NSA Snooped on Netanyahu

The National Security Agency monitored communications between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of Congress while the US forged a nuclear deal with Iran. White House officials reportedly feared the executive branch would be accused of spying on US lawmakers. - CBS News

Evacuation Begins in Missouri

Residents along the Mississippi River in Missouri have been urged to move to higher ground, after flooding engulfed buildings and shut down highways. The National Guard is being mobilized to provide security in evacuated areas and direct traffic in the state. - The New York Times

Trump to Spend $2 Million a Week

Donald Trump says he will spend a minimum of $2 million a week on campaign advertising ahead of the Republican key primary elections in February. He also attacked rival Jeb Bush for "wasting" $40 million on his campaign. - ABC News

Magnitude-4.4 Earthquake Shakes California Suburbs

Residents in San Bernardino County are assessing slight damages this morning after a "light" earthquake hit the area. Although there were no major injuries, the Pasadena fire department tweeted that it was a "good reminder to be prepared". - Los Angeles Times

El Nino Impacts to Continue in 2016

Tens of millions of people will face hunger, water shortages and disease in 2016 as the impact of the strongest-ever El Nino weather cycle continues. Some of the worst effects are likely in Africa, with food shortages expected to peak in February, experts predict. - BBC News

Tourist Killed in Gun Attack in Russia

A gunman opened fire on Russian tourists visiting an historic fortress in southern Russia, killing one and injuring 11.The group was on a viewing platform at the fortress when an unidentified gunman opened fire from the forest. A search for the attacker is underway. - Reuters

Iran Accused of Missile Tests

Iranian naval vessels conducted rocket tests near US warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the American military. Iran's "actions were highly provocative," said a US Central Command spokesman this morning. Iran has yet to respond. - AP

Kim Jong Un Aide Dies In Car Crash

A senior North Korean government official has been killed in a car crash, according to state media. The death of Kim Yang Gon is the latest in a series of dramatic accidents befalling close aides around leader Kim Jong Un. - CNN

The US Tennis Pro Who Woke Up Swedish

Before killing himself in 2014, former US tennis pro Michael Boatwright woke up one morning speaking and understanding only Swedish. Old friends shed new light on the mysterious case. - VICE

J-Law Hates New Year

If you loathe New Year's Eve parties, you're not the only one: Jennifer Lawrence says she's never been to a good one. "Everyone's chasing a good time, and it's always a disappointment." - Vanity Fair

Hoverboard Priest In Trouble With Bosses

A Filipino priest filmed gliding around on a hoverboard at Christmas Eve mass has been censored by the Diocese of San Pablo. The Eucharist is "not a personalcelebration," the church told him. - The Guardian

Elephant Seal Tries to Cross Highway

A large, 900-pound elephant seal made several attempts to cross Highway 37 in California. Veterinarians tranquilized the seal, determined she was pregnant, then returned her to open waters. - Buzzfeed

SeaWorld Faces More Flak

SeaWorld is coming under renewed criticism after the death of an 18-year-old orca whale named Unna at its San Antonio theme park. "It's not a sign of good husbandry," said Dr. Naomi Rose, of the Animal Welfare Institute. - VICE News

One Last Toast to Lemmy

Motörhead fans have paid tribute to frontman Lemmy Kilmister, last of the hard-living, working-class rock stars, who died at the age of 70. Whendoctors told him to cut out the JackDaniels, Lemmy switched to vodka instead. - Noisey