1. Israel Airstrikes Yemen's Rebel-Held Capital and Port City After Houthi Attack Targeted Israel: Israel carried out airstrikes on Yemen's rebel-held capital and port city after Houthi forces launched drones towards Israel, causing damage to a fuel storage facility. (Time) [https://time.com/7203250/israel-airstrikes-yemen-houthis/] 2. Dow Falls Over 200 Points, Marks Longest Losing Streak Since 1978: The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 200 points on December 19, 2024, marking its ninth consecutive day of losses and the longest losing streak since 1978. (Barrons) [
Barrons
Dow Falls Over 200 Points, Marks Longest Losing Streak Since 1978
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell for a ninth day, marking its longest losing streak since 1978 ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate ...
] 3. Honda, Nissan Consider Merger Amid Rival Growth: Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan are reportedly considering a merger to boost their competitive position in the global auto market. (Inc.) [https://www.inc.com/reuters/honda-nissan-consider-merger-amid-rival-growth/91068296] 4. Amazon Workers to Strike in US During Busy Christmas Season: Amazon workers in the US are planning to strike during the busy Christmas season over working conditions, pay, and benefits. (Al Jazeera) [
Al Jazeera
Amazon workers to strike in US during busy Christmas season
Teamsters union says workers in New York, Atlanta and San Francisco to walk off the job over pay and conditions.
] 5. US Government Shutdown Looms as Donald Trump Blocks Bipartisan Budget Deal: The US government is facing the possibility of a shutdown as President Donald Trump has blocked a bipartisan budget deal, citing concerns over border security funding. (Times of India) [
The Times of India
US government shutdown looms as Donald Trump blocks bipartisan budget deal - Times of India
US News: Trump halted a budget agreement. He said it favored Democrats. Elon Musk also opposed the bill. This raises the risk of a government shutd...
]
1. Fed Rate Cuts: The Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point cut in interest rates, but signaled caution for the year ahead. This is the fourth rate cut in 2024 and the lowest interest rate since 2015. [Link](
CNBC
The Fed sees only two rate cuts in 2025, fewer than previously projected
The so-called dot-plot, which indicates individual members' expectations for rates, showed officials see interest rates falling to 3.9% by the end ...
) 2. NASA Layoffs: General Motors announced layoffs for some of its employees, triggering a storm on TikTok. The news was met with criticism and concern from users. [Link](
Yahoo Finance
How a GM layoff email sent to employees triggered a storm on TikTok
It’s one of those wild twists at a time when many layoffs are buried in a big number. The TikTok, by the way, got 1.6M views.
) 3. Nissan Diversity Policies: Nissan rolled back its diversity policies following pressure from conservative activists. This move has sparked a debate about corporate diversity and inclusivity. [Link](
Fortune
Nissan rolls back diversity policies as activist claims another win | Fortune
Nissan’s letter echoes similar moves by more than a dozen companies, from rival Toyota Motor Corp. to Walmart Inc. and Harley-Davidson Inc.
) 4. Tesla Stock Drop: Tesla shares sank 8% after Elon Musk's announcement that he was giving up plans to turn the iPhone into a subscription service. This move affected the tech industry and the stock market. [Link](
CNBC
Tesla shares sink 8%, giving up some gains from post-election pop
Tesla shares dropped more than 8% on Wednesday, their biggest decline since before Trump's election victory, which has been a big spark for the stock.
) 5. Google Street View Arrests: Google Street View images helped police solve a murder case in Spain. The image showed a man loading a bag into a trunk, which led to his arrest and conviction. [Link](
Google Street View Captures a Man Loading a Bag Into a Trunk. Arrests Follow. (Published 2024)
The image, from northern Spain, showed a man with a white bag in the trunk of a car. The National Police said it helped them solve a missing-person...
)
1. Mysterious Drone Flights: The US Pentagon has denied any involvement in mysterious drone flights over the Midwest, with some politicians expressing concern over the unexplained incidents (
Fortune
US says Pentagon is not behind mysterious drone flights | Fortune
President Joe Biden on Tuesday night said “We are following this closely. So far, no sense of danger.”
