Report: Violent crime rates continue to fall from pandemic heights; Biden, Trump exchange jabs as Russia prisoner swap turns political; ME poll workers get a close-up view of 'democracy in action'; Reopened PA juvenile center provides trauma-informed care.

Confirmation hearings continue for Trump's nominees, Biden says American hostages will be released as part of an Israeli-Hamas ceasefire deal, and North Carolina Republicans try new arguments to overturn a state Supreme Court election.

Joe Biden warns 'oligarchy is taking shape in America' in farewell address; NJ gov continues advancing progress on climate goals; Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice; TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood.

Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the past; Strong Santa Ana winds return for SoCal; Southeast Asian refugees in MA fear deportation, seek Biden pardon; RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert; CT lawmakers urged to focus on LGBTQ+ legislation.

Republicans want to attach 'strings' to California fire aid, a judge clears the release of findings about Trump election interference, and North Carolina Republicans seek to invalidate tens of thousands of votes in the state's Supreme Court race.

Special Counsel report: Trump would have been convicted in election case; Dangerous winds return to Los Angeles area, threatening to fan deadly flames; Georgia church creates solar-powered emergency hub with federal climate funds; Environmental groups call for vinyl chloride ban; Tipped wages to be phased out in MI next month, but not without a fight.

Firefighters rush to contain L.A. blazes ahead of stronger winds; Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor laws; FL League of Women Voters helps returning citizens restore voting rights; Another Trump nominee under the microscope in PA.

President-elect Trump is now a convicted felon; At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods destroyed in LA firestorms; Local concerns rise over Ohio's hydrogen project; New MI legislator rings in the new year with the pending new law; Ohio River Basin would get federal protection under the new legislation.

Eyes on US Supreme Court as NY's highest court rejects Trump's bid to postpone sentencing in hush money case; Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care; Farm workers rally as deportations threaten NC families, economy.

Today is a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. President-elect Trump's proposals are met with pushback from officials and experts and another Trump pick worries experts, citing a lack of experience.

One of the most destructive firestorms in L.A. history kills 5, burns 2,000 buildings; All five living US Presidents in attendance at Carter memorial; farmers in Mississippi seek greater support amid rising costs; CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars; Surge of people interested in running for office in battlegrounds post-election.

'It's like an inferno.' Pacific Palisades fire explodes as thousands flee; Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rules; CT educators celebrate passage of Social Security Fairness Act; and US Labor Department wants MD workers to claim their wages.

Vice President Harris emphasizes the fragility of democracy, public health advocates debate RFK Jr.'s cabinet nomination, election denialism persists, Trump faces legal challenges, and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau announces his resignation.

Meta to end fact-checking program ahead of Trump term; Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem; Teton park acquires addition after widespread, multiyear effort; Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis.

Blizzard Warnings Ongoing From Major Winter Storm As It Hauls Snow, Ice Toward Midwest and Mid-Atlantic; USPS could have a devastating effect on rural KY; Native health care, voting rights top issues to watch during MT's 2025 legislative session; Operation Good: Tackling violence with a community-first approach in Jackson.

Federal officials present more information about the New Orleans terrorist attack and the Las Vegas cybertruck explosion. Mike Johnson prepares for a House speakership battle, and Congress' latest budget stopgap leaves telehealth regulations relaxed.

House speaker vote update: Johnson wins showdown with GOP hard-liners; President Biden and the First Lady to travel to New Orleans on Monday; Hunger-fighting groups try to prevent cuts to CA food-bank funding; Mississippians urged to donate blood amid critical shortage; Rural telehealth sees more policy wins, but only short-term.

The authors of Project 2025 back a constitutional convention, some Trump nominees could avoid FBI background checks and Louisiana public schools test the separation of church and state.

FBI says no definitive link has been determined between blast at Trump hotel and New Orleans attack; NC turns to a local foundation for long-term Helene recovery; A push for Oregon's right to repair law to include wheelchairs; Women's suffrage adds luster to WY Capitol's historic status.

At least 10 killed after vehicle drives into crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans; AARP Connecticut looks to 2025 legislative session to help residents; Rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025; SD's Native population sees 'double whammy' of health barriers.

As the nation mourns the death of Jimmy Carter, calls come to emulate his positive impact. Speaker Mike Johnson has only days to secure the votes he needs to keep that job. And supporters of overturning ranked-choice voting in Alaska say they'll try again.

Chinese hackers accessed workstations and documents in a 'major' cyber incident, Treasury says; New Yorker continues to seek pardon from Gov. Hochul; Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025; AZ farmers could benefit from feds taking on 'corporate' agriculture.

Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100. Unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap; NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical word of the year; AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers.

Immigrants' advocates worry about Trump's mass deportation plans. Voters from both parties oppose ending the EPA's regulatory power. And older adults want lawmakers to lower prescription drug costs.