authorities are advising that travel be avoided. Blowing snow can significantly reduce visibility. 

WINTER STORM BRINGS BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO US – THESE ARE THE RECORDS THEY COULD BREAK

Sgt. Ryan Purpura of OSHP advised drivers who must travel "to take some precautions: take it slow, be patient, increase your following distance, and always buckle up."

In a statement, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his sympathy to the families who have lost a loved one during the severe weather.

"Please continue to remain home if at all possible and be vigilant with these extremely dangerous road conditions," the statement read. 

Arizona judge rejects Kari Lake's election challenge and confirms Hobbs' victory

An Arizona judge on Saturday rejected Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake's lawsuit attempting to overturn her defeat, concluding that there wasn't clear or convincing evidence of misconduct, and affirming the victory of Democratic Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs.

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Ellen DeGeneres honors Stephen 'tWitch' Boss after tragic death: 'We'll never make sense of it'

Ellen DeGeneres took to social media to honor Stephen "tWitch" Boss after his tragic death.

DeGeneres uploaded a teary-eyed video on Friday urging her followers to "honor" the late DJ during the holiday season. "The past eleven days have been really tough for everyone," DeGeneres began.

"Everyone is in pain and trying to make sense of it, and we'll never make sense of it," she continued. "The holidays are hard, I think, anyway, but to honor tWitch I think the best thing that we can do is to laugh, hug each other, play games and dance and sing. That's the way we honor him, is we do the things that he loved to do, which is dancing."

The comedian added: "He loved music, he loved games, so we do that. "And I know it seems hard, it seems impossible, but that's how we honor him."

BELOVED ‘ELLEN’ SHOW DJ TWITCH REMEMBERED: VIOLA DAVIS, JANA KRAMER AND MORE REACT TO HIS TRAGIC DEATH

DeGeneres urged her fans to spread love this holiday season and "hug each other and tell each other we love each other and let people know we're there for them and check in on people."

"So, happy holidays everybody," she said, before adding: "it's not a happy holiday, but…"

"[Boss] was pure light, as everybody in the comments said," DeGeneres continued. "If you knew him, you knew that. If you didn't know him you saw it. Let's honor him and think about him and send love to one another."

STEPHEN 'TWITCH' BOSS REMEMBERED BY 'SYTYCD' JUDGE MARY MURPHY AFTER HIS DEATH AT 40: 'EVERYBODY LOVED HIM'

Since "tWitch's" death, DeGeneres has been taking to social media to share her favorite moments with the musician on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

On Dec. 15, DeGeneres shared a video of the moment when Boss became the show's DJ. "Whenever he's not here it's just different … he's my pal, he's my sidekick, because we have this connection," DeGeneres said in the video. "Just looking over and he makes me laugh. He really, really makes me laugh."

Her post continued: "I love you tWitch and you know that much. We tell each other that every day when we say goodbye after the show, we both say love you. He says love you much and I say 'Love you.' And so he's never going to be out of my life. He's always a part of my life."

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Boss emotionally told DeGeneres, "I love you and also I love the family that we've gained here. And something I'll always remember is that you gave me a place to just be myself."

"tWitch" died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. He was 40.

The manner of death was suicide, per the report.

Boss worked on several films after breaking into the entertainment industry in 2008 on "So You Think You Can Dance," but he became known for bringing energy to Ellen DeGeneres' talk show for eight years.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Maxi Jazz, lead singer of dance group Faithless, dies at 65

Maxi Jazz, the British musician best known as the lead vocalist for dance group Faithless, has died, according to the band.

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Opinion: The January 6 report is a 'mirror test' for the American people

It would be wrong to think of the report as the closing chapter of the insurrection and its aftermath, writes Nicole Hemmer. Instead, it represents another test: for the justice system, for elected officials and for the American people.

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House quickly approves $1.7T spending bill, flees DC for Christmas break

The U.S. House of Representatives quickly approved a $1.7 trillion spending bill on Friday, funding the government until the end of next September in a win for President Biden and congressional Democrats.

The House passed the more than 4,000-page spending measure mostly along party lines in a 225-201 vote that saw nine Republicans vote for the bill along with every Democrat except Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Another Democrat, Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, voted present.

The nine GOP votes supporting the bill included those of Never-Trump Republicans Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. Also voting in favor were retiring Reps. John Katko and Chris Jacobs of New York, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan, and Jamie Hererra Butler of Washington. GOP Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Steve Womack of Arkansas were the only two lawmakers to vote in favor that were re-elected this year.

