Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "very good" Christmas Day call with Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, per a post to X Thursday that Kushner reposted.
The big picture: Zelensky, President Trump's son-in-law Kushner and Witkoff discussed "new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer," the Ukrainian leader said in a video address to his nation later Thursday that was posted to his social media channels.
Christmas doesn't end at the tree — for many, it ends at the return counter.
Why it matters: Americans return tens of billions of dollars' worth of unwanted Christmas gifts every year, turning good intentions into one of retail's biggest annual money sinks.
The weight-loss drug boom is creating a whirlwind of uncertainty for the fitness industry around a very basic question: Will GLP-1 users work out more or less?
Why it matters: About 1 in 8 U.S. adults have already taken the medications, whether for diabetes or weight loss purposes, according to the KFF Health Tracking Poll in May 2024 — and it's expected to keep surging.
Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas, lottery officials said Thursday.
Why it matters: The win caps one of the largest jackpot runs in U.S. lottery history and delivers a rare Christmas Eve payout — turning a $2 ticket into a life-changing windfall.
Santa Claus is coming to town — and he's down with the digital age.
The big picture: The old Santa model consisted of a long line of tiny tots waiting for a camera, a chair and a photo op. The mall Santa still exists, but the modern Saint Nick also meets families where they are.
Here are the titles headlining Peacock, Netflix and Hulu for Christmas week.
What we're watching: A star-studded spy series and new seasons of "King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch" and "The Wonderfully Weird World Of Gumball."
Just a few years ago, Santa Claus literally couldn't come to town: Headlines warned of too few St. Nick lookalikes available to make appearances at malls, stores, office parties and private gatherings.
Recent anecdotes suggest that demand for Santas has become more Grinch-like, mirroring what's happening for temporary workers broadly.
Why it matters: Not even a Christmas season icon can dodge the labor market's woes.
The big picture: Many retailers are operating with reduced hours on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day, including Walmart, Best Buy and Macy's. Store and curbside pickup hours can vary by location.
Last-minute holiday shoppers will find fewer options Wednesday, as most grocery stores shorten hours on Christmas Eve and some close earlier than usual.
Why it matters: Christmas Eve is one of the busiest grocery shopping days of the year — and also one of the most limited.
