Cheat Sheet
DISASTER
Russian Military Jet Crashes Into Sea
All 92 on board believed to be dead.
WREAKING HAVOC
Powerful Typhoon Hits Philippines
With maximum sustained winds of 114 miles per hour.
NOT GOOD
Queen Elizabeth Skips Christmas Service
As she reportedly recovers from a "heavy cold."
SHAPING UP
Trump: I Will Dissolve Trump Foundation
“To avoid even the appearance of any conflict with my role” as president.
UNRAVELING
Israel to ‘Reassess’ Ties With U.N.
Over Security Council vote condemning settlements.
THREATS
Graham: Defund U.N. Over Israel Vote
Will propose a measure to pull U.S. funding unless the anti-Israel resolution is repealed.
POKE THE BEAR
Gingrich Mocks Russia After Israel Vote
“We are supposed to be impressed.”
XMAS MIRACLE
Cleveland Browns Finally Get a Win
Will not become the second 0-16 team in NFL history.
PRAYERS
Bomb Detonates at Philippines Church
At least 16 wounded.
MAKING A LIST
Trump Seeks More Workers’ Names
On programs to counter violent extremism.
Keep Reading’Tis the season for funky grooves and a little quiet storm. Here are the best soul and R&B albums for your Christmas celebrations.
The Ultimate Christmas Soul Soundtrack
Keep ReadingThere are plenty of names being talked up this awards season, but here are the folks—and performances—that deserve more love.
2016’s Most Overlooked Film Performances
Keep ReadingBefore J.D. Salinger’s iconic teenaged character ever appeared in the author’s most famous novel, he was the protagonist of a Christmas short story in The New Yorker.
Holden Caulfield’s First Christmas
Columnists
Sponsored Content
Politics
Team Obama Lets U.N. Condemn Israel
Team Obama Lets U.N. Condemn Israel
In a stinging rebuke to Israel, the United States abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution that demands a halt to Israeli settlements, allowing the measure to pass despite vigorous bipartisan opposition at home.In adva...
Republicans and Democrats alike excoriated the Obama administration for allowing the Security Council measure to pass.
‘Apprentice’ Staff to Tom Arnold: WTF?
‘Apprentice’ Staff to Tom Arnold: WTF?
Of course the year of Donald Trump could not end without actor and comedian Tom Arnold getting involved.If you’ve been following the True Lies and Madea’s Witness Protection star on Twitter for the past few months (he is verified and at [email protected]..
Longtime staffers say they heard Trump say plenty of offensive things, but none could back up Arnold’s story of an ‘outtakes’ reel showing Trump saying the n-word.
FBI Triggered Trump’s Exploding Outrages
FBI Triggered Trump’s Exploding Outrages
The WTF moments related to the dawn of the Trump age arrive like artillery fire, daily, hourly. There are so many of them that their effect is overwhelming and numbing. You read something—that thing about Kuwait being pressured by Trump Organizati...
In this dark new age of ever accelerating outrages, we can’t forget the outrageous decision that put us here in the first place.
Stopping the Next Genocide
Stopping the Next Genocide
It is a symbol of how broken the international response system is to genocide and mass atrocities that after nearly three years of fratricidal war, and more recently of flashing neon warnings by normally circumspect United Nations officials of imp...
About 6,800 miles east of Trump Tower, a genuine crisis may be exploding into genocide. We have the power to stop it. But what about the will?
Trump Scolds His ‘Swamp’-Dwellers
Trump Scolds His ‘Swamp’-Dwellers
President-elect Donald Trump says he is still committed to “draining the swamp” in D.C. despite recent admissions from top surrogates that his infamous campaign catch-phrase hasn’t been applied as vigorously as expected.The slogan was simple yet p...
Gingrich and Lewandowski told the press that Trump no longer wishes to “drain the swamp.” The president-elect was not pleased.
Entertainment
The Surprise Christmas Mixtape You Need
The Surprise Christmas Mixtape You Need
When you can get as cynical about the holiday season as this particular writer, it’s easy to scoff at any Christmas-themed release—especially when it’s a hip-hop/R&B mixtape that unexpectedly drops just three days before Christmas. This has to...
Christmas came early this year, folks.
Stars Won’t Sing at Trump’s Inauguration
Stars Won’t Sing at Trump’s Inauguration
At Barack Obama’s first inaugural ball in 2009, he and Michelle Obama shared their first dance as president and first lady to Beyoncé’s live version of Etta James’ “At Last.” Also performing that night were supporters Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Alicia K...
