US envoys arrive in Berlin for latest round of Ukraine peace talks with Zelenskyy

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.

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.

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.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump suggested that the border between the United States and Canada is an artificial line that could be more aesthetically pleasing if redrawn. This remark highlights the complexities of historical borders, particularly the straight lines that define much of North America's geography, which were established with limited local knowledge.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand has escalated, continuing for a second week despite claims of a ceasefire by former US President Donald Trump. The conflict has resulted in at least 25 deaths, including 14 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, and 11 Cambodian civilians, highlighting the severity of the situation along the disputed border.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin this weekend to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. This meeting follows a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at formulating a political agreement to end the conflict, marking day 1,390 of the war.