Trump Picks Callista Gingrich for Ambassador to Switzerland

In announcing his choice of various envoys, including ambassador to Denmark, the president-elect again floated the idea of the United States acquiring Greenland.

Trump Names His Picks for Top Pentagon Roles

They include a billionaire investor who supported Mr. Trump’s campaign, a former official who froze aid to Ukraine and a former executive at Uber.

If You Want to Destroy My Sweater, Hold This Thread as I Walk Away

When something that should be innocuous unravels your world.

‘All In’ Review: A Slight Affair for John Mulaney-Led Comedy About Love

A talented cast has fun in Simon Rich’s Broadway debut, but the minimally staged show doesn’t quite justify the hefty price of tickets.

They Made Over $100,000 in Overtime. Now the N.Y.P.D. Is Cracking Down.

Commissioner Jessica Tisch has reassigned at least 29 officers. Some worked under Jeffrey Maddrey, a high-ranking official who was accused of demanding sex from a subordinate in exchange for overtime.

Short Snooze

Glenn Cook makes his New York Times Crossword debut.

Surfers Return for Rare Big Wave Contest in Hawaii

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held only when conditions are just right. The 45 invited surfers had less than 48 hours to arrive on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on Sunday.

‘Podemos enterrar a cualquiera’: dentro de una máquina de desprestigio de Hollywood

Mensajes privados detallan una supuesta campaña para empañar a Blake Lively después de que acusara a Justin Baldoni de conducta inapropiada en el rodaje de “Romper el círculo”.

Monday Briefing: Al-Assad’s Final Days in Power

Plus, parody as protest in South Korea.

Trump Previews Second Term in Sprawling Speech to Conservative Conference

President-elect Donald J. Trump repeated false claims about immigration and the border, slammed diversity initiatives and discussed the Panama Canal in the 90-minute address.

Wes Moore Given Bronze Star, Nearly 2 Decades After Army Service

The Maryland governor had faced a controversy over whether he had received the medal for his time in Afghanistan.

En las antiguas murallas de Aviñón, mensajes actuales denuncian la ‘cultura de la violación’

Un colectivo feminista, las Amazonas de Aviñón, ha estado cubriendo las murallas de la ciudad con testimonios del juicio de los 51 hombres que fueron condenados en el caso de Gisèle Pelicot.

Trump Picks a Former Treasury Official as His Top Economist

Stephen Miran, who served during Donald Trump’s first term and now works at a hedge fund, has accused the Biden administration of manipulating markets.

Suspect Held After Woman Set on Fire in Subway Car Dies, Police Say

The police said a man was taken into custody. The victim had been seated in a subway car at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station on Sunday morning when a man set her on fire.

Small Plane Crashes Into Buildings in Brazilian City, Killing 10

At least 17 on the ground were hurt, officials said.

How to Cook a Perfect Prime Rib Roast

Step 1: Get an instant-read thermometer. There’s no point in spending money on prime rib if you’re just going to guess when it’s done.

China Wants This Deal to Fail. Don’t Let That Happen.

The Biden administration should approve the proposed $14.9 billion deal with Nippon Steel.

Letter Calling for Tracking People of Color Circulates in an Oregon County

The letter, distributed in Lincoln County, Ore., tells community members to report people who may be undocumented, the sheriff’s office said.

The Differences Between Running a Business and Running the Government

Readers discuss a guest essay arguing that running government like a business would be disastrous. Also: Liberalism; a tech court; aging gracefully.

On ‘S.N.L.,’ Tom Hanks Inducts Martin Short Into the Five-Timers Club

Short, the host, was accompanied by Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, John Mulaney and others, while the Weekend Update hosts riffed on Luigi Mangione and the drone sightings.

The Enigma of Bob Dylan

We cover a new film about the singer-songwriter.

The Sunday Read: ‘The Alienation of Jaime Cachua’

His friends and family members in Rome, Ga., voted to support mass deportation. Now he’s scrambling to stay in the country.

We’ve Misunderstood Human Nature for 100 Years

It’s a source of today’s intense political animosity.

The Connections Companion No. 561

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

Like Kennedy, I Recovered From Heroin Addiction. I Don’t Agree With His Approach.

America can’t go backward on drug policy.

A Picturesque New England Town’s Debt to the Right Whale

We owe it to the right whale — and to so many other species — to reconstruct what our own history has taken from them.

Wordle Review No. 1,283

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

Germany Tries to Untangle Complex Profile of Market Attack Suspect

The authorities said they were struggling to understand the motives behind ramming a car into a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg, which left a 9-year-old boy among the five dead.

Los surfistas cristianos, entre las olas y la Biblia

Christian Surfers, un grupo de misioneros que practican surf, se ha expandido a una remota parte de Costa Rica, donde la gente acude buscando la “ola perfecta”. ¿Y quizá un poco de Jesús?

‘Lion King’ Prequel Falls Prey to ‘Sonic’ at the Box Office

“Mufasa: The Lion King” sputtered in second place at theaters in the United States and Canada. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was No. 1.

Precios obscenos, menor calidad: el mercado de lujo está en declive

Las marcas de lujo han desencadenado su propia espiral de decadencia al vender productos excesivamente caros, sobreexpuestos y de menor calidad.

Why Are So Many Christians So Cruel?

It’s a simple question with a complicated answer.

These Spiritual Democrats Urge Their Party to Take a Leap of Faith

In a party that has grown less religious, some prominent Democrats say discussing their deepest beliefs can be a way to connect — when it’s authentic.

What’s the Secret to Choosing a Good Airplane Movie?

You’re about to get on a long flight home, and the options seem overwhelming. Here’s the strategy our critic recommends.

Refugees Are Bracing for Trump to Cut the Resettlement Program Again

As Donald J. Trump returns to office, the rebuilt program is under threat. Many vulnerable people approved for resettlement in the U.S. could be stranded abroad.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on ‘Mufasa’ and the Secret to a Disney Hit

The “Hamilton” creator, who crafted the soundtrack for the new prequel to “The Lion King,” reflects on writing songs that have a universal appeal.

The New Climate Gold Rush: Scrubbing Carbon From the Sky

Investors are betting that they can make a dent in global warming, and healthy profits, with companies that alter the atmosphere.

Best Classical Music Albums of 2024

Listen to selections from recordings of a new John Adams opera, Chopin études by Yunchan Lim, Brahms works by Igor Levit and more.

Behold! ‘Christmas Adam’ Is Born.

First there was Christmas Eve … and then a new celebration was created.

Why Is It So Hard to Make a Robot Chef?

Restaurants are experimenting with automation. But in the kitchen, human labor is hard to replace.

Kennedy Wants to Overhaul the F.D.A. Here’s How Experts Would Change It.

While some agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that the agency needs reform, their ideas for fixing it are very different from his.

It Can Be Lonely to Have a Middle-of-the Road Opinion on the Middle East

Some college students and faculty members are seeking space for nuanced perspectives on the Israel-Hamas war on deeply divided campuses.

How French Crown Jewels Ended Up in New Jersey

When the French state scandalously sold off most of its crown jewels, Tiffany bought a third of them.

From the Surf to the Sermon: The Christian Surfers of Costa Rica

A group of missionaries who surf have expanded to a remote part of Costa Rica, where people come from afar looking for the “perfect wave.” And maybe a little Jesus?

Why One of the World’s Most Elusive Writers Still Haunts Readers

Newly translated letters reveal the inner life of Paul Celan, offering clues to his enigmatic poems.

Fighting to Avoid Her Mother’s Fate, for Her Daughters’ Sake

A mutant gene is coming to steal Linde Jacobs’s mind. Can she find a way to stop it?

How Airlines Pick the Movies on Your Flights

Sure, everyone likes “Barbie.” But who knew that “Cats” would be a hit at 35,000 feet?

Cómo hablar con un ser querido sobre su consumo de alcohol

Hay formas de tratar el tema con éxito: todo depende del momento, el lugar y el tono.

Times Company v. Sullivan: The Case That Helped Make Modern Libel Law

L.B. Sullivan sued The New York Times over a civil rights fund-raising advertisement. The Supreme Court ruled against him in 1964.

Favorite Outfits From Around the World

Three continents, six countries, seven cities and endless inspiration.

Let’s Agree to Disagree

Some readers have their own opinions about the workplace advice that this columnist doled out over the past six months.

When the Bar Mitzvah Boy Is 90

In 1947, Ron Eliran’s 13th birthday in the British Mandate for Palestine was canceled when authorities called a curfew. Now, 77 years later, he has officially become a man.

Lo que Alice Munro sabía

El marido de la reconocida escritora, galardonada con el Nobel de Literatura, era un pedófilo que agredió a su hija y a otros menores. ¿Por qué ella guardó silencio?

‘Before We Got to the Park, Kali Mentioned the Northern Lights’

Regret over missing a rare occurrence, a nostalgic stroll and more reader tales of New York City in this week’s Metropolitan Diary.

Spelling Bee Forum

Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

¿Los drones de Amazon están por fin listos para un despliegue masivo?

Una reciente visita al renovado programa de reparto con drones de la compañía en Arizona me dejó impresionado por los drones, pero con dudas sobre si el público los recibirá bien.

El ascenso y caída de Justin Trudeau

En sus 10 años de gobierno como primer ministro de Canadá, ha pasado de ser el glamuroso abanderado del mundo liberal al blanco de las bromas de Donald Trump.

A 1,000-Year-Old Seed Grows in Israel

For 14 years, scientists have been growing a tree akin to the Judean balsam — the source of the balm of Gilead — but with no modern counterpart.

Things Are Terrible in Europe, and They’re Only Going to Get Worse

The continent’s parlous economy and ascendant far right foretell a grim future.

U.S. Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Red Sea by Apparent Friendly Fire

A U.S. Navy ship mistakenly fired at the F/A-18, whose two pilots were safely recovered, the military said.

Memes, Jokes and Cats: South Koreans Use Parody for Political Protest

As South Koreans took to the streets this month demanding the ousting of their president, some found an unexpected outlet to express their fury.

A Cultural Casualty of the War in Ukraine: ‘The Nutcracker’

Lithuania’s national opera house had stopped showing Tchaikovsky’s 1892 masterpiece in solidarity with Ukraine over the war with Russia. Then a new minister expressed fondness for the Russian composer, igniting a furor.

