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A customer picks up a plastic container of Macadamia nuts at a store in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. The flavorful macadamia nut was unfamiliar to many South Koreans until Cho Hyun-ah, the daughter of Korean Air's chairman, ordered a flight attendant off a Dec. 5 flight from New York City after she was served them in a bag, instead of on a plate. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-oon) A customer picks up a plastic container of Macadamia nuts at a store in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. The flavorful macadamia nut was unfamiliar to many South Koreans until Cho Hyun-ah, the daughter of Korean Air's chairman, ordered a flight attendant off a Dec. 5 flight from New York City after she was served them in a bag, instead of on a plate. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-oon)

By Associated Press December 15, 2014 2 min read

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. GUNMAN TAKES HOSTAGES IN SYDNEY CAFE

Five people have managed to escape from the crisis in the heart of the city’s business district while police negotiate with the gunman.

2. HOW WASHINGTON FOUND ITSELF IN A MIDEAST BIND

The U.S. risks alienating European and Arab allies if it vetoes an upcoming UN resolution that would set a two-year timetable for achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians.