5 things to know for Dec. 29: Winter weather alerts, Trump-Zelensky meeting, Helicopter crash, Gaza ceasefire, ‘Avatar’
Severe winter weather alerts affect over 30 million people in the Midwest and Northeast, disrupting holiday travel with blizzard warnings and significant flight delays. In diplomatic news, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed a potential peace deal amid ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine. A tragic helicopter collision in New Jersey resulted in one fatality, prompting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Meanwhile, Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address the Gaza ceasefire, while Disney's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' continues to succeed at the box office, hinting at a strong recovery for theaters in 2026.
Dive Deeper:
The winter storm has caused hazardous travel conditions, with blizzard warnings in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays across major airports like Chicago's O'Hare.
During the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Zelensky highlighting the need for U.S. support as Russia intensifies its attacks, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage.
The helicopter crash in New Jersey involved two aircraft colliding midair near Hammonton Municipal Airport, leading to one death and one injury, with federal authorities now investigating the cause.
In the Gaza ceasefire discussions, Netanyahu's arrival at Trump's Mar-a-Lago signals ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate the situation, but significant disagreements persist on the terms of disarmament and reconstruction.
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' has grossed over $760 million globally, showcasing a strong performance that reflects the movie industry's gradual recovery from pandemic-related downturns, with expectations for further growth in 2026.
Starbucks is reevaluating its strategy in urban centers, moving away from aggressively opening new locations in New York and Los Angeles, as competition increases and market saturation becomes a concern.
Brigitte Bardot, the renowned French actress and animal rights advocate, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that intertwined her film career with her activism.