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NEW YORK (AP) — A new poll finds that 2015 sounded a sour note for most Americans, who were heavily influenced by mass shootings and attacks like the ones in Paris and Southern California. The Associated Press-Times Square Alliance poll finds that 57 percent of those polled say this year was worse than the last year for the world as a whole, up from 38 percent in 2014. Thirty-two percent think there wasn't much difference. Thirty-seven percent think this year was worse for the U.S.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A Christmas tornado damaged houses, knocked out power and took down trees in north-central Alabama, including part of Birmingham. Power is out to around 10,000 customers and there were some injuries though the complete picture hasn't emerged. Severe weather has killed at least 15 people in three states since Wednesday.
HPAKANT, Myanmar (AP) — Another potentially deadly landslide has struck a remote jade mining region in northern Myanmar, the second such incident in a month. A local member of the opposition National League for Democracy party says that according to rescuers, one body was pulled from the rubble and at least 30 people were missing. Police said they could not yet confirm any fatalities. A Nov. 21 landslide killed more than 100 people.
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese rescuers are still working to get to 18 trapped Gypsum miners after a collapse. State media say 11 workers have been pulled to safety. Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral that is widely used in construction. China's mines have long been the world's deadliest, but safety improvements have reduced deaths in recent years.
BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian insurgent group whose commander was assassinated by an airstrike near the Syrian capital vow to continue fighting both the Syrian government and the Islamic State group. The Army of Islam says it has already appointed a new leader. The airstrike targeted a meeting of rebel commanders in a Damascus suburb. The group is one of the most powerful, with thousands of fighters controlling large parts of the eastern Damascus suburbs of Eastern Ghouta and Douma.
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