Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Thursday:
1. TRUMP CHEERS FIRST BIG LEGISLATIVE WIN
The president and fellow Republicans celebrate approval of a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul that he calls an “incredible Christmas gift for hard-working Americans.”
2. AFTER CLERIC’S DEATH, STAIN ON CHURCH REMAINS
Cardinal Bernard Law, the former archbishop of Boston who died in Rome at 86, leaves a troubling legacy as a key figure in the clergy sex abuse scandal.
3. ‘WE’LL SAVE A LOT. WE DON’T CARE’
Trump threatens to cut off U.S. funding to countries that vote in favor of a U.N. resolution criticizing his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
4. TIE DECLARED IN VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE RACE
It’s the latest dramatic twist in a contest likely to decide control of the state House.
5. WHAT’S COMING TO A COMPUTER NEAR YOU
Now that federal telecom regulators have repealed net neutrality, it may be time to brace yourself for the arrival of internet “fast lanes” and “slow lanes.”
6. POLAND OVERHAULS JUSTICE SYSTEM
The move comes despite warnings from the E.U. that the legislation breaches fundamental democratic principles — and could lead to unprecedented sanctions.
7. HOW BITCOIN IS SPREADING
A car dealership in suburban Albany has begun accepting the digital currency for purchases.
8. BRITISH PORN SCANDAL CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM
Damian Green, a key ally to the prime minister, is ousted after investigators conclude he made misleading statements about pornographic images found on a Parliament computer.
9. WHY ‘PURE AS DRIVEN SNOW’ IS FAKE NEWS
To form snowflakes, moisture high in the atmosphere is frozen by clinging to particles that may include dust specks or soot. Add germs to that list.
10. GOLD MEDALIST SUES OVER ABUSE
McKayla Maroney says the group that trains U.S. Olympic gymnasts forced her to sign a confidential settlement to keep allegations of sexual abuse by the team’s doctor secret.