Saturday News: Pope Francis Says “World ignoring huge tragedies”; “NASA launches James Webb telescope into space on Christmas Day”; “So Now Trump Has Decided to Push Back Against COVID Lies?”

by Lowell

Here are a few national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Saturday, Christmas Day.

• Latin America Is Now a World Leader in Vaccinations
• Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi address: World ignoring huge tragedies
• Denmark sees initial signs that dire omicron surge can be avoided
• As Hindu Extremists Call for Killing of Muslims, India’s Leaders Keep Silent (Totally unacceptable.)
• Tourist drug demand brings cartel violence to Mexico’s most popular resorts
• The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully launched
• James Webb Space Telescope lifts off on historic mission
• NASA launches James Webb telescope into space on Christmas Day (“The world’s largest and most powerful telescope built to date was designed to help us study the earliest days of the universe and unlock some of its greatest mysteries.”)
• Afghans spending their first Christmas in America seek the miracle of kindness
• Head of US FDA’s advisory group: ‘We never expected Covid vaccines to be so good, so effective’
• Airlines cancel hundreds of Christmas Eve flights as Covid hits crews
• Fauci says it’s ‘too premature’ for US to be discussing fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose
• As Omicron Cases Soar, the Unvaccinated Remain Defiant (“Roughly 15 percent of U.S. adults remain unvaccinated despite the new variant. For many, skepticism about Covid shots has hardened into steadfast beliefs. Experts say that unvaccinated adults are the most at risk of severe illness or death. They could also soon overwhelm hospitals, some of which are already full.”)
• Biden is quietly erasing one of Trump’s cruelest legacies
• 10 Democrats who could run in 2024 if Biden doesn’t
• Biden calls NORAD and updates children on Santa’s progress across the globe
• Biden Is Hit With ‘Brandon’ Slur in Call With Military Families (Just disgusting – or, if you prefer, deplorable.)
• So Now Trump Has Decided to Push Back Against COVID Lies? (“It might be too little, too late.”)
• A Dangerous Ruling About The Times, Project Veritas and Press Freedom
• The Republican Axis Reversing the Rights Revolution
• New January 6 video shows three hours of violent and chaotic assault on police
• ‘We took the Capitol’: Proud Boy pleads guilty to Jan. 6 conspiracy charges
• Trump spokesman cooperating with Jan. 6 committee but fighting subpoena for financial records
• Jim Jordan ‘Very Scared’ as 1/6 Committee Seeks Info on Trump Calls, Fellow Lawmaker Says
• Harris tests negative for COVID-19 after close contact with aide
• Didion’s Prophetic Eye on America
• LAPD tactics under scrutiny after officer fatally shoots girl in Burlington dressing room
• Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine Submit Comments to VA Supreme Court, Arguing Proposed Map “places the heavy weight of change on the three women in the delegation” (The map would force Reps. Elaine Luria (D-VA02), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10) to “shoulder a disproportionate burden”)
• Warner, Kaine tell Va. Supreme Court its congressional map would put undue burden on 3 women in delegation
• Rep. Luria and other Virginia congresswomen bear redistricting burden, Sens. Kaine and Warner tell high court
• Education is a top priority for Governor-elect Youngkin but some plans lack specifics (And by “some,” they mean ALL.)
• With Omicron Surging, Virginia Reports 8,756 New COVID-19 Cases, One of the Highest Levels Ever
• Virginia Dec. 24 COVID-19 update: 8,756 new cases reported, a new statewide record, as omicron surges
• Washington safety Deshazor Everett involved in fatal crash in Loudoun County
• D.C.-area forecast: Today is likely one of the warmest Christmases on record, with mild conditions into Sunday