Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Rioters; Declares Energy, Border Emergency
In his first hours as America's 47th president, Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders, including withdrawing from the World Health Organization and giving TikTok a 75-day extension from the US ban.
He granted clemency to all but 14 of the nearly 1,590 people charged or convicted in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, US Capitol riots and directed the Justice Department to dismiss all pending cases linked to the riot.
Claiming that "America's sovereignty is under attack," Trump declared the illegal immigration at the southern border of the US a national emergency and renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
Republican narrative
Trump's sweeping executive actions are a necessary and immediate response to urgent national challenges. They fulfill campaign promises and the mandate of 77.3M voters who supported a rapid, revolutionary change to reverse policies that have harmed American interests. By declaring, "The golden age of America begins right now," he is bringing common sense to government and renewing the pillars of American civilization.
Democratic narrative
The unprecedented number of executive orders is an overreach of presidential power that bypasses Congress and threatens constitutional checks and balances. Moreover, as Republicans control both chambers of Congress with historically thin margins, Trump's ability to implement his broader legislative agenda beyond executive orders — which will likely face significant legal challenges or prove ineffective in creating lasting policy change — will be limited.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Donald Trump will issue at least 40 executive orders in Q1 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
UK: Prince Harry's Murdoch Media Group Lawsuit Delayed
Prince Harry's scheduled trial against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) has been delayed after both teams of lawyers appealed the High Court's rejection of a third last minute adjournment amid ongoing settlement discussions.
The trial is currently scheduled to examine both specific claims by Prince Harry as well as alleged unlawful information gathering at NGN's newspapers, including phone hacking and private investigator surveillance, between 1996-2011 by journalists at The Sun and News of the World.
Over the last 18 years, approximately £1B (including legal costs) has been paid out in settlements by NGN — who have apologized for the actions of News of the World but have denied all allegations for The Sun. Out of over 1.3K original claimants, only Prince Harry and former Labour politician Lord Tom Watson remain.
Left narrative
Prince Harry's legal battle against NGN isn’t about money; it's about accountability. Unlike celebrities who settled, Harry is determined to expose the unlawful activities that plagued his private life for years. Settling would allow those responsible to escape true justice. His stand is vital, not just for himself but for others harmed by media intrusion. Taking this case to court is a win for transparency, ensuring that the truth finally comes to light.
Right narrative
Prince Harry’s persistent legal battles seem more like a bid to stay in the spotlight than a genuine fight for justice. By appearing in court and positioning himself as the face of media reform, he ensures the cameras remain on him. However, if he ultimately settles, it will shatter his credibility, reinforcing the idea that he's only ever been chasing money and attention. A settlement without accountability would confirm that his actions were more about personal gain than true reform.
Cynical narrative
In the battle between Prince Harry and the press, one thing is certain the real winners are the lawyers. With both sides entrenched, this trial promises to rack up massive legal fees, regardless of the outcome. Settlements may be avoided, but hefty costs for the parties involved are inevitable. As Harry seeks revenge and the press defends itself, the lawyers stand to profit most from the endless cycle of litigation.
Nerd narrative
There is a 70% chance that any part of Great Britain will be under monarchy in 2075, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Fire at Turkish Ski Resort Claims 76 Lives
At least 76 people have died and 51 others have been injured after a fire erupted at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort, Turkey, at approximately 3:30 am local time on Tuesday.
Due to the hotel's location and weather conditions, firefighting teams took about one hour to reach the scene. The fire reportedly started in the hotel's restaurant and spread to the above floors.
Witnesses reported that the hotel's fire alarm system failed to activate, and the wooden chalet-style cladding on the building's exterior accelerated the spread of the fire.
Narrative A
The lack of proper firefighting infrastructure, inadequate critical safety measures, and delayed emergency response time left guests with no choice but to attempt dangerous self-rescue methods, leading to an increase in the death toll. To prevent such disasters in the future, authorities must review the security management of ski resorts and ask their managers to follow the safety guidelines recommended by the tourism ministry.
