Record Highs for Christmas, Snow in California, Arrests at "Black Christmas" Chicago Protests, San Diego Police Seek 400-Pound Bearded Woman: A.M. Links

• 

  redwineandpeonies.com

  Record high temperatures were recorded yesterday in New York City and across the Eastern seaboard, but there could be snow in parts of southern California today.

• Two people in Chicago were arrested after clashing with cops during "Black Christmas" protests.
• Other tourists had to move to the side as President Obama and his security entourage hiked up Hawaii's Koko Head Crater Stairs during his Christmas vacation.
• Robert Downey, Jr. was among 91 people pardoned by California Gov. Jerry Brown for "exemplary behavior," and will have his voting rights restored.
• More than 100 people were killed in Nigeria when a gas tanker truck caught fire.
• Police in San Diego are seeking a 400-pound beared woman wanted in a stabbing.

New at Reason.com:

Brickbat: Reason for the Season by Charles Oliver

Admit It. You Just Want Your Own Dictator Calls for "leadership" are unsavory, dangerous, and un-American. by David Harsanyi

Regulation a Sure Bet for Fantasy Games California attorney general asked to clamp down on online sports games. by Steven Greenhut