After Military Took Power, Terrorist Attacks Only Got Worse

In the West African nation of Niger, killings by insurgents have surged since the military seized power in a coup, expelled U.S. and European troops and stopped negotiations with Islamist groups.

The Art of the Gift: Jenny Lewis

The Rilo Kiley and Postal Service singer says that her “philosophy in life is ‘one up from the cheapest.’”

Quotation of the Day: Traditions Overlap as Christmas Meets Hanukkah

Quotation of the Day for Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Corrections: Dec. 22, 2024

Corrections that appeared in print on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Drove Pickup Into Texas Mall, Injuring 5

The police said the man was being investigated for possible drunken driving but instead of stopping, he smashed his pickup truck into a J.C. Penney.

Trump Appoints ‘The Apprentice’ Producer as Special Envoy to Britain

Mark Burnett and President-elect Donald J. Trump had a long and successful collaboration that made Mr. Trump a household name.

University of California Resolves Civil Rights Complaints Over Gaza Protests

Five schools agreed to changes after reports that they failed to protect students from antisemitism and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination.

Congress Approves Spending Package After Political Drama

President Biden signed the spending bill early on Saturday, ensuring that there would be no lapse in government funding.

Germany Mourns After Christmas Market Attack

Germans visited a memorial in Magdeburg, Germany, for the at least five people killed and more than 200 injured at a Christmas market, after an attacker drove a vehicle into a crowd.

Dropped From Spending Bill, Cancer Research and D.C. Stadium Measures Revived by Senate

Two bills on pediatric cancer research and a football stadium site had been left out of the main spending package, but passed early Saturday as separate legislation.

Atmospheric Rivers Will Drench the West Coast

A parade of storms is expected to heighten the flood risk in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California over the next week.

Go With the Flow

Adrian Johnson brings his themeless acumen to a larger arena.

‘A Gift to Everyone’: A Wisconsin Community Mourns a School Shooting Victim

Rubi Patricia Vergara was one of two victims killed in Madison this past week. At a memorial service, she was remembered as an empathetic teenager with a passion for music and art.

Lee Edwards, Historian of the Conservative Movement, Dies at 92

In his books about Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater and other figures on the right, he was, one observer said, “a keeper of the flame and spreader of the gospel.”

Rickey Henderson, Baseball’s Flamboyant ‘Man of Steal,’ Dies at 65

Widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history, he was not just one of the game’s most exciting players but also one of its most eccentric.

Iran’s Energy Crisis Hits ‘Dire’ Point as Industries Are Forced to Shut Down

Although Iran has one of the biggest supplies of natural gas and crude oil in the world, it finds itself in a full blown energy emergency, coming just as it also suffers major geopolitical setbacks.

Homeless Woman Going Into Labor Is Cited for Violating Camping Ban

Body-camera footage shows an officer from the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky detain the woman, who gave birth later that day.

Deception and Betrayal: Inside the Final Days of the Assad Regime

President Bashar al-Assad, who wielded fear and force over Syria for more than two decades, fled the country under the cover of night — and a fake political address.

Israel-Gaza Strikes

Israel-Gaza Strikes

Fuerzas de seguridad de Guatemala allanan un complejo de una secta judía acusada de trata de personas

Las autoridades dijeron que al menos 160 niños y adolescentes podrían haber sido víctimas de varios delitos en una granja dirigida por Lev Tahor, una secta ultraortodoxa.

Germany Bulked Up Christmas Market Security. An Attack Still Happened.

The latest deadly assault on a beloved German tradition illustrates the challenge of holiday safety.

Cómo ver la lluvia de meteoros de las Úrsidas

Este acontecimiento astronómico, que coincide con el solsticio de invierno, a menudo se pasa por alto debido al frío invernal, pero es una de las últimas lluvias de meteoros de 2024.

The Waging of an Alleged Smear Campaign Against Blake Lively

The movie “It Ends With Us” starring Blake Lively was a huge box office hit, even as rumors spread of turmoil behind the scenes. Private messages detail a campaign to tarnish Lively after she accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct on set. Megan Twohey, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, explains.

El Congreso de EE. UU. aprueba la prórroga del presupuesto, poniendo fin a la crisis del cierre

La medida, aprobada poco después de la medianoche, pospuso las principales decisiones de gasto a 2025 y a los primeros meses del gobierno entrante de Donald Trump

Donald Trump Is Vulnerable

His win did not upend the rules of American politics or render him immune to political misfortune.

Biden Signs Spending Bill, Finalizing End to Shutdown Drama

President Biden’s signature, while technically coming after the midnight deadline for a shutdown, ensured that there would be no lapse in government funding.

Amazon Warehouse Workers in New York City Join Protest

The workers’ union hopes that adding employees at the Staten Island warehouse to a protest started by delivery drivers will increase pressure on Amazon.

Party City to Close All Stores by February, Company Says

In an internal letter, the company said inflation and changes in consumer spending had forced it to shut its more than 700 stores.

Get Ready for Oohs and Aahs

Clare de Boer’s rice and squash bombe makes a glorious vegetarian centerpiece or a show-stealing side for a roast or braise.

Read the Complaint

Blake Lively v. Wayfarer Studios LLC et al

Read the Statement

Statement to The New York Times from Bryan Freedman, attorney for Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and all its representatives.

‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine

Private messages detail an alleged campaign to tarnish Blake Lively after she accused Justin Baldoni of misconduct on the set of “It Ends With Us.”

Top Uniformed N.Y.P.D. Officer Resigns After Abuse Allegations

Jeffrey Maddrey demanded sexual favors, according to subordinates, and the federal authorities are investigating. He had previously been accused of harassment on the job.

Pope Francis’ Christmas Message to His Top Advisers: Don’t Gossip

Francis urged the Vatican inner circle to bless more and talk less badly of others. It wasn’t the first time he had used the occasion to scold them.

As Drugstores Close, Older People Are Left in ‘Pharmacy Deserts’

Shuttered drugstores pose a particular threat to older adults, who take more medications than younger people and often rely on pharmacies for advice.

From Inflation to Bitcoin, 9 Charts That Explain 2024

Rate cuts, stock surges, and Trump’s tariff threats are among the biggest forces shaping business and the economy.

Heroes in Their Twilight Years, and Still in the Spotlight

Justice Thomas Did Not Disclose Additional Trips, Democrats Say

The revelation was included in a report by Democratic staff members on the Senate Judiciary Committee who had conducted a 20-month investigation into ethics practices at the Supreme Court.

Religion Has Been in Decline. This Christmas Seems Different.

Why religious trends in the later 2020s might be different from the trends of the 2010s.

Hollywood Is Desperate for Movie Stars. This Year, the Cavalry Arrived.

For decades, the film industry seemed to forget how to mint new male matinee idols. Then came a much-needed windfall.

A Conversation About the Virgin Birth That Maybe Wasn’t

The scholar Elaine Pagels discusses her research about ancient accounts suggesting that Jesus’ father might have been a Roman.

For Some, a Silver Lining in Alzheimer’s Caregiving

Readers discuss a guest essay by a woman who finds things to cherish in caring for her dad.

Why I Would Never Donate Sperm in the United States

Children deserve better than to feel left in the dark against their will.

Your Favorite Things

Today, your highly personal, hyperspecific best-ofs of 2024.

In Top Minister’s Resignation, Shades of an Earlier Political Crisis for Trudeau

Chrystia Freeland’s departure this week recalls the 2019 SNC-Lavalin affair, in which Jody Wilson-Raybould quit Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet after a demotion.

Wordle Review No. 1,282

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

The Connections Companion No. 560

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

André 3000 Performs in the New York Times Newsroom

After an interview on The Times’s Popcast podcast, André 3000 and the band behind “New Blue Sun” — featuring Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau, Carlos Niño and Deantoni Parks — performed an improvised piece in the newsroom.

After This Interview, André 3000 Performed in Our Newsroom

The rapper-turned-flutist improvised in the middle of The Times’ office following a wide-ranging conversation on Popcast.

André 3000 Performs Surprise Concert in The NY Times Newsroom

André 3000 and the band behind “New Blue Sun” — featuring Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau, Carlos Niño and Deantoni Parks — perform in The Times’ newsroom.

Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense.

The star of “The Chosen” discusses his early struggles in Hollywood, fans who conflate him with his character and how his own faith informs his work.

Jonathan Roumie Plays Jesus to Millions. It Can Get Intense.

The star of “The Chosen” discusses his early struggles in Hollywood, fans who conflate him with his character and how his own faith informs his work.

Redefiniendo la inclusión: un restaurante encuentra la fuerza en la neurodivergencia

Un popular restaurante de Buenos Aires está formado casi en su totalidad por trabajadores neurodivergentes aprovechando un talento que a menudo se pasa por alto y aprovechando sus habilidades.

In ‘Mrs. Stern’ and ‘Racecar,’ Humans Keep Repeating Their Worst Mistakes

Pernicious patterns figure heavily in two thought-provoking plays on small Manhattan stages.

Hitting Home for the Holidays: A Jump in Egg Prices

Costs have soared again amid a bird flu outbreak, bringing renewed attention to the fact that while inflation is cooling, prices are still elevated.

From Liberal Icon to MAGA Joke: The Waning Fortunes of Justin Trudeau

Canada’s prime minister gained global renown 10 years ago for his unabashedly progressive politics. But at home, voters turned sour on him long ago.

What Is It About the Doechii Aesthetic?

Intentionally visible face tape, braids as scalp-to-scalp tethers: Recent looks by the Grammy-nominated rapper have inspired fascination and at least one nail-art tribute.

The Best Holiday Brunches Start With This Supermarket Ingredient

Turn store-bought croissants into so much more with these effortless recipes for a crowd.

For Pedro Almodóvar’s Movies, the Poster Tells Its Own Story

The filmmaker has long collaborated with the graphic designer Juan Gatti to make alluring posters for his films, including one for his latest, “The Room Next Door.”

The Gym in My Apartment Building Is SO LOUD! What Can I Do?

It’s possible that a gym isn’t even allowed in your building. If it is, it cannot violate the noise code, the warranty of habitability or the lease.

Is ‘People Pleasing’ Giving You Money Problems? Here’s How to Fix Things.

Spending money to avoid conflict or gain social acceptance can ruin your finances. Some self-reflection and support from professionals can help turn things around.

A Restaurant Is More Than a Workplace for People Often Shunned by Employers

A popular restaurant in Buenos Aires is staffed almost entirely by workers with neurological challenges, tapping into often-overlooked talent and harnessing their skills.

