memeorandum: By helping Giuliani, Ukrainian politicians help Russia (Sergii Leshchenko/KyivPost)

8:35 PM ET, December 25, 2019

Top Items:

Murkowski ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's vow for ‘total coordination’ with White House for impeachment trial — ANCHORAGE (KTUU) - Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, says she was “disturbed” to hear Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say there would be “total coordination” between the White House …

Discussion: Washington Post, The Boston Globe, New York Times, Hullabaloo, HuffPost, Breitbart, Raw Story, The Slot, Politico, New York Post, MSNBC, Fox News, Law & Crime, The Hill, KTLA, Axios, Joe.My.God. and CNN

Alexander Bolton / The Hill:

McConnell flexes reelection muscle with $1B gift for Kentucky — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is delivering more than $1 billion worth of federal spending and tax breaks to his Kentucky constituents, just in time for Christmas and ahead of a potentially tough reelection campaign.

Karl Rove / Wall Street Journal:

Clinton's Impeachment Was Dignified — The Democratic base demanded a circus this time, and Pelosi is giving it to them. — There are always tensions between the House and the Senate, even when the same party controls both chambers. Each views the other, and its rules, procedures and attitudes, with some disdain.

Discussion: The Hill

Meg Cunningham / ABC News:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she's ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's comments on White House coordination

Discussion: The Gateway Pundit

CNN: Moderate GOP senator ‘disturbed’ by McConnell's coordination with White House

Associated Press:
GOP senator ‘disturbed’ by McConnell impeachment remark

Discussion: Bangor Daily News and Raw Story

Adam Edelman / NBC News:
GOP Sen. Murkowski ‘disturbed’ by McConnell comments about impeachment trial

Discussion: Raw Story

Washington Post:

In aftermath of Ukraine crisis, a climate of mistrust and threats — The new Russia adviser at the White House — the third in just six months — has no meaningful background on the subject. The only expert on Ukraine has never spoken with President Trump, only been mocked by him publicly.

Discussion: Raw Story

Almog Ben Zikri / Haaretz:

Netanyahu Rushed Off Stage During Campaign Event as Rocket Intercepted in Southern Israel — Netanyahu taken off stage at event in southern port city of Ashkelon and later returned after rocket alerts blared in Gaza-border communities — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed off …

Discussion: Breitbart, Reuters and РБК

Associated Press:

Israeli PM Netanyahu hustled off stage at campaign event amid rocket attack — The rockets were fired while the prime minister was appearing in the southern city of Ashkelon. — JERUSALEM — Israel said a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into its southern territory Wednesday …

Discussion: Axios

CNN:

US ambassador recalled after dispute with Zambian government over gay rights and corruption — Washington (CNN)In an extraordinary move, the State Department is pulling the US ambassador to Zambia after the president there objected to his harsh criticism of the government's record on corruption and gay rights.

Ruth Maclean / New York Times: Speaking Out on Gay Rights and Corruption Costs Ambassador His Job

Regina Garcia Cano / Associated Press:

Nonstop violence as Baltimore nears record homicide rate — BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore could wrap up 2019 with its highest per-capita homicide rate on record as killings of adults and minors alike for drugs, retribution, money or no clear reason continue to add up and city officials appear unable to stop the violence.

New York Times:

For Trump Organization, Office Skyscrapers Make Up for Lagging Hotels — Office towers in New York and San Francisco — centers of political resistance — are offsetting revenue downturns in the president's glitzier Trump-branded hotels. — DORAL, Florida — It is happy hour at Trump National Doral Miami …

Discussion: The Hill

Lauren Fruen / Daily Mail:

Now a new picture of the famed Wall of Sound producer — taken at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton on November 19 and exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com - shows him sporting a new look. — Spector looks to be in good spirits ahead of turning 79 on Thursday.

Rebecca Klar / The Hill:

Trump calls for ‘deeper understanding and respect’ in Christmas message — President Trump called for unity and respect in his presidential Christmas message released Wednesday by the White House. — “While the challenges that face our country are great, the bonds that unite us as Americans …

Discussion: Axios

Sergii Leshchenko / KyivPost:

By helping Giuliani, Ukrainian politicians help Russia — Then-Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko (R) speaks during the meeting of a parliament committee on Nov. 19, 2018. — In the scandal surrounding the impeachment of U.S. President Donald Trump, there are many controversial figures, both on the U.S. and the Ukrainian side.

Discussion: Raw Story

Eric W. Dolan / Raw Story:

Psychiatry expert says Trump's rambling Merry Christmas rant includes three signs of serious mental impairment — President Donald Trump's speech in Florida over the weekend provides evidence that he is suffering from cognitive decline, according to a psychiatric expert.

Jake Sherman / Politico:

POLITICO Playbook: Merry Christmas! — MERRY CHRISTMAS! ... SPOTTED: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump having Christmas Day brunch at the Ritz in Paris. Pic — CATCHING UP WITH TRUMP, from USA Today's MICHAEL COLLINS' pool reports yesterday: THE PRESIDENT went to church at Family Church …

Discussion: Associated Press, Palm Beach Post and The Post Millennial