Arizona senator leaves Democratic Party, declares to be independent

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona says she’s left the Democratic Party and will be unaffiliated with either major political party.

Here’s a link to the story at thecentersquare.com.

House passes $858 billion defense bill scrapping COVID vaccine mandate for service members

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the House on Thursday as lawmakers scratch off one of the final items on their yearly to-do list.

Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Celine Dion reveals she has a rare neurological syndrome

CNN– Celine Dion is postponing several Europe tour dates after the recent diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder that doesn’t allow her “to sing the way I’m used to,” she announced.

Here’s a link to the story.

Kanye West’s honorary degree rescinded by School of the Art Institute of Chicago

CHICAGO — The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Kanye West.

Here’s a link to the story.

Lawmakers rip Biden leaving Paul Whelan behind in Brittney Griner prisoner swap: ‘It’s shameful’

The Biden administration is facing backlash for the Brittney Griner prisoner swap that traded Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for the WNBA star without securing the release of another detainee, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

Here’s the link to the story.

Aerosmith cancels final shows in Vegas due to Steven Tyler’s health

Aerosmith announced on its social media platforms that its final two Las Vegas residency concerts have been canceled.

Here’s a link to the story.

On this day in history, Dec. 9, 1965, ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ debuts to popular acclaim

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a beloved holiday television tradition for generations of American families, debuted to overwhelming popular acclaim despite network fears of failure on this day in history, Dec. 9, 1965.

Here’s a link to the story.

Supreme Court signals interest in middle path in major election law clash

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared to search for a middle path in an election law clash with weighty stakes for American democracy involving a bid by North Carolina GOP lawmakers to reinstate a Republican-drawn voting map.

Here’s a link to the story.

Couple married 79 years die hours apart: ‘They went out together’

Hubert and June Malicote, both 100, have been through nearly every stage of life together — and now death.

Here’s a link to the story.

Illinois veterans’ remains finally come home from Pearl Harbor after the Navy identifies them using DNA

In a cemetery amid the cornfields of downstate Illinois last month, a military honor guard fired shots in salute before the remains of World War II veteran Keith Tipsword was lowered into the ground.

Here’s a link to the story at Chicago Tribune.

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