Massive winter storm brings frigid temps, snow and ice to US

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Winter weather is blanketing the U.S. as a massive storm sent temperatures crashing and created whiteout conditions. More than 200 million people — about 60% of the U.S. population — were under some form of winter weather advisory or warning on Friday. The National Weather Service says its warning map “depicts one of the greatest extents of winter weather warnings and advisories ever.” More than 4,100 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled Friday. Power outages left more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in the dark.

House tees up final vote for $1.7 trillion spending bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-led House is moving toward passage of a $1.7 trillion government spending bill. The bill coming up for a vote Friday would finance federal agencies through September and provide more aid to a devastated Ukraine. The bill represents the closing act for Democrat Nancy Pelosi’s second stint as House speaker. The person hoping to replace her, Republican Kevin McCarthy, is leading opposition to the bill. That’s a sharp contrast to the Senate, where the leaders from both parties supported the measure. Many lawmakers are expected to cast proxy votes, having left Washington early to ensure they made it home for Christmas.

Jan. 6 takeaways:…