Narrative B
It's premature to point fingers when the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed officially. The hotel staff performed exceptionally well during the crisis, quickly evacuating the guests despite challenging circumstances. While this tragic incident is being thoroughly investigated, the building's cliff-side location and architectural design may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and complicated firefighting efforts.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that Turkey will be a member of the EU by 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US-Taliban Prisoner Swap Frees Americans in Final Biden Deal
Two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released by the Taliban in exchange for Khan Mohammad, an Afghan prisoner who was serving a life sentence in California for drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
The prisoner exchange was negotiated over two years and concluded during President Biden's final hours in office, though the actual transfer occurred after Donald Trump's inauguration due to weather delays in Washington and Kabul.
Ryan Corbett, 42, had lived in Afghanistan for over a decade before being detained in August 2022 during a business trip, while limited information is available about William McKenty, 69, whose family requested privacy.
Pro-establishment narrative
The exchange represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the US and demonstrates the possibility of productive dialogue with the Taliban. The deal's success could pave the way for normalizing relations and securing the release of remaining detainees through peaceful negotiations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The prisoner swap raises concerns about trading convicted terrorists for American citizens, potentially encouraging future hostage-taking. The Taliban's timing of the release to coincide with Trump's presidency suggests political manipulation, and their continued detention of other Americans shows their unwillingness to fully cooperate.
Nerd narrative
There is a 10% chance the United States will recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Weight-Loss Drugs Show Broad Health Benefits Amid Safety Concerns
A comprehensive study analyzing health records of over 2M veterans with diabetes revealed that GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, demonstrated reduced risks for 42 different health conditions, including a 12% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
The research, published in Nature Medicine on Monday, found that patients taking GLP-1 drugs experienced an 18% lower risk of psychotic disorders and showed decreased risks for substance abuse disorders, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids.
While demonstrating cardiovascular benefits and providing a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, the medications were also associated with increased risks for 19 health conditions, including gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, and potentially life-threatening pancreatitis.
Narrative A
This groundbreaking study demonstrates that GLP-1 medications offer far more benefits than just weight loss, with significant potential to treat multiple conditions. This makes them valuable tools in addressing various health challenges beyond obesity.
Narrative B
Despite their promising benefits, these medications also carry serious risks, including potentially fatal complications. They're not miracle drugs and require careful monitoring and individualized risk-benefit analysis before being prescribed.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the US Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency will approve a drug for the treatment of obesity that causes greater than 25% weight loss by June 2028, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
States, ACLU Sue to Block Trump's Order Ending Birthright Citizenship
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights groups filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire federal court on Monday, arguing that Pres. Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship contradicts the US Supreme Court's (SCOTUS) 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark that established birthright citizenship.
On Tuesday, a coalition of 18 Democratic-led states, along with Washington DC and San Francisco, filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court challenging the order as unconstitutional and violating the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship.
Trump signed the order shortly after taking office Monday. It directs federal agencies to stop recognizing citizenship for children born in the US whose parents are in the country unlawfully. It also covers children born to mothers who are in the US temporarily if the father is not a citizen or legal permanent resident.
Democratic narrative
By signing this flagrant violation of the Constitution, Trump has again revealed himself as an enemy to families. The 14th Amendment has been a cornerstone of American democracy for over 150 years — and Trump can't destroy it with one stroke of his pen.
Republican narrative
Liberals may continue to sue Trump in order to defend illegal immigration, but this order is necessary to address the problem of birth tourism. Citizenship loses its value when it's granted to those whose parents aren't in the US with permission of the government.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that there will be at least 500M Americans by August 2117, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Earth's Magnetic North Pole Accelerates Drift Towards Siberia
Scientists released a new World Magnetic Model on Dec. 17, revealing that Earth's magnetic North Pole has moved significantly closer to Siberia than its position five years ago, requiring crucial updates to global navigation systems.
Unlike the fixed geographic North Pole, the magnetic north pole is determined by Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by molten iron flowing in the planet's outer core, causing constant movement and requiring regular updates to maintain accurate GPS measurements.
