Putin: No US diplomats expelled ... UK disagrees with US ... Push against Islamic State continues

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MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin says no U.S. diplomats will be expelled after the United States imposed sanctions and ordered Russian diplomats to leave the country. The U.S. took the action amid allegations of Russian cyber-meddling in the American presidential election, charges denied by Moscow.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May has taken the unusual step of distancing her government from President Barack Obama's criticism of Israel and its settlements policy. A spokesman says the British government does not think it is "appropriate to attack the composition of the democratically elected government of an ally."

MOSUL, Iraq (AP) — Iraq's special forces are continuing to push back Islamic State militants in the eastern sector of Mosul. The latest fighting comes a day after Iraqi forces broke a two-week lull in fighting to stage a multi-pronged offensive in eastern Mosul. The latest push is aided by airstrikes and artillery from a U.S.-led coalition.

LONDON (AP) — Police say an initial autopsy of singer George Michael has been "inconclusive" and more tests must be carried out to establish a cause of death. Michael's death on Christmas Day is being treated as "unexplained but not suspicious." This suggests that police found no evidence of foul play.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Santa Claus is back on Facebook. The account of Claus, a North Pole, Alaska, city councilman, has been reinstated after the social media company suspended his access and demanded proof of identity on Christmas Day. Councilman Claus provided that proof and got his account back, along with an apology.