AP News Summary at 4:02 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is about to face a brand new election case that might dramatically change voting in 2024 and past. One problem Republicans are main is asking the judges for a novel ruling that might considerably enhance the facility of state legislatures in congressional and presidential elections. The courtroom on Wednesday will hear arguments in a case from hard-fought North Carolina, the place Republican efforts to sway congressional districts closely of their favor had been blocked by a Democratic majority on the state Supreme Court. The query for the judges is whether or not the US Constitution’s provision, which supplies state legislatures the facility to enact guidelines in regards to the “time, place, and manner” of congressional elections, excludes state courts from the method.

US intelligence chief ‘optimistic’ about Ukrainian forces

Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) – The US intelligence chief says Russia’s struggle in opposition to Ukraine is continuing at a “reduced pace” and hints that Ukrainian forces may acquire the higher hand within the coming months. Avril Haines stated Russian President Vladimir Putin “is becoming better informed about the challenges facing the military in Russia.” But she stated it is unclear if he has a “full picture” of the challenges. She stated her crew expects each side to attempt to re-equip, resupply and rebuild for a attainable Ukrainian counter-offensive within the spring. In current weeks, Russia’s navy focus has been on attacking Ukraine’s infrastructure and pushing ahead an offensive to the east, close to the city of Bakhmut.

The standing of Iran’s morality police is unclear following the “closure” remark

CAIRO (AP) — An Iranian lawmaker has stated the Iranian authorities is “heeding the real demands of the people,” a day after a prime official hinted that the nation’s unpopular morality police was shut down after months of protests. The remark concerning the alleged suspension or abolition of the pressure got here after months of lethal anti-government protests. The Associated Press was unable to substantiate the present standing of the non secular pressure. Iran’s Morality Police was established in 2005 with the duty of arresting individuals who violate the nation’s Islamic costume code. The loss of life of a girl three days after she was arrested by Iran’s vice squad sparked nationwide anti-government protests.

Trump criticized the demand to droop the structure past the election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is being reprimanded by each events after he known as for components of the Constitution to be “cancelled” over his lie that the 2020 election was stolen. Trump, who introduced final month that he was working for president once more, made the declare on his social media platform Truth over the weekend. New House Democrat chief Hakeem Jeffries described Sunday’s assertion as unusual and excessive. GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio stated he “vehemently” disagreed and condemned the remarks. Both he and Republican-elect Mike Lawler of New York say the feedback needs to be an element when their celebration decides who ought to lead it in 2024.

As Musk learns, moderating content material is a unclean job

As Elon Musk finds out, working a worldwide social media platform takes various good algorithms. It additionally contains robust selections about what sort of content material is allowed and methods to take care of customers who break the principles. However, since Musk purchased Twitter, the principles have grow to be unclear and enforcement patchy. The platform introduced it was ending its COVID-19 misinformation coverage, solely to say no insurance policies had modified. Ye, the rapper previously generally known as Kanye West, was banned from Twitter for posting anti-Semitic content material, regardless of the platform restoring a neo-Nazi chief’s account. Social media specialists say the shortage of clear and enforceable content material guidelines may harm Twitter as customers begin to lose belief.

England reaches World Cup quarterfinals, beats Senegal 3-0

AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — England captain Harry Kane scored his first purpose at this yr’s World Cup to assist his crew beat Senegal 3-0 and arrange a recreation in opposition to France within the quarterfinals. Kane scored for his nation 52 occasions, inside one in every of Wayne Rooney’s England information. He additionally overtook Gary Lineker as his nation’s prime scorer in main tournaments with 11 targets. Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka additionally scored at Al Bayt Stadium, whereas Jude Bellingham performed a key function within the opening two targets. England meet holders France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.

A gaggle serving to kin of slain CIA officers emerge from the shadows

WASHINGTON (AP) – The CIA Officers Memorial Foundation supplies tuition and different bills for the kids of fallen officers. Not surprisingly, a lot of the neighborhood work to help these households takes place in personal. Those accountable wish to change that by organizing conferences for the kids of fallen officers and regularly telling extra of their tales publicly. The basis just lately employed the daughter of one in every of seven officers who died in a December 2009 assault on the CIA base in Khost, Afghanistan. Calista Anderson needs to assist different youngsters of fallen officers and shares her recollections of her mom, Jennifer Matthews.

Playoff subject: Georgia vs. Ohio State; Michigan vs. TCU

Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State made the school soccer playoffs, giving the Big Ten a number of packages within the four-team subject for the primary time. The defending champions and top-ranked Bulldogs and fourth-ranked Buckeyes meet December 31 at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. The second-place Wolverines and third-place Horned Frogs will play at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on the identical day. The nationwide championship recreation is scheduled for January ninth at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Georgia and Michigan each began as favorites to win their semifinals and attain the title recreation.

Deshaun Watson returns from lockdown with some help and loads of boos

HOUSTON (AP) — Deshaun Watson signed autographs for Texans and Browns followers and posed for selfies in a well-known spot forward of his first recreation in 700 days. When the sport began, it was overwhelming boos for Watson. Watson heard mockery earlier than snapping each snap of his first collection in his first recreation on Sunday since getting back from an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct. Watson’s debut with Cleveland comes in opposition to Houston, the place he was chosen to the Pro Bowl thrice in 4 seasons. After an interception gave the Browns the ball at their 43, Watson threw two incomplete passes. He spun away from a sack in third place and followers cheered as his shot at David Bell hit the bottom.

George Clooney, Gladys Knight amongst Kennedy Center honorees

WASHINGTON (AP) – Artists like Gladys Knight or Irish band U2 would usually headline a live performance for hundreds. But this Sunday, the tables will flip as she and different artists are celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors. Other honorees embrace actor, director, producer and human rights activist George Clooney, pioneering composer and conductor Tania León and up to date Christian singer Amy Grant. Each yr, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honors a choose group of individuals for his or her creative contributions to American tradition. The present will air December 28 on CBS. President Biden, Vice President Harris and their respective spouses are anticipated to attend.