Trump, Xi hold phone talks on TikTok and trade

The US president-elect had his first call with China’s leader since 2021.
Then-U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands ahead of their bilateral meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan.Kevin Lamarque/File Photo/Reuters

TikTok users scramble as SCOTUS upholds US ban

The Supreme Court’s decision further impedes any attempt by the Trump administration to lift the app’s ban starting Sunday.
An illustration showing the TikTok app and an American flag.Dado Ruvic/Reuters

IMF raises US economic forecast as Canada and Europe fall behind

The IMF warned that tariffs and trade uncertainties could lower global economic growth in 2025.
Chief Economist, International Monetary Fund Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, left, speaks with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Ken Cedeno/File Photo/Reuters

Israeli security council approves Gaza ceasefire deal

The wider Israeli cabinet still needs to green-light the vote at a meeting later today, though it is expected to be approved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, December 2024.Maya Alleruzzo/File Photo/Pool via Reuters
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politics

Greg Casar has a plan for Democrats

The Texas Democrat thinks the party needs to lean into working class issues.
Greg Casar in 2022.Michael A. McCoy/Reuters

As DNC fight sharpens, Democrats move past Biden

The DNC race lays bare the party’s internal debates about how to organize in the wake of defeat.
Ben Wikler speaks at a rally with former US President Barack Obama in 2022.Daniel Steinle/Reuters

House lawmakers to vote on Republican-led wildfire prevention bill

The Fix Our Forests Act could be one of the first House-passed bills under the Trump administration.
A plane drops fire retardant over Pacific Palisades as wildfires rage.Daniel Cole/Reuters

Marco Rubio set to be first confirmation to Trump’s cabinet: Reports

Early signals from Democrats point toward allowing a vote on Rubio’s confirmation on Day 1.

The Senate’s new power duo is John Fetterman and Katie Britt

It’s a new breed of bipartisan alliance compared with the gangs of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Ideological extremes are growing in the US, new survey finds

The share of Americans who identify as moderate has declined over time, while people increasingly identify as conservative or liberal.

The New York Times rethinks political endorsements

The paper has already dropped local endorsements, and a broader, more radical change may be underway.

‘I don’t over-promise’: John Thune builds his own bond with Trump

The new Senate majority leader didn’t need Trump’s endorsement like the House speaker did. But it’s important to stay close.

Ramaswamy eyeing Ohio governor’s race

He’s reported as a contender to replace JD Vance in the Senate. But he has another goal.

Marco Rubio previews hawkish China approach in confirmation hearing

China has “cheated, hacked and stolen” its way to global power, Sen. Marco Rubio said.

Trump tops risk factors for Latin America in 2025

The region relies heavily on agricultural exports so threats of tariffs from the incoming US president may leave many countries vulnerable.
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