) 2. TikTok Ban Appeal: The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok's appeal to block the Biden administration's order to ban the popular social media app (
Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court to hear TikTok case before ban deadline
TikTok's case is set for oral argument on Jan. 10, nine days before the site is scheduled to be shut down.
) 3. California's Electric Car Sales Ban: The Environmental Protection Agency has granted California permission to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 (
Fox News
EPA grants California permission to ban new gas car sales by 2035
President Biden's EPA approved two waivers for California allowing the state to proceed with a ban on all new gas car sales by 2035.
) 4. Amazon TP-Link Router Ban: The US government is investigating TP-Link routers, which are widely used by Amazon, over national security concerns, potentially leading to a ban (
Fortune
Amazon’s bestselling routers, which power internet in most U.S. homes, could soon be banned over national-security concerns | Fortune
Microsoft says TP-Link routers are vulnerable to Chinese hackers.
) 5. US State's Execution: Indiana executed Joseph Corcoran after a 27-year legal battle, the first execution in the state since 2019 (
Al Jazeera
US state of Indiana executes Joseph Corcoran after 27 year legal battle
Joseph Corcoran had paranoid schizophrenia when he killed four people, including his brother, in 1997, his lawyers say.
?)
1. Barclona Subway Recycles Energy: Barcelona's subway system is recycling energy generated from braking trains to charge electric vehicles. This innovative project could save up to 10% of the energy consumed by the subway system and reduce CO2 emissions. (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/barcelona-subway-recycles-energy-braking-power-charge-electric-116897748) 2. Trump's 2024 Election Victory: Donald Trump was formally confirmed as the 47th US President by the Electoral College. This comes after a tumultuous period of legal challenges and political division. (
RT International
Trump formally confirmed as 47th US president
Members of the Electoral College gathered in all 50 states on Tuesday, with Congress to count the electors’ votes on January 6
) 3. China's CATL Expansion: Chinese battery maker CATL is planning a major expansion of battery swapping for electric vehicles. This could help to increase the range and affordability of electric cars, making them more competitive with traditional vehicles. (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chinas-catl-planning-major-expansion-battery-swapping-electric-116897089) 4. India's Tax Relief Agreement: India has won an agreement with the IMF for tax relief, which could help to boost its economy and reduce the burden on struggling households and businesses. (
The Times of India
Sri Lanka wins agreement with IMF for tax relief: President Dissanayake - Times of India
South Asia News: COLOMBO: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday announced that Sri Lanka has achieved flexibility with the IMF on its rig...
) 5. NATO and Ukraine: NATO has warned against the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, as tensions between Ukraine and its neighbor Russia continue to escalate. This comes as the US considers sending troops to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression. (
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. Vanuatu Earthquake and Rescue Efforts: A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, causing at least 14 deaths and injuring more than 200 people. Rescue efforts are ongoing to find survivors and provide aid to affected communities. (Source:
Al Jazeera
Vanuatu earthquake death toll rises to 14 as rescuers search for survivors
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says one-third of population affected by 7.3-magnitude quake.
) 2. Bitcoin and Crypto Market: Bitcoin's funding rate is showing no signs of "late-cycle overheating," according to an analyst, and a Bitcoin and Ethereum combo fund is expected to lead a wave of crypto ETFs in 2025. (Source:
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin funding rate signals no signs of ‘late-cycle overheating’ — Analyst
Bitcoin’s funding rate, measured by the 30-day EMA, suggests “significant room for further growth” as its price hovers around $106,000, says ...
) 3. US-China Tensions in the Arctic: The US is reportedly feeling left out in the cold as China and Russia develop the Arctic region. (Source:
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) 4. Nissan and Honda Merger Talks: Nissan and Honda are reportedly in talks for a potential merger, which could shake up the global car industry. (Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nissan-motors-shares-jump-22-companies-confirm-talks-116892535) 5. Trump Lawsuits and Controversies: Former President Donald Trump has sued the Des Moines Register newspaper, claiming "election interference," and has also nominated Herschel Walker and Nicole McGraw to ambassador positions. (Source:
The Times of India
'Election-interfering fiction': Trump sues Des Moines Register over poll results - Times of India
US News: Former President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, Gannett, and pollster J. Ann Selzer, alleging "election...
