Latest news headlines for Thursday December 28, 2023 – Some New Year’s Eve celebrants argue that the experience of witnessing the live Times Square ball drop on December 31 is priceless.

Exclusive New Year’s Eve party packages are being offered by hotels and restaurants near One Times Square, the iconic site of the New Year’s Eve ball drop. Ticket prices range from $450 to $12,500, typically covering access to food, beverages, live entertainment, and, in some cases, providing views of the Big Ball.

The U.S. declared what officials deem the potentially final package of military aid to Ukraine, contingent on Congress approving stalled supplemental funding legislation.

Valued at up to $250 million, the weapons include a variety of air munitions, missiles, artillery, anti-armor systems, ammunition, demolition and medical equipment, and parts. This aid, facilitated through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, will be sourced from Pentagon stockpiles.

President Biden dispatched key officials to Mexico City this week amidst record numbers of migrants crossing the U.S. border and a lack of consensus in Congress on funding for border security.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Biden’s homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall traveled to Mexico on Wednesday. The visit aimed to address the surge in unauthorized border crossings that has strained federal and local resources across the U.S.

On Wednesday, the Colorado Republican Party appealed the state Supreme Court’s decision, which found former President Donald Trump ineligible for the presidency.

This move marks a potential initial step toward a confrontation at the nation’s highest court over the interpretation of a 155-year-old constitutional provision barring those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. The appeal extends the stay of the 4-3 ruling from Colorado’s highest court until Jan. 4 or until the completion of an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Two Florida brothers are facing charges after a Christmas Eve altercation ended tragically with the shooting death of their sister.

In the midst of an argument over presents, a 14-year-old brother allegedly fatally shot their 23-year-old sister, Abrielle Baldwin, in the chest, as revealed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. In response, the 15-year-old sibling then reportedly shot the 14-year-old. The 14-year-old is now charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm.

Former “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson has been incarcerated in state prison following his conviction for raping two women.

The 47-year-old actor was admitted to North Kern State Prison in Delano, where he is undergoing the classification and reception process, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and ex-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, passed away at the age of 88.

His death was announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, which did not disclose the cause but mentioned it followed a brief illness. The foundation emphasized Kohl’s love for Milwaukee and Wisconsin, where he chose to spend his final days.

Gas prices are projected to decrease in 2024 for the second consecutive year, according to exclusive GasBuddy projections shared with CNN.

GasBuddy, known for its accurate forecasts, anticipates that U.S. gas prices will average $3.38 a gallon in the pivotal election year of 2024. This marks a notable improvement from the 2023 average of $3.51 a gallon and a significant drop from the 2022 average of $3.95.

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