This Chrismukkah, Latkes and Eggnog Go Together

The first night of Hanukkah and Christmas Day converge for the first time since 2005. What are families who celebrate both to do?

Kyle Mooney on Divorced-Dad Music

The “Saturday Night Live” alum and director of the new horror-comedy movie “Y2K” talks yacht rock, Cheez-Its and “cat” videos.

Death on the Night Shift at Frozen Pizza Factories in Chicago

Undocumented workers help feed America’s hunger for prepared foods, but some take jobs with staffing agencies that expose them to hazardous conditions.

The Black Blackface Performer Who History Tries to Forget

Bert Williams, the first modern Black entertainment star, was born 150 years ago. The contradictions at the heart of his career are still relevant today.

How Will Ukraine Keep the Lights on This Winter?

The Ukrainian energy network has been so battered by Russian attacks that officials are seeking out new options to prevent a crisis, like renting floating power plants and scavenging scrapped ones from the region.

After the Wedding Day, These Artifacts Remain

We recently asked readers to tell us about the one saved item from their wedding day, or the time leading up to it, that they still cherished today. Here are 10 sentimental stories.

The Fight to Save Googie, the Style of Postwar Optimism

The car-centric architectural style, characterized by neon signs and dramatic rooflines, is now endangered. Its admirers mourn the loss of the ideals it represented.

Band-Aid Over a Bullet Wound

Getting shot, and trying to keep it a secret.

Googie, a Futuristic Style of Architecture, Is Endangered

Googie architecture is a midcentury design style characterized by dramatic rooflines, pops of color, large glass windows and flashy signs. Anna Kodé, a reporter covering design and culture for the Real Estate section of The New York Times, describes the efforts by preservationists to save examples of the distinctive style.

What Do We Want From the Mall?

Decades after mega retail centers became a shorthand for bland suburbia, there may be some hope for them yet.

He’s the Only 3-Michelin-Starred Chef in Seoul. Don’t Cross Him.

Anh Sung-jae went to America as a 13-year-old, joined the Army, went to culinary school and opened a top restaurant in San Francisco. Now back home in South Korea, he’s a Netflix star.

How to (Gently) Set Boundaries During the Holidays

Experts share tips for minimizing irritation and avoiding intrusive questions.

Audiobooks to Cook (or Eat) To, From Ina Garten to David Chang

These culinary coming-of-age tales are movable feasts for the gluttonous listener.

3-Minute Christmas Market Rampage Shakes Germany

At least five people, including a 9-year-old child, were killed in the attack, which took place in the eastern city of Magdeburg. The authorities are still seeking a motive.

¿Cuáles son las opciones políticas de Justin Trudeau?

El primer ministro de Canadá se ha enfrentado a críticas de la oposición por algunas de sus políticas sobre la pandemia y la economía.

Un solsticio del alma

El corresponsal de asuntos cósmicos del Times se retira, pero no quita los ojos de las estrellas.

Mi hijo se fue, pero nuestra conversación continúa

Cada noche le escribo en un diario a mi hijo de 12 años y continúo una conversación que iniciamos apenas tres días antes de que muriera inesperadamente.

New York Is Putting Trash in Bins. Some People Have a Problem With That.

Citywide rules now require more buildings to place trash bags inside containers for pickup. Many New Yorkers are thrilled to see fewer rats, but some are discovering new headaches.

How the Founder of a Fruit Jelly Snack Company Spends Her Sundays

Sophia Cheng, the founder of Oddball, takes a snack tour around the city, breaks for tennis and wards off the Sunday scaries with Channing Tatum.

Spelling Bee Forum

Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

Su familia y amigos votaron por Trump. Ahora él lucha por quedarse en EE. UU.

Jaime Cachua llegó de México a Georgia cuando era un bebé. Aunque es muy querido por su comunidad, la mayor parte de ella votó por las deportaciones masivas.

¿El caso de los hermanos Menendez podría cambiar nuestra comprensión del abuso?

Ahora la sociedad sabe más sobre el abuso, pero, desafortunadamente para los hermanos, la defensa social rara vez trae consigo un cambio judicial en Estados Unidos.

Congress Approves Full Social Security Benefits for Public Sector Retirees

The popular measure gives full benefits to millions of people who currently receive them at a reduced level. Critics warn the $196 billion cost will speed up the program’s insolvency.

Terrorism Roars Back in Pakistan, 10 Years After a Campaign to End It

Political instability, dwindling public support and economic constraints are eroding the costly gains that the country made in combating militancy after a school attack in 2014.

For Syria’s Economy, the Way Forward Starts With Sanctions Relief

Years of strife ruined the energy sector, battered the currency and strangled growth. The West must ease financial controls to help the economy, experts say.

The Winter Solstice Is Upon Us. Here Comes the Sun Bread.

A joyful baked creation, taken from a children’s book, celebrates the return of longer days.

Quote of the Day: When Your $3 Million Cello Is Bumped From Your Flight

Quotation of the Day for Saturday, December 21, 2024

Houthi Missile Strikes Tel Aviv as Attacks Increase

The Israeli military said several people were lightly injured after its air defenses failed to intercept the projectile, which struck a playground in the city.

What’s Next for Google’s Search Monopoly

The federal judge who ruled Google was a monopolist in search is weighing his options to fix the monopoly. Here’s what happens now.

Google Proposes Fix to Solve Search Monopoly

The search giant’s proposals included allowing flexibility for companies and consumers in choosing a search engine.

Chicago Board of Education Votes to Fire Leader of City’s School System

The job status of Pedro Martinez, the chief executive of Chicago Public Schools, had been in doubt for months amid tension with Mayor Brandon Johnson.

It’s a Little Shady

Barbara Lin and Lewis Rothlein’s puzzle packs the right amount of punch.

Corrections: Dec. 21, 2024

Corrections that appeared in print on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

¿Quién manda en Washington durante la transición de Biden y Trump?

Donald Trump aún no ha tomado posesión de su cargo, pero el presidente electo y Elon Musk ya están influyendo en la política, poniendo al gobierno federal a horas de un cierre.

Guatemalan Officials Raid Compound of Jewish Sect and Remove Dozens of Minors

The authorities said at least 160 children and teenagers might have been the victims of human trafficking and other crimes on a farm run by Lev Tahor, an ultra-Orthodox sect.

In Search of Loved Ones, Syrian Women Face Horror of Assad’s Regime

In Syria, women begin to pick up the pieces of a broken nation.

The Best Movies About Politics (According to You)

Tired of real politics? Try the silver screen instead.

Congress Approves Spending Extension, Ending Shutdown Crisis

The Senate passed the measure and sent it to President Biden’s desk, shortly after the midnight deadline for funding to lapse.

White Judge Who Threatened to Shoot Black Teens at Party Resigns

Justice Erin P. Gall of Oneida County, N.Y., faced removal from office after a judicial commission found that she engaged in a “racially offensive, profane” tirade at a high school graduation party.

In Late Push, Senate Democrats Narrowly Top Trump on Judicial Confirmations

With the vote, the Senate approved its 235th lifetime judge of President Biden’s tenure, besting his predecessor by a single judgeship.

Lynsey Addario Syria Homepage promo

Lynsey Addario Syria Homepage promo

U.S. Prisons Flout Law by Keeping Inmates Past Release Date, A.C.L.U. Says

Tens of thousands of prisoners deemed to be at low risk of committing crimes again have languished in lockup for as long as a year after they reached their release date under the First Step Act.

Ann Rockefeller Roberts, Champion of Native Americans, Dies at 90

The eldest daughter of Nelson Rockefeller, she founded a nonprofit to support Indigenous culture and helped fill two institutions with artifacts.

The House Voted to Avert a Government Shutdown

Also, Canada’s leader suffered another setback. Here’s the latest at the end of Friday.

How Many People Did Cyclone Chido Actually Kill on a French Island?

Officials have said that the death toll in Mayotte, currently at 35, could end up in the thousands. But in the capital, there were no scenes of public mourning and little talk of searches for missing loved ones.

Troy Masters, Pioneering L.G.B.T.Q. Journalist, Dies at 63

He was at the helm of several influential publications, notably Gay City News in New York City and, since 2017, The Los Angeles Blade.

Suspect in C.E.O. Killing to Be Arraigned on State Charges Monday

Luigi Mangione faces terror and murder charges in New York court. A federal prosecution is proceeding in parallel.

Missouri Governor Commutes Sentence of Detective Convicted in On-Duty Killing

Eric J. DeValkenaere was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb. Calls for clemency angered many in Kansas City, Mo.

The Budget Fight and Trump’s Nihilistic Style

A surprise congressional standoff remind us that big, discordant changes could be coming.

G.O.P. Spending Hawks Defy Trump on the Debt Limit, Previewing More Clashes

President-elect Donald J. Trump is known for his tight grip on members of his party, but the rare rejection of his demand to suspend the debt limit reflected a disconnect that could plague his policy agenda.

At Luigi Mangione’s Perp Walk, Mayor Eric Adams Appeared Stage Right

In widely seen images, Mayor Eric Adams was behind Mr. Mangione, a murder suspect, when he arrived in Manhattan. Some questioned the mayor’s motives.

Jewish School in Toronto Is Targeted for a Third Time

Canadian ministers will convene a meeting with the police to discuss antisemitism, after attacks at Jewish establishments in Toronto and Montreal this week.

Why Have So Many Canadians Turned on Justin Trudeau?

Allies and opponents alike are calling for him to resign as prime minister.

Marisa Paredes, icono del cine español, muere a los 78 años

Actriz prolífica, era mundialmente conocida por su trabajo con el cineasta Pedro Almodóvar, con quien tuvo una relación por momentos tensa.

Driver Plows a Car Into a Christmas Market in Germany

At least two people were killed and dozens were wounded after a car rammed into a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg in central Germany on Friday evening.

Cathy Cade, Groundbreaking Lesbian Photographer, Dies at 82

She became a photographer the same year she came out, chronicling the lives of women in same-sex relationships — something most people had never seen.

Democrats highlight a casualty of the spending fight: funding to combat pediatric cancer.

The spending deal Musk helped kill included an X-backed bill to help victims of deepfake porn

Biden Administration Weighs Putting Up Roadblocks to Trump’s Deportation Campaign

The administration may extend protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants whose legal status is set to expire near the start of the Trump administration.

