New Orleans Terror Attack: Death Toll Hits 15, Suspect an Army Veteran
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas resident and former US Army veteran, has been identified as a suspect who intentionally rammed a pickup truck into New Year's Day crowds on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at 3:15 am on Wednesday.
After crashing the vehicle, body armor-wearing Jabbar opened fire on responding police officers with a rifle equipped with a suppressor before he was killed in the ensuing gunfight. The alleged Islamic State (IS)-inspired attack killed 15 and injured 35 others, including two officers.
The FBI recovered an IS flag from the truck and found multiple improvised explosive devices in the French Quarter, two of which were safely neutralized by bomb squads. The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone.
Narrative A
The attack shows IS remains a persistent global threat, and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks through online propaganda is very much alive despite territorial losses. The discovery of explosives and an IS flag suggests sophisticated planning and ideological motivation.
Narrative B
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in domestic security and the need for better protection of soft targets, particularly during major public events. The suspect's military background and access to weapons raise concerns about radicalization within veteran communities.
Republican narrative
The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is a result of weak and ineffective leadership and the US' wide-open borders. Trump's warnings of undocumented immigrants — refuted by Democrats — have turned out to be true.
Democratic narrative
Local law enforcement's brave and swift response prevented even greater death and injury. Violence, terrorism, and any threats to human life have no place in the US. Those responsible for this terrible act will be brought to justice.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20% chance that an aerial drone terrorist attack will result in an injury or death in the US before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Tesla Cybertruck Explodes Outside Trump's Las Vegas Hotel
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside US Pres.-elect Donald Trump's hotel — the Trump International Hotel — in Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The incident is reportedly being probed as a potential terror attack.
The Tesla electric vehicle reportedly exploded at around 14:40 GMT in the hotel's valet area. Tesla chief Elon Musk is set to co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Donald Trump administration.
It is suspected that the Las Vegas explosion involved fireworks, gas tanks, camping fuel, and a detonation system. Officials said the vehicle was hired in Colorado before being driven to the city.
Pro-Trump narrative
Going by the Pres.-elect's resilient response to past assassination attempts, the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion will only strengthen the leader's resolve. Trump's reactions to recent challenges have demonstrated how attempts to intimidate America's democratic process paradoxically fortify both the targeted leader and the constitutional system he represents.
Pro-establishment narrative
The Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion is just the latest indicator that US democracy is increasingly threatened by acts of political violence. When a president-elect faces repeated threats to life and property, the integrity of our electoral democracy hangs in the balance. The state must rise above partisanship to ensure robust protection for Trump, whose security concerns reflect a deeply troubling pattern requiring immediate and comprehensive intervention.
Nerd narrative
There's a 28% chance that the next assassination of a sitting US president will occur after Jan. 1, 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Palestinian Authority Suspends Al Jazeera Operations in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Wednesday temporarily suspended Al Jazeera's operations in the West Bank, accusing the network of broadcasting "inciting material" and "misleading reports" that risk stirring "strife."
A ministerial committee — comprising the ministries of culture, interior, and communications — issued the suspension order, which affects "all journalists, employees, crews and affiliated channels until their legal status is rectified."
The decision followed Fatah's criticism and subsequent ban of Al Jazeera coverage in Jenin, specifically relating to clashes between Palestinian security forces and armed groups.
Narrative A
The Palestinian Authority's actions are necessary to maintain internal stability. Media outlets must be prevented from broadcasting misleading content that interferes with Palestinian internal affairs and threatens social cohesion through biased reporting of security operations.
Narrative B
The suspension reflects a clear violation of press freedom and an attempt to silence critical coverage of PA security operations, particularly in Jenin, where journalists have been documenting civilian casualties and controversial security measures.
Nerd narrative
There's a 33% chance that Israel will recognize Palestine by 2070, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
2025 Brings Debut of 'Generation Beta'
"Generation Beta," beginning with births on Jan. 1, 2025, and extending until approximately 2039, will succeed Generation Alpha as the newest demographic cohort in human history.
According to social researcher Mark McCrindle, Generation Beta will constitute 16% of the global population by 2035, with many members expected to live into the 22nd century.
These children will be primarily born to younger millennials and older Generation Z parents, marking the first generation to be born entirely in a post-COVID pandemic world.
Narrative A
Generation Beta represents a potential unprecedented leap in human development, with AI integration and technological advancement creating opportunities for solving global challenges that previous generations couldn't address. These children will naturally navigate a world where digital and physical realms seamlessly merge — potentially leading to innovative solutions for climate change and social issues.
Narrative B
The rapid pace of technological change and societal transformation may create significant challenges for Generation Beta, including potential isolation from real-world experiences and overreliance on digital solutions. The generation faces serious environmental and social challenges inherited from previous generations while dealing with the psychological impacts of constant online connectivity.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that 0.22% of the US workforce will be musicians or writers in 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
UK: NHS England Hits Record Early Cancer Detection Benchmark
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has achieved its highest-ever early cancer detection rate, with 58.7% of common cancers diagnosed at stages one and two between September 2023 and August 2024.
This improvement represents a 2.7-point increase from pre-pandemic levels, resulting in approximately 7K additional patients receiving early diagnoses.
More than 3M people underwent urgent cancer checks from Nov. 2023 to Oct. 2024, marking an increase of 700K compared to five years ago.
Pro-establishment narrative
NHS England has achieved a remarkable milestone, with early-stage cancer diagnoses reaching their highest recorded level. Nearly 59% of common cancers are now detected at stages one or two — marking a significant leap in life-saving potential. This achievement stems from NHS initiatives like community-based health checks and awareness campaigns. The record reflects the power of innovation and determination in healthcare, setting a new benchmark for early cancer detection and improving outcomes nationwide.
