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Mideast Watch: Donald Trump’s Peace Plan is Faltering in the Chaos of Gaza (The Economist)
The ceasefire process that began in October as part of a 20-point plan presented by Trump seems stuck in the mud and chaos of Gaza.
In the first phase, Israel withdrew from the populated coastal areas. Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were exchanged. Some aid deliveries resumed. But things have now stalled, The Economist writes.
The second phase of Trump’s plan was meant to include the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), the appointment of a technocratic civilian government and the disarmament of Hamas. So far none of this has happened.
And yet despite all indications that the ceasefire has merely been a transition to a low-level bitter war of attrition, American officials seem convinced that Trump’s plan is moving forward.
He's Back: Jared Kushner Is Everywhere, From Peace Deals to Big Money Deals (Bloomberg)
For a man who vowed to stay out of the political spotlight, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is finding himself very much in its glare.
He helped clinch a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. He has sat across from Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy — separately — in a bid to negotiate a peace deal over Ukraine. And his private equity firm has backed a bid in the politically charged battle for an entertainment empire.
Such engagement might have been expected in Donald Trump’s first administration, where Kushner served as a senior adviser. But it’s a far cry from the future that the president’s son-in-law envisioned just last year, when he told a Miami crowd that he’d stay out of government affairs even if offered a job.
Trump's Christmas Message: 'Things are Better Than You Think' (Axios)
Fiery President Trump — addressing Americans from a holiday-decked White House — insisted the economy is stronger than people think it is and any problems are all Democrats' fault.
It's a message that poll after poll says most voters don't believe.
The big picture: Trump's speech was closer to a Festivus airing of grievances than a Christmas message of hope, as he ran through a litany of problems — inflation, wage growth, the border, and crime.
Watch the full video address here.
The Presidential Historian: A Gallery of Trump's Personal Praise and Putdowns (Politico Playbook)
The “Presidential Walk of Fame” has a new look.
The newly installed line of portraits of past presidents is visible as you stroll along the White House colonnade, directly next to the Rose Garden. It is here that former President Joe Biden's portrait is represented as an autopen signature.
“The plaques are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “As a student of history, many written directly by the President himself.”
Peace Seekers: Mexico and Brazil Offer to Mediate Trump-Maduro Dispute (Bloomberg)
Mexico and Brazil both offered to mediate between the US and Venezuela as President Donald Trump’s tanker blockade increases tension between the two nations.
Today in Brussels: Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to Attend EU Leaders Summit Thursday (Bloomberg)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a European Union leaders’ summit on Thursday in Brussels, as he tries to secure support for a loan backed by Russian assets.
EU
leaders have been trying to finalize the loan for weeks,
aware that Ukraine is quickly running out of money. But the effort has run into strong opposition from Belgium, where most of the immobilized Russian central bank assets are located. The country wants protections against financial liabilities should Moscow retaliate or suddenly win back the assets in court.
This Weekend in Florida: US, Russia to Hold Talks on Ukraine War in Miami (Politico)
Pushback in Congress: US Defense Act Passes in Rebuke to Trump Admin’s Stance on Europe (Financial Times)
The US Congress has passed a defense policy bill that mandates the Pentagon retain at least 76,000 troops in Europe, in a rebuke of President Trump’s threats to scale back commitments to the continent.
Hollywood Tributes: Billy Crystal, Larry David and Others Remember Rob Reiner as a ‘Master Story Teller’ (New York Times)
Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short and several other prominent figures and close friends of Rob Reiner’s released a statement on Tuesday memorializing the Hollywood director, according to The Associated Press.
“His greatest gift was freedom. If you had an idea, he listened, he brought you into the process. They always felt they were working as a team. To be in his hands as a filmmaker was a privilege but that is only part of his legacy," the statement read.
Providence Watch: Police Release New Image as Hunt Continues for Gunman in Brown University Shooting (BBC)
Australia Latest: Suspect in Bondi Beach Massacre Is Charged With Murder and Terrorism (New York Times)
The surviving suspect in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, was charged on Wednesday with murder, terrorism and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, the police said.
The
man, identified in the charge sheet
as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, faces 59 charges in all. He had been in a coma until Tuesday afternoon and remains hospitalized under police guard, according to authorities.
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Award Season Momentum: ‘Sinners,’ ‘Wicked: For Good,’ ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Advance in Oscars Shortlists (Associated Press)
Ryan Coogler’s bluesy vampire thriller “Sinners,” the big screen musical “Wicked: For Good” and the Netflix phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters” are all a step closer to an Oscar nomination.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released shortlists for 12 categories Tuesday, including for best song, score, international and documentary film, cinematography and this year’s new prize, casting.
The lists will narrow when final nominations are announced on Jan. 22. The 98th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET.
Food Assistant: DoorDash Tests AI Social App to Help Users Find Restaurants (Bloomberg)
DoorDash Inc. is experimenting with a standalone artificial intelligence-powered app for users to find new restaurants, expanding its reach beyond its flagship food-delivery service.
The new app, called Zesty, is in public testing in San Francisco and New York, DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang wrote in an X post on Monday.
NYC Holiday Dining Guide: The City's Most Festive Holiday Bars and Restaurants This Season (6SqFt)
Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip on seasonal cocktails or somewhere to enjoy over-the-top holiday-themed decor, New York City offers many options to revel in holiday cheer.
Rolf’s dazzles with its year‑round Christmas decor, featuring thousands of ornaments, dolls, garlands, and twinkling lights that make its festive cocktails feel even more magical. Just a few blocks away, Papillon Bistro channels the spirit of Fifth Avenue with trees, ornaments, and every holiday decoration imaginable filling its warm Midtown East space.
Over in Central Park, the landmarked Tavern on the Green embraces the season with Christmas trees, glowing lights, live jazz, and cozy seasonal drinks. For an outdoor twist, Pier 15’s Watermark transforms into Santa’s Winter Wonderland, complete with candy‑cane hallways, a game room, a candy bar, and heated glass houses overlooking the waterfront.
Across the Pond: London's Most Festive Restaurants Dazzle for the Holidays (The Handbook)
London’s festive dining scene transforms into a sparkling mix
of winter terraces, bauble‑covered paradises, and over‑the‑top holiday displays, offering everything from Alpine lodges to shimmering silver dreamscapes.
Highlights include The Garden at Corinthia London, where an Alpine‑style terrace glows with golden foliage and twinkling lights; 34 Mayfair, which turns into a full‑blown winter fantasia dripping in baubles and champagne‑soaked glamour; and Miracle at Henrietta, the cult‑favorite pop‑up famed for its kitsch décor and wildly creative cocktails.
Across the city, spots like The Montague on the Gardens’ ski lodge, Annabel’s iconic façade, and The Ivy Asia’s glittering silver transformation ensure there’s no shortage of festive magic to indulge in this season.
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