)
1. Government Shutdown Aversion and Disaster Aid: Congress has unveiled a bill to avert a potential government shutdown and provide over $100 billion in disaster aid. The bill aims to provide funding for various disaster relief efforts and keep the government operating past the December 16 deadline. (Source:
Fox News
Congress unveils bill to avert Friday government shutdown with over $100B in disaster aid
House and Senate leaders have agreed on a short-term government funding bill to avert a Friday partial shutdown and kick the fiscal year 2025 fundi...
) 2. Russia General Assassination: Russian General Igor Kirillov, a high-profile military official, was reportedly killed in a blast in Moscow. The incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. (Source:
Fox News
Department of Defense doubles down, says drones are not US military assets
The Pentagon doubled down Tuesday, saying drones flying over New Jersey and New York were not U.S. military assets and are likely being used by hob...
) 3. UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Investigation: Luigi Mangione, a former UnitedHealthcare employee, has been charged with the murder of the company's CEO. The incident has raised concerns about workplace violence and security measures in corporate settings. (Source:
Fox News
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione indicted in New York
A Manhattan grand jury has indicted Luigi Mangione, suspect in assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City Hilton ...
) 4. Santa Claus Sarcophagus Discovery: Archaeologists believe they have discovered the sarcophagus of Santa Claus during an excavation in Turkey. The discovery has sparked interest and debate among historians and the general public. (Source:
Fox News
Sarcophagus of 'Santa Claus' believed to be discovered during excavation
The Fox News Lifestyle Newsletter brings you trending stories on family, travel, food, neighbors helping neighbors, pets, autos, military veterans,...
) 5. Cody Bellinger Trade to New York Yankees: The New York Yankees have acquired one-time MVP Cody Bellinger from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The trade is significant for both teams and could potentially impact their performance in the upcoming baseball season. (Source:
Fox News
Yankees acquire one-time MVP Cody Bellinger as post-Juan Soto era continues
The New York Yankees have reportedly acquired outfielder Cody Bellinger as they continue to execute their Plan B after Juan Soto's departure.
)
1. Dengue Fever Outbreak: The first event is the rise in dengue fever cases in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida. Travelers are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from the mosquito-borne disease. (Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/12/17/dengue-fever-mexico-florida-puerto-rico-travel/) 2. Government Shutdown Drama: The second event is the potential mutiny within the Republican party against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the government shutdown. (Link:
Fox News
'There's always consequences': GOP rebels plot mutiny against Johnson over government shutdown drama
House GOP hardliners are furious with House Speaker Mike Johnson about the way leaders have handled government funding.
) 3. Walmart Body Cameras: The third event is Walmart's experimentation with body cameras for employees in response to "unprecedented levels" of shopper violence. (Link:
Fortune
Walmart is experimenting with body cameras for employees—like the ones used by cops—to ward off 'unprecedented levels' of shopper violence | Fortune
Walmart is piloting a program at select stores where employees are required to wear body cameras.
) 4. Bitcoin Price Rally: The fourth event is the significant rally in Bitcoin's price, which has left traditional cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) behind. (Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-rally-leaves-world-original-151929036.html) 5. Amazon Warehouse Strike: The fifth event is the planned strike by Amazon workers at two warehouses in New York City, protesting working conditions and pay. (Link:
Engadget
Amazon workers at two NYC warehouses are set to go on strike
Workers at two Amazon warehouses in New York City are set to go on strike over pay and working conditions. They claim that the company has yet to c...
