TOP STORIES
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WHAT THE DOUG JONES SURPRISE VICTORY MEANS Here’s what you need to know about the new senator-elect, who will be the first Democratic senator for Alabama in 25 years. GOP candidate Roy Moore has not conceded yet, however, saying he will seek a recount. The knives are out for Steve Bannon following the loss of a Republican seat in a GOP stronghold. Take a look at how the president responded last night and this morning on Twitter to the stinging Republican defeat, and a reminder that Moore was the second losing candidate he had endorsed in Alabama. Here’s what an Alabama loss means for the GOP brand. And despite the big Senate win, S.V. Date argues that a Trump reckoning is far from reality. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook]
SUPPORTERS FLOCK TO SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND’S DEFENSE AFTER TRUMP’S ‘SEXIST SMEAR’ After Trump tweeted that Gillibrand would “do anything” for campaign contributions, many spoke up in the senator’s defense. In response, USA Today published a scathing editorial, saying he was “unfit to clean toilets in Obama’s presidential library or to shine George W. Bush’s shoes.” [HuffPost]
NETFLIX FIRED THE EXECUTIVE WHO SAID THE COMPANY DID NOT BELIEVE THE DANNY MASTERSON RAPE ALLEGATIONS The streaming service ousted Andy Yeatman, the company’s director of global kids content. [HuffPost]
THE PROTECTIONS FOR NEW YORK CITY’S SUBWAY Inside the anti-terror apparatus put into place to protect the city’s transit system. [HuffPost]
‘ON THE ROAD OF DESTRUCTION TO THE THOMAS FIRE’ “There is smoke everywhere.” [HuffPost]
TILLERSON SAYS THE U.S. IS READY TO HOLD TALKS WITH NORTH KOREA No strings attached. [HuffPost]
WHAT’S BREWING
‘WHY I RESPONDED ON AIR TO A VIEWER WHO CALLED ME A RACIAL SLUR’ “To hide it or censor it ― in my view, on that night ― seemed inherently wrong and the height of fake news. People at home deserve to know the truth, not some version of events sanitized for them from our perch on the anchor desk.” [HuffPost]
BECAUSE IT IS 2017 The Rock is “seriously considering” that run for president. [HuffPost]
STILL NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? The Watergate lock is headed to auction. [HuffPost]
THE BEST MOVIES OF 2017 You need to see before the year is out. [HuffPost]
THIS MAN HAS BEEN PUTTING UP THE SAME CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FOR 48 YEARS We’d like to know where he bought those, because we are officially impressed. [HuffPost]
HOW TO PREVENT THOSE RUNS AND TEARS IN YOUR TIGHTS Or at least ― how to try to prevent them. Let’s be honest, we struggle. [HuffPost]
BEFORE YOU GO
Due to a glitch yesterday, the story of a man who ended up with a $14,000 Uber charge directed you to another Golden Globes story, which is almost as annoying as getting that large of an Uber charge.
What the removed FBI special counsel investigator said over text about the president.
“A heartfelt thank you to the women who broke their silence on Roy Moore.”
What Jones’ win could mean for tax reform.
Here’s how the Democratic Party quietly pumped resources into the race.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the police over a forged sexual harassment document.
Twitter had a lot of thoughts on Moore’s riding into vote on horseback.
Turns out thousands of comments on government proposals have been from accounts using stolen identities.
San Francisco is getting its first black female mayor.
The death of the downtown parking garage.
Here’s a bunch of “Star Wars” characters singing “MMMBop.” You’re welcome.
What happens to your body when you’re suffering from a broken heart.
Jada Pinkett Smith let the Golden Globes have it over that Tiffany Haddish snub.
The internet would really like to see Daniel Dae Kim play the next Superman.
This PSA will terrify you into keeping your Christmas tree well-watered.
Google’s year in search is emotional as all get-out.
People pleasers, listen up: Here’s how to actually turn down an invitation to something.
Meet the 8-year-old boy who has collected 1,000 toys for the kids of Puerto Rico.
Merriam-Webster continues to expertly sum up 2017 with its verdict of the word of the year.
George and Amal Clooney handed out noise-canceling headphones on a flight their twins were on in case they started crying. Is there a Google Flights option that lets you see what flights they’ll be on in the future? Asking for a friend.
And happy Wednesday: Here’s an adorably protective little brother running in to help his sister during her wrestling match ― which he thought was an actual fight.
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