Still, most Republicans blasted it as a bloated, expensive bill that will add to the $31 trillion national debt at a time of high inflation, while Democrats defended it as critical to millions of Americans.

HOUSE DEM DUMPS ON DEMOCRAT SENATE FOR FORCING RUSHED VOTE ON $1.7T SPENDING BILL: 'UNACCEPTABLE'

"We have a big bill here because we had big needs for our country," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

House lawmakers rushed the bill out the door as harsh winter weather threatened to delay their flights back home. After discussing the rule that set the terms of debate on the bill for a full hour, House members gave just a cursory, shortened debate on the bill itself before voting began.

The bill provides $858 billion for defense, $787 billion for non-defense domestic programs and nearly $45 billion for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It also includes more than 7,200 earmarks totaling more than $15 billion, and assures the government will be funded until the end of September 2023.

The bill drew vocal attacks from Republicans like Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who railed against the process that didn't allow any amendments and proposes to spend money the government will have to borrow. Roy also complained that too many Senate Republicans allowed the bill to make it to the House for the rushed vote.

MOST HOUSE LAWMAKERS REQUEST OPTION OF REMOTE PROXY VOTING FOR FRIDAY’S VOTE ON $1.7T SPENDING BILL

"We had 18 Republicans, who joined with Democrats in the Senate, get on their fancy planes and go home, and we’re sitting here trying to do the work of the people, not spend money we don’t have, not drive up more inflation, not have 7,500 earmarks for $16 billion for pet leftist projects across this country," Roy said.

Even House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., admitted the process was "unacceptable," and blamed Senate Democrats for failing to do their work on time this year.

"In reality… this bill should have been passed in September of this year," Hoyer said. "Why? Because the fiscal year ends on September 30th, and fiscal year ’23 begins on October 1st of this year."

In the lead-up to the vote, House Republican leadership actively whipped against the bill.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., argued that Congress should pass a short-term funding bill that keeps the government open until mid-January. That timeline would have given Republicans more leverage to extract concessions from Biden on policy when they take control of the House in January.

"We're two weeks away, 14 days away from having a stronger hand in negotiations," said McCarthy during an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle" this week.

Despite the opposition from GOP leaders, nine House Republicans voted for the funding bill anyway. Most of the support came from GOP lawmakers who are set to retire at the end of this Congress.

Henrietta Lacks statue will replace Robert E. Lee monument in Roanoke, Virginia

A statue of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used without her consent in crucial medical research, will replace a monument to Confederate general Robert E. Lee in Roanoke, Virginia.

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January 6 Committee holds final meeting Monday, takes action against Trump, allies

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:15 EST

Legal experts say that the House January 6 Committee's criminal referrals of former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department for his involvement in the 2021 Capitol protests are "theater" and will likely be ignored by the DOJ, and they could possibly have a counterproductive effect should the DOJ decide to bring charges.

The Jan. 6 panel held what is expected to be their final meeting Monday and voted unanimously to issue criminal referrals to the DOJ on Trump for obstructing an official proceeding of Congress, conspiracy to defraud the federal government, making a false statement, and inciting, assisting or aiding and comforting an insurrection.

The committee’s unprecedented criminal referral holds no official legal weight, and a final determination in whether to pursue the charges will be up to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Read more here.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:58 EST

The special House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol released a 154-page executive summary on Monday detailing its impetus for referring criminal charges against former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department. 

"What Donald Trump proceeded to do after the 2020 election is something no president had done before in our country," said Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. "In a staggering betrayal of his oath, Donald Trump attempted a plan that led to an attack on a pillar of our democracy."

The panel, which is made up of seven Democrats and two anti-Trump Republicans, argued during the committee's final meeting that Trump's conduct before and after Jan. 6 was "unlawful."

Read more here.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:33 EST

The House January 6 Committee on Monday referred lawyer John Eastman to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution for his alleged role in planning to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election as president.

"Our Committee had the opportunity last Spring to present much of our evidence to a federal judge... The judge concluded that both former President Donald Trump and John Eastman likely violated two federal criminal statutes," Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-M.D., said Monday.

The committee issued a preliminary report Monday that outlined the findings of their 18-month long investigation into the events on January 6, 2021.

"In the days before January 6th, Eastman was warned repeatedly that his plan was illegal and ‘completely crazy,’ and would ‘cause riots in the streets.’ Nonetheless, Eastman continued to assist President Trump’s pressure campaign in public and in private, including in meetings with the Vice President and in his own speech at the Ellipse on January 6th,” the report states.

The recommend charges against Eastman include obstruction of Congressional proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:34 EST

The January 6 panel referred four top Republicans to the House Ethics Committee on Monday for defying a congressional subpoena.

The panel referred House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy as well as GOP Reps. Andy Biggs, Jim Jordan, and Scott Perry to the ethics committee. All four lawmakers were subpoenaed by the Jan. 6 panel, but refused to comply.

The House Ethics Committee is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, meaning the referrals are unlikely to lead to an investigation.

“This is just another partisan and political stunt made by a Select Committee that knowingly altered evidence, blocked minority representation on a Committee for the first time in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, and failed to respond to Mr. Jordan’s numerous letters and concerns surrounding the politicization and legitimacy of the Committee’s work,” said a spokesperson for Rep. Jim Jordan.

Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:25 EST

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The House January 6 Committee announced it will issue referrals to the Justice Department recommending former President Donald Trump be criminally prosecuted. 

The first referral recommended by the committee is for Trump's obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress.

The committee will also refer Trump to DOJ for conspiracy to defraud the federal government, making a false statement and inciting, assisting, or aiding and comforting an insurrection.

In what is expected to be its final meeting on Monday, the House Select Committee to Investigate January 6 said it will formally ask the DOJ to pursue charges after a nearly 18-month probe into the former president’s involvement in the activities that lead to the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021.

The committee’s unprecedented criminal referral holds no official legal weight, and a final determination in whether to pursue the charges will be up to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Justice Department.

Read more from Fox News' Brianna Herlihy here.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:49 EST

Four law enforcement officers that were either inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. 2021 or helped respond to the violence attended the committee's meeting on Monday.

U.S. Capitol Police officers Harry Dunn and Aquilino Gonell sat alongside Washington Metropolitan Police officers Michael Fanon and Daniel Hodges in the packed hearing room. The four law enforcement previously testified before the committee about the events that took place on Jan. 6.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:43 EST

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Rep. Liz Cheney argued at Monday's hearing that former President Donald Trump's conduct in the days leading up to and after the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol made him unfit to serve in public office.

"No man who would behave that way at that moment in time can ever serve in any position of authority in our nation again," said Cheney, a Wyoming Republican. "He is unfit for any office."

Cheney, who serves as vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee, lost her bid for re-election earlier this year in a GOP primary after being targeted by Trump.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:24 EST

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The House Jan. 6 committee is slated to release all of its nonsensitive documents to the public before Republicans take control of the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

"The select committee intends to make public the bulk of its non sensitive records before the end of the year," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat who chairs the panel. "These transcripts and documents will allow the American people to see for themselves the body of evidence we gathered and continue to explore the information that has led us to our conclusions."

The committee is set to disband at the end of this Congress unless lawmakers vote to reauthorize it next year. Republicans, who will control the House next Congress, have pledged to release their own report outlining the intelligence and security failures that occurred during January 6, 2021.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:09 EST

The House Jan. 6 committee began its final televised meeting on Monday, where the panel is expected to issue criminal referrals against former President Donald Trump and his allies.

The committee's members, seven Democrats and two anti-Trump Republicans, will each present a portion of the panel's final report. They will also summarize the investigation, others will focus on the alleged ties between Trump staffers and extremist groups that breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:32 EST

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The House Jan. 6 committee will hold what's expected to be its final meeting Monday, when the panel is expected to take action against former President Trump and his allies. 

The committee, which subpoenaed Trump in October, will present its final findings after a nearly 18-month probe. It is also expected to issue several criminal referrals to the Justice Department, but all eyes are on whether Trump himself will be included in the action.

"No one is really certain" what will happen, a senior GOP aide told Fox News Digital. "They subpoenaed Trump that doesn't seem to have led to much."

It remains unclear if the former president, who launched his 2024 White House bid last month, has cooperated with the panel's request for information.

At Monday's meeting, the committee's members, seven Democrats and two anti-Trump Republicans, will each present a portion of their findings. Some will also summarize the investigation, others will focus on the alleged ties between Trump staffers and extremist groups that breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

While some evidence presented is likely to be new, few believe the committee has anything close to a smoking gun implicating Trump.

Read more by Fox News' Haris Alic: January 6 Committee holds final meeting, expected to take action against Trump, allies