Donald Trump didn’t need Beyoncé’s help to become president, but he’s apparently desperate for some musical support at his inauguration. Sad!
The Tragic ‘Jeopardy!’ Champ
The Tragic ‘Jeopardy!’ Champ
A champion Jeopardy! contestant died a week before her episodes aired, host Alex Trebek revealed as he closed Wednesday night’s show.Trebek signed off with a tribute to late contestant Cindy Stowell, who died of cancer on Dec. 5.“For the past six ...
Viewers were getting to know ‘Jeopardy!’ champ Cindy Stowell. But she lost her battle with cancer before they saw her winning over $100,000 on the game show.
Anne Rice: ‘I Feel Like I’m Gay’
Anne Rice: ‘I Feel Like I’m Gay’
Forty years ago, Anne Rice’s debut novel, Interview with the Vampire, brought vampirism out of the shadows and into the light. Her initial foray into the world of blood-imbibing immortals was partially inspired by the tragic death of her daughter ...
The acclaimed vampire author discusses her latest novel, ‘Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis,’ adapting her own ‘Game of Thrones’-style TV show, and the election of Trump.
Mirren on 2016: ‘A Big Pile of Sh*t’
Mirren on 2016: ‘A Big Pile of Sh*t’
Helen Mirren, the Oscar-winning star of Caligula, Prime Suspect, and Teaching Mrs. Tingle (it’s good, OK!), is the very definition of a lady boss. In 1975, she famously souffléd a sexist talk-show host on live television; has confessed her former ...
The timeless, iconic actress delivered a fitting end-of-year message on ‘The Graham Norton Show.’
Meyers Hammers Trump’s Climate Denial
Meyers Hammers Trump’s Climate Denial
Among the most “dire consequences” of Donald Trump’s presidential election victory this year is what is already shaping up to be his disastrous policy positions on climate change, as Seth Meyers laid out in his latest “Closer Look” segment Wednesd...
The ‘Late Night’ host examines Donald Trump’s calamitous climate-change positions.
Eric McCormack Wants More Will & Grace
Eric McCormack Wants More Will & Grace
Let’s get it out of the way.“We’re talking,” Eric McCormack says when I bring up the Will & Grace revival.Following the viral jolt of nostalgia fired up by an election-themed sketch starring the Emmy-winning cast 10 years after the comedy went...
While promoting his new show, ‘Travelers,’ the ‘Will & Grace’ star confirms revival talks and explains why, after years of trying to move on, he’s ready to revisit Will Truman now.
World News
Extremists to Christian Gov: GTFO
Extremists to Christian Gov: GTFO
In this season of celebration and contemplation, we are publishing a series of articles about Christians who are prosecuted, imprisoned and in some cases threatened with death because of their beliefs. Such religious persecution is not limited to ...
Sometimes it’s hard to separate political cynicism from religious fanaticism—and often the two work together. So it is with Ahok’s ‘blasphemy’ trial in Indonesia.
ISIS: We Burned Two Soldiers Alive
ISIS: We Burned Two Soldiers Alive
ISTANBUL—Islamic State extremists said they have burned two Turkish soldiers alive captured in the fight for Syria. A film video posted Thursday night showed the two men, their feet shackled and tied to a post standing in front of a mat as a flam...
The terrorist group may be on the ropes. But a new video shows that their gruesome, medieval ways continue.
How The Truck Terrorist Was Taken Down
How The Truck Terrorist Was Taken Down
ROME—What started as a routine police check ended in the death of Europe’s most wanted man. Two police officers on a regular early morning patrol spotted a man acting suspiciously at 3:00 a.m. local time at a train station in Milan’s working class...
On a routine pre-dawn stop, a couple of young Italian cops asked Anis Amri for his papers. He pulled a gun instead—a fatal mistake.
Pastors Face Death for Spreading Gospel
Pastors Face Death for Spreading Gospel
In this season of celebration and contemplation, we are publishing a series of articles about Christians who are imprisoned and in some cases threatened with death because of their beliefs. Such religious persecution is not limited to Christians. ...
Four men, including two pastors, face the death penalty in Sudan a full year after they were arrested on what critics say are trumped-up charges targeting Christians.
Did Russia Just Test a Weapon in Space?
Did Russia Just Test a Weapon in Space?
Russia isn't done screwing with the United States in 2016.On Dec. 16, the Russian military reportedly tested what appears to be an anti-satellite weapon—a rocket that can boost into low orbit and smash into enemy spacecraft.The test could be ...