Michael Brewer, Whose ‘One Toke’ Was a Big Hit, Is Dead at 80

The duo Brewer & Shipley reached the Top 10 in 1971 with “One Toke Over the Line,” a ditty about marijuana that ran afoul of Nixon-era censors.

F.D.A. Approves Weight Loss Drug to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Zepbound is the first prescription drug approved specifically to treat the common condition.

A Shutdown’s Economic Toll: Less Spending, More Uncertainty

A short lapse in funding would probably do only modest damage. But it could send a troubling signal about government dysfunction.

Trump amenaza a Europa con aranceles. ¿Está preparada?

El presidente electo prometió “aranceles hasta el final” si Europa no compra más petróleo y gas estadounidenses. Los funcionarios europeos no tienen una estrategia clara para evitar una guerra comercial.

The 10 Architectural Sites You Should See in São Paulo

These buildings and places capture the city’s playful approach to concrete-and-asphalt Modernism.

The Other Game

At the DealBook Summit, seven sports stars and experts discussed how building a brand as an athlete has changed.

The Trinidadian Christmas Staple Worth the Yearlong Wait

Chow chow, a bright and bracing pickled relish, is essential to the holiday table in Trinidad and Tobago — and the perfect accompaniment to ham.

Why Luigi Mangione Faces 2 Murder Cases Tied to One Killing

Federal and state prosecutors will follow a delicate legal choreography after characterizing Mr. Mangione’s actions differently in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson.

Biden Withdraws Proposed Regulations on Student Loans and Trans Athletes

The decision to withdraw the regulations seemed to be an acknowledgment that they would go nowhere under the Trump administration.

Police Respond to Vehicle Ramming Attack at German Christmas Market

Emergency responders attended to an incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday.

Naomi Feil Developed a Radical Approach to Caring for Dementia Patients

She believed that people with dementia were desperate to connect.

The Orphaned Sea Otter Who Became a Foster Mom to 15 Pups

Despite never having had offspring of her own, she was an instinctive caregiver.

Wafa Al-Udaini Captured the Experiences of Palestinians From Within

As a journalist, she was determined to tell a story of Gaza that was full of life.

How Wally Amos Lost It All — and Found Something New in the Wreckage

He made his cookies — and himself — “famous.”

Were Pete Rose’s Sins Ahead of His Time?

Banned from Major League Baseball, he turned his disgrace into a personal brand.

Angela Bofill Sang What She Could Until the End

She was a musical virtuoso who never quite got her due.

Hettie Jones Helped Kickstart New York’s Beat Scene

Despite her husband's betrayal, she recreated herself as the writer she always was.

Peter Buxtun Refused to Give Up

For years, he tried to expose the Tuskegee syphilis study – but no one would listen.

Janice Burgess Combined High Culture With Childish Delight

In “The Backyardigans,” she created a world for kids as wildly sophisticated as her own.

Bob Newhart’s Comedy Left a Lot Unsaid

For him, comedy became a form of therapy.

The Rise and Fall of Ivan Boesky, Notorious Inside Trader

He was seen as greed incarnate — and never said otherwise.

Dr. Ruth and Phil Donahue Answered Life’s Big Questions

Together, they told us everything we wanted to know about sex.

Eleanor Coppola’s Frustrated Ambitions

Her own filmmaking aspirations were thwarted by domestic life. Her daughter’s would not be.

Shelley Duvall Made Her Mark Well Before ‘The Shining’

She redefined how an actress was supposed to be — and then she left Hollywood.

Paul Auster’s Life and Work Were Marked by Death

He knew that tragedy comes for us all.

How Edward Stone Resolved NASA’s Scientific Turf Wars

To run a scientific expedition that travels billions of miles, it takes more than great engineers — it takes a great manager as well.

When Willie Mays Was Banned From Baseball

The strange, sad period when the Hall of Famer was exiled from his sport.

Flashback: Your Weekly History Quiz, Dec. 21, 2024

Can you sort 8 historical events?

Michaela DePrince Danced as if She Were Sprinkled With Pixie Dust

As a professional ballerina, she inhabited the world of fairy tales. It’s tempting to read her real life as one too.

Mary Weiss Influenced Musicians From the Ramones to Amy Winehouse

Her singing career began and ended before she turned 20.

See Which Government Workers Would be Impacted if a Spending Bill Doesn’t Pass

Some workers would be forced to report to work, while others would be furloughed.

Frankie Beverly Created America’s No. 1 Cookout Song

How the R&B hit ‘Before I Let Go’ became an enduring anthem.

She Turned in Her ‘Star Trek’ License Plates, but the Tickets Kept Coming

Beda Koorey, 75, returned personalized plates inspired by the identifying tag on the U.S.S. Enterprise to New York State in 2020. She has since been inundated with tickets for others who used the same tag.

Jerry West Was the N.B.A.’s Tortured Genius

One of the world’s greatest basketball players, he thought of himself as a loser.

James Earl Jones Found His Voice Through Silence

After refusing to talk for most of his childhood, he discovered the power in performance.

Gena Rowlands Refused to Play the Traditional Woman

She worried that marriage would ruin her acting career. Instead, it fueled one of the most dynamic partnerships in film history.

Key Ally Abandons Trudeau in Fresh Blow to His Government

The leader of the party that supported Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party vowed to bring down the government, saying Mr. Trudeau had failed Canada.

The Lives They Lived

Remembering some of the artists, innovators and thinkers we lost in the past year.

2024: The Year in Visual Stories and Graphics.

Selected Times graphics, visualizations and multimedia stories published this year. All free to read for a limited time.

The Best Friends They Left Behind

The beloved pets of some of the notable people we lost this year.

OpenAI Unveils New A.I. That Can ‘Reason’ Through Math and Science Problems

The artificial intelligence start-up said the new system, OpenAI o3, outperformed leading A.I. technologies on tests that rate skills in math, science, coding and logic.

Cierre del gobierno de EE. UU.: lo que hay que saber si vas a viajar

La inacción del Congreso podría afectar los planes de decenas de millones de estadounidenses que viajan debido a las fiestas de diciembre.

Driver Rams Christmas Market in Germany, Killing at Least 2 in Suspected Attack

Video showed a car plowing into a large crowd in the city of Magdeburg. The driver, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian citizen who worked as a doctor, was arrested.

The Fate of This Federal Program Helps Explain Trump’s Win

It was a cushion for workers hurt by free trade. Why did Congress let it lapse?

The World Is Falling Apart. Should I Scrap My Plans to Have Kids?

The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on family planning in uncertain times.

Marisa Paredes, Acclaimed in Almodóvar Films, Is Dead at 78

An esteemed Spanish actress, she was best known for her work in Pedro Almodóvar’s movies like “All About My Mother.” But their relationship was stormy.

As RFK Jr. Pursues Bid for Health Secretary, Federal Authorities Begin Campaign for Childhood Vaccines

“Parents have heard so much misinformation,” Kaye Hayes, a federal infectious disease official, said in a statement announcing the campaign. “Many of them are overwhelmed.”

Indiana Man Sentenced to 130 Years for Killing 2 Teenage Girls

Richard Allen, of Delphi, Ind., received the maximum sentence, concluding a case that came to be known as the Delphi Murders. His lawyers plan to appeal.

Trump Moves to Replace Officials Whom New Presidents Traditionally Leave Alone

Congress devised some positions to stay on during changes in administrations. But Donald Trump has declared his intent to replace at least three.

French Court Convicts 8 People Tied to Events That Led to Teacher’s Killing

Samuel Paty was beheaded in 2020 by an Islamist extremist after showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his students to illustrate free speech.

Russia’s Abrupt Setback in Syria Creates Headaches for Putin

Losing Syrian military bases would hurt the Kremlin’s attempts to project power in the Middle East and Africa.

Five Books That Explain the Chaos of 2024

And one to read for fun.

Trump Used Government Shutdowns as Leverage During His First Presidency

A partial government shutdown in Donald J. Trump’s first term was the longest in U.S. history.

In Memoriam: The Musicians We Lost in 2024

Hear songs from Quincy Jones, Melanie and Toby Keith.

Matteo Salvini Acquitted After Blocking Rescue of Migrant Boat in Italy

The deputy prime minister and the leader of the far-right League party claimed he was a victim in the fight against illegal immigration that has swept across Europe.

We Need a Great American Fantasy

In search of a New World answer to Narnia and Hogwarts.

E.P.A. Administrator Michael Regan to Depart at End of December

Mr. Regan informed agency employees that he would leave before the formal end of the Biden term.

Virginia Student Accused of Plot to Attack Israeli Consulate in New York

A freshman at George Mason University, who is a citizen of Egypt, was arrested on Tuesday after being accused of planning an attack.

21 Movies, Books and Albums With a Theater Focus to Consume During the Holidays

Make it through the holidays with these movies, books and music from the past year that are adapted from stage productions or evoke a theatrical spirit.

Would You Wear Jeans at the Gym?

Frequent images of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others lifting weights in jeans and boots raise the question of what can be classified as proper gym attire.

Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas Love Song, and 12 More New Holiday Tunes

Hear tracks from Bartees Strange, Madi Diaz, GloRilla and Kehlani, and others.

Investigadores descubren un ratón que nada y muchas especies más en la selva de Perú

En una expedición de 38 días por la remota región de Alto Mayo, amenazada por la influencia humana, se descubrieron nuevas especies de mamíferos, peces, anfibios y mariposas.

Are Weight-Loss Drugs Causing a Rift in Your Relationship? We Want to Hear About It.

For an upcoming article, we are looking for stories about what happens to a long-term relationship when one partner decides to get much thinner.

Meet the 38 Republicans Who Defied Trump on the Spending and Debt Deal

The rebels are largely the most conservative lawmakers who are passionate about slashing spending and debt. They hail from deep-red districts where a primary challenge is less of a danger.

Elon Musk’s Growing Political Influence

Readers discuss his role in the government shutdown negotiations. Also: Trump austerity; G.O.P.’s future; clean energy; guns and young people.

Musk expresa su apoyo a un partido de extrema derecha en las elecciones alemanas

Elon Musk, empresario y asesor de Donald Trump, ha utilizado las redes sociales para expresar su apoyo a favor de partidos antiinmigrantes en Europa.

Markets Rally, Shaking Off Threat of Government Shutdown

The S&P 500 jumped after a November inflation reading helped ease worries. A partial government shutdown, analysts said, wouldn’t have a lasting economic impact.

