Families are meeting up next week — and there’s a lot to talk about.

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Families are meeting up next week — and there’s a lot to talk about.

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The hot-button issues. As Americans continue to remain polarized, here are some of the biggest stories expected to come up:

Israel-Hamas war: After more than 70 days of war, about 20,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have been killed. Earlier this week, Hamas’s top leader was in Egypt to discuss a possible cease-fire and the release of hostages in Gaza. But now, Hamas is saying it will not release hostages until Israel pauses its offensive. With UN warnings of starvation in Gaza and tensions in Israel over the killed hostages, the issue is likely to come up at many family tables — at a time when generational divides on the topic are wide.

Culture wars: Like those taking place at college campuses. That includes issues ranging from antisemitism to free speech to diversity and inclusion initiatives. It all comes as Harvard University’s president is under a microscope, most recently over allegations of plagiarism. Some see the pressure on Dr. Claudine Gay as a move for accountability — and academic integrity from one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Others see it as a political attack. College campuses aren’t the only flash points in the culture wars, though: the GOP primary debates have focused significant airtime on gender and abortion. Speaking of the debates...

2024: Americans can’t agree on much — but they can agree that democracy seems to be at risk. The question is, from who? The GOP’s leading man, former President Trump, faces four criminal cases, might not be on the ballot in Colorado, and his legal problems could reach the Supreme Court. As for incumbent President Biden, the 81-year-old’s critics say it might be time to retire. Biden also faces an impeachment inquiry and his son, Hunter Biden, faces three federal gun charges. With the 2024 election about to kick off and Congress barely able to hold down a speaker, this may not be the year no one brings up politics. Maybe in 2025.

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There are conversations that need to be had and some that are tough to navigate. Whatever your holiday discussion looks like, here are some tips for getting through it all.

Where people are still reeling…

Prague. Yesterday, a gunman fired shots at a university, killing at least 14 people there and injuring dozens more. It’s the Czech Republic’s worst mass shooting in history. Police said the 24-year-old shooter, a student at the university, first killed his father before turning to the school. Authorities believe the gunman died by suicide and that his actions were not connected to international terrorism. Police are investigating whether violent messages posted on Telegram are connected to the gunman. Czech President Petr Pavel said he was “shocked” by the shootings and shared his “sincere condolences to the families” of the victims.

Who people are talking about…

Vin Diesel. Yesterday, a former assistant to the “Fast & Furious” star sued him, accusing Diesel of sexual battery, gender-based discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Asta Jonasson said Diesel’s company, One Race, hired her in 2010 during the filming of “Fast Five.” She alleges that one night she was asked to wait in Diesel’s suite at an Atlanta hotel, while he hosted women he brought back from a club. Once they left, Jonasson said Diesel allegedly sexually assaulted her. Hours later, One Race’s president allegedly called Jonasson and fired her after less than two weeks on the job. The lawsuit also accuses another One Race supervisor of inappropriate behavior toward Jonasson. Diesel has not commented.

Who people are remembering...

Manuel Ellis. Yesterday, a jury acquitted three Washington state police officers of all charges in Ellis’ death. The 33-year-old Black man died on March 3, 2020 in Tacoma — nearly three months before George Floyd’s murder — after police beat, tasered, and put him in a chokehold. Prosecutors argued Ellis died from the officers’ deadly use of force, and the medical examiner had ruled his death a homicide. Lawyers for the officers said their actions were justified and that Ellis died from drugs in his system and a pre-existing heart condition. The Ellis family walked out of the courtroom when the verdict was read. 

Whose pockets are running dry…

Rudy Giuliani’s.

Who’s tired of the pay gap…

Taraji P Henson.

Who's adding Golden Globe Awards host to his resume...

Jo Koy.

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