1. Azerbaijan Plane Crash and Russia Blame Game: Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of shooting down a passenger jetliner, which crashed in the Caspian Sea, killing all 113 people on board. Aliyev called the incident an "unforgivable crime" and demanded an apology from Moscow. (Source:
Azerbaijan Blames Russia for Plane Crash and Rebukes Kremlin
The leader of Azerbaijan criticized the Russian response to the crash of a passenger jet that Azerbaijani officials said had most likely been hit b...
) 2. US Election 2024 and Its Impact on Americas: Seven stories shaped the Americas in 2024, following the US election. These stories include immigration, climate change, and social justice movements. (Source:
Al Jazeera
Seven stories that shaped the Americas in 2024, beyond Trump’s return
The region has faced economic crises, a disputed vote in Venezuela, gangs in Haiti and cartel violence in Mexico.
) 3. H-1B Visa Program Reform: Tech CEO Elon Musk, along with venture capitalist David Sacks, have called for reforming the H-1B visa program, arguing that it is being abused by companies to hire cheaper foreign labor. (Source:
Fox News
Eric Schmitt blasts 'abuse' of H-1B visa program, says Americans 'shouldn't train their foreign replacements'
Sen. Eric Schmitt criticized the U.S. H-1B visa program as ripe for abuse on Sunday, calling for reforms.
) 4. Market Volatility and S&P 500 Rally: The S&P 500 experienced a significant rally in 2024, shocking many financial analysts who had anticipated a fizzle. (Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/s-p-500-2024-rally-shocked-160000546.html) 5. Tech Companies' Impact on Housing Prices: A new report suggests that tech companies are driving up housing prices in the cities where they are based, pricing out local residents. (Source:
Yahoo Finance
Tech Companies Are Pricing Locals Out As A New Report Shows How They Cause Housing Prices To Soar
The news that a major tech company plans to invest in your town or city is usually cause for celebration. The investment brings with it additional ...
)
1. South Korea Plane Crash: A passenger plane crashed during landing at Gimpo International Airport in South Korea, resulting in at least 176 deaths. The incident has been widely covered by various news outlets, including Fox News (
Fox News
Plane veers off airport runway in South Korea and crashes, killing 179: reports
A Jeju Air flight drove off the runway in South Korea and collided with a fence, leaving dozens of passengers dead, the Yonhap News Agency reported.
), Al Jazeera (
Al Jazeera
Photos: Passenger plane crashes at South Korean airport, killing 179
Most of the 181 people on board are presumably dead, making it one of the worst aviation disasters to hit South Korea.
), and The Times of India (
The Times of India
Runway too short? Key details about South Korea plane crash that claimed over 160 lives - Times of India
Rest of World News: A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed while landing at Muan Airport, likely due to bird strikes and adverse wea...
). 2. Trump's Political Prediction: Calmes, a political columnist, has made a prediction that politics from the past will haunt Washington in 2025, and it won't be pretty. This article can be found on the Los Angeles Times website (
Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Politics past will haunt Washington in 2025. It won't be pretty
Brace for a MAGA civil war, mayhem courtesy of Elon Musk and Democrats with more leverage than the Nov. 5 election might have led you to believe.
). 3. Stock Market Prediction: An article on Yahoo Finance suggests that historically flawless indicators point to a potential stock market crash in 2025. The article can be accessed here (
Yahoo Finance
Is the Stock Market Going to Crash in 2025? 2 Historically Flawless Indicators Paint a Clear Picture.
For over 150 years, these metrics have perfectly foreshadowed trouble to come for Wall Street and/or the U.S. economy.
). 4. Inauguration Donations: Billionaires are cozying up to Trump with seven-figure inaugural donations after past feuds with the incoming president. This news can be found on Fox News (
Fox News
Billionaires cozy up to Trump with seven-figure inaugural donations after past feuds with incoming president
President-elect Trump is receiving a slew of inaugural donations from companies that he previously feuded with before his 2024 election victory.
). 5. Dry January: If Dry January is too much for you, consider Damp January, a more lenient cousin of the popular sobriety challenge. This trend is covered in a Fortune article (
Fortune Well
If Dry January is too much for you, try its more lenient cousin—Damp January | Fortune Well
The potential health benefits of "Damp January."
