The New York Times

1. Trump Vetoes 2 Bills, Drawing Accusations of Retaliation

   The president said he blocked the bills to save taxpayers’ money. But he has grievances against a tribe in Florida and officials in Colorado.

2. Trump’s Veto of Water Project Is His Latest Targeted Hit on Colorado

   The president seems to be at war with the Democratic-led state as he raises the pressure on Colorado leaders to release a convicted election denier, Tina Peters, from state prison.

3. The Countdown Begins: New York City Awaits Mayor Mamdani

   Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in shortly after the New Year’s Eve ball drops, in a private ceremony held at a shuttered relic of the city’s subway.

4. Mamdani Reverses Call to End Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools

   The mayor-elect’s turnaround came as he selected Kamar Samuels to lead New York City’s school system at a precarious moment.

5. On His Last Day, Adams Drops From View but Still Flexes His Muscle

   Mayor Eric Adams had one public appearance on his schedule, but that didn’t stop him from naming a third charter commission in the last hours of his administration.