National

Damage to homes burned by wildfires after they ripped through a development are shown Friday in Superior, Colo.

National

Urban wildfires burned 6,000 acres near Denver

2:31pm December 31, 2021

by Tom Goldman

Officials call it a miracle that there've been no reports of deaths in the blazes, which destroyed at least 500 homes — and perhaps twice that number. In some cases families had just minutes to flee.

Fireworks explode in Times Square on New Year's Eve on January 1, 2018 in New York City.

National

Why we count down on New Year's Eve (and why it wasn't always the case)

1:28pm December 31, 2021

These days, a New Year's Eve celebration doesn't feel complete without one thing: a countdown. But that ritual to ring in the new year isn't as old as you might think.

National

Morning News Brief

5:05am December 31, 2021

Colorado wildfires force tens of thousands out of their homes. Biden and Putin have another high stakes call. And, the Census Bureau's diversity problem.

Retired two-star U.S. General Paul Eaton co-authored a recent op-ed about the fear that a coup could succeed after the 2024 elections.

Retired general warns the U.S. military could lead a coup after the 2024 election

5:01am December 31, 2021

Retired Major General Paul Eaton says war-gaming and civics education could help assure that the military is better prepared for a contested election.

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Firefighters spray water on a structure fire as a wildfire burns on Thursday in Superior, Colo.

National

Over 30,000 Coloradans ordered to evacuate as fires overtake their towns

10:01pm December 30, 2021

by Jonathan Franklin

Thousands of residents in three communities near Denver were ordered to evacuate Thursday as wind-fueled wildfires engulfed parts of the area, scorching hundreds of homes and buildings.

In this image provided by the White House, President Biden speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone from his private residence in Wilmington, Del., on Thursday.

Biden again calls on Putin to de-escalate tensions along Ukraine border

9:55pm December 30, 2021

by Franco Ordoñez

It was the second time the two leaders spoke this month, as Russia has assembled as many as 100,000 troops along the Ukrainian border, prompting fears of an invasion.

Thousands flee their homes as fast-moving winds drive wildfires in Colorado

8:31pm December 30, 2021

by Sam Brasch

Colorado's governor has declared a state of emergency as winds are driving several large grass fires. Two towns in Boulder County have been evacuated with more than 20,000 people fleeing the fires.

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The Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunrise ship is seen in the port of Miami on Dec. 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

People should avoid cruise travel regardless of their vaccination status, the CDC says

6:28pm December 30, 2021

by Jonathan Franklin

The CDC revised its guidance Thursday, as 91 cruise ships are under investigation for COVID outbreaks onboard. Most cruise lines require adult passengers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

New York County District Attorney Cyrus Vance is stepping down after 12 years in office.

Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance reflects on Trump and Weinstein cases as he leaves office

6:25pm December 30, 2021

by Ilya Marritz

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance looks back on a career of big-name cases, including cases against the Trump Organization and Harvey Weinstein.

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New York jury finds Teva Pharmaceuticals liable in the opioid crisis

6:18pm December 30, 2021

by Brian Mann

A jury in New York has found Teva Pharmaceutical liable for fueling the nation's deadly opioid epidemic.

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