Washington (DC)

• Anti-ICE Protests Spread Nationwide After Minneapolis Shooting - Demonstrators across the country expressed anger at the killing of a woman in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents.
• Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center - The opera, which has performed at the arts center since 1971, was concerned about declines in attendance and donations during President Trump’s second term.
• After President’s Capture, U.S. and Venezuela Explore Restoring Diplomatic Ties - In moves that embodied the contradictions and fast-changing nature of the two countries’ relationship, both said on Friday that they were eyeing reopening embassies and restoring long-severed diplomatic ties.
• The Smithsonian Faces New Pressure to Submit to Trump’s Will - The institution, long regarded as independent, is facing a White House deadline to hand over records about its content and will see turnover that could reshape its governing board.
• Democrats Aim to Spotlight Republican Efforts to Rewrite the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot - On the fifth anniversary of the attack, which falls next Tuesday, Democrats plan to hold an informal hearing to review President Trump’s clemency for the rioters and G.O.P. attempts to sanitize the event.
• Zelensky to Meet With Trump at Mar-a-Lago About Plan to End War With Russia - President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine brings a revised 20-point peace proposal, as well as doubts about whether Russia is serious about pursuing peace.
• Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building - Chuck Redd, a jazz musician, said he canceled his annual concert after President Trump’s name was affixed to the Washington building’s facade.
• 19 States Sue to Block White House Plan to End Gender-Related Care for Minors - The coalition of states seeks to stop a Trump administration effort to cut off federal funding to hospitals that provide such care.
• White House Invitees Are Asked About Donations to Trump’s Ballroom - Senator Richard Blumenthal is requesting information from an architect hired to oversee the ballroom design and people invited to a donor dinner with the president.
• Kennedy Center Board Moves to Rename It the Trump-Kennedy Center - The performing arts center is by law designated the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and it has been generally understood that the power to change the center’s name lies with Congress.