)
1. Chinese Auto Production Domination: China is now the largest producer of cars globally, surpassing Europe, Japan, and the US. The headline from ZeroHedge is a significant indication of China's growing influence in the automotive industry. (<https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/chinese-car-production-now-39-global-production-dominating-europe-japan-us>) 2. Barrick Gold Warning: Barrick Gold warned of potential halting of operations in Mali due to blocked gold shipments, affecting the company's operations in the region. (<https://finance.yahoo.com/news/barrick-gold-warns-halting-mali-102240693.html>) 3. GM's Electric Future: General Motors' investors are investing in the company's electric vehicle growth story, despite the uncertain road ahead. (<https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gm-investors-plug-into-electrified-growth-story-amid-uncertain-road-110037274.html>) 4. Nvidia Stock Slump: Nvidia's stock has experienced a slump, entering a correction phase, according to Barron's. This development could impact investors holding Nvidia shares. (<https://www.barrons.com/articles/nvidia-stock-price-correction-today-76a13168?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo>) 5. Brazilian Plagiarism Claim: A Brazilian judge ordered Adele's "Easy on Me" to be pulled globally due to a plagiarism claim by a local composer. The ruling raises questions about copyright laws and the interpretation of musical similarities. (<https://fortune.com/2024/12/17/brazil-judge-orders-adele-song-pulled-globally-plagiarism-claim-composer/>)
1. Earthquake in Vanuatu: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, causing damage and triggering a tsunami warning. The quake was reportedly felt in several nearby countries, including Fiji and New Caledonia. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/magnitude-73-earthquake-hits-pacific-island-nation-vanuatu-116851766) 2. Walmart's DEI Pullback: Walmart defended its decision to pull back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, amidst criticism from investors and leaders. The company argued that its focus on profitability and cost-cutting measures is not incompatible with promoting diversity. (Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-defends-pullback-dei-while-investors-and-leaders-debate-its-effects-on-performance-220230993.html) 3. Trump's Hush Money Conviction: A New York judge rejected Donald Trump's bid to dismiss his hush money conviction, ruling that he does not have immunity as a former president. The case revolves around payments made to Stormy Daniels to silence her allegations of an affair with Trump. (Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/donald-trump-hush-money-judge-rejects-dismissal-1.7412118?cmp=rss) 4. Meta's Privacy Settlement: Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook) agreed to pay $31.85 million to settle a privacy lawsuit in Australia over its alleged handling of user data, including data shared with Cambridge Analytica. (Link:
The Times of India
Meta to pay $31.85 million to end Australian privacy lawsuit linked to Cambridge Analytica scandal - Times of India
International Business News: Australia's Information Commissioner dropped its lawsuit against Meta after a $31.85 million settlement. The case stem...
) 5. Iran's Dress Code Law: Iran paused its controversial new dress code law, which required women to wear the hijab in public, following widespread protests and international criticism. (Link:
Iran pauses controversial new dress code law
President Massoud Pezeshkian says the proposed "hijab and chastity" law is "ambiguous and in need of reform".
)
1. Bitcoin Surges to New All-Time High: Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of $107,000 due to increased demand for cryptocurrency-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The surge was also attributed to former President Donald Trump's confirmation of plans to establish a Bitcoin reserve. [Link](
Fortune
Bitcoin reaches new all-time high of $107,000 after Trump confirms plans for Bitcoin reserve | Fortune
The currency surged after Trump promised to “do something great with crypto.”
) 2. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Loses Confidence Vote: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, which triggers an early election in Germany. Scholz's center-left coalition government faced criticism over its handling of the energy crisis. [Link](https://time.com/7202511/germany-olaf-scholz-confidence-vote-election/) 3. US Lawmakers to Make Last-Ditch Effort to Confirm SEC Commissioner: US lawmakers are making a last-ditch effort to confirm Caroline Crenshaw as a commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If successful, Crenshaw would become the first Black woman to hold the position. [Link](
Cointelegraph
US lawmakers to make a last-ditch effort to confirm SEC commissioner
US Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown reportedly scheduled a vote on Caroline Crenshaw’s nomination to the SEC for Dec. 18
) 4. Turkey 'Did an Unfriendly Takeover' in Syria, Says Trump: Former President Donald Trump criticized the Turkish takeover of Syria as an "unfriendly takeover" and called for a deal to end the ongoing conflict. The comments came amid growing regional tensions and concerns over stability in Syria. [Link](
Fox News
Trump says Turkey ‘did an unfriendly takeover’ in Syria as US-brokered cease-fire appears to fail
President-elect Trump described the fall of the Assad regime in Syria as an "unfriendly takeover" by neighboring Turkey as sources tell Fox News Di...
) 5. SoftBank to Make $100B US Investment: Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank announced a $100 billion investment in the United States, with former President Donald Trump and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son by his side. The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost economic growth in the US. [Link](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/softbank-100b-investment-trump-1.7411813?cmp=rss)