Patch Morning Briefing: Transition Latest, Debbie Reynolds Dies, New National Monuments

Good morning Patchers - Here's a look at some of what you need to know to make it through the day:

TRUMP GIVES MIXED SIGNALS ON WHETHER TRANSITION GOING SMOOTHLY

Is the transition going smoothly? Depends if you believe President-elect Donald Trump's Twitter account or his remarks to reporters. "Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT!" he tweeted. Hours later he told reporters: "I think very, very smoothly." (Politico).

TRUMP TAKES CREDIT FOR PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED JOB CREATION

The company that controls Sprint announced earlier this year that it would invest $50 billion in the U.S. and create 50,000 new jobs. While that announcement followed a meeting with Donald Trump, the plans had been in the work for months. On Wednesday, Trump took credit for 5,000 of the jobs. As part of Sprint's restructuring, it is also eliminating 2,500 other jobs. (New York Times).

QUICK HITS

Happy Ending for Angry Pants-Wearing Dog (Patch)

Queen Latifah's Car Stolen (Patch)

Creator of the Red Solo Cup Has Died (Patch)

'SHE'S WITH CARRIE,' DEBBIE REYNOLDS SON SAYS, ANNOUNCING HER DEATH

One day after Carrie Fisher died, her mother - the equally talented singer, dancer and actress Debbie Reynolds died. She was rushed to the hospital. Her son said the stress of Carrie's death had been too much. Reynolds, who starred in "Singin' in the Rain" and other films, was 84. (Hollywood Reporter and Patch).

JOHN KERRY AND BENJAMIN NETANYAHU TURN UP THE HEAT

The secretary of state gave a nearly 90-minute speech defending the concept of a two-state solution to peace in the Middle East and attacking Israel's insistence on building settlements on the West Bank. (Wall Street Journal).

SENATORS SAY RUSSIA SHOULD BE SANCTIONED OVER HACKS

Three U.S. Senators - John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - called for sanctions against Russia for interfering with the presidential election. They made the call during a visit to Eastern Europe. (Associated Press).

OBAMA CREATES TWO NEW NATIONAL MONUMENTS

President Obama added to his environmental legacy Wednesday, creating two new national monuments - one in Utah and one in Nevada. He has used executive power to create 29 national monuments during his years in office. (Washington Post).

OBAMA MOST ADMIRED MAN IN AMERICA

That's the story from the Gallup Organization, which released its annual poll Wednesday. It was the president's ninth straight year at the top. Trump was a distant second. Both men did better than they did last year. (Patch).

ONE FAMED DELI SALUTES ANOTHER AS IT CLOSES

As the famed Carnegie Deli prepares to serve its last sandwiches on Dec. 31, its storied rival, Katz's, salutes it, saying it is already in mourning. (New York Times).

THURSDAY AGENDA

• Powerful winter storm to hit New England
• Craig Sager-themed pins go on sale benefitting #SagerStrong
• College Bowls Continue with Alamo Bowl: Colorado vs. Oklahoma State

That's what's happening in the world this morning. Thanks for reading - have a great day and see you back here Friday morning - on the Patch.

Photo: RR Auction via Wikimedia Commons