Dear Life Kit: My daughter was left out of the holiday newsletter — again! A father wonders why his father-in-law keeps neglecting to mention his daughter in his annual newsletter to family. It includes updates on the other grandchildren. Why not her? Read more on NPR

An explosion in the Afghan capital kills the Taliban refugee minister The explosion struck inside the ministry, killing Khalil Haqqani, officials said. His last official photo showed him at a meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister earlier Wednesday. Read more on NPR

Judge declares mistrial over killing of gay University of Mississippi student Jimmy “Jay” Lee’s body has never been found, but a judge declared him dead. Jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict after over nine and a half hours of deliberation. Read more on NPR

Rights group accuses Russian mercenaries of abuses against civilians in Mali Malian armed forces, the Russia-backed Wagner Group and jihadi groups deliberately killed civilians and burned homes in Mali according to Human Rights Watch. Read more on NPR

North Carolina GOP lawmakers enact a law eroding the Democratic governor’s powers North Carolina lawmakers have enacted a law over the governor’s veto that would diminish the powers afforded to his successor and other other Democratic statewide winners in the Nov. 5 elections. Read more on NPR

Mystery drones flying over New Jersey have residents and officials puzzled The drones have been seen above critical infrastructure like reservoirs, rail stations and military bases. The governor says there is “no known threat,” but the FBI is still investigating. Read more on NPR

Mangione investigation latest The New York police commissioner also said investigators matched Luigi Mangione’s fingerprints with those found on items near the scene where the UnitedHealthcare CEO was fatally shot last week. Read more on NPR

FBI Director Wray to resign at end of Biden administration Wray told employees at an FBI town hall that he is resigning next month to “avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray.” President-elect Donald Trump has already made a new pick for FBI director. Read more on NPR

The U.S. is facing a severe housing shortage. Will Trump’s proposals help? The U.S. is short approximately four million homes. Wharton economist Ben Keys traces the beginning of the housing crisis to the 2008 financial meltdown — and says climate change is making things worse. Read more on NPR

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick FIFA’s selection of Saudi Arabia to host the World Cup was celebrated in the kingdom but criticized by human rights groups, who fear residents, visitors and migrant workers will be at risk of abuse. Read more on NPR