Establishment-critical narrative
The UK’s cancer care system faces alarming challenges, with survival improvements the slowest in 50 years. Record delays in diagnosis and treatment are costing lives, while targets for timely care remain unmet. The UK lags behind other nations in survival rates, reflecting policy inconsistencies and resource shortages. A growing and aging population, compounded by rising obesity, signals a looming crisis. Without immediate, strategic action, the promise of progress will remain overshadowed by an escalating cancer burden.
Nerd narrative
There is a 75% chance that NHS England will deliver an extra 2M operations, scans, and appointments each year within the current Westminster parliament, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
India: Toxic Waste from Bhopal Gas Leak Moved After 40 Years
Indian authorities transported 337 metric tons of toxic waste from the former Union Carbide factory site in Bhopal to a disposal facility 142 miles away in Pithampur on Wednesday night.
This comes 40 years after the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster — which killed over 5K people immediately and poisoned more than half a million residents — when methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the pesticide factory on Dec. 3.
At least 12 sealed container trucks — accompanied by police escorts, ambulances, and fire engines — transported the hazardous materials, including pesticide residue and "forever chemicals," through a specially created green corridor.
Narrative A
This is a shameless PR stunt and a deceptive act of greenwashing. Four decades ago, one of the worst industrial disasters in the world left hundreds of thousands of people with severe and long-lasting health issues, including cancer, stillbirths, miscarriages, lung and heart disease. The incineration of the waste will result in another tragedy, leading to further groundwater contamination and toxic exposure when solid waste is buried in landfills.
Narrative B
The waste disposal process is safe and will be conducted under strict protocols. Special four-layer filters will prevent air pollution, and the residue will be sealed with a two-layer membrane to protect soil and water, ensuring no harm to the local ecosystem. The waste will undergo scientific disposal through incineration to ensure that fumes don't pollute the air and water. It's wrong to politicize the issue or spread misinformation when the waste is disposed of with full caution.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that a biotechnological or bioengineered organism catastrophe will happen by June 2054, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Biden's Citizens Medal Awardees Include Liz Cheney
US Pres. Joe Biden on Thursday was scheduled to award the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, to 20 recipients including former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss).
The medal, which was established by Republican former Pres. Richard Nixon in 1969, recognizes citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country.
Cheney and Thompson led the bipartisan House committee investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the US Capitol. In a statement, Biden said Cheney "reached across the aisle" to "defend our nation" and praised Thompson for his "steadfast commitment to truth."
Democratic narrative
These honorees are a diverse group of heroes. Cheney, in particular, exemplifies bipartisan bravery. Once a top Republican, she sacrificed her career to oppose Trump’s attack on democracy with an unwavering defense of constitutional values. Despite GOP backlash, she proved herself a rare political leader.
Republican narrative
Giving Cheney this award is politically driven, rewarding her opposition to Trump rather than recognizing actual nonpartisan service. This aligns with Biden’s poor record on justice, including controversial pardons and reduced sentences like that of a convicted child rapist, further tarnishing his legacy.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that the Equal Rights Amendment will be certified and published before the end of Biden's term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Senior Hamas Official: 'Good Chance' Negotiations Succeed
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told a Qatari outlet on Thursday that "there is a good chance that negotiations will succeed this time" regarding a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. In contrast, Israeli figures have indicated that talks have stalled.
Hamas accused Israel of adding new conditions for a deal last week, leading to a "delay in reaching an agreement that was within reach." In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was "reneging on understandings."
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu said during a high-level meeting last week that Israel would resume fighting after a deal, adding that "returning to fighting is needed in order to complete the goals of the war." Hamas has repeatedly said that it will only accept a deal that leads to a permanent cease-fire, though it has reportedly shown some flexibility.
Pro-establishment narrative
Now that quiet has been found on the Lebanese-Israeli border, the US will continue to work toward a cease-fire in Gaza that ensures the release of Israeli hostages and the end of Hamas' rule over the Palestinian enclave. The recent events in Syria further solidify the need for stability, and the US will work toward that goal.
Pro-Israel narrative
Hamas is again sabotaging a hostage deal because insufficient pressure has been applied to the terror group. Hamas won't even give negotiators a list of hostages it would be willing to release, turning negotiations into a circus. Some progress has been made in recent weeks, but there's still a long way to go.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The primary obstacle to a deal, as always, is Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu wants to stymie negotiations for his own political benefit. Though the US has said that it wants to see an end to the war, it continues to support Israel and Netanyahu's intransigence.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that the Gaza war will end and significant progress be made towards a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict before January 1, 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Jobless Claims Hit Nine-Month Low
Weekly unemployment claims in the US decreased by 9K to 211K last week, reaching the lowest level since March. In addition, the four-week average declined by 3.5k to 223,250.
The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits dropped by 52K to 1.84M, marking the lowest level since September.
Monthly job creation has shown a gradual cooling trend, with employers adding an average of 180K jobs monthly through November in 2024, down from 251K in 2023, 377K in 2022, and a record 604K in 2021.
Democratic narrative
As the Biden administration winds down, the labor market is in fine shape, as it has shown an impressive level of resiliency. In general, companies are holding onto their workers, and any moderating of the labor market is normal and no cause for concern.
Republican narrative
The current administration wants to cherry pick the data to present a rosy picture, but the fact is economic growth is expected to slow in 2025, and that'll further hamper job creation. Luckily, the Trump administration is on the way to institute better policies.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the annual US unemployment rate will be at least 6.16% in 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.