First Thing: US and Russian officials draft plan to end Ukraine war based on capitulation from Kyiv | US news

Good morning.

U.S. and Russian officials have quietly drafted a new plan to end the war in Ukraine that would require Kiev to give up territory and drastically reduce its military.

News of the plan, reportedly developed by Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, came after Russian drone and missile strikes killed at least 25 people in the city of Ternopil.

The Financial Times and Reuters reported that the proposal would force Ukraine to surrender territory in its east, halve the size of its army and limit US military aid.

• Is this plan officially supported by the Trump administration? This is still unclear as Witkoff and Dmitriev have formed an unofficial back channel.

• What did the EU say? Any peace plan must be “on the side” of Kyiv and Europe. Foreign ministers are meeting today to discuss this; Follow our live blog here.

Trump signs bill requiring release of more Epstein documents

Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill directing the justice department to release files from the investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following concerted pressure from Democrats and his conservative base.

The unlikely alliance forced the president to make a U-turn on the release of documents he always had the authority to enact but chose not to do so. Trump flipped on the issue, promising to release the Epstein files on the campaign trail before calling the issue a “hoax,” and then reversed course in recent days after it became clear the House of Representatives would pass legislation to release the files.

• What will the Department of Justice actually release? All files related to Epstein, including the investigation into his death by suicide in prison. While it is possible to remove identifying information about victims, this specifically prohibits authorities from refusing to release the information due to concerns of “embarrassment, loss of reputation, or political sensitivity.”

Trump calls female reporter ‘piggy’ and sparks more outrage than ever

Days after Donald Trump called a female reporter a “piggy” and told her to be quiet, the president’s comment continued to spark outrage online.

In the video, Trump can be seen berating Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, who asked him why he opposed releasing the Epstein documents “if there was nothing incriminating in the files.” The president pointed his finger at the journalist and said, “Be quiet, piggy.” The incident occurred on Air Force One on Friday.

This circulated in the same news cycle as Trump telling another female reporter that it was rude to ask Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who the CIA determined was killed on the crown prince’s orders.

• This isn’t Trump’s first attack on the media; Why is this important? In her analysis, Rachel Leingang says Trump’s anger could be a sign that he is backing down in an environment where the economy is failing and he is forced to do a 180 on the Epstein files. The nasty comment also seems to hit a nerve like few of his remarks do.

In other news…

• Displaced Palestinians are bracing themselves for the arrival of a harsh winter. As Israel continues to block the Rafah crossing, aid groups warn they face disease, cold and hunger.

• Nvidia CEO calms fears on Wall Street A bubble has formed in the artificial intelligence industry in the midst of a market sell-off.

• Alice GuoChinese citizen who became mayor in the Philippines by pretending to be Filipino was sentenced to life imprisonment He was arrested along with seven others on human trafficking charges, according to state prosecutors.

• Brazil’s far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro facing life imprisonment Two months after he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to “destroy” Brazil’s democratic institutions.

Status of the day: 5,500 Toxic areas across the US are at risk of coastal flooding 2100

Rising sea levels will cause more than 5,500 toxic areas to be inundated across the United States by 2100. According to a new study. The research warns that a range of hazardous facilities will be affected, including those that process sewage, toxic waste, oil and gas and other industrial pollutants. Florida, New Jersey, California, Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts and Texas account for nearly 80% of the areas expected to be at risk by the end of the century.

Don’t miss this: Hold an ice cube and shake it like a dog: Therapists reveal 16 simple, surprising ways to beat stress

None of us can completely avoid stress, whether it’s triggered by work, money, relationships or health; but there are things we can do to help us cope better. Although the stressor cannot always be eliminated, what you can do is cope with the impact on your body. Here, psychotherapists share their techniques, from seeking social connection and creativity to splashing cold water on your face.

Climate control: Türkiye will host the COP31 climate conference after Australia’s last-minute withdrawal

Türkiye will host the COP31 climate conference after Australia ended its attempt to hold the event in Adelaide despite a three-year campaign. In an unprecedented move, the summit is set to be held in Antalya, but Australia could still lead talks on how to tackle the climate crisis.

Last Thing: It’s not Mariah again! New music playlists for the Christmas party season

Yes, yes, the holiday season seems to start earlier every year. As we head into the party season, everyone is tired of listening to the same three Christmas songs over and over again; That’s why the Guardian’s music editor, Ben Beaumont-Thomas, wrote Wham! has compiled some recommended playlists to help you host without. and Mariah.

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