The Globalist Podcast (December 25, 2023) – Tom Edwards looks back at the year in design and architecture. We also visit a wooden-toy factory in Finland and Andrew Mueller recaps the past 12 months with a special ‘What We Learned’.
The New York Times — Monday, December 25, 2023
Hoping for Peace With Houthis, Saudis Keep Low Profile in Red Sea Conflict
Riyadh is seeking to avoid getting dragged back into a bloody clash with the Yemeni militia, which has sowed chaos by attacking shipping and firing missiles at Israel.
America’s Truckers Face a Chronic Headache: Finding Parking

Parking spots for trucks are in short supply around the country, and the problem can lead to unsafe situations for long-haul truck drivers and other motorists.
Christmas Comes Early in Ukraine, but Not a Moment Too Soon

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church formally changed the date for celebrating to Dec. 25, departing from the Russian tradition of celebrating on Jan. 7, according to the Julian calendar.
What Went Wrong for Ron DeSantis in 2023
The Florida governor entered the year flush with cash and momentum. In the months since, internal chaos and Donald Trump’s indictments have sapped even his most avid supporters.
Apple’s Newest Headache: An App That Upended Its Control Over Messaging
Beeper Mini, which offers iPhone messaging on Android phones, has grown fast and its duel with the tech giant has gotten the attention of antitrust regulators.
Travel Guide: A Day In Regensburg, Germany
DW Travel (December 24, 2023) – DW’s Hannah Hummel hosts an experience of maximum Middle Ages. Regensburg in Bavaria is one of the largest preserved medieval cities in Germany.
Video timeline: 00:00 Intro 00:55 Regensburg Cathedral 04:14 Stone Bridge 05:05 Stadtamhof quarter 05:25 Sausages with Sauerkraut at the Historic Wurstkuchl 06:46 Stroll through the Old town 07:37 Walhalla
Not far from Regensburg lies an important national monument for the Germans: the Walhalla. Find out what it’s like to visit the Germans’ “Hall of Fame”!
Switzerland Train Travel: The Glacier Express – Brig To Andermatt (Dec 2023)
AKSense – Zurich Films (December 24, 2023) – The Glacier Express is the world’s slowest and Switzerland’s most elegant express train. This video is between Brig and Andermatt stations.
The entire route takes around 8 hours, the Glacier Express takes you across the Swiss Alps between St. Moritz and Zermatt regions, passing through narrow valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels, and over 291 bridges including the unique Landwasser viaduct (UNESCO site).
Sunday Morning: Stories And News From Zürich
Monocle on Sunday, December 24, 2023 – Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, brings us a festive programme from the radio studio in Zürich.
Featuring journalist Juliet Linley, as well as Monocle’s Andrew Tuck, Nic Monisse and Robert Bound.
The New York Times — Sunday, December 24, 2023
Putin Quietly Signals He Is Open to a Cease-Fire in Ukraine

Despite its bravado in public, the Kremlin has indicated its interest in striking a deal to halt the war — so long as it could still declare victory.
Ghosts on the Glacier
Decades after the unexplained deaths of two American climbers in Argentina, a camera belonging to one of them was found in the snow. The film held astonishing images, but the mystery endures.
‘God Is Under the Rubble in Gaza’: Bethlehem’s Subdued Christmas
The war in Gaza has prompted the city, traditionally seen as the birthplace of Jesus, to tone down its Christmas celebrations.
2023 in Photos: A Weary World
Photographers captured historic moments of war, grief and wonder that defined the year.
Historical: Saving John Steinbeck’s ‘Western Flyer’
CBS Mornings (December 23, 2023) – After writing “The Grapes of Wrath,” author John Steinbeck explored the Gulf of Mexico in a famous boat called the Western Flyer.
Since then, the boat has inspired adventurers and scientists for generations, but the original ship was nearly lost. CBS News’ Jeff Glor reports on the person determined to give it new life.
International Art: Apollo Magazine – January 2024
Apollo Magazine (December 23, 2023): The new January 2024 issue features ‘The Last Days of Vincent Van Gogh’; What’s in store for the art market?; Paris pays tribute to Agnès Varda, and more…
Breath of fresh air – Gerhard Richter in the Alps
Three exhibitions in the Engadin Valley explore how the Swiss mountains have inspired some of the painter’s most playful work
Remembering the festive geese of Christmas past
The festive bird has often been served up by artists and writers including J.M.W. Turner and Charles Dickens
Saturday Morning: News And Stories From London
Monocle on Saturday, December 23, 2023: Join Simon Brooke and Georgina Godwin as they take a look through the news and culture this festive season.
Plus, discover the stories behind New York’s Rockefeller’s Christmas tree and Quebec City’s Christmas mascot.
The New York Times — Saturday, Dec 23, 2023
U.N. Passes Resolution on Gaza Aid but Does Not Call for ‘Suspension of Hostilities’

After a week of heated negotiations, the U.N. Security Council approved a measure that called on Israel and Hamas to pause the fighting to allow for the delivery of more humanitarian aid.
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case on Trump’s Immunity Defense for Now

The case will instead first be heard by a federal appeals court, which has put it on a fast track, scheduling arguments for Jan. 9.
Hunter Biden Text Cited in Impeachment Inquiry Is Not What G.O.P. Suggests
A 2019 message from the president’s son alluded to giving his father half his salary. The back story offers unflattering insights into the Biden family but does not support assertions of corruption.
A World Leader on Ukraine, the U.S. Is Now Isolated Over Gaza
The United States finds itself in a defensive crouch and at odds with even staunch allies like France, Canada, Australia and Japan.