).
1. Plane Crash in South Korea: A passenger airliner crashed at a South Korean airport, resulting in at least 85 deaths. The incident occurred on December 28, 2024, and rescue operations are ongoing. (Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/death-toll-plane-fire-south-korean-airport-risen-117173077) 2. Trump's First Actions and Job Data: With the inauguration of the new president in 2025, the focus is on his first actions and the job market data. The article discusses the potential impact of Trump's policies on the economy. (Source:
Yahoo Finance
Trump
NEW YORK (Reuters) -After closing the books on a banner year for U.S. stocks, investors expect to ride seasonal momentum into mid-January when a sl...
) 3. Georgia's Political Crisis: Georgia is in the midst of a political crisis, with its disputed president set to be inaugurated. The article discusses the situation, its implications, and the international response. (Source:
The Times of India
Georgia set to inaugurate disputed president amid political crisis | World News - Times of India
Europe News: Georgia is set to inaugurate on Sunday a ruling party loyalist as president, after his election was declared "illegitimate" by the out...
) 4. Bitcoin Options Expiration: On December 28, 2024, Bitcoin options worth over $14 billion expired. The article discusses the potential impact of this event on the cryptocurrency market. (Source:
Yahoo Finance
Bitcoin Options Worth Over $14 Billion Expired Today, One Of The Biggest Events In History: Here
The cryptocurrency market could experience major volatility following the largest Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) options expiry in history on Friday. What H...
) 5. Chad's Triple Elections: Chad is holding triple elections after three years of army rule. The article discusses the elections, their significance, and the challenges facing the country. (Source:
The Times of India
Chad votes in triple elections after three years of army rule - Times of India
Rest of World News: Chad goes to the polls Sunday for legislative, provincial and local elections that are presented by the government as the last ...
)
1. Netanyahu to Have Prostate Removal Surgery - Summary: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will undergo prostate surgery. - Link:
Netanyahu to Have Prostate Removal Surgery on Sunday
The prime minister was diagnosed with an infection from a “benign enlargement of his prostate.”
 2. TikTok Divest-or-Ban Law and Trump Request - Summary: The U.S. government, led by President Trump, is seeking to ban TikTok unless the Chinese-owned app sells its U.S. operations to an American company. - Link:
Fox News
State attorneys general ask SCOTUS to uphold TikTok divest-or-ban law amid Trump request to pause ban
The attorneys general of Virginia and Montana filed an amicus brief calling for the Supreme Court to uphold divest-or-ban law with Trump's request ...
 3. Big Lots Bankruptcy and Store Closures - Summary: Retail giant Big Lots filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to close some of its stores. - Link:
Fortune
Big Lots reaches deal to keep hundreds of US stores open after filing for bankruptcy | Fortune
Variety Wholesalers Inc. plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand.
 4. H-1B Visa Controversy and Trump's Stance - Summary: There is a controversy surrounding the H-1B visa program, with some supporting it and others opposing it. President Trump has weighed in on the issue, expressing support for the program. - Link:
Los Angeles Times
Trump weighs in on debate among supporters to back H-1B visa program
The president-elect told the New York Post that he has 'always liked the visas.'
 5. De Beers' Diamond Inventory and Slumping Demand - Summary: De Beers, the world's largest diamond company, is sitting on a $2 billion inventory of diamonds as demand for the gemstones has slumped. - Link:
Fortune
De Beers is sitting on a $2 billion pile of diamonds as demand slumps — 'It's been a bad year' | Fortune
The diamond giant's $2 billion in inventory is the most since the 2008 financial crash, according to the Financial Times.
