MicroWave

Summary

Two massive explosions occurred near Russia's Arctic naval base in Severomorsk, home to the Northern Fleet, sparking speculation about the cause.

The blasts were near key military sites, including airfields, ammunition depots, and electronic warfare installations. While the cause remains unknown, theories include sabotage, munitions disposal, or UAV strikes.

The base is crucial for Arctic sea route control, nuclear submarines, and missile operations, including Kalibr strikes on Ukraine.

If Ukraine is responsible, the attack could escalate the war, especially if long-range weapons were used.

Summary

Immigrant advocacy groups nationwide are preparing communities for mass deportations promised by Donald Trump.

Workshops, legal clinics, and know-your-rights sessions are teaching immigrants to protect themselves, remain silent, and prepare legal and financial plans in case of arrest.

Advocates are urging eligible immigrants to apply for legal status before enforcement ramps up and are addressing fears among mixed-status families and U.S. citizens.

While experienced from Trump’s first term, advocates emphasize readiness to counter expected policies targeting immigrant communities. Fear and uncertainty remain widespread.

Summary

A Saudi doctor intentionally drove into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people, including a child, and injuring over 200.

The 50-year-old suspect, who had lived in Germany for nearly two decades, expressed anti-Islam views and supported far-right politics. Authorities believe he acted alone.

The attack shocked Germany, prompting other towns to cancel Christmas markets and increasing security measures nationwide.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz mourned the victims, and a memorial service is planned. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, calling it a tragedy.

Summary

The Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act in a 76-20 vote, sending it to President Biden for approval.

The bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million retirees, including teachers, police officers, and postal workers.

It also restores full benefits for surviving spouses and families of these workers.

Though backed by bipartisan support, some Republicans opposed the bill due to its $195 billion cost over a decade. Advocates hailed it as a victory for public service workers.

Summary

Kash Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, has sparked fears of retribution among current and former DOJ, FBI, and intelligence officials.

Known for pushing "deep state" conspiracy theories and naming adversaries in his memoir, Patel may target Trump critics like Liz Cheney if confirmed.

Critics argue Patel lacks managerial experience and could weaponize the FBI, while supporters say he'll end politically motivated investigations.

Concerns include potential mass FBI retirements and prolonged federal probes. Patel’s nomination underscores Trump’s pledge to seek vengeance on perceived enemies.

Summary

A norovirus outbreak in Los Angeles sickened over 80 attendees of the Dec. 3 Los Angeles Times "101 Best Restaurants" event after consuming raw oysters.

The affected oysters, sourced from British Columbia and linked to multiple brands, were recalled on Dec. 13.

The FDA warned against selling or serving oysters harvested from parts of British Columbia in 14 states and D.C.

Norovirus, a common foodborne illness, is linked to contaminated shellfish. Health officials are investigating, while event organizers emphasized adherence to food safety protocols.

Summary

Trust in the U.S. judicial system has hit a record low, with only 35% of Americans expressing confidence, according to Gallup.

Criticism centers on the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, accused of advancing right-wing agendas, eroding rights like abortion access, and lacking accountability.

This judicial capture, orchestrated by conservative groups like the Federalist Society, ensures Republican dominance in key policies for decades, regardless of future elections.

Summary

Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial infection, is spreading in Melbourne’s suburbs, prompting warnings.

Cases in 2024 remain high, with 344 reported so far, slightly fewer than 362 in 2023.

The disease causes painless lumps or wounds that progress into destructive ulcers, with the elderly most affected.

The bacteria is transmitted via mosquitoes, and possums are known carriers.

Residents are advised to use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and avoid mosquito-prone areas to minimize risk.

Summary

The U.S. Senate approved a bipartisan stop-gap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown, defying Donald Trump’s demand to suspend the debt limit.

Passed with broad support in both chambers, the bill maintains current funding levels while adding $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion for farmers.

Trump’s push for debt ceiling suspension, backed by Elon Musk, caused turmoil among Republicans but failed to pass, highlighting cracks in Trump’s control over the party.

Democrats criticized Musk’s influence, while House Speaker Mike Johnson called the outcome a necessary compromise for future GOP priorities.

Summary

Elon Musk sparked outrage in Germany by endorsing the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party on his platform, X, claiming “only the AfD can save Germany.”

The AfD, which polls second ahead of Germany’s February snap election, has been labeled extremist by German intelligence.

Political leaders accused Musk of election interference, while others criticized his remarks as harmful. Musk later doubled down, calling for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s resignation.

Musk’s comments align with his past support for far-right and anti-immigration figures across Europe and beyond.

Summary

Tesla’s European market share is declining sharply, with EU registrations dropping 40.9% in November 2024 compared to last year, and year-to-date registrations down 15.2%.

Including the UK and EFTA, Tesla’s registrations fell 13.7% this year.

The drop stems from reduced government EV incentives and growing dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk.

Despite Tesla’s decline, overall EV registrations in Europe have remained stable as competing automakers gain ground. Tesla remains the largest EV producer in Europe but faces growing pressure from rivals capitalizing on its waning dominance.

Summary

President Joe Biden achieved his 235th judicial confirmation, surpassing Trump’s total for a single term and marking the highest number since Jimmy Carter.

Biden prioritized diversity, appointing two-thirds women, a majority people of color, and increasing representation of public defenders and civil rights lawyers.

Notable confirmations include Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the court.

While Democrats celebrated reshaping the judiciary, they acknowledged challenges ahead, as Trump’s return to office offers Republicans renewed opportunities to shape the courts, with nearly three dozen vacancies awaiting appointments.