Vladimir Putin’s regime is asserting itself around the world—and above it, too.
Assad to UN: Don’t Call Syria ‘Besieged’
Assad to UN: Don’t Call Syria ‘Besieged’
The Syrian government is once again trying to manipulate the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) to fit its own narrative of the conflict within the country.In comments that seem removed from the reality of the years-long war in the co...
Criticized for letting the Syrian government edit the U.N. Humanitarian Response Plan last year, the United Nations is again allowing Assad regime comments and compromises.
U.S.
Hoaxers Don’t Debunk Hate-Crime Reality
Hoaxers Don’t Debunk Hate-Crime Reality
In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, news organizations across the country scrambled to cover high-profile reports of hate crimes. Now, several of the reports have been summarily debunked.Those inclined to review all hate crimes with ske...
While skeptics fixate on a handful of false reports, the number of real hate crimes has been rising across the United States.
Cop: Let Me Fly Confederate Flag or Else
Cop: Let Me Fly Confederate Flag or Else
Sgt. Silvia Cotriss had been a widow for a month and a cop for just shy of 20 years. And now she was being called down to the police department headquarters in Roswell, Georgia, on a Thursday in July to explain why the Confederate flag was flying ...
When a Georgia police department found out that one of its cops was flying a Confederate flag above her house, it fired her—and now she’s suing her bosses.
Rifle-Toting Cops Guard NYC Xmas Market
Rifle-Toting Cops Guard NYC Xmas Market
The smell of hot apple cider wafted into the crisp night air from Booth A42 at the Union Square Holiday Market in Manhattan.“GERMAN DELIGHTS,” read the sign.Below that, it said, “There’s a little German in everyone.”The woman behind the counter, 2...
Fifteen Christmases after 9/11, terrorists have gone from hijacking airliners to hijacking trucks—and the NYPD is amping up already tight security.
Did a $17K Watch Mess With Your Pension?
Did a $17K Watch Mess With Your Pension?
A man entrusted to manage investments for New York’s Common Retirement Fund put his own payday before state employee pensions. Prosecutors say his on-the-job decisions were fueled by bribes of drugs, sex, and a $17,420 luxury wristwatch.Navnoor Ka...
New York state’s multibillion-dollar retirement fund may have been in the hands of Deborah Kelley and Gregg Schonhorn because of a series of lavish bribes.
Ohio’s Futile Money-Wasting Abortion Ban
Ohio’s Futile Money-Wasting Abortion Ban
This month, Ohio governor John Kasich signed a ban on abortions after 20 weeks. This isn’t the first 20-week ban to be signed into law, and it almost certainly won’t be the last. It’s happened enough that we have a pretty good idea of exactly what...
Taxpayers usually foot the bill—which can reach into the millions—when the fight over unconstitutional abortion restrictions hits the courts.
Tech
Did Facebook Just Start a Real Infowar?
Did Facebook Just Start a Real Infowar?
Facebook detailed a new plan Thursday to target the rapid spread of fake news across its site, a phenomenon that received renewed attention in the weeks following the 2016 election, with accusations that it may have influenced the behavior of vote...
To combat the spread of fake information, Facebook is stifling intentional fake-news writers while sparking a fight with people who view such a move as censorship.
Where Robots Cage-Fight to the Death
Where Robots Cage-Fight to the Death
Humans box, wrestle, and knock each other senseless, much to the delight of audiences. Last year, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) drew 2.75 million viewers for a live event and 3 million people tuned into the Premier Boxing Championship d...
TV shows and video games are capitalizing on our desire to see mechanical bots destroy each other with all the drama of a great UFC fight.
Silicon Valley, Wake Up! Trump Matters.
Silicon Valley, Wake Up! Trump Matters.
“Steam seems to have killed all gratitude in the hearts of sailors.”—Jules Verne, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.A few months ago, the former CEO of a multi-billion-dollar tech company in Silicon Valley told a private gathering that it didn...
Does it matter that armies of Americans are not sharing the tech-progressive dream right now?
Syrian War Footage Is Now a Video Game
Syrian War Footage Is Now a Video Game
One day in late August, a lone Syrian BMP-1—a Soviet-designed cross between a tank and a tracked armored personnel carrier—made its way between the besieged Syrian Air Force Academy and advanced combat positions on the front. Throughout the summer...
Military footage captured from drones and body cameras has created a new generation of military propaganda auteurs to the point where terrorist videos posted online are as captivatin...
