5 Things to Know — Trump Meets Mamdani, 'Seditious Behavior' Post, CDC Vaccine Claims, Miss Universe, Gaza Truce at Risk

Senator J.D. Vance said he hopes his Hindu wife will convert to Christianity, comments that prompted backlash in India and renewed debate about interfaith marriage.

Here are the other key developments to know for the day.

Trump to meet Mamdani — President Donald Trump will host newly elected New York City official Zohran Mamdani in the Oval Office for their first in-person meeting since the Nov. 4 election. The visit follows months of public friction: Trump has repeatedly mocked Mamdani and at one point threatened to withhold federal funds if Mamdani won. Mamdani said his team reached out to the White House to fulfill a promise to New Yorkers that he would meet "anyone and everyone" if it benefited the city's roughly 8.5 million residents.

Controversial social post — On Thursday, President Trump wrote in a social media post in all caps: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH," replying to a video featuring six former military and intelligence officials-turned-lawmakers urging current service members to refuse illegal orders. Democrats condemned the message as incitement, and some Republicans also expressed concern; House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not have used the same language.

CDC website changes spark alarm — Federal health guidance is in the spotlight after portions of the CDC’s website were updated to include claims linking vaccines and autism, a false association contradicted by extensive scientific evidence. The administration defended the edits as an effort to reflect "evidence-based" science, but public-health experts warn the changes could confuse parents and undermine vaccine confidence.

Miss Universe amid controversy — Fatima Bosch of Mexico won Miss Universe 2025 after a pageant marred by a viral pre-contest incident in which a director publicly rebuked her. Bosch pushed back and dozens of contestants staged a walkout in solidarity. The 25-year-old ultimately captured the crown and urged audiences not to let others "make you doubt your worth."

Gaza truce under strain — The U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire faces fresh strain after a new round of violence. Qatar, a mediator in the truce, accused Israel of violating the agreement; Israel said its strikes targeted Hamas operatives after gunfire at troops in Khan Younis. Palestinian health officials reported dozens of fatalities and many more wounded in the latest escalation, marking the third major flare-up since the ceasefire began in October.

Other quick updates

Weather — Stratospheric shifts over the next 10 days are likely to bring colder, snowier conditions to parts of the Northern Hemisphere; check your local forecast.

Odd legal loss — In Canada, a man lost a court bid to recover more than 1.2 million Canadian dollars he had hidden in unusual locations around his property.

NCAA deadline — The NCAA has until 5 p.m. ET today to reverse a rule that would otherwise permit college athletes to bet on professional sports.

Seniors' premiums — Older Americans may face steep increases in health insurance premiums for 2026, raising concerns for those on fixed incomes.

Airfares — Increased private-jet activity this holiday season is being cited as one factor that could push commercial airfares higher.

Record auction — A rare painting sold for $236 million at auction this week, setting a new headline price for the market.

Box office — The highly anticipated sequel to Wicked opens this weekend, and analysts predict a strong debut that could top $150 million.