US Politics
The Office of Personnel Management has ordered the closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, placing staff on paid leave. This directive includes removing DEI-related media and canceling associated trainings and contracts. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has dismissed its advisory committee, citing resource misuse, as part of a broader overhaul. The Washington Post reported that the committee had been criticized for its lack of diversity and focus on issues not directly related to homeland security.
Trump also made news in his pardoning of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road website, citing support from the Libertarian Movement and a weaponized justice system that imposed an unjust sentence. CNN noted the severity of the charges against Ulbricht, including drug trafficking and money laundering, while Reason Magazine suggested the pardon could be seen as a political strategy.
Meanwhile, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s National Security Advisor, is reportedly encouraging NSC staffers to remain in place, amid past allegations of attempts to undermine a future Trump administration. The Washington Post stated that the transition of NSC staff between administrations is common and not inherently malicious.
Economy
The U.S. economy is facing challenges as inflation remains a concern, with prices for groceries, rent, and energy continuing to rise. Despite reports of cooling inflation, wages are reportedly not keeping pace with the cost of living. The commercial real estate sector is also under pressure, with high office vacancy rates and over $2 trillion in loans coming due, a potential ticking time bomb ultimately leading to bank failures. Bloomberg reported on the challenges facing the commercial real estate sector, noting that many office buildings are struggling with high vacancy rates due to shifts towards remote work.
Meanwhile, economist Peter Schiff has criticized Biden’s economic policies, pointing to rising prices and a significant budget deficit. The national debt has surpassed 100% of GDP, raising concerns about future financial stability. The Financial Times acknowledged the growing concern over the U.S. national debt, with interest payments becoming a significant portion of federal spending.
Geopolitics
Global power dynamics are reportedly shifting, with 2025 potentially being a pivotal year. The conflict between the US-led unipolar world order and the emerging multipolar bloc led by Russia and China is intensifying. This geopolitical landscape involves proxy wars, economic conflicts, and information battles. Key areas of tension include Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East, with Iran playing a significant role in the BRICS+ alliance. The outcome of these conflicts could redefine global power structures.
Health
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has outlined a plan for AI to assist in early cancer detection and the development of personalized mRNA vaccines. This approach could enable the production of vaccines tailored to individual needs. Critics have raised concerns about the broader application of the mRNA platform.
The $500 billion Stargate project, a collaboration between Oracle, SoftBank, and OpenAI, aims to build AI infrastructure across the U.S., including data centers and campuses. The initiative is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs and contribute to advancements in healthcare and other industries. However, the Financial Times notes that while the project may create jobs, it could also lead to job displacement in other sectors. The Stargate project reflects ongoing efforts to address complex challenges through AI.
Environment
Activists in Iowa are opposing the “Cancer Gag Act,” which would limit the judiciary’s role in holding pesticide companies accountable. The bill proposes making EPA labels the sole warning for pesticide risks, potentially granting immunity to these companies. Community organizers and health professionals are advocating for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to protect public health from environmental exposures. The Des Moines Register discussed the upcoming rally against the Cancer Gag Act, detailing the concerns of local activists and health professionals.
European Politics
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sparked debate at the Davos Summit by suggesting that free speech does not extend to “extreme-right” positions. This statement has drawn criticism, including from Elon Musk, and highlights ongoing tensions around freedom of expression in Europe. Deutsche Welle noted that while Scholz’s comments were intended to address hate speech, they’ve ignited a debate on where to draw the line between hate speech and free speech. Scholz’s remarks come amid political shifts in Germany, with the right-wing AfD party reportedly gaining traction in upcoming elections.
Environment
In the agricultural sector, Marc and Avery Wrigglesworth have reportedly revitalized their family farm in Georgia by adopting a direct-to-consumer business model. Facing financial struggles, they shifted from traditional cattle farming to selling beef directly to consumers, leveraging social media to build a customer base. This approach has returned their farm to profitability, demonstrating the potential for small farms to adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. The Epoch Times reports that the consolidation of the meatpacking industry has led to a significant reduction in the number of independent cattle farms in the U.S., highlighting the challenges faced by small farmers.
Sources
Biden’s Economic Legacy: A Ticking Time Bomb for Trump’s Return?
Biden isn’t just leaving office, he’s handing Trump an economic time bomb and the timer is already ticking.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Jake Sullivan Allegedly Urges NSC Staff to Spy on Trump 2.0, Claims Report
Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been encouraging NSC staffers to “hold over” to the Trump WH in a redux of Obama holdovers who spied & leaked on and sabotaged Trump in early 2017.
Iowa Activists Rally Against “Cancer Gag Act” to Protect Public Health and Legal Rights
Tonight, as you are coming into the webinar, we have a Q&A section down at the very bottom.
Source | Submitted by Barbara
From Finance to Farming: How One Couple Rescued Their Family Ranch from the Brink
After years in the red, this new business model has returned the farm to profitability.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
$500 Billion ‘Stargate’ AI Project Launched in U.S. with Tech Titans Oracle, SoftBank, and OpenAI
Together, these world-leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate, so put that name down in your books because I think you’re going to hear a lot about it in the future.
Source | Submitted by Robert Duggan
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison Predicts AI-Driven Revolution in Personalized Cancer Vaccines
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison envisions a future where AI revolutionizes healthcare by detecting early-stage cancer and creating personalized mRNA vaccine therapies tailored to individual needs.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht, Citing Libertarian Support
President Trump officially pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
The Geopolitical Chessboard: Will 2025 Redefine Global Power Dynamics?
World War 3 is already well underway, even though most don’t recognize it.
Trump Administration Orders Closure of Federal DEI Offices, Staff Placed on Paid Leave
All Federal DEI Offices To Be Closed By Wednesday EOD, Workers Placed On Paid Leave: White House
Germany’s Scholz Sparks Debate on Free Speech Limits at Davos Summit
What we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme-right positions. And this is what I would like to repeat again.
DHS Overhaul: Trump Administration Dismisses Advisory Committee Amid Resource Misuse Claims
President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security just FIRED the entire advisory committee, citing “misuse of resources.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Washington Post, CNN, Reason Magazine, The Financial Times, Bloomberg, The Verge, The Des Moines Register, Deutsche Welle, and The Epoch Times.
by dotmatrix 