Pregnancy Bracelet Lets Dad Feel Kicks
Pregnancy Bracelet Lets Dad Feel Kicks
There is nothing weirder, wilder, or more magical than a baby’s movement in utero. For many mothers (it certainly was for me), the quickening, those first flutters, are the moment when a pregnancy starts to feel real, when a bump becomes a baby. A...
Thanks to the Scandinavians, fathers can choose to be even more involved in their partner’s pregnancy—now where’s that bracelet for morning sickness?
Police Warn of Online ‘Sextortion’
Police Warn of Online ‘Sextortion’
British police have warned of a dramatic rise in the number of cases of online sextortion, where unwitting men (and, less frequently, women) are lured into stripping or performing sex acts in video chats, which are being recorded without their kno...
Be careful when you agree to have webcam sex. The footage, say British cops, is being used to blackmail people in a rising number of cases.
Trump Team Wants to End Net Neutrality
Trump Team Wants to End Net Neutrality
Donald Trump has tapped two telecommunications lobbyists to head his FCC transition team. That’s bad news for net neutrality, the policy that says internet service providers must treat all data equally.Last Monday, Trump named Jeffrey Eisenach and...
The principle that internet service providers should treat data equally was championed by the Obama administration, but corporate lackeys are set to overturn that on the FCC.
Arts + Culture
When Rockefeller Nixed a Communist Mural
When Rockefeller Nixed a Communist Mural
In November 1930, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera traveled to the United States with his wife, artist Frida Kahlo, on a commission to paint one of his famous large frescos for the San Francisco Stock Exchange. The Great Depression was just getting u...
Nelson Rockefeller commissioned Diego Rivera to paint a mural for Rockefeller Center, but the end result proved too political to stay on the walls.
The Top 10 Media Meltdowns of 2016
The Top 10 Media Meltdowns of 2016
Remember all those educated guesses this year that Donald Trump wasn’t seriously running for president, that he was simply laying the groundwork for Trump TV? Never mind.It turns out that the former Celebrity Apprentice star has no need to launch...
2016 was the year Trump excoriated the media while benefiting handsomely from its exposure; that fake news superseded real; and Gawker was fatally bodyslammed by Hulk Hogan.
Where to Escape to in 2017
Where to Escape to in 2017
1. CanadaThe 51st state. America’s hat. Take your pick among the bevy of diminutive nicknames our northern neighbor has suffered—too polite and apologetic to ever form a rebuttal. Of course the joke’s on us now, especially on election night when t...
You might fancy skiing in Japan, or heading to a swanked-up Nashville. Or maybe it’ll be Montevideo. Or Madagascar. Or Ethiopia… Boarding passes, please.
Donald Trump, Here’s a Real ‘Safe Space’
Donald Trump, Here’s a Real ‘Safe Space’
At 7:30 p.m. on Monday night, the sun having set three hours previously, hundreds of people were shivering in a line that stretched halfway down a long Chelsea block waiting to get into something that had advertised itself, cheekily, as a “safe sp...
Writers and artists responded to Donald Trump’s tweet that theater should be a ‘safe space’ with a special evening of performances in Manhattan.
How the Hairy Shoe Conquered Fashion
How the Hairy Shoe Conquered Fashion
I was mindlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed on a recent sleepless night, whirring past Emily Ratajkowski’s ample chest and Ivanka Trump’s “date night” with her son, when my finger landed on a frightful image: a pair of heeled, white leath...
From the ‘merkin mule’ to white leather mules with a curly white pelt secured under the buckle like Santa Claus’s beard, hairy-looking shoes have been seen on many a celebrity foot.
How Sick Is the Queen?
How Sick Is the Queen?
Just yesterday, Queen Elizabeth II hosted her legendary Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch party for those members of her close and extended family who are not invited to Sandringham, her country home, on Christmas Day itself.She was said to be in ...
Royal news reporters freaked out today when Elizabeth failed to show up for a scheduled train ride to her country pad. How ill is she really?
The Year Fashion Played Politics & Lost
The Year Fashion Played Politics & Lost
If 2015 was a year of (mostly) shocking and delightful developments, this past year was one in which the fashion industry got serious—well, a little more serious, at least. Proving that good style doesn’t just mean pretty clothes, designers used t...
In 2016, the world of fashion got behind Hillary Clinton, and Kanye West boiled fashion editors on a New York island. Lace chokers returned, and the Hadids emerged triumphant.
Politics