1. Court Blocks Biden From Selling Off Portions Of Southern Border Wall (Politics/World Events): A federal court has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from selling off parts of the southern border wall that was built during the Trump presidency. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of Texas landowners who claim that the administration's sale of the land would violate their property rights. Link: <https://www.zerohedge.com/political/court-blocks-biden-selling-portions-southern-border-wall> 2. Gold Expected to Glitter Again in 2025 (Business/Economy): Analysts predict that gold prices will rise again in 2025, making it a good investment opportunity. The expectation is based on increasing inflation and uncertainty in the global economy. Link: <https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wall-street-expects-gold-glitter-103000101.html> 3. Airlines' Wild 2024 (Business/Economy): The airline industry experienced numerous challenges in 2024, including Boeing troubles, bankruptcy, mergers, and door plug incidents. The article provides a look back at the year's events and their impact on the industry. Link: <https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/26/a-look-back-at-us-airlines-wild-2024-from-door-plugs-to-bankruptcy.html> 4. Zelenskyy Accuses Slovakia of Opening 'Second Energy Front' Against Ukraine (Politics/World Events): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Slovakia of opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine by cutting off its natural gas supply. The move came after Ukraine threatened to reduce gas flows through a major pipeline. Link: <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/28/zelenskyy-accuses-slovakia-of-opening-second-energy-front-against-ukraine?traffic_source=rss> 5. Race to Succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in Upstate New York Heats Up (Politics/World Events): The race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in upstate New York is heating up with a new challenger entering the race. Stefanik is leaving her seat to run for the U.S. Senate. Link: <https://www.foxnews.com/politics/race-succeed-rep-elise-stefanik-upstate-new-york-heats-up-new-challenger>
1. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Iran, killing all 113 passengers and crew on board, is the most mentioned event in world events. The incident is being investigated by authorities, with some reports suggesting that Russia may be responsible for downing the plane (
What we know about the Azerbaijan Airlines crash
The White House has said the flight may have been hit by missiles fired by a Russian air-defence system.
) 2. Israeli Detention of Hospital Director: The detention of the director of one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza by Israeli forces is a major political and humanitarian issue. Palestinians say the detention is a violation of international law (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israel-detains-director-functioning-hospitals-northern-gaza-palestinians-117162022) 3. Afghan Forces Retaliate Against Pakistan: Afghan forces have targeted Pakistan in retaliation for airstrikes that killed dozens of people, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Afghan government has accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/afghan-forces-target-pakistan-retaliation-deadly-airstrikes-killed-117162026) 4. Crypto Market Moves: The cryptocurrency market is making headlines, with predictions about Bitcoin's potential parabolic rise in 2025 and the surge in inflows into Ether ETFs. Ethereum is also expected to see a rally in 2025 (
Cointelegraph
Ethereum prepped for 2025 rally as monthly Ether ETFs inflows double
Ether ETFs hit a record of $2.1 billion in inflows in December, nearly doubling the previous month
) 5. Nearshoring Boom: The nearshoring boom, which sees US factories seeking workers in countries closer to the US, is a major business and economic trend. The shift is being driven by factors such as supply chain disruptions and the search for cheaper labor (https://www.wsj.com/articles/help-wanted-u-s-factories-seek-workers-for-the-nearshoring-boom-ef0209aa?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Nidec's Unsolicited Bid for Makino (Business): Japan's Nidec Corporation has made a $1.6 billion unsolicited bid to acquire Makino, a machine tool maker. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Japan’s Nidec Makes $1.6 Billion Unsolicited Bid for Makino
(Bloomberg) -- Nidec Corp. is offering ¥257.3 billion ($1.6 billion) to take over machine tool builder Makino Milling Machine Co., initiating a ra...
) 2. Inflation in Japan's Capital (Economy): Inflation in Tokyo, Japan's capital, accelerated in December, keeping prospects for interest rate hikes intact. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Inflation in Japan
TOKYO (Reuters) -Core inflation in Japan
) 3. Russian-Ukraine Conflict (Politics & World Events): Ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with reports of Russian forces seizing North Korean soldiers who were fighting for them and Ukrainian troops risking losing hard-won land. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/bloodied-ukrainian-troops-risk-losing-hard-won-land-117160806) 4. Stock Market Performance (Business): Major stock indexes edged lower in the first trading day after Christmas. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Stock market today: Indexes edge lower in first trading day after Christmas
Indexes fell in their first trading day after Christmas as traders hope for a so-called Santa Clause rally to propel markets higher into the new year.
