US begins strikes on militias in Iraq, Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack, officials tell AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Officials say the U.S. military is launching an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.

The initial strikes by manned and unmanned aircraft were hitting command and control headquarters, ammunition storage and other facilities. The U.S. had bolstered defenses in place to protect troops at the base in Jordan.

President Joe Biden and other top U.S. leaders have warned for days that the U.S. would strike back at the militias in a “tiered response.”

Hamas says it's studying Gaza cease-fire proposal, but appears to rule out key provisions

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Santa Train stops feel especially impactful in wake of Hurricane Helene

There are still so many families in East Tennessee hurting following the floods from Hurricane Helene in September. That made this year's running of the Santa Train extra special for many families in the northeast part of the state. This special Santa Express has been making an annual run in part of Appalachia for over 80 years.

-Lelan Statom