Economy
The U.S. economy is currently facing challenges, with various indicators suggesting a decline affecting many Americans, particularly those at the lower end of the economic spectrum. Consumer behavior has shifted, with only 16% of Americans planning to increase holiday spending compared to last year, while 35% intend to spend less, reportedly reflecting the impact of inflation. The labor market is also showing signs of weakness, as job openings have decreased to their lowest level since January 2021. The manufacturing sector is experiencing difficulties, with the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Manufacturing Index dropping to -16.4. Rising mortgage rates have further strained homebuyers, reducing their purchasing power. The cost of living crisis is notable, with nearly 30% of households spending over 95% of their disposable income on essentials. Retailers are facing pressures, as evidenced by the closure of Party City and Big Lots stores, contributing to over 7,000 store closures announced by the end of November 2024. Additionally, Bed Bath & Beyond’s closure of 150 stores underscores the ongoing struggles within the retail sector, while demand at food banks continues to rise, highlighting the broader economic challenges faced by many Americans.
Geopolitics
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly reignited interest in purchasing Greenland, citing national security concerns. This ambition has been met with firm resistance from Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede, who reiterated that Greenland is not for sale. Trump’s comments coincide with his nomination of Ken Howery as U.S. ambassador to Denmark, highlighting the strategic importance he places on the region. Historically, the U.S. has made offers to purchase Greenland, first in 1867 and again in 1946, both declined by Denmark. Greenland’s resources, including minerals and renewable energy, are seen as economically significant, adding layers to the geopolitical interest in the region.
Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its global nuclear influence by constructing over 10 nuclear units abroad, aiming to meet rising energy demands and enhance its international standing. This expansion includes projects in countries such as Bangladesh, China, and Turkey. Despite facing sanctions on its oil and gas sectors, Russia remains a key player in nuclear energy, with its state-owned company Rosatom involved in over a third of new reactors globally. Western governments are challenging Russia’s dominance, with the U.S. banning Russian-enriched uranium imports and the EU aiming to eliminate Russian fuel imports by 2027. However, some Eastern European countries, like Hungary and Slovakia, oppose these restrictions. Hungary’s criticism of U.S. sanctions on Gazprombank, which exempted civil nuclear energy, highlights the political complexities surrounding nuclear cooperation with Russia.
Finally, former British Prime Minister David Cameron has suggested that the collective economic power of Western nations could put pressure on Russia. During a speech at the World Economic Forum, Cameron noted that the combined GDP of the EU, the U.S., and their allies far exceeds that of Russia, implying that an economic confrontation could be detrimental to Moscow. This perspective was echoed by Konstantin Malofeev, who highlighted the disparity between Russia’s economy and that of the collective West, suggesting that Russia is at a disadvantage in economic terms. However, Russia’s focus on self-sufficiency and new economic partnerships, particularly with Asia, indicates its strategy to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions.
US Politics
On an episode of Stephen Colbert, actress Claire Danes hinted at a possible alliance between the intelligence community and the media during Trump’s first term. During an interview, Danes mentioned that the intelligence community, typically not aligned with journalists, found common ground due to distrust with the administration.
Sources
11 Alarming Indicators of America’s Economic Decline: Are We Ignoring the Warning Signs?
The fact that economic conditions are getting worse is certainly not good news, but it is better to know in advance what is coming.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Trump Revives Greenland Purchase Ambitions, Calls It ‘Absolute Necessity’ for U.S. Security
U.S. control and ownership of Greenland is ‘an absolute necessity’ for ‘national security and freedom throughout the world.’
Source | Submitted by Walberga
Russia Expands Global Nuclear Influence Amid Rising Energy Demand and Sanctions Challenges
Russia is building more than 10 nuclear units abroad as it looks to tap into rising energy demand driven by artificial intelligence and developing markets, according to an envoy of President Vladimir Putin.
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by Shplad
David Cameron’s Economic Slip: West’s GDP Might Squeeze Russia
From an economic point of view, we are indeed incomparable with the collective West.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
Claire Danes Hints at Intelligence-Media Alliance During Trump Era, Colbert Intervenes
the intelligence community was suddenly kind of outlying itself with journalists
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: TheStreet, Feeding America on X, The Epoch Times, Financial Times, Robert Fico’s Facebook, Tsargrad, Russian Embassy UK on X, The Intercept, and The Grayzone Blog.
by aaronmckeon 