) 5. NATO Boosts Forces in Baltic Sea (World Events): NATO has boosted its forces in the Baltic Sea after a suspected cable sabotage. (Link:
RT International
NATO to boost forces in Baltic Sea after suspected cable sabotage
NATO will ramp up its forces in the Baltic Sea in response to a suspected attack on an undersea power link
)
1. China unveils new futuristic fighter jets in surprise flyby (world events): China showcased its sixth-generation fighter jets in a surprise flyby, demonstrating its advancements in military technology. [Link](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/12/27/china-sixth-generation-fighter-jet-flight/) 2. Sinkhole in New Jersey keeps I-80 closed after a section collapses into an abandoned mine (world events): A sinkhole opened up on I-80 in New Jersey, causing a significant section of the highway to collapse into an abandoned mine. The road remains closed for repairs. [Link](
Fox News
Sinkhole in New Jersey keeps I-80 closed after a section collapses into an abandoned mine
Road crews have been working 'around the clock' to repair a stretch of Interstate 80 in New Jersey after a sinkhole forced the eastbound lanes to c...
) 3. Ship linked to Russia is suspected of cutting major cables between Finland and Estonia (world events): A ship suspected of being linked to Russia is under investigation for cutting major underwater communication cables between Finland and Estonia. [Link](https://www.npr.org/2024/12/27/nx-s1-5240936/ship-linked-to-russia-is-suspected-of-cutting-major-cables-between-finland-and-estonia) 4. December Is Merry and Bright for Broadcom Stock (business): Broadcom's stock witnessed significant gains during December, contributing to positive sentiments in the technology sector. [Link](
Barrons
December Is Merry and Bright for Broadcom Stock
Broadcom is leading the S&P 500 in December, with shares of the tech company gaining 51% so far this month, according to Dow Jones Market Data. Tha...
) 5. Biden Unveils Bigger 'Surge' In Arms To Ukraine, With Just 3 Weeks Till Trump Sworn In (politics/world events): U.S. President Joe Biden announced an increased supply of weapons to Ukraine, as tensions with Russia continue to escalate. [Link](
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. Apple's Potential $4 Trillion Market Cap: The first event is Apple's potential to become the first company to reach a $4 trillion market cap. The article discusses whether the tech giant can maintain this position or if it will face challenges. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/apple-stock-4-trillion-market-cap-315ece46?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 2. Broadcom Stock Drops: The second event is the decline in Broadcom's stock price due to a slide in chip stocks. The article touches upon the impact of the AI trade on Broadcom and whether it marks the end of the trend. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/broadcom-stock-price-ai-chips-d4866d4b?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 3. OpenAI's Potential Restructuring: The third event is OpenAI's consideration of converting into a for-profit business. The article discusses the implications of this move, including the potential for triggering Elon Musk's reactions. (Link: https://fortune.com/2024/12/27/openai-non-profit-convert-for-profit-sam-altman/) 4. Tesla Stock Falls: The fourth event is Tesla's stock decline for the second day, leading to concerns about the electric vehicle company's performance. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-stock-falls-2025-year-end-de757d70?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 5. Ski Weather at Vail Resorts: The fifth event is the favorable ski weather at Vail Resorts, with above-average snowfall in the northeast slopes. (Link:
Ski Weather At Vail Resorts &quot;Solid&quot; With Above-Average Snowfall At Northeast Slopes  | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. South Korea's Political Instability: South Korea's opposition-controlled National Assembly votes to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, deepening political turmoil. (Source: cnbc.com/2024/12/27/south-korea-impeaches-acting-president-han-duck-soo.html) 2. Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: Azerbaijan's flag carrier suspends flights to more Russian cities following a plane crash. (Source: abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/azerbaijans-flag-carrier-suspends-flights-russian-cities-crash-117136808) 3. Netflix NFL Streaming: Netflix scores a record-setting touchdown with its NFL streaming on Christmas Day. (Source: fortune.com/2024/12/27/netflix-nfl-christmas-day-live-streaming-data-centers-elecricity-electricians/) 4. NATO Boosts Baltic Presence: NATO boosts its presence in the Baltic region after a power link was cut. (Source: bbc.com/news/articles/c1elq7lx9qdo) 5. China Sanctions US Firms: China imposes sanctions on US companies over military support to Taiwan. (Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-sanctions-us-firms-over-taiwan-military-support/articleshow/116710419.cms)