Fighting in Cambodia and Thailand continues, hours after Trump truce claim

Donald Trump announced that his domestic policy chief, Vince Haley, is prioritizing the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington DC, amidst rising concerns over an affordability crisis affecting millions of Americans. This revelation came during a White House holiday party, where Trump praised Haley's efforts despite criticism regarding the administration's focus on such projects over pressing economic issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to abandon Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO during five hours of talks with U.S. envoys in Berlin, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations with Russia. This marks a significant shift for Ukraine, which has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against Russian aggression.

President Donald Trump addressed the recent tragic events involving fatal shootings at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and Bondi Beach in Australia, as well as deadly attacks on U.S. soldiers in Syria. These incidents have raised significant concerns about public safety and military engagement abroad.

An Al Jazeera crew took shelter in a bunker at the Thai-Cambodia border amid ongoing shelling from Cambodia, highlighting the escalating violence in the region. This incident comes as both nations engage in military actions, including airstrikes and artillery exchanges, following accusations of ceasefire violations.

Three Americans, including two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed in an ambush by an Islamic State gunman in Palmyra, Syria. This incident marks the first U.S. casualties in the region since the fall of Bashar al-Assad a year ago, prompting President Donald Trump to vow retaliation against ISIL.

The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has failed to resolve the underlying issues, leading to renewed military actions and significant civilian casualties. Both nations have accused each other of violating the truce, which was established earlier this year, resulting in escalating tensions along their disputed border.

Thailand has escalated military actions against Cambodia by destroying a bridge amid ongoing clashes over a disputed border region, leading to a curfew announcement as fighting spreads. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including civilian deaths and military losses on both sides.

Celebrities, including athletes like Tristan Thompson and artists such as Iggy Azalea, are increasingly promoting cryptocurrency as they pivot from traditional careers. Thompson, nearing the end of his basketball career, has embraced a new role as a crypto investor and consultant, launching a podcast and developing a crypto startup set to debut in 2026.