US Attacks ISIS In Nigeria, Severe Southern California Weather, Celebrating Christmas, A Powerball Winner

Today on America in the Morning Christmas In America

America celebrated Christmas Day, which included President Trump taking calls from kids on Christmas Eve, to kids across the nation finding gifts under the tree. Around the world, it was the first Christmas for Pope Leo as Pontiff.

Severe California Weather Deaths

Severe thunderstorms moved into California on Christmas Day, with areas north of San Francisco dealing with 70 mile per hour winds, and around Los Angeles, evacuations due to mudslides that buried some cars up to their windshields. Lisa Dwyer reports that some areas received as much as 10 inches of rain, with rockslides, mudslides, and overflowing rivers washing out roads as California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

US Attacks ISIS In Nigeria

President Donald Trump announced he authorized the launch of a “powerful and deadly strike” against alleged-Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after he spent weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.

We Have A Winner

There’s one lucky person in the United States who decided to purchase a Powerball ticket at a Murphy USA gas station in the small town of Cabot, Arkansas, located just off Interstate 57 with population of 23 thousand 575. Correspondent Donna Warder reports someone who went to that gas station in that town known for its strawberries is holding the only winning ticket in the Powerball $1 point 8 billion dollar jackpot.

Charity Concerns

‘Tis the season for giving gifts, but this year, charity seems to be both starting and ending at home. Correspondent Julie Walker reports most US adults aren't making year-end charitable contributions, according to a new poll.

Missing Lobsters

There were a number of disappointed people around Illinois and Minnesota who were planning on a lobster dinner for the holidays. As Katie Clark reports, the FBI is looking into how a truckload of lobsters was hijacked on their way to the Midwest.

US Attacks ISIS In Nigeria

The US has launched military strikes against alleged-ISIS positions in Nigeria, in an assault that President Trump called a reaction to ongoing attacks and murders by terrorists against the Christians.

Christmas Day Negotiations

Ukrainian and US negotiators spent Christmas Day on the phone talking to end the ongoing war launched by Russia against Ukraine. As John Stolnis reports from Washington, the talks were heralded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “very good,” but comes as Russia turned down a holiday truce offer and fighting continued in Eastern Ukraine.

A Millionaire’s Tax

It’s a state that currently doesn’t have one, and for nearly a century, voters in the state of Washington have rejected establishing an income tax. Now, with Washington State facing a mammoth projected $4 point 3 billion dollar deficit, the governor wants to try again – but only to tax people with seven-figure incomes. Details on a proposed millionaire’s tax from correspondent Rich Johnson in Seattle.

Alito’s Response

In an unusual move, Justice Samuel Alito criticized the Supreme Court’s majority in a sharp dissent after the high court decided 6–3 to temporarily block President Trump from deploying the National Guard in Chicago.

Turkey Terror Attack Thwarted

Overseas, the government in Turkey announced it has detained dozens of suspects allegedly planning attacks on non-Muslims during holiday events. Correspondent Mike Hempen reports the Turkish government said the attacks were imminent and took immediate action.

Guardsmen Return

The remains of two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert were welcomed back to Des Moines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices