1. Mystery Drones Over the United States: There have been numerous reports of unidentified drones flying over various locations in the United States, including military bases and civilian areas. This has raised concerns about national security and led officials to call for the use of advanced technology to identify and track these drones (Source: Inc.com). - Link: https://www.inc.com/associated-press/u-s-agencies-should-use-advanced-technology-to-identify-mysterious-drones-schumer-says/91066344 2. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Loses Confidence Vote: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in parliament, triggering a snap election in February 2024. This is a significant political event in Europe as Germany is one of the EU's most influential members (Source: NY Times). - Link:
German Government Collapses at a Perilous Time for Europe (Published 2024)
Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, deepening the political turbulence in one of the continent’s most powerful economies.
 3. Bitcoin Price Soars: Bitcoin's price has surpassed $106,000, marking a new all-time high. This is significant for the cryptocurrency market and has sparked optimism about its potential to become a reserve currency (Source: ZeroHedge). - Link:
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
 4. Trump Transition Team Plans Rollback of Biden Policies: The Trump transition team has announced plans to roll back a number of Biden's policies, including those related to electric vehicles and emissions (Source: Inc.com). - Link: https://www.inc.com/reuters/trump-transition-team-plans-vast-rollback-of-biden-ev-emissions-policies/91066342 5. Cruise Lines Seeing Biggest Passenger Surges Since Pandemic: Cruise lines are seeing a surge in bookings for the upcoming wave season, indicating a strong recovery in the travel industry after the pandemic (Source: Fortune). - Link:
Fortune
Cruise bookings spike, which impacts the holiday deals travelers are used to | Fortune
Wave season 2024's splash zone will be different than the past few years'.
1. Israel-Palestine Conflict: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is a significant event mentioned in several headlines. The most mentioned events include Israeli strikes in Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties, including children and a journalist (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/gaza-health-officials-death-toll-14-month-war-116819110). 2. COVID-19 Vaccines: Several headlines mentioned the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, including Mitch McConnell's call for Trump nominees to "steer clear" of trying to discredit the polio vaccine, a disease he had as a child (
Fortune
Mitch McConnell says Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of trying to discredit vaccine for polio, a disease he had as a child | Fortune
McConnell's words were a sign that RFK Jr., who has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism, could face some resistance in the ...
). 3. Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, have been a frequent topic in the headlines. Bitcoin hit a new high, and the Bitcoin to gold ratio posted a new record (
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin to gold ratio posts new record as BTC sets new high
The Bitcoin to gold ratio, one of the key metrics offering the purchasing power of Bitcoin relative to gold, has hit a new all-time high as BTC bre...
). 4. Geopolitical Tensions: Several headlines mentioned geopolitical tensions, including the EU slapping new sanctions on Russia, and South Korea's President Yoon facing a review of impeachment (
RT International
EU’s top diplomats to ‘fight’ over Ukraine arms supply – Hungary
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss giving Ukraine a further €6 billion for arms, Hungary’s foreign minister said
; https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/prosecutors-summon-kosovos-prime-minister-move-supporters-politically-116819404). 5. Economic Events: Several headlines mentioned economic events, including the Federal Reserve likely slowing its rate cuts in 2025 as inflation stays stubbornly high (
Fortune
Federal Reserve will likely slow its rate cuts in 2025 as inflation stays stubbornly high | Fortune
Some economists question whether the Fed even needs to cut this week. Inflation, excluding volatile food and energy costs, has been stuck at an ann...
).
1. Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover: This event revolves around the acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk. Various news sources have discussed the financial implications and potential impact of this transaction. (Source: <https://www.barrons.com/articles/elon-musk-twitter-x-valuation-baron-fidelity-72850dec?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo>) 2. South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol's Impeachment: South Korea's Constitutional Court has begun the impeachment trial process for President Yoon Suk-yeol. The trial is in response to public discontent over his martial law decree. (Source: <https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/south-koreas-constitutional-court-begun-meeting-impeachment-president-116815470>) 3. Bitcoin's Price Surge: Bitcoin's price has surpassed $106,000, reaching a new record high. Investors are closely monitoring the cryptocurrency market, particularly in anticipation of this week's Fed decision. (Source: <https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/16/crypto-market-today.html>) 4. Canada Post Strike Resolution: After nearly a month-long strike, Canada Post has announced that operations will resume. The strike had disrupted mail services in the country. (Source: <https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/canada-post-operations-resume-after-monthlong-strike-116817399>) 5. China's Retail Sales Growth: China's November retail sales growth missed expectations, indicating economic woes and slower than hoped-for consumption growth. (Source: <https://fortune.com/asia/2024/12/16/china-retail-sales-growth-november-beijing-stimulus-economy/>)
1. Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High: Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency, reached a new all-time high of $105,000, gaining 20% in the last month. (Link:
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin goes ’Santa Claus mode’ as optimism grows for US reserve status
Bitcoin’s price has soared to a new all-time high of $105,000 as speculation of Bitcoin becoming a US reserve asset grows.
) 2. German Economy Struggles: Germany's economy is unraveling just when Europe needs it most, with stagnation in the German economy and a negative outlook for economic growth in Europe. (Link:
Down Arrow Button Icon
) 3. Emergency Spending Bill Delay: Lawmakers may slip by a day in releasing the text of the emergency spending bill, putting the deadline for passing the bill at risk. (Link:
Fox News
Lawmakers 'may slip by a day' in releasing text on emergency spending bill days before deadline
Lawmakers say they are edging closer to a deal to avoid a government shutdown in nine days but are still trying to work out differences over disast...
) 4. Russia's Population Crisis: Putin is desperately trying to reverse Russia’s population crisis and sees Ukraine as a solution, according to experts. (Link:
Down Arrow Button Icon
) 5. Tesla Valuation: Tesla is the most expensive Mag 7 stock, and this article explores how much it needs to earn to justify its current valuation. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-most-expensive-mag-7-stock-f3973231?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Israeli-Ireland Embassy Closure: Israel announced its decision to close its embassy in Ireland due to what it considered as "anti-Israel policies" by the Irish government, specifically in relation to the Gaza conflict. (Source:
Israel Shutters Its Embassy in Ireland, Citing ‘Anti-Israel Policies’ (Published 2024)
Amid mounting international criticism of its military conduct in Gaza, Israel says it will deepen ties with countries it considers friendly toward it.
) 2. Syrian Rebel Contact: The United States has reportedly made contact with the Syrian rebel group HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), a designated terrorist organization, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/12/15/nx-s1-5229536/us-syrian-rebel-group-hts) 3. Google Flights' Top Holiday Destinations: Google Flights has revealed its top holiday travel destinations for 2024. (Source:
Fox News
Google Flights' top holiday travel destinations for 2024
From Orlando to Cancun and New York, Google Flights says these are the top holiday travel destinations for 2024, but there are even more exciting l...
) 4. Brazil's Lula Released from Hospital: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was discharged from the hospital after undergoing surgery to stop a brain bleed. (Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/brazilian-president-luiz-incio-lula-da-silva-discharged-116806078) 5. South Korea's President Impeachment: South Korea's parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. (Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/south-korea-parliament-impeaches-president-yoons-116804867)
1. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's Impeachment: After less than a year in office, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly on charges of abuse of power and violation of election laws. This marks the first time a South Korean president has been impeached while in office. [Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-korean-leaders-seek-calm-050320847.html] 2. Cyclone Chido in Mayotte: Tropical Cyclone Chido hit the French territory of Mayotte, causing significant damage and leaving at least 11 people dead. This is the strongest cyclone to hit the region in over 30 years. [Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/french-interior-ministry-11-people-died-mayotte-after-116802023] 3. Bitcoin Forecast for 2025: A Wall Street analyst who correctly predicted Bitcoin's rise to $100,000 in 2024 has made a new prediction for 2025, stating that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of the year. [Source:
Yahoo Finance
A Shocking Bitcoin Forecast for 2025 From the Wall Street Analyst Who Predicted Its Rise to $100,000 in 2024
Tom Lee is the head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors. Lo and behold, the S&P 500 advanced by 24% last year as cooling inflation and the an...
] 4. Broadcom Earnings Boom: Broadcom reported strong earnings results for the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations by a significant margin. The company's stock price surged as a result. [Source:
Yahoo Finance
Stock market today: Tech leads stocks higher after Broadcom earnings boom
Broadcom said its AI revenue increased 220% for the year to $12.2 billion and expects the business boom to continue over the next three years.
] 5. Russia-Ukraine War: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides reporting casualties and damage. The latest developments include Russia's announcement that it will reduce the number of troops near Ukraine's border. [Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-gas-transit-talks-pitfalls-slovakia-fico-116800911]
1. Syria Crisis: Several headlines discuss the situation in Syria, with the most notable being the contact made by Washington with rebels who took over the country (Live Briefing: Washington makes contact with rebels who took over Syria - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/15/israel-syria-war-news-hamas-gaza-palestine/). Other headlines discuss the rebels aiming for normalcy and Syrians vowing not to be silent again (One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again - https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/week-new-syria-rebels-aim-normalcy-syrians-vow-116800279). 2. Cyberattacks and Data Breaches: Several headlines report on cyberattacks and data breaches, including one in Rhode Island where sensitive data was breached and hackers demanded a ransom (Cyberattack in Rhode Island: Sensitive data breach, hackers demand ransom - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/cyberattack-in-rhode-island-sensitive-data-breach-hackers-demand-ransom/articleshow/116329719). 3. Stock Market and Business News: Several headlines discuss stock market trends and business news, including one about a growth stock that is down 35% and could be a buy now (1 Growth Stock Down 35% to Buy Right Now -
Yahoo Finance
1 Growth Stock Down 35% to Buy Right Now
Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) stock has likely impressed its shareholders with a nearly 60% gain over the last year. Throughout its history, Shopify has st...
). Another headline discusses the rising rejection rates amid a demand drop in the trucking industry (Rising rejection rates amid demand drop reveal truckload capacity exodus -
Yahoo Finance
Rising rejection rates amid demand drop reveal truckload capacity exodus
There is nuance in this freight market flip. Why is this transitioning truckload market unlike any other? The post Rising rejection rates amid dema...
). 4. Political Events: Several headlines discuss political events, including the naming of Richard Grenell as special missions envoy by President-elect Trump (US President-elect Trump picks loyalist Richard Grenell for special missions envoy post -
The Times of India
US President-elect Trump picks loyalist Richard Grenell for special missions envoy post - Times of India
US News: US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Richard Grenell as special envoy for missions in volatile regions, including Venezuela, Nort...
). Another headline discusses the impeachment of the South Korean president (South Korea’s opposition chief urges top court to act swiftly on impeachment - https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/south-koreas-opposition-chief-urges-top-court-act-116798893). 5. Miscellaneous Events: Several headlines discuss miscellaneous events, including the fall of Assad being a major blow to Russia (Assad's Fall Is A Major Blow To Russia -
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) and the death of the founder of the Mango apparel chain in a cave accident (Mango apparel chain founder dies in accident -
The Times of India
Mango apparel chain founder dies in accident - Times of India
Europe News: Isak Andic, the founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide...
).
1. Trump Defamation Lawsuit Settlement: ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit was related to a 2019 interview on "Good Morning America" where George Stephanopoulos asked Trump about allegations of sexual misconduct. (Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/abc-news-settles-defamation-lawsuit-with-trump-agrees-to-contribute-15-million-to-presidential-library/articleshow/116327039.cms) 2. New Jersey Drone Incident: A mysterious drone incident has been causing concern in New Jersey, with several military facilities reporting drone sightings. Republican Congressman Chris Smith called for action from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging them to "bring them down." (Source: foxnews.com/us/new-jersey-republican-calls-action-mayorkas-austin-mysterious-drones-bring-down) 3. South Korea's President Impeachment: South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by the country's parliament. This is the first time since 2004 that a South Korean president has been impeached. (Source: bbc.com/news/videos/crk02j2jlryo) 4. Syrian Rebel Group Contact with US: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged that the U.S. is in direct contact with a Syrian rebel group, known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This admission comes as the U.S. seeks to support a peaceful transition in Syria. (Source: aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/14/us-secretary-of-state-blinken-acknowledges-contact-with-syrias-hts-rebels?traffic_source=rss) 5. Drones Spotted Near Military Facilities: There have been multiple reports of drones being spotted near military facilities in the U.S., including in New Jersey and Bedminster, New Jersey, where former President Donald Trump has a golf club. The Pentagon is investigating these incidents. (Source: fortune.com/2024/12/14/drones-military-bases-bedminster-new-jersey-donald-trump-congress/)
1. Women's Rights Activists Rally in France: Women's right activists held a rally in France ahead of the verdict in the rape trial of Gisèle Pelicot, a French journalist. The rally was held to draw attention to the ongoing issue of sexual assault and violence against women in France. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/womens-activists-rally-france-ahead-gisle-pelicots-rape-116794168) 2. Palantir Stock Joins Nasdaq-100 Index: Palantir Technologies Inc. was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, a move that could expose the company to billions in passive investment flows. The move reflects the growing importance of Palantir in the technology sector. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
MicroStrategy to Enter Nasdaq 100, Exposing Bitcoin-Linked Stock to Billions in Passive Investment Flows
The self-described Bitcoin Development Company became one of the 75 largest non-financial firms in the Nasdaq after its explosive growth this year.
) 3. Trump Appoints Former Fox Anchor Kari Lake to Lead Voice of America: Former Fox News anchor Kari Lake was appointed by former President Donald Trump to lead the Voice of America, a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster. Lake's appointment was controversial and sparked criticism from some who saw it as an attempt by Trump to further politicize the organization. (Link:
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) 4. Brazilian Police Arrest Former Defense Minister Braga Netto: Brazilian federal police arrested former Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo Braga Netto on corruption charges. Netto is accused of participating in a scheme to sell military equipment to Middle Eastern countries. (Link:
The Times of India
Former Brazilian defense minister Braga Netto arrested by federal police, sources say - Times of India
Rest of World News: Brazilian authorities arrested former defense minister Walter Braga Netto on Saturday. Accused of plotting a coup following the...
) 5. Apple, Google Told to Remove TikTok from App Stores: The U.S. government ordered Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, citing national security concerns. The move could potentially disrupt the popular video-sharing app's operations in the U.S. (Link:
The Times of India
Apple, Google told by US to remove TikTok from app stores - Times of India
US News: A US House committee has given Alphabet and Apple a January 19 deadline to remove TikTok from their app stores. This follows a court rulin...
)
1. South Korea's President Impeachment: South Korea's National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The impeachment was passed with a majority vote, marking the end of Yoon's presidency. (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/14/south-korea-national-assembly-voted-to-impeach-president-yoon-116786963) 2. Conflict in Ukraine: The Russia-Ukraine war continues to dominate headlines, with day 1,024 of the conflict reported. (
Al Jazeera
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,024
Here are the key developments on the 1,024th day of the Russia-Ukraine war.
) 3. Syrian Transition: United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Arab foreign ministers to discuss the Syrian transition, amidst ongoing uncertainty and instability in the region. (
U.S. in Direct Contact With Rebels Who Took Over Syria (Published 2024)
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States was communicating directly with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant rebel faction, despi...
) 4. Interest Rates and Mortgage Market: The ongoing discussion about mortgage rates and potential decreases in 2025 was a frequent topic. (https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/mortgages/article/when-will-mortgage-rates-go-down-164144910.html) 5. Inflation and Investment: The impact of inflation on the stock market and investment strategies was also a common theme, with various articles providing lists of stocks to protect against inflation. (https://www.barrons.com/articles/best-stock-picks-inflation-protection-0d63135e?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)