Cheap gas, terror suspects arrested, and the best Christmas lights.

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Big Stories

$3 per gallon gasoline is in sight

Gas prices could fall below $3 per gallon for the first time since May 2021.

• Details: Gas prices are on the verge of falling below $3 per gallon, reaching their lowest point in 2023 at a national average of $3.07 as of this afternoon, as reported by GasBuddy. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, notes that the current levels are just a couple of cents away from the lowest since 2021. The average price of regular unleaded gas is now below $3 in 29 states.

• Ripple effects: The lower gas prices result from various factors, including concerns about China's economy, record U.S. oil production, and traditional seasonal patterns. Falling costs at the pump have contributed to a significant decrease in inflation, with gas prices down 8.9% year over year and 6% compared to October. Cheap gas is also putting pressure on the EV market, giving hesitant consumers another reason not to make the switch.

• Looking ahead: While it's expected that prices might drop below $3 by Christmas, De Haan advises against anticipating a significant further decrease, citing the traditional bottoming out period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ex-FBI official sentenced for assisting "Putin's henchman"

A former FBI special agent who led counterintelligence at the bureau's New York Field Office was sentenced to 50 months in prison on Thursday for collaborating with a sanctioned Russian oligarch.

• Penalties: Charles McGonigal pleaded guilty in August to a single count of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions and another count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. This was part of his 2021 agreement to render services to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska. McGonigal was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, fined $40,000, and ordered to forfeit $17,500.

• Background: While with the FBI, McGonigal investigated a rival Russian oligarch for Deripaska and received concealed payments in return, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. To hide Deripaska's involvement, McGonigal avoided directly naming him and utilized shell companies and a forged signature for payments.

• Zoom in: McGonigal's defense contended he shouldn't face prison time, citing his acceptance of responsibility and job loss. However, the prosecution felt differently saying McGonigal violated the trust of his country and jeopardized national security by providing services to Deripaska who is a know agent of Vladimir Putin.

Senate delays holiday recess to work on immigration deal

Senators are delaying their holiday recess to finish a big to-do list.

• What's Happening: The House adjourned for Christmas recess, but the Senate opted to delay its holiday break and reconvene next week to negotiate a deal on immigration, as well as aid to Ukraine and Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the move, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the national security supplemental.

• Slow Progress: Negotiators have shown signs of progress. Senate Republicans stress that an immigration deal is crucial for their support of U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel which is a priority for President Joe Biden. Despite optimism, a framework agreement has yet to be reached, and both parties express the need for additional work over the weekend.

• What to watch: The Senate plans to pass the security supplemental quickly once ready, aiming for next week. Negotiators will work through the weekend to finalize the deal, but challenges persist, with some Republicans reluctant to return and disagreement over a House-passed immigration package deemed a nonstarter by Senate Democrats.

Little Stories

U.S. News

• A 13-year-old boy from Ohio is facing charges related to a plot for a mass shooting at a synagogue in September. The charges stem from alleged detailed threats made on messaging platform Discord. (More)

• The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Illinois law banning assault-style weapons to stand while federal appellate court proceedings continue. (More)

• The U.S. House of Representatives approved a defense policy bill with over two-thirds majority on Thursday, featuring a record $886 billion in annual military spending. The bill also includes provisions for aid to Ukraine and initiatives to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. (More)

World

• Six years after his disappearance, a British boy named Alex Batty was found on Wednesday in southwest France. The 11-year-old was taken during a holiday in Spain in 2017 with his mother, and his grandfather. (More)

• Vladimir Putin said during a speech that there will be no peace in Ukraine until they unconditionally surrender to Russia. (More)

• Denmark and Germany announced the arrest of several terror suspects, including alleged Hamas members suspected of plotting attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in Europe amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. (More)

Business & Economy

• U.S. stock markets closed higher on Thursday (S&P +0.26%, Nasdaq +0.19%, Dow 0.43%). (More)

• GM announced it will lay off 1,300 workers at two Michigan assembly plants. (More)

• The National Labor Relations Board told Starbucks to immediately reopen 23 stores that employees claim were closed in reaction to union organizing efforts. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Last night’s NFL game featured, for the first time, an all-Black on-field and replay crew. It was also the first instance of three women officiating in the same crew, with Maia Chaka as the line judge, Artenzia Young-Seigler as the replay official, and Desiree Abrams as the replay assistant. (More)

• Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will return for the 2024 season, silencing rumors about entering the 2024 NFL Draft. (More)

• Larry David announced that the 12th season of Curb Your Enthusiasm will be the last. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Poison centers report a nearly 1,500% spike in calls for accidental overdoses from injected weight-loss drugs. (More)

• The White House announced a deal with drug manufacturers to provide an additional 230,000 doses of the infant respiratory syncytial virus shot by January, addressing the current shortage. (More)

• Almost 200 countries at the latest UN climate conference in Dubai made a historic commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" for the first time, according to COP28 negotiators, describing it as a landmark deal for global efforts to achieve net zero by 2050. (More)

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