Why Britain Has So Many White Christmases (Technically)

Bing Crosby dreamed of it and Charles Dickens romanticized it, but the truth about a white Christmas in Britain may surprise you.

Volkswagen Reaches Labor Deal, Avoiding Germany Plant Closures

The automaker agreed to keep all 10 of its factories in Germany open and to guarantee workers’ jobs until the end of 2030.

Fighting to Avoid Her Mother’s Fate, for Her Daughters’ Sake

A mutant gene is coming to steal Linde Jacobs’s mind. Can she find a way to stop it?

Regulators Sue 3 Big Banks Over Rampant Fraud on Zelle

Action against Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo may not survive President-elect Donald J. Trump’s return to office.

Book Club: Let’s Talk About Claire Keegan’s ‘Small Things Like These’

This slim novella about one Irishman’s crisis of conscience during the Christmas season is the topic of our December book club discussion.

The Fair Catch Free Kick, and 4 Other Obscure-but-Real N.F.L. Rules

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Chargers pulled off a rare “free-kick field goal.” There are other oddball rules in the book if you dig deep enough.

The Story of Hong Kong’s Billionaire Dissident

“The Troublemaker” is a brisk account of the life and work of Jimmy Lai, the media mogul and democracy activist currently on trial for national security offenses.

One of 2024’s Last Meteor Showers Is About to Reach Its Peak

The astronomical event, which overlaps with the Winter Solstice, is often overlooked because of the winter chill.

Musk Expresses Support for Far-Right Party in Germany’s Election

It was not the first online intervention by Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and adviser to Donald Trump, on behalf of once-fringe anti-immigrant parties in Europe.

More People Are Now Dying From the Cold

A new study finds that deaths related to cold weather in the United States have risen in the past two decades.

Trump Wanted Shutdown to Happen on Biden’s Watch, Not His

The president-elect was eager to evade responsibility for the consequences of a potential shutdown even as he blew up a bipartisan deal that would have kept the government open.

Top Senate Democrats Want Epshteyn to Address Pay-to-Play Allegations

The chairmen of the Finance, Judiciary and Banking Committees demanded answers from a Trump lawyer accused of soliciting payments from potential administration nominees.

Weather’s Impact on Your Wallet: See How Much You Know

Where do wildfires threaten the most homes? How much can an inch of floodwater in your house cost you? Take our quiz to find out.

Watch Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton Connect in ‘The Room Next Door’

The writer and director Pedro Almodóvar narrates a bittersweet sequence between the two at a luxurious home.

This Classic Kwanzaa Cookbook Invites Improvisation

Dr. Jessica B. Harris revisits and expands “A Kwanzaa Keepsake,” her highly personal book from 1995.

Cierre del gobierno en EE. UU.: esto es lo que podría ocurrir

Al acercarse la fecha límite para aprobar el presupuesto federal, los funcionarios se preparan para la posibilidad de una temporada de vacaciones con perturbaciones, que podría incluir tiempos de espera más largos para los viajeros.

‘The Room Next Door’ | Anatomy of a Scene

Pedro Almodóvar narrates a sequence from his film starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.

EE. UU. presenta cargos contra Mangione que podrían llevar a la pena de muerte

Las autoridades federales presentaron un total de cuatro cargos contra Luigi Mangione, quien es acusado de asesinar a Brian Thompson, director ejecutivo de UnitedHealthcare.

Five Science Fiction Movies to Stream Now

In this month’s sci-fi picks, time loops, zombie apocalypses and robot/dog friendships.

Mushroom Bourguignon, Ginger Sesame Granola and Fried Eggplant Heroes

Weekend kitchen shenanigans to keep everyone festive and fed.

The Government Shutdown: What Travelers Need to Know

The failure to act by Congress could cause airport lines and other disruptions across the travel industry during a busy holiday travel period.

Putin resta importancia a los fracasos de Rusia, Siria incluida

El presidente ruso, en una conferencia de prensa anual, dijo que aún no se había reunido con Bashar al Asad, el derrocado dirigente sirio que huyó a Moscú, pero que tenía previsto hacerlo.

‘The Tempest’ Review: A Weak Wind Blows for Sigourney Weaver

The veteran actress, playing Prospero in her West End debut, is strangely absent from Shakespeare’s narrative.

How Anti-Obesity Drugs are Redefining Pharma and Wellness

Listen to our interview with David Ricks and Fatima Cody Stanford.

Corrections: Dec. 20, 2024

Corrections that appeared in print on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

From Amazon to Space — Jeff Bezos Talks Innovation, Progress and What’s Next

Listen to our interview with Jeff Bezos.

Bill Clinton: ‘There Was No Plan’ After Biden Dropped Out

Listen to our interview with Bill Clinton.

Serena Williams on Her Impact in Sports and Beyond

Listen to our interview with Serena Williams.

Jerome Powell on the Fed’s Role in America’s Financial Future

Listen to our interview with Jerome Powell.

Sundar Pichai on A.I., Regulation and What’s Next for Google

Listen to our interview with Sundar Pichai.

Prince Harry on His Murdoch Tabloid Fight and Big Tech

Listen to our interview with Prince Harry.

Ken Griffin Says ‘America Is Open For Business Again’

Listen to our interview with Ken Griffin.

Sam Altman on the Future of A.I. and Society

Listen to our interview with Sam Altman.

Alex Cooper on Building a Media Brand

Listen to our interview with Alex Cooper.

How a New Year’s Resolution Can Set Up Your Financial Goals for Success

Don’t give up on resolving to do better, psychologists and personal finance experts say. The key is to reframe the way you think about it.

Wall St. Is at It Again, Making Irrelevant Market Predictions

Optimistic guesses about the future are not forecasts, our columnist says.

The Fed’s Preferred Inflation Measure Sped Up in November

The Personal Consumption Expenditures index climbed 2.4 percent from a year earlier, though the report’s details were more subdued than expected.

Cyclone Chido Death Toll Nearly Doubles in Mozambique

The swirling wind and rain hit an area where a yearslong insurgency had already forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Who’s in Charge?

Donald Trump has yet to take office but the president-elect and Elon Musk are already influencing policy, putting the federal government hours away from a shut down.

Britannica Didn’t Just Survive. It’s an A.I. Company Now.

The encyclopedia maker could have become a casualty of the Wikipedia era. But it has remade itself into a digital learning giant that is weighing going public.

Is Amazon’s Drone Delivery Finally Ready for Prime Time?

We flew to Arizona to test the recently debuted service ourselves.

When We Roll Back the Rules

We cover America’s embrace of individual freedom.

Romanian Court Blocks Andrew Tate’s Case From Heading to Trial

An indictment against Mr. Tate, the online influencer facing accusations of human trafficking and sexual misconduct, was sent back to prosecutors, an appeals court said.

Un veredicto en Aviñón y otras 4 noticias

Quedan 11 días de 2024 y esto es lo que hay que saber.

What a Shutdown Could Look Like, and a ‘Healthy’ Food Fight

Plus, real estate’s trendiest mash-up: the “barndo.”

The Connections Companion No. 559

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

Wordle Review No. 1,281

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

Here are the latest developments.

Ring-Kissing, Lawsuits and a Looming Shutdown

Watch or listen to our political round table about the aftermath of the 2024 election.

Ring-Kissing, Defamation Lawsuits and a Looming Shutdown

On this week’s round table, Michael Barbaro sits down with Maggie Haberman, Andrew Ross Sorkin and Catie Edmondson to discuss the latest news in Donald J. Trump’s transition to power.

Musk, Ring-Kissing and a Looming Shutdown

Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Michael Barbaro to discuss raising the debt ceiling and Elon Musk’s political impact.

Three Deals in 12 Days: How Australia Is Countering China in the Pacific

In separate agreements with Nauru, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Australia is attempting to edge out China’s influence in the region.

How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Drinking

There are ways to broach the topic successfully — it’s all about time, place and tone.

The New York Times News Quiz, Dec. 20, 2024

Did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz to see how well you stack up with other Times readers.

Maurice Berger Held a Mirror to a Racist Art World

A posthumous anthology of photo essays by the curator and art historian reveals the “troubling reality” of prejudice and the power of images to “undermine the very concept of difference.”

The Surprising Sexual Politics of Nicole Kidman’s Kinky ‘Babygirl’

The film feels like an artifact of a more optimistic feminist moment.

Book Club: Read ‘Our Evenings,’ by Alan Hollinghurst, With the Book Review

In January, the Book Review Book Club will read and discuss “Our Evenings,” a sweeping story about the life, loves, struggles and triumphs of a queer English Burmese actor.

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Movie or TV Special?

“Elf,” “Home Alone” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas” — what’s on your must-watch list each holiday season?

Are Amazon’s Drones Finally Ready for Prime Time?

A recent visit to the company’s overhauled drone delivery program in Arizona left me impressed by the drones, but skeptical that the public will welcome them.

How Drug Overdose Deaths Have Plagued One Generation of Black Men for Decades

In dozens of cities, the recent rise of fentanyl has put older Black men in particular jeopardy.

‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ Burnishes a Career (but Charmingly)

The star is in positive, future-looking mode in this Disney+ documentary, directed by his husband, David Furnish, and R.J. Cutler.

How a Scrappy New Publisher Landed 25 Books on the Best-Seller List in a Year

Bloom Books took off with the help of E L James, the author of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” It broke with tradition and became the fastest-growing imprint in romance.

A Solstice of the Soul

For his next trick, your cosmic correspondent for the past quarter-century will (try to) retire.

$1.5 Million Homes in Thessaloniki, Greece

The area in and around Greece’s second-largest city offers traditional Greek houses, modern renovations and waterfront views.

7 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or an avid buff, our reviewers think these films are worth knowing about.

The Great Drone Freak-Out Is Coming

The Drone Age is already upon us and the skies are going to get a lot more crowded.

The Books Readers Loved in 2024

Memorable characters, delightful nonfiction and poignant novels stuck with people across the world.

Why Composers of Any (or No) Faith Are Drawn to Sacred Music

Many Christmas standards were not written by Christians. David Lang explains the appeal for him, a Jewish composer of a modern holiday classic.

Table for 2 at Tatiana? There Used to Be a Bot for That.

A new state law will clamp down on what Gov. Kathy Hochul called a “predatory black market” for restaurant reservations.

