↑ Politics and Government Mamdani Inauguration to Usher in ‘New Era’ With Broadway Block Party - Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s new mayor on Jan. 1, alongside a party spanning seven blocks that will accommodate 40,000 spectators, his transition team said.The White House Is Just ‘Trying to Keep Grandpa Busy’ - Jamelle Bouie, Michelle Cottle and David French convene to discuss the year that was.Rubio Meets (and Meets, and Meets … ) the Press - The secretary of state held a marathon news conference, offering little news but more respect for reporters than most others in the Trump administration.Elise Stefanik Tried Everything to Please Trump. He Still Jilted Her. - The G.O.P. congresswoman who ran as a moderate but became an “ultra MAGA” Trump acolyte ultimately found herself undermined by the president and politically adrift.Elise Stefanik Drops Out of N.Y. Governor’s Race and Will Leave Congress - Ms. Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman and staunch ally of President Trump, abruptly ended her bid to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul and said she would not seek another House term.ICE Allows Democratic Lawmakers Inside Migrant Cells in New York City - The immigration agency had barred elected officials from the holding facilities. A federal judge this week said they must be given access.Putin’s Year-End News Conference Set for Friday - The annual news conference sets the Kremlin’s tone for the next year and highlights President Vladimir V. Putin’s grip over Russia.The Putin Confidant Who Pushed Back Against Russia’s War in Ukraine - Dmitri N. Kozak had worked with President Vladimir V. Putin for three decades before quitting in September. His associates described his break with the Russian leader.Australia to Crack Down on Hate Speech After Bondi Attack - New legislation will be drafted to target those who promote violence and to increase penalties for hate speech, the prime minister said Thursday.ICE Must Allow Lawmakers to Inspect Detention Centers, Judge Rules - Judge Jia M. Cobb wrote that two policies announced in June appeared to unlawfully bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits at immigration detention facilities.