Wednesday's Headlines: White House prepares covert action, sanctions to punish Russia for election hacking

Navy dismissed evidence that 'Fat Leonard' was cheating the service out of millions; Her greatest moments came off-screen; Obituary: Carrie Fisher, 'Star Wars' actress and best-selling author, dies at 60; Fisher, the inspiring mental health advocate: 'I am mentally ill. … I am not ashamed of that'; Israel intensifies battle with U.S. over U.N. resolution on settlements;   The morning's most important stories, selected by Post editors   Top Stories White House prepares covert action, sanctions to punish Russia for election hacking The Obama administration is close to announcing measures to punish Russia for alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, which are expected to include covert action that will probably involve cyber-operations, according to U.S. officials. By Ellen Nakashima  •  Read more » Navy dismissed evidence that 'Fat Leonard' was cheating the service out of millions Documents show the service investigated Singapore-based contractor Leonard Glenn Francis 27 times and closed those cases despite evidence that he was bribing officers with booze, sex and lavish dinners, newly released documents show. By Craig Whitlock  •  Read more »   Carrie Fisher | 1956-2016 Her greatest moments came off-screen APPRECIATION | Carrie Fisher could shoot 'em up with the orneriest space cowboys, but the "Star Wars" icon laughed in the face of truly scary adversity. That will be her most meaningful legacy. By Ann Hornaday  •  Read more »   Obituary: Carrie Fisher, 'Star Wars' actress and best-selling author, dies at 60 Fisher was a Hollywood princess born to Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, two of the biggest stars of the 1950s. She played the iconic Princess Leia and later wrote books about her fight against drug and alcohol addiction. She suffered an apparent heart attack Dec. 23 on a flight between London and Los Angeles and was put on a ventilator in intensive care before she died. By Matt Schudel  •  Read more »   Fisher, the inspiring mental health advocate: 'I am mentally ill. … I am not ashamed of that' Star Wars creator George Lucas cast an actress who reminded him of his fun and honest younger sister. By Michael Cavna  •  Read more »   Israel intensifies battle with U.S. over U.N. resolution on settlements Officials fear that the recent security council measure condemning Israeli settlements as illegal and a barrier to peace could be the start of a wave of international declarations against the country. By Carol Morello and Ruth Eglash  •  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Opinions   Trump has released a malevolent spirit upon the land. Happy new year! By Kathleen Parker  •  Read more »   I watched a populist leader rise in my country. That's why I'm genuinely worried for America. By Miklos Haraszti  •  Read more »   When 'fraud' is just another word for disenfranchisement By Kevin J. Hamilton and Jonathan S. Berkon  •  Read more »   Trump takes a step toward integrity By Editorial Board  •  Read more »   Carrie Fisher: So long, Princess, and thanks By Alexandra Petri  •  Read more »   Our country is bitterly divided. How 'bout a little small talk? By Garrison Keillor  •  Read more » ADVERTISEMENT   More News   Montana governor, legislators condemn plans for white nationalist march The planned march in Whitefish, the town that's home to "alt-right" writer and activist Richard Spencer, is the latest escalation in a controversy that started when Spencer's mother began getting pressure to denounce her son's beliefs or sell her property in the town. By David Weigel  •  Read more » Old school for new age: The underhanded free throw shot finds a place in the NBA Houston Rockets rookie Chinanu Onuaku's underhanded free throw marked the return — after 36 years — of a technique that has drawn snickers from crowds and teammates. By Adam Kilgore  •  Read more » India is spending $525 million to build the world's tallest statue — during a currency crisis When completed, the 630-foot statue honoring a 17th-century Hindu warrior king will be more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. The project has drawn outcry in a country dealing with severe cash shortages. By Rama Lakshmi  •  Read more » Nonprofit leader who called Michelle Obama an 'ape in heels' loses her job Pamela Taylor, who had been the director of a nonprofit in West Virginia, posted the derogatory words about the first lady to social media last month. By Kristine Guerra  •  Read more » Japanese prime minister offers no apology for the past at Pearl Harbor ceremony In the first visit of a Japanese leader to the USS Arizona Memorial, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not apologize for Japan's actions but offered "sincere and everlasting condolences" to the souls of those who died. By Brittany Lyte and David Nakamura  •  Read more » How TV tackled racial issues in the Black Lives Matter era of 2016 When it came to tackling police violence, certain shows, including "Blackish" and "Orange is the New Black," had a more effective approach than others. By Bethonie Butler  •  Read more » Why some of the year's fiercest bathroom battles took place inside the GOP Of the nearly 100 or so bills introduced this year that civil rights and gay rights groups opposed, just eight passed the legislature. Most of the others died in GOP-controlled state legislatures. By Amber Phillips  •  Read more » 'She radiated light:' Friends remember slain D.C. actress Tricia McCauley The 46-year-old actress and yoga instructor, who disappeared on her way to Christmas dinner and later found dead in her car, was remembered by friends for her joy, resolve and serenity. By Rachel Weiner and John Woodrow Cox  •  Read more » The U.S. spends more on health care than any other country. Here’s what we’re buying. Last year, we spent $3.2 trillion on health care, and a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the primary drivers of spending vary considerably. By Carolyn Y. Johnson  •  Read more »         Share Today's Headlines:       Twitter      Facebook Trouble reading? Click here to view in your browser. You received this email because you are signed up for Headlines. For additional free newsletters or to manage your newsletters, click here. We respect your privacy. 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