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Following the Labour Party’s general election victory, Tesla lobbied the UK government to increase taxes on petrol car drivers. This proposal, outlined in a letter from Tesla’s European boss to the roads minister, suggested using the revenue to fund electric vehicle subsidies and extend electric vehicle mandates to lorries. The letter expressed support for Labour’s decarbonization goals, despite Musk’s later public criticisms of the UK government. This lobbying effort aimed to bolster Tesla’s market position and profitability within the UK.
Following Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments, his motion to dismiss the case was opposed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg argued that presidential immunity does not apply and suggested a temporary delay in proceedings to avoid interfering with presidential duties, not a dismissal. Both Bragg and the New York attorney general’s office contend the case will not impede Trump’s official functions. The dispute’s resolution could extend into Trump’s presidency, potentially delaying sentencing until after his term.
In response to President-elect Trump’s impending tariffs on Canadian imports, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supplies to the U.S., impacting states such as Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin. This drastic measure is considered a retaliatory option alongside other planned counter-tariffs on American goods, a strategy coordinated between Ottawa and all Canadian provinces. The federal government presented a border security plan aimed at addressing Trump’s concerns, a plan Premier Ford deemed a “good start” but emphasized the need for swift implementation. Despite a recent meeting between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump, tensions remain high, fueled by Trump’s continued jabs at Canada and Trudeau’s previous comments about the U.S. election.
Mikhail Shatsky, deputy general designer at Russia’s Mars Design Bureau, was eliminated in Moscow. He was responsible for modernizing Kh-59 missiles into Kh-69 variants used to attack Ukraine, and his work also encompassed UAV development and spacecraft control systems. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence is reported to have carried out the operation, a claim confirmed by sources within the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Shatsky’s contributions to Russia’s missile program are linked to the deaths of numerous Ukrainian civilians.
Following a vote by European interior ministers in Brussels, Bulgaria and Romania will officially join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. Austria, previously opposed, dropped its veto after a deal securing increased Bulgarian border security. This decision concludes a long process, with the countries meeting Schengen requirements since 2010 but facing repeated objections from member states. The expansion marks a significant enlargement of the world’s largest free movement zone.
Facing a potential 25% US tariff threat on all Canadian imports, Canadian premiers are collaboratively developing retaliatory measures. These measures, suggested by Premier Doug Ford, could include cutting off energy exports to US states like Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed provincial support for a strong response, noting suggestions also included restricting exports of critical minerals and metals. While the US government’s own data shows significantly fewer migrants and fentanyl entering from Canada than Mexico, Canada is still preparing enhanced border security measures.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously rejected the Republican Party’s attempt to invalidate over 60,000 ballots cast in the 2022 general election, a move aimed at impacting several close races, including a Supreme Court contest. The GOP’s challenge, based on alleged irregularities and lack of driver’s license information in a state database, was deemed an affront to democracy by board members. While the decision can be appealed, the board’s rejection marks another setback for similar challenges previously rejected by the state and federal courts. The outcome of the affected races, including the Supreme Court race and several state legislative seats, remains uncertain pending potential legal action.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced the deployment of undisclosed numbers of tactical nuclear warheads in Belarus, emphasizing their deterrent effect against border incursions. He further revealed plans for the joint deployment of Russian “Oreshnik” medium-range ballistic missiles in Belarus by mid-2025, with Belarusian control over targeting decisions. These deployments are ostensibly a response to perceived threats from neighboring countries. Lukashenko stressed that while Belarus will use the missiles jointly with Russia, target selection will remain solely under Belarusian control.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Luis Albares dismissed Donald Trump’s claim of ending the Ukraine war in 24 hours as unrealistic, citing Vladimir Putin’s apparent lack of desire for peace. Albares emphasized that a Russian victory would severely escalate global instability. This skepticism contrasts with surprisingly high Ukrainian trust in Trump, despite Zelenskyy’s own non-literal interpretation of the campaign promise. The statement highlights the significant doubt surrounding Trump’s assertion within international circles.
John Q. Hosedrinker