Meet the Director Who Reinvented the Act of Seeing

In “Nickel Boys,” RaMell Ross uses what he calls “sentient perspective” to convey the characters’ view of their world. Critics say the result is stunning.

Artists We Lost in 2024, in Their Words

Shelley Duvall, Quincy Jones, Faith Ringgold and Paul Auster are some of the greats who died this year.

Yes, Biden’s Green Future Can Still Happen Under Trump

Jigar Shah and Robinson Meyer discuss how the decarbonization rollout can continue during the second Trump administration.

‘It Will Be a More Robust Check on Trump Than the G.O.P. Congress’: Three Legal Experts on Trump 2.0

Opinion writers discuss potential legal issues and executive power in a second Trump term.

New Year’s Eve in New York: What to Do, See and Eat

Whether you brave Times Square, pop into a drag show or snuggle up in a heated igloo, we have you covered for this year’s countdown.

Ten Years Later, a Political Exile Returns to a Syria in Transition

In 2014, Sawsan Abou Zainedin left Syria during a civil war, while Bashar al-Assad was in power. Now, with rebel militants in control, Ms. Abou Zainedin is working on the country’s delicate political transformation.

For These Picture Book Heroes, Daydreams Are What Life Is Made Of

Like Max and Madeline, this boy and girl keep faith with the intangible treasures of their imaginations.

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

Politicians on both the left and the right have sought to change or limit what teachers can do inside classrooms. Teachers often ignore them.

Packed Cubicles, Empty Corner Office: Remote Work Is Increasingly a Right of the Rich

Remote work is increasingly a privilege enjoyed by the most affluent Americans.

Staffers at The Times on the Books They Enjoyed in 2024

A taboo-busting Brooklyn memoir, a tender Japanese novel about the beauty of connection, a book by a death doula: Editors and writers from around the newsroom describe their favorite books of the year.

They Entered Treatment. Drugs, Overdoses and Deaths Followed.

Baltimore addiction programs draw patients with free housing while collecting millions. Some say one company offered little help.

One of the Most Unpredictable Actresses of the ’70s Is Back From Exile

Jessica Harper made risky moves (“Suspiria” over “Annie Hall”), then took time off for family. Her “Nightbitch” role is a nod to her career choices.

Postmortems Are Bad at Predictions: Democrats May Just Need a ‘Change’ Election

An opening will probably emerge for Democrats in four years, but it may not be what the party and pundits expect today.

Can Wall Street Pressure Ease Brutality in India’s Sugar Fields?

Pension funds and big investors are pressuring Coca-Cola, Pepsico and others over brutal working conditions in India’s cane fields. Some of the sugar buyers are tiptoeing toward change.

Your College Football Team, Now Brought to You by Whiskey

The high cost of amateur athletics has led to some unlikely partnerships.

A Legacy of Essential Humanitarian Aid

Catholic Charities provides help to the poor, homeless, hungry and the most vulnerable immigrants.

How Your Car Might Be Making Roads Safer

Researchers say data from long-haul trucks and General Motors cars is critical for addressing traffic congestion and road safety. Data privacy experts have their concerns.

At 23, Surviving Scandal to Take a Green Seat in the E.U. Parliament

Lena Schilling, the youngest lawmaker in Brussels, faced a harsh questioning of her character and credibility before winning a chance to fight against climate change in the halls of power.

Trump Is Threatening Europe With Tariffs. Is It Ready?

The incoming president promised “tariffs all the way” unless Europe bought more U.S. oil and gas. European officials have no clear strategy for avoiding a trade war.

Googly Eyes

Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.

Bebidas adulteradas: cómo protegerte mientras viajas

Las muertes y hospitalizaciones de viajeros en Laos y Fiyi tras consumir bebidas con alcohol suscitaron preocupación por una posible intoxicación por metanol. Estos son los signos a los que debes poner atención.

Is New Jersey the New Area 51?

No matter how many official voices declare there is no drone emergency, conspiracy theories continue to flourish. We’ve been here before.

¿Está bien ir descalzo en público?

Una lectora se pregunta si no llevar zapatos en público será una tendencia y nuestra crítica reflexiona sobre las costumbres en nuestra sociedad a la hora de cubrirnos los pies.

Hochul Weighs Legislation Limiting A.I. and More Than 100 Other Bills

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature to regulate the state’s use of artificial intelligence is among more than 100 that await Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision.

What Broadway Gets Right and Wrong About Journalism

A Culture writer takes stock of recent stage productions that depict newsrooms and reporters.

Spelling Bee Forum

Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

Gisèle Pelicot: el rostro de la valentía

El juicio por violación en Francia ha terminado. Se han dictado las sentencias. Y la imagen de Gisèle Pelicot se ha convertido en un símbolo de la fuerza femenina en todo el mundo.

Europa tiene un vacío de liderazgo. ¿Cómo manejará a Trump?

Con Alemania y Francia sumidas en la agitación política, el nuevo gobierno de Donald Trump comenzará en un momento de inestabilidad para el continente.

Word of the Day: animatronics

This word has appeared in three articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?

Seth Meyers: Donald Trump Got ‘Cable Guy’-ed by Elon Musk

The “Late Night” host likened Trump’s relationship with Musk to the 1996 Jim Carrey movie: “You let him do you a favor, and now you can’t get rid of him.”

Veredicto del caso Pelicot: del calvario surge un mensaje de esperanza

El juicio que ha horrorizado y cautivado a Francia terminó con una victoria para Gisèle Pelicot, la mujer que se convirtió en un icono feminista por su valentía al permitir que el caso se juzgara públicamente.

La búsqueda de la obra maestra perdida de Van Gogh

‘Retrato del doctor Gachet’, vendido en una subasta en 1990, prácticamente ha desaparecido desde entonces y su paradero se ha convertido en uno de los mayores misterios del mundo del arte.

Cómo dormir de verdad en un avión

Estas estrategias probadas pueden ayudarte a conseguir cierto grado de descanso, incluso en un poco conveniente asiento vertical.

Trump Puts $4 Billion in Shares of His Media Company in a Trust

A regulatory filing showed that the president-elect transferred some 115 million shares of Trump Media to a trust controlled by his son Donald Trump Jr.

Senior U.S. Diplomats Meet With Governing Militias in Syria

The U.S. officials in Damascus are also looking for signs of Austin Tice, a missing American journalist, as well as other U.S. citizens.

A Mouse That Swims and Dozens More Species Are Discovered in a Peruvian Jungle

A 38-day expedition in the remote Alto Mayo region, where development threatens wild habitats, turned up one previously unknown animal after another.

Friday Briefing

The rape trial that horrified France.

On Avignon’s Ancient Ramparts, Modern Messages Denounce ‘Rape Culture’

A feminist collective, the Amazons of Avignon, has been plastering the walls of the city with testimony from the trial of the 51 men who were convicted in the Gisèle Pelicot rape case.

Ukrainians Mourn the Loss of a Young Journalist and Her Stories

Viktoria Roshchyna died in September in Russian custody. The reporter had been well-known for her stories about life in parts of occupied Ukraine.

Review: In a Stripped-Down ‘Gypsy,’ Audra’s Gonna Show It to Ya

Hold your hats and hallelujah, our leading musical tragedienne offers an ultra-dramatic Rose in George C. Wolfe’s Broadway revival.

A Union That Could Not Wait

After a year of dating, Adrian Burrus and Quinn Sames began considering marriage. But when the presidential election results were announced, getting married became a priority.

A First Date She Nearly Called Off

Blair Smith and Alec Hall met on a gloomy winter night, but their time together took a celebratory turn when he popped a bottle of champagne.

Grief Makes Us Time Travelers

A neuroscientist studying memory, I used to believe time was linear. Then my mother had a stroke.

To Make Him Less Nervous, She Kissed Him

When Brianna Brown and Kevin Malinak were introduced in 2015, they didn’t know the dramatic journey the next nine years would hold.

Love in a Time of War

Anastasia Savka and Oleksiy Levchenko met at a rehabilitation facility earlier this year after surviving critical injuries as Ukrainian soldiers.

Looking for the Restless Soul of Nella Larsen in Copenhagen

The celebrated Harlem Renaissance author was inspired by her experiences as a mixed-race teenager and young adult in the Danish capital, a time that informed her 1928 novel, “Quicksand.”

How to Make a D.I.Y. Menorah

Creating your own candleholder can be a fun way to teach kids about the holiday — and to spread a bit of festive light.

Quote of the Day: 51 MEN CONVICTED OF RAPE AT TRIAL

Quotation of the Day for Friday, December 20, 2024.

Starbucks Workers Begin a Strike in 3 Cities on Friday

The walkouts in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle come after talks between the company and the workers’ union failed to produce an agreement on raises.

Move Like a Crab

Henry Josephson makes his New York Times Crossword debut.

Dozens of House Republicans Defy Trump in Test of His Grip on G.O.P.

Thirty-eight Republican lawmakers resisted the president-elect’s command to support a spending and debt deal, showing that at least some of his followers are willing to buck his leadership in the right circumstances.

¿Quiénes son los 51 hombres condenados en el juicio por violación de Gisèle Pelicot?

La mayoría de los acusados fueron condenados a penas de entre 8 y 10 años, inferiores a las penas de entre 10 y 18 años que había recomendado el fiscal.

Former Knicks Star Clashes With Dolan Lawyer Over Run-In at Garden

Charles Oakley answered questions in a federal courtroom on why he didn’t preserve old text messages that might have shed light on the case.

Chinese National Charged in California After Aiding Local Candidate, Prosecutors Say

The man is charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent. The move is part of an effort by the authorities to prevent China from influencing American politicians.

Ex-Police Chief Who Sexually Assaulted 17-Year-Old Gets 25 Years in Prison

Larry Allen Clay Jr., 58, of Fayetteville, W.Va., was also a sheriff’s deputy at the time of the crimes, which he tried to cover up, prosecutors said.

Macau Is the Casino Capital of the World. For China, That’s Not Enough.

A quarter century after the former Portuguese colony was made a Chinese territory, Macau’s economic boundaries with the mainland are being blurred.

Tisch Shakes Up N.Y.P.D. Staff and Orders 500 Officers Back to Key Roles

Commissioner Jessica Tisch is replacing the Police Department’s head of communications, who had clashed with reporters, and sending many officers back to patrol.

Many Videos That Purport to Show Drones in New Jersey Likely Show Planes, Visual Analysis Finds

Here’s why it’s hard to distinguish objects in the night sky.

