MicroWave

Summary

Donald Trump praised Democratic Senator John Fetterman after their meeting at Mar-a-Lago, calling him a "commonsense person."

Fetterman, whose political stance has shifted rightward in recent years.

He has drawn criticism from Democrats, especially for co-sponsoring the Laken Riley Act, which allows detention of undocumented immigrants accused of nonviolent crimes.

His wife, Gisele, an advocate for immigrant rights and a former undocumented immigrant, was not mentioned in discussions on immigration.

The meeting marks an unexpected alignment between the two politicians.

Summary

Rashida Jones, the first Black executive to lead a cable news network, is stepping down as MSNBC president after four years, citing a desire to "pursue new opportunities."

Her departure coincides with corporate restructuring and the start of Trump’s second administration.

Rebecca Kutler, a former CNN executive, will serve as interim president. Under Jones, MSNBC surpassed CNN as the second-rated cable news network, but viewership dropped 57% after Trump's election.

During her tenure, Jones expanded shows like Morning Joe and hired high-profile talent like Jen Psaki.

Comcast recently separated MSNBC and CNBC from NBC News under new leadership.

Summary

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) clashed during a House Oversight Committee hearing, with Mace asking if Crockett wanted to “take it outside.”

The dispute began over Crockett’s call to reinstate a civil rights subcommittee, disbanded by Republicans in 2023.

Mace criticized Democrats and referenced anti-trans legislation, prompting Crockett to accuse her of exploiting the issue for campaign fundraising.

The spat escalated to social media, where Crockett labeled Mace an "attention seeking loser."

Mace later clarified she only sought a private discussion, not a physical altercation.

Summary

Fox News’s attempt to find support for Donald Trump in Greenland backfired, as most residents expressed disinterest in his proposals.

While one Trump supporter was found, the majority of Greenlanders interviewed criticized Trump’s comments and expressed a preference for remaining under Danish rule.

Despite these setbacks, Trump continues to advocate for acquiring Greenland, citing economic security concerns.

Summary

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to protect Los Angeles fire victims from predatory real estate practices.

The order prohibits undervalue cash offers for three months in fire-affected areas, like Altadena, where the Eaton Fire has caused major destruction.

Violators face potential criminal charges. Newsom also directed state agencies to educate residents on their rights and resources.

Modeled after Hawaii's 2023 Lahaina fire order, the measure aims to preserve community stability.

Over 100,000 residents remain evacuated, with 25 confirmed fatalities from the fires.

Summary

Five people were shot dead in Huitzilac, Mexico, while campaigning for local positions managing communal resources.

The attack occurred on the same street as another deadly shooting eight months prior, highlighting the town’s security concerns.

Meanwhile, body parts were discovered in Tabasco, adding to the escalating violence in the region.

Summary

The SEC has sued Elon Musk, alleging he failed to disclose a timely 5% Twitter stake in 2022, allowing him to buy additional shares at "artificially low prices," underpaying by $150M.

Musk disclosed his stake 11 days late, after purchasing over $500M in shares, leading Twitter's stock to surge 27%.

Musk’s lawyer called the case baseless, accusing the SEC of harassment.

This follows prior SEC investigations into Musk for alleged securities fraud and insider trading related to Tesla stock sales.

Musk denies any wrongdoing.

Summary

Fossil fuel companies successfully lobbied to block California’s 2024 Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Act, which aimed to make major polluters fund climate disaster prevention and recovery.

Chevron, Western States Petroleum Association, and others spent over $80M on lobbying, claiming the bill would raise energy costs and duplicate existing carbon taxes.

The Los Angeles wildfires, now California's second deadliest, have reignited interest in the bill.

Advocates suggest revised legislation to avoid requiring two-thirds legislative approval.

Critics accuse big oil of evading accountability amid record profits.

Summary

China, dominating 50% of the global EV market, is leveraging its rapid electric vehicle (EV) export expansion to reshape global geopolitics.

With Chinese EV brands like BYD spreading worldwide, this transition parallels how U.S. oil dominance defined the 20th century.

As EVs reduce reliance on oil, the U.S.’s geopolitical influence tied to oil diminishes, while China’s role grows.

Widespread adoption of Chinese EVs could shift global alliances, granting China greater economic and political sway as energy independence weakens traditional oil-powered systems of control.

Summary

Chinese drone company DJI has removed its geofencing feature that automatically restricted drone flights over sensitive areas, like airports, wildfires, and government buildings, replacing it with dismissible warnings.

The decision follows growing distrust in Chinese-made drones and U.S. regulatory changes.

DJI argues this empowers operators while aligning with global standards, but critics worry it could endanger safety, particularly for unaware pilots.

Previously, geofencing helped prevent incidents, like a DJI drone crash at the White House in 2015.

Summary

Germany's GDP contracted by 0.2% in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of economic decline after a 0.3% drop in 2023.

The economy has been hit by a cost of living crisis, driven by high energy prices following the loss of Russian gas supplies, inflation, and reduced export demand, especially from key markets like China.

Political instability has worsened the situation, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsing in November over disagreements on debt policies, triggering snap elections amidst economic uncertainty.

Summary

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained following a law enforcement operation over his brief martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

Yoon, accused of rebellion, claimed the measure was necessary to counter an "anti-state" opposition but was impeached on Dec. 14.

After weeks of resistance at his residence, he complied with the detention warrant, avoiding clashes.

His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to remove him permanently or reinstate him.

Protests have erupted, with supporters and critics rallying near his residence.