But privately, many see the surge in far-left challengers as an expensive headache that distracts from the party’s goal of seizing control of Congress next November. Rep. Suzan DelBene, who leads House Democrats’ campaign arm, acknowledged that protecting those incumbents “takes some resources.” But she made clear that her focus is on swing-seats needed to flip the House. The surge in far-left challengers has also exasperated Democrats like Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, who now has to run for reelection in one of the toughest districts for Democrats after Texas Republicans redrew the House map. A third Democrat, Rep. Brad Sherman in California, raised $322,000. That state’s “jungle primary” rules mean that the top-two finishers will make it to the general election ballot, regardless of party.)

DOJ appears to remove Trump photo from Epstein filesThe Department of Justice released thousands of files related to sex offender and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein after Congress passed a law forcing the administration to do so. Many of the files and images were heavily redacted. One image containing a photo of President Donald Trump was later removed from the department's online library. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing or charged with any crimes in connection with Epstein, but the redactions have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers. CNN's Kevin Liptak reports.

Powerball jackpot grows again after no winner Saturday night With no jackpot winner in it's 45th drawing, the historic Powerball jackpot is now sitting at $1.6 billion, according to Powerball.

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of their boxing match Friday night in Miami. Paul posted on social media that he had surgery to repair his jaw that was broken in two places. You gonna fight, you gonna fight, but fight within the rules. Touch ’em up, fight clean.” Announcer Mauro Ranallo responded with “Amen” and said Young had the “line of the night” (N.Y. POST, 12/20). The Athletic’s Sarah Shephard: “Order has been restored to professional boxing.

A Massachusetts church is under fire for their holiday display featuring a pro-immigrant take on a classic Christmas decoration: the Nativity. St. Susanna Parish, a Catholic church in Dedham, reportedly first put up the display shortly after Thanksgiving. “The Vatican itself displays different themed Nativities each year highlighting social issues to contemporary life,” Josoma said. “...Christians are very clearly called to protect the vulnerable, confront injustice, and use our voices for good. And I really think Christians need to move back to the actual work Jesus asked his followers to do.”

We spoke with experts in cult recovery and high-control groups, including those familiar with the tactics, language and emotional binds of movements like MAGA to bring you practical tools for navigating these encounters. Instead, they are strategies to help you make it through these (often exhausting) interactions and respond as best you can to those you love. “Remember that a lot of people are genuinely ensnared by manipulative systems of belief,” Daniella Mestyanek Young, cult survivor and author of “Uncultured,” said. Would you be open to reading a source I trust?”“I know this feels true, but it’s coming from a site known for disinformation. They respond to love and respect and kindness and praise,“And the good news is that it’s not a permanent condition,” said Hassan.

Wrap Up The Year With PurposeThis newsroom tells stories that reflect real lives and real stakes. Your support ensures that work continues. Join as a member today and close the year by strengthening independent reporting for all. Already a member? Log in to hide these messages.

Scott Jennings was called out on a CNN panel for claiming Republicans love President Donald Trump more than ever. CNNThe panel discussed Trump’s final rally of the year Friday, where he devoted far more time to discussing Melania’s “panties” than to affordability concerns. Bedingfield called Trump’s lack of focus on big issues a “missed opportunity” as the 2026 midterms approach, adding that his rambling speeches may be alienating independents and moderates. I love my panelists that are here on this holiday season, but nobody acknowledged the fact that Donald Trump’s old,” he said. The panel noted that Trump's rambling speeches might be pushing the divide between MAGA and moderate even further.

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Middle school principal transforms into Elf on a Shelf Principal Erica Cobb at Glenwood Middle School in Findlay, Ohio, transformed herself into an Elf on the Shelf to the delight of students.

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The new restaurant Provaré at 1523 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago pushes boundaries with its convergence of Creole and Italian cuisines. Provaré is the brainchild of chef and partner Jourdan Higgs, a native of suburban Oak Park. Our experience involved ‘crabby fries,’ shatteringly crisp calamari tucked with jalapenos and banana peppers, and tossed with cognac-splashed shrimp scampi,” Michelin writes. Entrees include lobster bisque pasta; shrimp cognac scampi; a seafood trio of alfredo, shrimp, lobster, crab meat and rotini; and “all vodka” rigatoni pasta with pancetta, vodka, marinara sauce and cream. Add-ons include crawfish, chicken, shrimp, lamb chop, crab meat, salmon, lobster meat and lobster tail.

Thousand of people gather in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 8 to celebrate the first anniversary of the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad. The assistance has become part of a vital lifeline for the province, and has empowered Druze militias and spiritual leaders calling for secession from Syria and an alliance with Israel. They started in early July as tit-for-tat kidnappings between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes but soon devolved into street fighting. Israel, which has made overtures to Syria’s Druze, mobilized. (Jalaa Marey / AFP via Getty Images)All that has made the Sweida militias more effective.