Politics and Government
- The White House Is Just ‘Trying to Keep Grandpa Busy’ - Jamelle Bouie, Michelle Cottle and David French convene to discuss the year that was.
- Rubio Meets (and Meets, and Meets … ) the Press - The secretary of state held a marathon news conference, offering little news but more respect for reporters than most others in the Trump administration.
- Elise Stefanik Tried Everything to Please Trump. He Still Jilted Her. - The G.O.P. congresswoman who ran as a moderate but became an “ultra MAGA” Trump acolyte ultimately found herself undermined by the president and politically adrift.
- Elise Stefanik Drops Out of N.Y. Governor’s Race and Will Leave Congress - Ms. Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman and staunch ally of President Trump, abruptly ended her bid to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul and said she would not seek another House term.
- ICE Allows Democratic Lawmakers Inside Migrant Cells in New York City - The immigration agency had barred elected officials from the holding facilities. A federal judge this week said they must be given access.
- Putin’s Year-End News Conference Set for Friday - The annual news conference sets the Kremlin’s tone for the next year and highlights President Vladimir V. Putin’s grip over Russia.
- The Putin Confidant Who Pushed Back Against Russia’s War in Ukraine - Dmitri N. Kozak had worked with President Vladimir V. Putin for three decades before quitting in September. His associates described his break with the Russian leader.
- Australia to Crack Down on Hate Speech After Bondi Attack - New legislation will be drafted to target those who promote violence and to increase penalties for hate speech, the prime minister said Thursday.
- ICE Must Allow Lawmakers to Inspect Detention Centers, Judge Rules - Judge Jia M. Cobb wrote that two policies announced in June appeared to unlawfully bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits at immigration detention facilities.
- Appeals Court Allows National Guard to Remain in D.C., for Now - A three-judge panel voted unanimously to allow troops to stay in the capital for the duration of the appeal, citing the city’s unique legal status.