Trump sets emergency aid in motion in deal that upsets GOPAssociated Press

President Donald Trump ignored seething Republicans and made good on his deal with Democrats, signing legislation that links $15.3 billion in disaster aid to an increase in the U.S. borrowing limit. The law is a first installment in replenishing depleted federal emergency coffers.

Democrats’ disputes simmer after special election losses

Democrats were left picking up the pieces after spending millions of dollars from the party's war chest to back a young candidate in a traditionally red district outside Atlanta and pushing hard for their base of supporters from around the country to donate to him too. The loss in the high-profile, costly race was only exacerbated by a second defeat last night in a race that flew mostly under the radar: Democrats also lost a special election in South Carolina.

Backyard gardening makes comeback –

The Union Times Brussel Sprouts and Collard Greens like these growing in the Piedmont Physic Garden are among the many types of fruit and vegetables that can be grown in a backyard garden. Backyard gardening is making a comeback in South Carolina in response to the expansion of food deserts in communities across the state.

Student: Girl slammed to ground was trying to break up fight

The Latest on the federal sentencing of Dylann Roof in the deaths of nine people at a South Carolina church : The Latest on the federal sentencing of Dylann Roof in the deaths of nine people at a South Carolina church : A school resource officer in North Carolina has been placed on leave after a brief video posted online shows him picking up and slamming a female high school student to the ground. A student who was slammed to the ground by a police officer at a North Carolina high school was trying to break up a fight involving her sister, said the 15-year-old who posted video of the incident.

Report: Dems target eight Trump nominees in bid to delay process, get picks to disclose more info

Senate Democrats reportedly plan to attack eight of Republican President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks and stretch their confirmation process from days to perhaps months, despite having essentially no chance of blocking their nominations. The Democratic senators are vowing to make good on their vow unless the nominees start disclosing personal financial information, according to The Washington Post .

Reports: Haley, McMaster being considered for major cabinet positions in Trump admin

Could South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley or Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster be joining the newly-forming administration of President-elect Donald Trump? According to Joe Scarborough, former Florida congressman and host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, sources close to him say Haley is being considered for Secretary of State alongside former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.