Here’s What Could Happen in a Government Shutdown

With a funding deadline approaching, workers are bracing for the possibility of a disruptive holiday season, which could include longer wait times for travelers.

How Each House Member Voted on the Bills to Avoid a Government Shutdown

The House passed a measure to fund the federal government for a few months, extend the farm bill and provide new disaster aid.

Its Syrian Bases in Doubt, Russia Sends Cargo Flights to Libya

A Libyan officer said the stepped-up flights from Russia and Syria delivered military gear.

Britain to Name Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the U.S.

The veteran Labour lawmaker chosen by Prime Minister Keir Starmer has experience in trade policy and business and was once nicknamed “the Prince of Darkness” for his political tactics.

The Shock of Faith: It’s Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be

The word “faith” implies the possession of something, whereas I experience faith as a yearning for something beautiful that I can sense but not fully grasp.

51 Men Guilty in Rape Trial That Horrified France

Dominique Pelicot, who admitted to drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade and to inviting dozens of strangers to join him, was convicted on Thursday of aggravated rape and other charges and was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison. The court also convicted the 50 other defendants, most of them on rape charges. Catherine Porter, a New York Times reporter, followed the four-month trial and reports from Avignon.

Neil Cavuto, Longtime Fox News Host, Signs Off the Network

“Your World with Neil Cavuto” was shown in the 4-5 p.m. slot for 28 years, since the network began in 1996.

The Timeless Craft of the Courtroom Sketch Artist

In courtrooms where cameras are banned, these artists provide a curious public a glimpse behind closed doors. Here’s how they do it.

Philadelphia City Council Says Yes to New 76ers Arena Next to Chinatown

The mayor and labor unions touted the economic promise of the $1.3 billion project. Opponents said the arena would decimate the city’s storied Chinatown.

Rick Kaufmann, Impresario of Art Furniture, Dies at 77

Was it art or was it furniture? No one was quite sure what to make of the New York movement that an idiosyncratic gallerist led in the 1970s and ’80s.

2024 Faces Quiz: Culture

See how well you know the television, movie, music and literary figures of 2024 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.

2024 Faces Quiz: Sports

See how well you know the athletes of 2024 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.

2024 Faces Quiz: Politics

See how well you know the politicians of 2024 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.

2024 Faces Quiz

See how well you know the defining personalities of 2024 with The New York Times Faces Quiz.

Republicans Offered a Plan to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Also, country music was ubiquitous in 2024. Here’s the latest at the end of Thursday.

Assessing Elon Musk’s Criticisms of the Government Spending Deal

The world’s richest man posted or amplified inaccurate claims about the bill’s provisions for congressional salaries, a football stadium and biological research.

Oysters Sicken at Least 80 at Restaurant Event in Los Angeles, Officials Say

The county Health Department said that the outbreak at the 101 Best Restaurants event was linked to a broader outbreak from oysters that have since been recalled.

Mayotte Residents Struggle With Cyclone Chido Aftermath

Residents of Mayotte began relief efforts after Cyclone Chido devastated the French territory. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, surveyed the damage and received a mixed welcome.

More Than Twice as Many U.S. Troops Are in Syria as Previously Disclosed

A Pentagon spokesman said the increase was unrelated to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad to rebel forces in early December.

Why Silent Film Still Speaks Volumes

The old movies have a great deal to say, and linguistics can explain why.

Amazon Reaches Settlement to Resolve Federal Safety Accusations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration agreed to withdraw citations at nine of 10 warehouses where it had flagged violations; the company agreed to a $145,000 penalty.

Artificial Intelligence in 2030

At the DealBook Summit, ten experts in artificial intelligence discussed the greatest opportunities and risks posed by the technology.

American Airlines Settles Racial Discrimination Case

Three Black men had accused the airline of wrongly forcing them to get off a plane for an hour because of a complaint about body odor.

Rupert Murdoch’s Appeal to Alter Family Trust Faces Uphill Battle

Mr. Murdoch’s appeal over whether he can consolidate his son Lachlan’s power over his media empire is due just before Christmas.

SeaQuest, Interactive Aquarium Where Many Animals Died, Files for Bankruptcy

After the chief executive stepped down, the company acknowledged that “mistakes were made.”

5 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

Spending Deal Debacle Threatens Johnson’s Tenuous Hold on His Job

A Republican backlash to the speaker’s plan to temporarily fund the government has sparked new talk of ousting him, and highlighted the challenges he will face if he manages to keep his job.

Friday Briefing: 51 Men Convicted in French Rape Trial

Plus, the year in viral moments.

Joanne Pierce Misko, Ex-Nun Who Made F.B.I. History, Dies at 83

She and Susan Malone were sworn in together in 1972 as the first female agents, only months after the bureau opened the door to women.

The First-Ever ‘Where to Eaties’ Awards

The best place to wash your hands, the restaurant that will scare your parents and more 2024 superlatives.

Movie Shelved After Jonathan Majors’s Arrest Gets Release Date

Before the actor was charged with assault, “Magazine Dreams” generated Oscar buzz for his performance as a bodybuilder. The movie is now scheduled to reach theaters in March.

‘Getting Your Pink Back:’ How Moms Felt Like Themselves Again After Having a Baby

Flamingos, which can lose their bright color when tending to their young but get it back over time, have been a helpful metaphor for some women in their postpartum experiences.

New York to Pay $10 Million in Woman’s Death After Abuse in Group Home

The state in 2019 paid a $2 million abuse settlement. In retaliation, staff members withheld the victim’s medicine, and she died in a hospital.

Wisconsin School Shooter May Have Plotted With California Man

At the request of law enforcement officials, a judge ordered a man, who reportedly corresponded with the shooter about a second attack, to surrender his guns.

‘Laid’ Is Acerbic, Raunchy Fun

Starring Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet, the series tells a darkly comic story about a woman whose past sexual partners start dying. And keep dying.

How the Climate Crisis Became an Insurance Crisis

Even in formerly low-risk areas, home insurers are raising premiums and ending coverage. The upheaval could push down home values and reverberate through the economy.

Former Uvalde Schools Police Chief Fails in Bid to Avoid Prosecution

Investigations have singled out Pete Arredondo, the former chief, for the delayed police response to a 2022 school shooting in Texas. A judge denied his request to quash the charges against him.

William J. Hennessy Jr., Sketch Artist of Courtroom Drama, Dies at 67

His lively drawings of historic Supreme Court arguments, impeachment trials and murder cases gave the public a peek into venues where cameras were banned.

France’s Horrifying Rape Trial Has Changed the Country

Gisèle Pelicot has opened up a conversation about sexual violence in a country where a serious reckoning was well overdue.

Ex-Top Aide to Mayor Adams and Her Son Are Charged in Corruption Case

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who resigned as the mayor’s chief adviser, was charged in a bribery scheme involving $100,000 for a new Porsche for her son.

Billionaire Rivals Bezos and Musk Are Said to Have Dined With Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, and Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, ate with President-elect Donald J. Trump. Both have courted Mr. Trump.

Avian Flu Has Hit Dairies So Hard That They’re Calling It ‘Covid for Cows’

The virus has spread rapidly in California, the nation’s largest producer of milk. Farmers are frustrated that their herds are getting infected despite various precautions.

Adams Hosts Fox News at City Hall, as N.Y. Leaders Mute Trump Hostility

In an interview, Mayor Eric Adams criticized the Biden administration and did not take aim at President-elect Donald J. Trump. He is not the only New York Democrat treading lightly.

‘The Brutalist’ Review: Ambitions Unbound

Adrien Brody stars as a talented architect who flees postwar Europe to meet his match in America, a power-hungry industrialist played by Guy Pearce.

‘Mufasa: El rey león’: más que rugir, maúlla

En esta precuela del remake fotorrealista de 2019, dirigida por Barry Jenkins, los resultados generales son bonitos, ligeramente divertidos y a veces aburridos.

¿La gripe aviar presenta un riesgo para los humanos?

California ha declarado el estado de emergencia por el virus. Esto es lo que los expertos saben de la gripe hasta el momento.

Hidden ‘Junk’ Fees Must Be Disclosed, F.T.C. Rule Says

Hotels, short-term rentals and event ticket-sellers must advertise the full price of their offerings under the rule, which is supposed to go into effect in the coming year. Here’s what to know.

What Are ‘Healthy’ Foods? The F.D.A. Updates the Labeling Terms.

The Food and Drug Administration released final rules on labeling foods as “healthy,” tightening limits for sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

Read the Criminal Complaint Against Luigi Mangione

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have filed four charges against Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive.

The Simplest Way to Make Creamy Scrambled Eggs for a Crowd

All it takes is one pot, two dozen eggs and 10 minutes of cooking to serve breakfast to a full house.

2024 Was the Year of Chickpea Anxiety

It was also a good year for easy, excellent bean recipes and cooking yourself cauliflowers.

Andrew Cuomo Plans to Sue Harassment Accuser for Defamation

Mr. Cuomo, the former governor of New York, accused a former aide, Charlotte Bennett, of falsely saying that he sexually harassed her, harming his political future.

Homs

Homs

Trump se opone a ley de financiación que evitaría el cierre del gobierno de EE. UU.

La oposición del presidente electo Donald Trump al proyecto de ley bipartidista prácticamente ha enterrado ese acuerdo, a dos días de expirar la financiación del gobierno.

U.S. Files Murder Charge Against Mangione That Could Bring Death Penalty

Federal authorities filed a total of four counts against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare.

Kennedy Returns to Capitol Hill With New ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Caucus in Senate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the president-elect’s pick for health secretary, has spent much of the week meeting with friendly Senate Republicans, including some who appear to be trying to institutionalize his influence in Congress.

With Guilty Verdicts, Rape Victim’s Ordeal in France Becomes a Message of Hope

Dozens of men who abused Gisèle Pelicot were convicted, including the man who invited them to do so: her husband of 50 years. She wanted the public trial to show rape victims they were not alone.

Maps: See Israel’s Moves in Syria Since al-Assad Was Toppled

Israeli fighter jets have launched hundreds of airstrikes, while soldiers have seized a buffer zone and captured military posts in territory formerly under Syrian control.

Trump’s Return May Worsen Financial Woes for Global Health Institutions

The U.S. provides nearly half of the aid for global health, including childhood vaccination, H.I.V. treatment and disease surveillance.

What if Trump Doesn’t Need to Keep Any of His Promises?

