Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) criticized President-elect Trump for seemingly taking orders from Elon Musk, referring to Musk as an “unelected president.” This assertion followed Musk’s public opposition to a spending bill, a post subsequently echoed by Trump on Truth Social. Several other Democratic legislators, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have voiced similar concerns about Musk’s influence over the incoming administration. The situation highlights anxieties regarding Musk’s apparent power and the potential for oligarchic control over US policy.
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During a Brussels press conference, President Zelensky sharply criticized Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a missile duel over Kyiv, questioning Putin’s sanity. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s claims of a near-agreement in Istanbul, labeling them an ultimatum demanding Ukrainian territorial concessions. He further refuted Putin’s accusations of Zelensky being an illegitimate leader, mocking the Russian president’s assertions. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and additional air defense systems before any ceasefire negotiations could begin. He emphasized that a frozen conflict is unacceptable for Ukraine.
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Big Lots’ anticipated sale to Nexus Capital Management has failed, leading the retailer to initiate going-out-of-business sales across all its stores. Despite this action, the company remains optimistic about securing an alternative sale by early January. Efforts to complete a transaction with Nexus or another buyer are ongoing. Until then, Big Lots will continue normal operations in stores and online.
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During a Charlotte Hornets game, a mascot gave a young fan a PlayStation 5 as part of an on-court skit, only to have Hornets staff later retrieve the console and replace it with a jersey. This action, captured on video and viewed millions of times, prompted an apology from the Hornets organization. The team admitted poor communication and decision-making led to the incident. Subsequently, the Hornets contacted the family, apologized, and promised to deliver the PlayStation 5 along with VIP game tickets.
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President-elect Trump expressed unexpected sympathy for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following her unsuccessful bid for a House Oversight Committee leadership position. Ocasio-Cortez herself acknowledged the surprising nature of Trump’s comment. Rep. Gerry Connolly secured the position, aided by Nancy Pelosi’s maneuvering, despite his recent esophagus cancer diagnosis. Ocasio-Cortez lost the vote by a significant margin of 131-84.
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Elon Musk’s significant, albeit unofficial, influence in the incoming Trump administration is sparking considerable public controversy. A majority of Americans disapprove of Musk’s prominent role, with disapproval particularly strong among independent voters. Despite this negative public perception, leading Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, actively seek Musk’s input on crucial policy decisions, such as the recent government shutdown. This highlights the unusual degree of power Musk wields, leading some to label him the nation’s “Shadow President.” However, the longevity of this arrangement remains uncertain given Trump’s known sensitivity to shared attention.
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Amidst looming government shutdown concerns, Elon Musk publicly criticized the proposed spending bill and threatened Republican lawmakers who support it, urging their removal from office. Representative Dan Goldman suggested Musk’s actions, rather than Trump’s, are driving the negotiations, highlighting a potential power struggle between the two. Musk’s public pressure tactics raise questions about the stability of his relationship with Trump, despite Musk’s apparent influence within Trump’s inner circle. The future of their alliance remains uncertain given this recent display of public discord.
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Senator Sanders criticized Republicans for potentially derailing a bipartisan government funding bill due to Elon Musk’s objections. Musk’s public opposition, including calls to halt all legislation until Trump’s inauguration, fueled concerns about undue billionaire influence on government policy. This action risks impacting millions of federal employees and Social Security recipients. Sanders emphasized the need to prevent billionaires from controlling government operations.
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In a stark escalation of rhetoric, Putin proposed a test of Russia’s Oreshnik weapons system against concentrated Ukrainian air defenses in Kyiv. Zelenskyy, addressing the European Council, responded by calling Putin “crazy” and a dangerous individual who is unconcerned with human life. The Ukrainian president described Putin’s actions as stemming from a love of killing. This exchange highlights the intense animosity and escalating conflict between the two leaders.
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Following their 2019 arrival in Washington state, four nests of the invasive northern giant hornet were successfully eradicated through a combination of public reporting and targeted trapping efforts. Eradication involved tracking devices and the destruction of colonies, culminating in the discovery and elimination of a nest containing nearly 1,500 hornets in 2023. Despite this success, the potential for future infestations remains, necessitating continued vigilance and trapping. Although rarely attacking humans, these hornets pose a significant threat, resulting in dozens of deaths annually.
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John Q. Hosedrinker