President-elect Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him not to escalate the Ukraine war as Trump prepares for his second term. Trump also stated that Senate Republicans seeking leadership roles must agree to allow recess appointments, notably declining to endorse any of the three GOP candidates ahead of Wednesday’s election. Senator Bernie Sanders expressed opposition to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor retiring, as Democrats consider options to secure a younger justice before Trump takes office. In Southern California, firefighters have increased containment of wildfires that have destroyed over 130 structures, advising residents to take safety precautions outdoors. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched strikes on north Lebanon and Gaza, killing over 50 people, including 20 children, as tensions with Hezbollah have escalated and ceasefire talks remain stalled.
Trump warns Putin not to escalate in Ukraine (The Guardian)
Trump promotes “recess appointments” in Senate (Politico)
Justice Sotomayor has no plans to retire (The Hill)
California wildfires update (USAToday)
Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Gaza (BBC)
