Energy
U.S. rig count has seen a slight decline amidst falling oil prices and production, with the total number of active drilling rigs dropping by one to 584. This decrease comes as Russia plans a new gas pipeline to China via Kazakhstan, aiming to strengthen its energy ties with Beijing. The move underscores Russia’s strategic pivot towards China as its primary energy customer. Meanwhile, the shale industry is reportedly rallying behind Liberty CEO Chris Wright as a potential candidate for U.S. Energy Secretary, highlighting the sector’s desire for leadership that prioritizes abundant and affordable energy.
Health
A Christian family has launched a fund to defend their parental rights amidst a gender identity dispute with social services, highlighting ongoing tensions around gender ideology and religious beliefs.
US Politics
Trump’s White House plans to grant press credentials to podcasters and social media influencers, challenging the traditional media’s dominance in the briefing room. The move is part of a broader push to include diverse media voices in the White House press corps, reflecting a shift towards new media platforms. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has reignited the debate over NPR’s funding following the resurfacing of a video featuring NPR CEO Katherine Maher. In the clip, Maher reportedly questions the role of truth in media, prompting Musk to call for the defunding of NPR, a sentiment echoed by many conservatives. This development adds to the ongoing discourse about media bias and taxpayer funding of public broadcasters.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly caused unease among federal health employees, with some considering leaving their positions. Kennedy’s nomination aligns with his pledge to collaborate with Trump on health reform, aiming to combat chronic diseases and reduce corporate influence. The announcement has also led to a significant drop in pharmaceutical stocks, reflecting market apprehension about potential policy shifts under Kennedy’s leadership.
Also in the news, Tulsi Gabbard’s potential appointment as Director of National Intelligence by Trump could bring changes to the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard’s challenge will be to unify the 18 agencies under her purview and restore integrity to intelligence analysis.
A United Nations official has sparked controversy by claiming that war is financially beneficial for UN employees, criticizing the organization’s inefficiency and expressing a preference for Nikki Haley over Trump as U.S. President.
Finally, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has launched an investigation into the Biden Justice Department’s actions, alleging political motivations behind recent activities targeting businesses and red states. Jordan’s probe includes scrutiny of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith’s pursuit of criminal charges against Trump and aims to push for reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. These developments underscore the ongoing debates over media, health, energy, and governance in the United States.
Sources
Elon Musk Reignites Debate Over NPR Funding After CEO’s Controversial Remarks Resurface
“I think our reverence for the truth might have become a bit of a distraction that is preventing us from finding consensus and getting important things done.” — Katherine Maher (NPR CEO)
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Robert Kennedy Jr. Pledges to Collaborate with Trump on Health Reform, Aims to Combat Chronic Disease and Corporate Influence
Together we will clean up corruption, stop the revolving door between industry and government, and return our health agencies to their rich tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science.
RFK Jr. Nomination for HHS Sparks Panic Among Federal Health Employees: A Potential Exodus Looms
This was just the push they needed to try to get out.
Pharma Stocks Tumble as Trump Taps RFK Jr., Sparking Market Jitters
The stocks of four of the largest American pharmaceutical companies—Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca—plummeted following Donald Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
U.S. Rig Count Dips Slightly Amidst Falling Oil Prices and Production
The total rig count fell by a single rig to 584, according to Baker Hughes, down more than 5% from this same time last year.
Source | Submitted by dgowin
Russia Gambles on New Gas Pipeline to China Amid Shifting Energy Alliances
Russia is eyeing yet another pipeline to China, this time via Kazakhstan, capable of delivering up to 35 bcm of natural gas annually.
Source | Submitted by dgowin
Shale Industry Rallies Behind Liberty CEO Chris Wright for U.S. Energy Secretary Role
“Chris is an excellent choice for Secretary of Energy,” Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, told Bloomberg.
Source | Submitted by dgowin
Tulsi Gabbard: Can She Herd the Intelligence Cats?
The next director of national intelligence needs courage, political smarts and strong presidential backing to fulfill her duty to oversee and provide advice on covert action.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Ross Family Launches Legal Fund Amidst Gender Identity Dispute with Social Services
Our family is facing an unimaginable crisis. We are Orthodox Christians with traditional conservative beliefs and values.
Source | Submitted by cellima
UN Official Claims War is a Cash Cow, Criticizes ‘Lazy’ Staff and Reveals Preference for Nikki Haley Over Trump
“The only way you make money in the UN is if you go to war… you get paid more.”
Source | Submitted by kenwdelong
Trump’s White House to Grant Press Credentials to Podcasters and Creators
Trump’s White House plans to issue press credentials to podcasters and creators like me on X.
Source | Submitted by Vidor Emeliabelfort
Riffraff Revolution: The Case for Podcasters in the White House Press Room
It’s time to deconstruct the White House briefing room.
Jim Jordan Launches Probe into Alleged DOJ Weaponization in Biden’s Final Days
“This pattern of turning these agencies on the very people they’re supposed to serve — we the people, the taxpayers — has been a concern from the get-go,”
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Trump’s White House Briefing Room Shake-Up: Influencers to the Front, Traditional Media to the Back
Trump to give credentials to podcasters, YouTubers & social media influencers as part of the W.H. briefing room
by thatchmo 