The magnetic pole's movement has shown unprecedented behavior, accelerating from 9.3 miles (31 km) per year to 34.2 miles (52 km) per year in 1990, then unexpectedly decelerating to 21.7 miles (35 km) per year around 2015 — prompting scientists to release an early model update in 2019.
Narrative A
Earth's weakening magnetic field signals a potential geomagnetic reversal, a rare but significant event with global implications. Historical evidence shows pole flips disrupt ecosystems, expose Earth to higher solar radiation, and weaken navigation systems. While uncertain in timing, the magnetic field's decline suggests we're closer to this possibility than previously thought, warranting close attention to long-term trends.
Narrative B
Despite more alarming predictions, the magnetic north pole's recent slowing suggests temporary stabilization rather than an imminent geomagnetic reversal. This slowdown should reduce concerns for immediate impacts on navigation systems like GPS or aviation charts. Short-term trends demonstrate the dynamic but natural variability of Earth's magnetic field — countering alarmist speculation about a near-term pole flip.
Nerd narrative
There's a 1% chance that humans will go extinct before 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Israel Launches 'Significant' Offensive in West Bank, 9 Palestinians Killed
Israel launched a "significant" military operation in the northern West Bank on Tuesday, as the cease-fire in Gaza continues to hold. The offensive, which reportedly is focused on Jenin and expected to last multiple days, has so far reportedly killed at least nine Palestinians and wounded 35.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation's goal was to strengthen security, adding that Israel was responding to "the Iranian axis." Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the offensive was "for the protection of settlements and settlers."
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which partially administers the West Bank and rivals Hamas, has carried out its own raids in Jenin in recent months. Hamas called on Palestinians in the West Bank to mobilize and confront Israeli forces.
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Israel has a right to respond to terrorist threats, Israeli policy should not be dictated by extremists like Smotrich. Such figures only escalate an already tense situation, and Smotrich has worked to protect violent settlers. Israel must work to foster calm so that peace can eventually prevail.
Pro-Israel narrative
Now that the wars with Hamas and Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have largely come to a close, Israel must focus on the terror threat in the West Bank. Iran continues to stoke the flames of conflict by smuggling weapons to terrorist groups in the West Bank, and Israel must respond forcefully.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Only days after Israel was forced to end its genocidal war in Gaza, it has launched a massive assault on the occupied West Bank. The PA, Israel's subcontractor of the occupation, has also assisted Israeli forces in their aggression against Palestinians. Indeed, given the statements of Israeli leaders, Israel seeks to treat the West Bank like Gaza, destroying civilian infrastructure and ethnically cleansing the population.
Vanuatu: Election Results May Impact Women's Representation
Vanuatu's snap election results suggest that another coalition government will form, with former Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat's Leaders Party securing up to nine members of parliament, positioning him as a potential coalition leader.
The election also resulted in incumbent female lawmaker Julia King losing her seat, leaving Marie Louis Milne as the only remaining female candidate in contention for the 52-seat parliament.
The election featured only seven women among 217 candidates, a decrease from 18 in 2020. Several high-profile incumbents, including four-time prime minister Sato Kilman, are likely to lose their seats based on unofficial counts.
Pro-establishment narrative
Starting from childhood, girls face gender discrimination that restricts their education in Vanuatu and limits opportunities for public service. Cultural norms also favor boys, leading to higher dropout rates among girls, while early marriage and domestic duties further limit their opportunities. These factors place women in a perpetuated state of dependency and violence, issues that will hopefully be solved through organization and activism.
Establishment-critical narrative
The absence of female lawmakers in Vanuatu's Parliament highlights local resistance to foreign interference in gender politics. Campaigns like 'Vot Woman' have sparked debate, but the backlash against gender quotas underscores a desire for solutions that resonate with local customs, not imported agendas. Both men and women in Vanuatu are capable of navigating these changes internally without Western powers intervening. Appropriate cultural context is key to understanding this issue.