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YOUR MORNING

Trump, Netanyahu to meet on next phase of Gaza ceasefire

Ceasefire: President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the next stage of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. Here’s what to expect >

Refresh: Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October, two years after the militant group’s incursion into Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have since accused each other of significant breaches of the peace deal. Read more >

What’s next? Under the second phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is obligated to disarm and cede governing power as Israeli troops withdraw. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants the transitional administration to be in place soon to govern Gaza. What to know >

Winter rain floods Gaza camps as Netanyahu heads for US meeting >

Russia sends 3 Iranian satellites into orbit, report says >

Iran’s president says country is in ‘full-scale war’ with US, Israel, Europe >

Post-holiday travel snarled by severe winter weather

Weather: Tens of millions of Americans are under winter weather alerts as they try to return home from their holiday trips. Storms are sweeping coast to coast, bringing everything from blizzard conditions to heavy rain and even tornado threats. What to know >

Travel: This is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA has projected record-breaking travel, with 122.4 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day, year-end holiday period, beginning Dec. 20 and ending Jan. 1. The latest >

Trump confident war in Ukraine is nearing an end

War in Ukraine: Trump is confident Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing its end after separate talks with Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. Trump said some big issues still need to be resolved, but he believes a peace deal could be “closer than ever before.” The latest >

Sticking points: Zelenskyy said about 90% of a 20-point peace plan has been agreed upon, but negotiations remain sensitive. One of the biggest unresolved issues, according to Trump, centers on what to do with Ukrainian territory currently controlled by Russian forces. Details >

FBI chief promises more Minnesota fraud investigations

Investigation: FBI Director Kash Patel suggested his agency is putting more resources into investigating social-services fraud in Minnesota — a salvo that comes as the Trump administration has criticized the state’s Somali immigrant population and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. Details >

‘Follow the money’: Patel said prosecutions into the misuse of funds meant for children’s hunger relief are “the tip of a very large iceberg.” He cited “social media reports,” an apparent reference to a viral video featuring a child care facility that allegedly received funding. Read more >

Fraud: The White House has framed the investigations in Minnesota as examples of Somali immigrants playing the system. Democrats have warned against scapegoating an entire community for the actions of a few. What to know >

These groceries had the biggest price spikes in 2025

Groceries: Inflation on groceries has eased somewhat from its peak in recent years, but shoppers looking for morning coffee or a steak dinner may not know it. Beef prices skyrocketed in 2025, outpacing the price growth of staples such as bread and milk. Explainer: Inflation vs. deflation >

Has the $1.8 billion winning ticket been claimed? >

HUD secretary: ‘More research needed’ on 50-year mortgage proposal >

Are you getting an ‘extra’ paycheck in January? >

 WHAT WE’RE WATCHING 👀

• Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks about charges filed in a deadly pedestrian collision.
• China’s military stages drills around Taiwan to warn “external forces” following tensions with the U.S. and Japan.
• Times Square New Year’s Eve organizers conduct the annual confetti test ahead of the celebration.
  

Two helicopters in New Jersey crashed midair, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The latest >

A California ski patroller has died after suffering critical injuries in an avalanche. Read more >

Authorities in Hawaii are hoping stricter laws will quiet illegal fireworks after a deadly 2025 New Year’s Eve blast. What to know >

An Alabama lawmaker is calling on Congress to pass a measure to protect minors from artificial intelligence, saying social media companies will not act because they prioritize profit “over actual people.” Legislation details >

Officials in Texas are warning of a fraud scheme after three men accused of stealing about $14 million in gift cards were arrested. The investigation > 

An Oregon man faces charges after authorities say he told a bank teller “sorry” and wore polished suits while robbing banks. Photos >

Netflix lit up the Las Vegas sky with a drone show celebrating the final “Stranger Things” season. Watch >

Firefighters help rescue cat trapped in wall

What started as a mysterious sound inside a California office building ended with a rescue and a new home for a stranded cat. Read more >

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