For the 47th president, illusion is the new accountability.

Giséle Pelicot’s Ex-Husband Found Guilty in Mass Rape Trial

A French court found the ex-husband of Ms. Pelicot, Dominique Pelicot, guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in jail. Fifty other men were also convicted in the mass rape trial.

It’s a Mistake to Charge Luigi Mangione With Terrorism

It could complicate a simple case and turn it into a political circus.

All They Want for Christmas? This Mariah Carey Bar.

A New York City lounge devoted to the singer plays her 1994 holiday hit every 15 minutes.

Kylie Kelce Doesn’t Want to Talk About Besting Joe Rogan

But in her first interview since her podcast reached No. 1, she does share ideas about why the show has become a breakout hit.

Nvidia’s Booming A.I. Business Collides With U.S.-Chinese Tensions

The chipmaker expects more than $10 billion in foreign sales this year, but the Biden administration is advancing rules that could curb that growth.

Is the Tech Industry Already on the Cusp of an A.I. Slowdown?

Companies like OpenAI and Google are running out of the data used to train artificial intelligence systems. Can new methods continue years of rapid progress?

Trump Tossed a Debt Limit Grenade Into Spending Talks. Here’s Why.

President-elect Donald J. Trump was forced to negotiate with Democrats over the borrowing cap during his first term.

Government Lurches Toward Shutdown After House Tanks Trump’s Spending Plan

Dozens of right-wing Republicans joined Democrats in opposing a bill ordered up by President-elect Donald J. Trump to tie a government funding extension to a two-year deferral of the debt limit.

The 73 Best Illustrations of 2024

The most memorable illustrations of the year, chosen by art directors at The New York Times.

Calls to the Media: Fight Trump’s Lawsuits

Readers discuss lawsuits against The Des Moines Register and ABC News. Also: Violence in school; a Mideast bridge; cash and the disabled; murder is wrong.

White Chicken Chili to Welcome Them Home

Lidey Heuck’s customizable, five-star chili replenishes and restores.

Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms

The world’s richest man led the charge to kill a bipartisan spending deal, in part by promoting false and misleading claims about it.

Una imagen de Google Street View ayuda a esclarecer un asesinato en España

La imagen, captada en el norte del país, muestra a un hombre acomodando una bolsa blanca en el maletero de un coche.

Could This 20-Year-Old Be One of the Democrats’ Bro Whisperers?

Dean Withers argues online with right-wing stars like Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro. His goal? To reach their young, male followers.

What It Looks Like on an Island Steamrolled by a Cyclone

A visit to the Indian Ocean islands of Mayotte, which were struck by Cyclone Chido last weekend, reveals the devastating toll of the storm on an impoverished territory that belongs to France.

Appeals Court Disqualifies Fani Willis From Prosecuting Georgia Trump Case

The panel overruled the trial judge, who had allowed Fani T. Willis to keep the case despite a romantic relationship that defendants said created a conflict of interest.

After the House Delayed a Bill to Add Judges, a Biden Veto Looms

The Senate backed a bipartisan bill to add dozens of judges, but the House held off on voting until after Election Day. Now, Donald Trump would be assured at least 22 picks.

Gisèle Pelicot Speaks After Rape Trial Verdict: ‘We Share the Same Struggle’

In brief remarks after her ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted, she said she had never regretted her decision to allow the trial to be public.

F.A.A. Bans Drone Flights Near Key Sites in New York

The temporary ban covers parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. The F.A.A. also issued a monthlong ban on drone flights over a large swath of New Jersey.

A Famed Iowa Pollster’s Career Ends With a ‘Spectacular Miss’ and a Trump Lawsuit

Known for her “gold standard” polls of Iowans, J. Ann Selzer is facing retribution from Donald Trump after her final 2024 survey showed a surprising, and ultimately wrong, winner.

A Lottery Drawing Included Four Consecutive Numbers. What Are the Odds?

A Mega Millions drawing turned up 66, 67, 68 and 69. Is that unusual?

Judge John Hodgman on Invisible-Ink Graffiti

Does it count as vandalism? What if it’s funny?

If You Can See the Tree, There Is Room for More Decorations

Minimalism is on the naughty list this Christmas as people decorate their trees with bows, garland, tinsel, ornaments and, well, anything else that will fit on a branch.

This Corpse Has Had a Wild Journey. Its Next Stop? Broadway.

“Dead Outlaw,” a musical about the mummified body of a bandit, will open at the Longacre next spring, following a successful Off Broadway run.

‘We Just Want Mercy’: A Gaza Hospital Pleads for a Respite

Medical workers at one of the last functioning hospitals in the north of the territory say the facility has come under heavy attack by Israel this week.

Zelensky Raises Prospect of European Peacekeepers in Ukraine

But many European leaders say that with no sign that Russia is interested in peace, it is too early to discuss the presence of peacekeeping forces.

Caso Pelicot: algunas claves sobre el juicio y la condena por violación en Francia

Durante casi una década, Dominique Pelicot drogó y violó a su esposa e invitó a extraños a unirse a él. El caso ha convertido a Gisèle en una heroína feminista.

Activists say the sentences for other defendants are too light.

Popular Arthritis Drug for Dogs May Have Severe Side Effects, F.D.A. Says

The agency recommended that the maker of Librela update its label to reflect the possibility of more serious adverse reactions.

Amazon Delivery Drivers at Seven Hubs Walk Out

The retail giant said it expected its operations to be largely unaffected by the strike of some drivers at contracting firms Amazon uses to deliver packages.

51 hombres condenados en el juicio por violación: lo que hay que saber del caso Pelicot

Dominique Pelicot fue condenado a 20 años por drogar y violar a su esposa, e invitar a otros hombres a violarla. La mayoría de los otros hombres también fueron condenados.

The Pelicots’ children provided a dramatic moment in the trial.

Why the Specter of Trump Hangs Over the Fed, Congress and the Markets

The President-elect takes office in a month, but his influence on policy is already being felt by investors and across Washington.

Publishers Battle for the C-Suite

Numerous media outlets, looking for new lucrative lines of business, are pursuing newsletters and events aimed specifically at top executives.

Britain’s Economy Is ‘Bumbling’ Into the New Year

Stubborn inflation, tax rises and high interest rates make it difficult for many to muster optimism, at least in the short term.

Who Are the 51 Men Convicted in the Gisèle Pelicot Rape Trial?

Most of the accused received sentences of eight to 10 years, less than the 10- to 18-year terms that the public prosecutor had recommended.

‘The Six Triple Eight’ Review: Tyler Perry Salutes the Greatest Generation

Kerry Washington leads a female postal battalion on a moving mission in this World War II drama.

‘Homestead’ Review: A Home Away From Armageddon

The moment these Doomsday preppers have been waiting for has arrived, and from within their secure compound they’re confronting unexpected complications.

Supporters of Gisèle Pelicot came from far and wide.

They cheered when David Pelicot, her eldest child, exited the courtroom after her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men were found guilty.

Putin Glosses Over Russian Setbacks, Including Syria

The Russian president, in a marathon annual news conference, said that he had not yet met with Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader who fled to Moscow, but that he planned to.

Electoral Wishcasting

We cover a lesson from the Democrats’ 2024 defeat.

51 Men Found Guilty in France Rape Trial, and a U.S. Shutdown Looms

Plus, man vs. hornet.

Crypto’s Big Bet Is Paying Off

How the cryptocurrency industry grew to where it is now, and how Donald Trump gave it a boost.

Wordle Review No. 1,280

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

The Connections Companion No. 558

Scroll down for hints and conversation about the puzzle for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

‘The Daily’ podcast covers Gisèle Pelicot’s rise to feminist hero.

On a Flight With Gaza’s Rare Evacuees

The war in Gaza is one of the few conflicts most civilians can’t escape. But a small number of sick or critically injured people have been evacuated. The Times Magazine reporter Nicholas Casey went on a rare evacuation flight to try to understand what it takes to leave.

Israel Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen as Netanyahu Issues Warning

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for more than a year in what they have described as a campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Chaos Consumes Drive to Avoid Government Shutdown, With 2 Days to Go

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s denunciation of a bipartisan spending bill all but buried that deal while leaving unclear what form a new agreement could take.

Put Down the Laser Pointer, Please, and Then Let’s Chat

The drone panic isn’t just about drones.

There’s Still Time for the Senate to Support the First Amendment

Trump hasn’t been the least bit reticent about his plans to reshape Washington in his image.

Week 16 N.F.L. Playoff Picture: A Team-by-Team Guide

With three weeks to go in the N.F.L. season, these detailed tables and scenarios explain every team’s paths to the playoffs — and to better seeding.

Priced Out of New York, She Took Her $350,000 Budget to Philadelphia. Here’s What She Found.

After a near-death experience gave her a new lease on life, a writer ‘broke up with New York’ and headed south to find a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment.

A D.I.Y. ‘Messiah,’ Starring You and Yours as Choristers

Our critic joined with amateur singers and professionals for a “Messiah” sing-in at David Geffen Hall, just one “Messiah” on the city’s holiday calendar.

The Queer Book Shops Opening Across the Country

Plus: a stylist’s new fragrance line, a sophisticated stationery box and more recommendations from T Magazine.

How Do You Feel About Winter?

This season can be difficult, but experts share how to make it more bearable. What can you find to love about winter?

How to Make the Drone Panic So Very Much Worse

Incidents like these require quick, clear communication from the government. That’s not what people are getting.

Where Does a ‘Remarkable’ U.S. Economy Go From Here?

America’s economy is far outstripping its peers, but there are serious risks, including from the president-elect.

Suspect in C.E.O. Killing Agrees to Be Extradited to New York

Luigi Mangione, jailed in Pennsylvania, was charged in New York this week with first-degree murder in what prosecutors said was part of an “act of terrorism.”

Traveling for Christmas? Here’s Where Weather May Snarl Your Plans.

A day-by-day look at the snow, cold and rain that may make driving or flying home for the holidays more difficult.

The Moments That Shaped 2024, in 17 Photos

The people, places and objects that held our collective attention in this election year.

Thomas Friedman on Syria, the U.S. and Trump

The columnist on why Trump’s biggest challenge will be weak states, not strong states.

The Jewelry of the Moment Is Bigger and Bolder. And Silver!

Record-high gold prices and a fatigue with so-called quiet luxury set the stage for a resurgence of statement silver pieces.