[U.S.] UN Adds About 5 Percent to Budget for...

UN Adds About 5 Percent to Budget for...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/un-adds-about-5-percent-to-regular-budget-for-2012-2013-raising-it-to-about-54-billion/2012/12/24/ffc1f606-4e41-11e2-835b-02f92c0daa43_story.html
The U.N. General Assembly approved an increase of about 5 percent to cover the United Nations' regular operations in 2012-2013 on Monday evening, raising the two-year budget to about $5.4 billion but delaying action on a key proposal that would allow ...

Two firefighters killed in New York ambush
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Ex-neighbor-NY-gunman-loved-mother-hated-sister-4144206.php
WEBSTER, N.Y. - Two firefighters lay in the road, shot. Two others were seriously wounded. "We are being shot at, multiple firemen down, multiple firemen shot," one firefighter radioed early Monday.

California avalanche claims life of snowboarder
http://www.kcra.com/news/Snowboarder-dies-after-setting-off-avalanche-at-Donner-Ski-Ranch/-/11797728/17890298/-/9jtawyz/-/index.html
(CNN) -- The body of a California snowboarder was recovered hours after the man was reportedly trapped in an avalanche, the sheriff's office in Nevada County said Monday.

Major winter storm poses threat for holiday travel
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iaLD97Vyv-K6YJo5qspQoNk9hSag?docId=f0d7be7b8bcc45e09b9ad6f7dd4aeec5
Traveling could be tricky in certain parts of the U.S., where blizzards and severe storms are expected to last through the evening on Christmas day.

Obama's Christmas vacation in Hawaii: Day 3
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/12/24/3981093/obamas-christmas-vacation-in-hawaii.html
.... - GOLF: After returning briefly to his family's vacation home, Obama went back to the Marine base for his second round of golf during the trip.

6 kids burned in McKinney when fire pit sets off gasoline blast
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/mckinney/headlines/20121224-6-kids-burned-in-mckinney-when-fire-pit-sets-off-gasoline-blast.ece
People gather in front of a McKinney house where several children were reportedly hurt Christmas Eve in an incident involving fire and gasoline.

TRENDING: Affleck rules out Massachusetts Senate run
http://bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2012/12/24/source-edward-kennedy-will-not-run-for-senate-massachusetts/XJTMSKLTGoBhFYKIZonzxO/story.html
The actor and director on Monday put an end to the rumors that he might throw his hat in the ring to replace Sen. John Kerry if he is confirmed as secretary of state, saying he plans to advocate for his causes from outside the upper chamber.

Deport Piers Morgan? Some say yes
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/pro-gun-activists-push-petition-piers-morgan-deported-article-1.1226544
Thousands of Americans have signed petitions on the White House website after the CNN talk show host criticized the USA's gun culture.

Bill McBride, Ex-Florida Governor Candidate, Dies At 67
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/florida-governor-candidate-mcbride-dies-67-18052433
MIAMI -- Bill McBride, the Florida Democrat who defeated Janet Reno for the party's gubernatorial nomination in 2002 but lost to Republican Gov.

Christmas Eve Services Shine Light on True Meaning of Christmas
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2012/12/celebrating_christmas_eve_at_t.html
Every family has their own holiday traditions. For some it's baking cookies. For others it's attending a Christmas Eve service.

Cliff Negotiations Take Holiday Break
http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/On-fiscal-cliff-Senate-more-agreeable-4142781.php
Congressional leaders and the White House are taking a holiday break in negotiations over how to avoid year-end spending cuts and tax increases, and may not take up the issue in earnest again until just before New Year's Eve.

Salvation Army meets year-around needs
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/12/23/4505375/salvation-army-meets-year-around.html
The sound of Salvation Army bell ringers has again brought memories of this glorious time of year that will be with me forever. Thanks to volunteers with whom I proudly serve every season, I am reminded that this is a time of giving.

Holiday on Tuesday (Christmas)
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2876986.shtml?cat=504
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Fmr. President Bush still in hospital; could be out for Christmas
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/president-bush-hospitalized-18049302
HOUSTON President George H.W. Bush, who has been in a Houston hospital with a lingering cough since November, needs to "build up his energy" before he can be released, doctors said Sunday.

Prosecutors: Mom and sister went to parties, leaving kids to die in fire
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Mother--Aunt-Charged-in-the-Death-of-2-Toddlers-Killed-in-Englewood-Fire-184633761.html
Balloons are released during a candlelight memorial service for Javaris, 2 and Jariyah, 3 Meakens, who died in a west Englewood fire Saturday morning.