United States
🇺🇸 With uncertainty looming over U.S. support for Ukraine under Trump, President Biden aims to send $9 billion in military aid before leaving office. The aid package, including Javelins and artillery, is intended to strengthen Ukraine amidst its struggle against Russia’s unlawful invasion.
🇰🇷 South Korean President Yoon and U.S. President-elect Trump discussed enhancing security ties and addressing shared concerns over North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine and missile threats. Trump praised South Korea’s shipbuilding prowess, hinting at collaboration to bolster U.S. industries.
🇨🇳 China extended congratulations to Trump on his election win, calling for a “pragmatic” approach to ease U.S.-China tensions amid looming tariff threats. While state media sees an opportunity to reset ties, China faces significant risks if Trump imposes 60% tariffs.
🇦🇺 Australia’s PM Albanese discussed strengthening security ties with Trump, focusing on AUKUS and regional stability. Foreign Minister Wong affirmed bipartisan U.S. support, while Ambassador Rudd removed past critical comments about Trump to align with his diplomatic role.
🇺🇸 A military judge ruled that plea deals with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accomplices at Guantanamo are valid, despite Defense Secretary Austin’s attempt to rescind them. Austin’s intervention was deemed “too late and beyond his authority,” per the judge.
🇯🇵 Japan’s PM Ishiba is seeking a swift meeting with U.S. President-elect Trump this month to bolster ties amid concerns over potential trade tensions and defense cost-sharing demands. Following a friendly call, Ishiba aims to emphasize alliance strength rather than monetary disputes.
🇺🇸 Trump’s return could shake global oil markets as he tightens Iran sanctions, yet faces hurdles with China’s defiance. Analysts say a clampdown on Iran might boost prices, but U.S.-China trade tensions and potential easing of Russian oil sanctions could counterbalance.
🇮🇷 With Trump set to return, IAEA’s Grossi is preparing a critical visit to Iran, aiming to address unresolved nuclear issues as Tehran edges closer to bomb-grade uranium enrichment. Iran’s stance and regional tensions may challenge diplomacy, with European leaders keen to revive talks.
🇺🇦 Facing an uncertain U.S. alliance, Ukraine appeals to Trump’s “peace through strength” vision, hoping for a balanced stance despite his push to curb U.S. aid. Zelenskiy’s outreach signals Kyiv’s pragmatism as Ukraine readies for winter battles, while analysts anticipate Trump’s swift concessions.
🇺🇸 Trump’s victory signals a seismic shift in U.S. politics as Hispanic, working-class, and younger voters rally behind his populist promises on jobs and economic reform. Trump won with a 14% gain among Hispanic voters and a stronger foothold across urban areas.
🇺🇸🇸🇦 The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are in talks for a security agreement without involving Israel, aiming to finalize it before President Biden’s term ends, Axios reports. Unlike a full defense treaty, this deal shows the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Saudi relations.
🇺🇸 U.S. cybersecurity chief Jen Easterly reports that while disinformation is at an all-time high, there’s no evidence it has impacted the election’s integrity. Foreign actors, particularly Russia, are accused of spreading falsehoods, such as fake voter videos in Georgia.
🇺🇸🇰🇷 The U.S. has approved a $4.92 billion sale of Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft to South Korea, with Boeing as the primary contractor. This deal aims to bolster South Korea’s defense capabilities amid rising tensions, a significant boost in U.S.-South Korea military cooperation.
🇺🇸 As U.S. election bets soar, crypto traders rally around prediction markets, favoring Trump despite close polls. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi showcase billions in wagers, sparking debate on the accuracy of money-driven forecasts. Is this a genuine indicator or merely a crypto-native bias?
🇺🇸 Wall St dipped as the U.S. election looms, with Harris showing an edge in Iowa, fueling uncertainty. Nvidia rose, joining the Dow, while Trump Media bounced back from losses. Small caps gained as yields fell, yet volatility soared. With a Fed rate cut likely, markets brace for a turbulent week.
🇺🇸 NYT: What’s That in Your Mouth, Bro?
Zyn’s cultural influence may go beyond the product itself. In a wide-ranging essay in June, Mr. Read coined a neologism to describe an online niche of bro-y, internet-addled young men: the Zynternet, a place where men in their 20s and 30s post about subjects like golf, sports gambling and their favorite podcasters. Zyn may be speaking to an “imperiled masculinity,” said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a professor at the Yale School of Management, who has helped chief executives whose businesses get tangled up in politics. “It’s this failure by a lot of men in getting their lives on track that is leading them to products that give them an identity and a definition.”
If I still “felt” things in 2024, this would be so fucking depressing.
🇺🇸 WaPo: Trump says he doesn’t mind someone shooting at journalists at rally
“I have this piece of glass here,” Trump said. “But all we have really over here is the fake news, right? And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. “And I don’t mind that so much,” Trump said. “I don’t mind. I don’t mind.” The audience roared with laughter. Trump also said he regretted leaving office after losing the 2020 election and trying to overturn the result. He at one point said he “shouldn’t have left” the White House, while complaining about Democrats’ handling of the border and returning to his false claims that he won the 2020 election.
That offhanded regret about leaving office? It’s not wistful—it’s a seed, planted to cast doubt on whether he should have left at all, suggesting a world where he never conceded, where rules don’t apply if they don’t suit him. His audience isn’t laughing at a joke. They’re signaling their commitment to his story. To the bloody end.
🇺🇸 American Daniel Martindale emerges in Moscow after Russian forces extract him from Ukraine, admits to spying for Kremlin since 2022. Former missionary brazenly displays US passport, seeks Russian citizenship after helping target Ukrainian infrastructure.
🇭🇺 Orban declares Europe must pivot on Ukraine if Trump wins US presidency, claiming continent can’t sustain war support alone. Hungary’s pro-Putin PM, who openly backs Trump, predicts American stance will shift from war to peace - forcing EU recalculation.
🇺🇸 US reveals intel showing 8,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region - Moscow silent on direct question at UN, while US and China clash over Beijing’s alleged support for Russia’s subpar defense industry.