Geopolitics
A Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel has led to a terrorism investigation. The explosion, involving fireworks and camp fuel canisters, resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The suspect, identified as former Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, is believed to have used a detonation system for the attack. This incident coincides with a separate attack in New Orleans, where a truck displaying an ISIS flag killed 10 people and injured 30. Authorities are investigating potential connections between the two events and broader threats from Al-Qaeda sleeper cells reportedly within the U.S. Elon Musk has clarified that the explosion was not related to the Cybertruck’s design, emphasizing the vehicle’s normal telemetry at the time of the incident.
Energy
Ukraine has ceased the transit of Russian natural gas to Europe following the expiration of a five-year agreement. This change, effective January 1, 2025, affects Europe’s energy landscape, as the pipeline previously transported approximately 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually. The decision has reportedly increased tensions with Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian gas and faces potential economic impacts. Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has expressed discontent and mentioned the possibility of halting electricity supplies to Ukraine in response. Despite these tensions, Slovakia has secured contracts with non-Russian suppliers to address the situation. Hungary, another country reliant on Russian gas, has expressed concerns but continues to receive gas through the TurkStream pipeline, highlighting the broader regional impact of Ukraine’s decision.
Economy
The U.S. national debt has reached $36 trillion, with projections suggesting it could rise to $51 trillion by 2028 if current spending trends continue. This financial situation presents a challenge for the incoming administration, which must address the federal borrowing cap and potential negotiations over spending cuts. Additionally, a record 11% delinquency rate in office commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) indicates a deepening real estate issue. This rate surpasses the peak seen during the 2008 Financial Crisis, with over $2 billion in office loans becoming newly delinquent in December 2024. While the office sector struggles, other areas like industrial and retail properties show resilience, suggesting a varied impact across the real estate market.
US Politics
As President Biden’s term concludes, his administration is reportedly spending rapidly under the existing budget, potentially exceeding $2 trillion by January 20, 2025. This spending includes allocations to Ukraine and semiconductor subsidies, which could require the incoming Trump administration to consider spending cuts to stay within budget limits. Rising U.S. bond yields, driven by expectations of large bond sales by the Treasury, add complexity to the situation. The Republican-controlled House may face challenges in enacting fiscal stimulus, with potential implications for GDP growth in early 2025. Critics argue that the spending spree complicates the financial landscape for the incoming administration, while supporters claim it was necessary for economic recovery.
The media’s role in shaping public perception has been questioned, with some accusing it of narrative manipulation and suppression of dissenting voices. This behavior, highlighted during the pandemic, raises questions about the motives behind certain narratives and the potential for distraction from other issues. The media’s focus on events such as the January 6th Capitol riot and the Ukraine conflict is seen by some as advancing institutional agendas with minimal scrutiny. This has led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in reporting. Conversely, some mainstream media outlets defend their role, arguing that their intent is to inform and protect the public, despite occasional missteps.
Sources
Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit to Europe, Sparking Tensions with Slovakia
“This is a historic event,” Ukraine’s energy minister, Herman Galushchenko, said in a statement. “Russia is losing markets, it will suffer financial losses.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
The $51 Trillion Question: Can America Curb Its Debt Addiction Before 2028?
Unless Something Changes, 4 Years From Now We Will Be 51 Trillion Dollars In Debt
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Crypto Legislation Revolution: 25 States Embrace UCC Amendments, Reshaping Digital Asset Law
The two most significant changes arising out of the 2022 Amendments are the formation of Article 12, governing the rights of purchasers of Controllable Electronic Records (“CERs”) like Bitcoin and a significant overhaul of Article 9, governing attachment, priority and perfection of Secured Interests.
Source | Submitted by heetseaker9104
The Great Deception: Unmasking Media Manipulation and the Battle for Consciousness
The pattern becomes unmistakable once you see it—manufactured crises driving pre-planned “solutions” that always expand institutional control.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Sparks Terrorism Investigation, Leaves One Dead in Las Vegas
Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing 1
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
Las Vegas Cybertruck Bomber Identified as Former Green Beret from Colorado Springs: FBI Investigates Possible Terror Links
The perpetrator behind the shocking Cybertruck bombing at Trump Tower Las Vegas has been identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Cybertruck’s Role in Las Vegas Incident Sparks Controversy Over Media Coverage
The Cybertruck literally saved lives in Las Vegas today.
Lara Logan Alleges CIA-Taliban Collusion in Potential US Attack, Questions ISIS Blame
I learned months ago from multiple US intel sources that the CIA was urging their “friends” in the Taliban/Haqqani terror network to use their sleeper cells inside the US for an attack that would be blamed on ISIS.
Elon Musk Praises Cybertruck’s Resilience After Explosive Incident at Trump Vegas Hotel
“The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken,” Elon Musk wrote on X.
New Orleans Terror Attack: 10 Dead, 30 Injured in ISIS-Linked Truck Rampage on Bourbon Street
10 dead, at least 30 injured after truck plowed through Bourbon Street, New Orleans
CIA Insider Warns of Looming Al-Qaeda Threat: 1,000 Fighters Allegedly in U.S. for Homeland Attack
Former CIA Officer Warns: 1,000 Al-Qaeda Fighters In US For Next Homeland Attack
Record 11% Delinquency Rate in Office CMBS Signals Worsening Real Estate Crisis
The delinquency rate on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) for offices jumped to a RECORD 11.0% in December.
Biden’s Budget Blitz: Emptying the Treasury Before Trump Takes Over
Biden is emptying the coffers before Trump gets in.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Robert Fico’s X post, Péter Szijjártó’s X post, Bloomberg, Elon Musk on X, The Hill, Politico, The New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, Reuters.
by andys61 
