New Year’s Eve, North Korea’s ‘gift,’ Newseum closing: 5 things you need to know Tuesday

Time is running out on North Korea’s supposed ‘gift’ ultimatum

North Korea warned the United States in early December that if nuclear arms talks are not resumed before the end of the year,it may not be happy with the “Christmas gift” delivered by leader Kim Jong Un. But with no “gift,” or presumably hostile gesture, coming from North Korea as of early Tuesday — the last day of the year — and no talks in sight, there is little time left for Kim to fulfill his supposed pledge. North Korea has been calling for the U.S. to offer new terms for a deal since the February summit in Hanoi between Kim and President Donald Trump broke down. Between that time and the December 3 declaration, North Korea has conducted missile tests and has threatened to start launching long-range missiles again as well.

  • ‘It’s a situation that concerns us’:National security adviser says US still expects ‘gift’ from North Korea
  • Bolton on North Korea:Trump is not ‘exerting maximum pressure’
  • Photos of life in North Korea:What you are allowed to see

Make the most of the last day of 2019

It’s finally here — the last day of 2019. And there are still plenty of ways to switch up your New Year’s Eve plans to ring in the end of an era. For instance, we’ve rounded up eight unconventional ways to celebrate the start of 2020. Or if you’re trying to stay home and catch up on TV, here are the five best shows to catch up on over the holiday. Also, some foods are lucky to eat on New Year’s Eve. It’s tough to pinpoint why that is, but much of the answer has to do with symbolism and superstition. But if you’re just looking to party, consider these safety tips: First, here’s how to schedule your Uber or Lyft now (and plan around surge pricing). Second, authorities are urging gun owners to exercise caution this year when shooting firearms, and to avoid shooting their weapons into the air altogether. While rare, celebratory gunshots into the air can endanger people’s lives.

  • What do a flea named Jasper, a wedge of cheese and a pine cone have in common? They’re all dropping on New Year’s Eve
  • Traveling around the end of the year: These are the best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve
  • Last day of ’19 for investors: Stock market open New Year’s Eve, but closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day

D.C. museum dedicated to the First Amendment, free press closes

A private Washington-based museum dedicated to exploring the role of the free press in major events in history will close its doors for good Tuesday. The Newseum opened in 2008 and delved into the importance of the First Amendment and a free press.Administrators said the Newseum’s largest problems included expense and debt. The museum charged $25 a ticket, in a city full of free museums. Many in the news world will mourn the Newseum’s closing, including a former USA TODAY editor who says the Newseum’s mission “was critical.” 

  • I’m a journalism student in an era of closing newsrooms, ‘fake news’: I still want in.

Ring in the New Year with these TV party specials

The major networks will once again ring in New Year’s Day with live shows from Times Square in New York City and plenty of bands to keep the party going all night long, or at least keep you dancing in your pajamas. Ryan Seacrest will host on ABC, Steve Harvey on Fox, and over on NBC Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will start off the night before handing over to Carson Daly. If cable is more your thing, CNN will once again have journalist Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen ringing in the new year. 

  • Times Square New Year’s Eve:What to know about one of the biggest parties of the year
  • New Year’s Eve playlist: 12 songs to ring in 2020, from Taylor Swift to Mariah Carey

Head out for freebies and deals, but check the store hours first

One way you can celebrate the end of 2019 on Tuesday is to take advantage of some great freebies and deals. Starbucks will hold 200 “pop-up parties” at locations across the nation for the final time on Tuesday afternoon. Coffee fans who participate will get free tall handcrafted espresso drinks. If you want a doughnut or a lot more, you can also get two Original Glazed Dozens for $12 at Krispy Kreme on Tuesday. To be on the safe side, check with your closest location before heading out to the stores. If you want to finish your holiday returns before 2020 or need a new outfit for the New Year’s Eve party, time won’t be on your side Tuesday as many retailers will close early Tuesday ahead of shortened hours Wednesday. Check out the New Year’s Eve store hours for department stores, grocery stores and discount retailers here.

  • Uber or Lyft on New Year’s Eve? Here’s how to schedule your ride now (and plan around surge pricing)
  • Is your location celebrating?Starbucks giving away free drinks with parties through Dec. 31
  • Retailers lost in the last decade:Sports Authority, Blockbuster, Borders, Payless and more

Contributing: Associated Press

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