WPN Daily Briefing

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) reaffirmed her criticisms of President Trump during a recent interview on CBS's '60 Minutes,' shortly after announcing her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026, amid a public fallout with the former president.

Representative Ilhan Omar compared the rhetoric of Stephen Miller regarding immigration to Nazi descriptions of Jewish people during an appearance on CBS's 'Face The Nation.' This comparison highlights the intense political discourse surrounding immigration policies in the U.S.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have shared their Christmas card, reflecting on a year marked by family health challenges, including battles with cancer. The royal couple's gesture symbolizes resilience and unity during difficult times.

An 18-year-old student was tragically stabbed to death while celebrating the end of his first semester at university in England. His family expressed their devastation, noting that he had gone out with his new football teammates but never returned home.

The NFL playoff picture became clearer as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers secured significant victories in Week 14, with the Steelers defeating the Baltimore Ravens 27-22, a game marked by a controversial fourth-quarter call.

Ashton Hurn has been confirmed as the new leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, succeeding Vincent Tarzia, marking the fourth leadership change within the Liberal Party nationally in just one month. This shift comes amid ongoing political turbulence in Australia.

EU states are expected to support stricter migration rules, including the establishment of offshore 'return hubs' outside the bloc, during a vote by interior ministers in Brussels. This initiative aims to enhance control over migrant arrivals and expedite the return process, marking a significant step in the EU's migration policy reforms.

The cease-fire brokered by former President Trump between Thailand and Cambodia has collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities. The Thai army has conducted airstrikes in retaliation for earlier gunfire originating from the Cambodian side of the border.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged a 'calm and resolute' response following an incident where Chinese J-15 fighter jets allegedly locked their radar onto Japanese F-15s near Okinawa. This incident has raised concerns about escalating military tensions in the region, prompting Japan to strengthen its surveillance measures.

Thailand has initiated air raids along its border with Cambodia following deadly clashes, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations despite a ceasefire agreement reached in July. The situation has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for further conflict.

The Singapore dollar has consolidated against the U.S. dollar during the Asian trading session, reflecting a period of stability amid market fluctuations. Investors are closely monitoring this currency pair as they anticipate upcoming economic indicators and central bank decisions.

Oil prices have maintained their gains amid stalled peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict and renewed hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics, with traders closely monitoring developments in Ukraine as they assess potential impacts on oil supply and pricing.

IBM is reportedly nearing an approximately $11 billion deal to acquire Confluent, a data-infrastructure company, with an announcement expected as soon as Monday. This potential acquisition highlights IBM's strategic focus on enhancing its data capabilities in a rapidly evolving market.

Copper prices have surged close to an all-time high, driven by increased stockpiling in the US and tightening global supply dynamics. This surge reflects a growing investor confidence in the metal's continued rally amid fears of a supply crunch.

Concerns are mounting over the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with fears that it may be a bubble poised to burst. Blake Montgomery, the US tech editor for The Guardian, highlights that major companies like Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia, which collectively represent a significant portion of the S&P 500, are heavily invested in AI, raising questions about the sustainability of such investments.

Ethereum's price has initiated a fresh increase, surpassing the $3,000 mark and currently consolidating gains, with potential targets above $3,150. The cryptocurrency is trading above key resistance levels, indicating bullish momentum despite recent corrections from higher levels.

Robinhood has acquired an Indonesian brokerage and digital asset trading firm, aiming to tap into a burgeoning market of 17 million crypto investors in Indonesia. This strategic move marks Robinhood's entry into Southeast Asia's growing cryptocurrency landscape.

Donald Trump’s national security strategy notably omits references to cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, despite his administration's intention to position the U.S. as a leading hub for crypto innovation. This absence raises questions about the administration's commitment to integrating these technologies into national policy frameworks.

Vitalik Buterin has proposed a new mechanism for Ethereum users to hedge against future gas fee volatility by introducing gas futures, which resemble prediction markets. This initiative aims to provide users with a tool to manage the unpredictability of network fees effectively.

Bitcoin's price has begun a fresh increase, surpassing the $90,500 mark and consolidating gains above $91,000. The cryptocurrency is now eyeing a potential breakout above the $91,650 resistance level, following a significant recovery from previous lows. Analysts note that Bitcoin's recent performance indicates a shift in market sentiment, with bullish momentum gaining traction.

International Business Machines Corp. is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Confluent, a data-infrastructure firm, for approximately $11 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. This potential acquisition highlights IBM's strategy to enhance its data capabilities and expand its offerings in the technology sector.

Noninvasive imaging technology has the potential to replace traditional finger pricks for measuring blood glucose levels, offering a more comfortable and efficient method for individuals managing diabetes. This advancement could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients who rely on regular glucose monitoring.

Yardeni Research has shifted its recommendation to an underweight position on the Magnificent Seven technology stocks, anticipating a change in earnings growth trends compared to the broader S&P 500 index. This marks a significant pivot after a 15-year investment focus on these tech giants.

Russia is facing significant challenges in its pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy, with increasing dependence on China as sanctions and the ongoing war hinder its technological advancements. President Putin's ambitions for AI leadership are being undermined by these external pressures, leading to a struggle to keep pace with global developments in the sector.

Netflix has successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in a landmark deal valued at approximately $72 billion, marking a significant shift in its content strategy from building to acquiring established studios. This acquisition was facilitated by Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, who reportedly engaged with key figures, including Trump, to secure the deal.

International Business Machines Corp. is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Confluent, a data-infrastructure firm, for approximately $11 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. This potential acquisition highlights IBM's strategy to enhance its data capabilities and expand its offerings in the technology sector.

Concerns are mounting over the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with fears that it may be a bubble poised to burst. Blake Montgomery, the US tech editor for The Guardian, highlights that major companies like Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia, which collectively represent a significant portion of the S&P 500, are heavily invested in AI, raising questions about the sustainability of such investments.

Wayve, a London-based company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology, has successfully conducted a test ride showcasing its Level 2+ self-driving capabilities. The company has raised $1.3 billion since its inception, positioning itself as a key player in the autonomous vehicle sector.

Yardeni Research has shifted its recommendation to an underweight position on the Magnificent Seven technology stocks, anticipating a change in earnings growth trends compared to the broader S&P 500 index. This marks a significant pivot after a 15-year investment focus on these tech giants.

Sourcegraph has announced a strategic shift towards utilizing advertising revenue to fund its artificial intelligence coding initiatives, marking a significant pivot in its business model. This move comes as the company seeks to enhance its AI capabilities amidst a competitive landscape.

An ocean-mining company has funded extensive scientific studies regarding the ecosystems that exist in areas targeted for deep sea mining, with peer-reviewed results beginning to emerge. These studies aim to provide a clearer understanding of the biodiversity and ecological significance of these underwater environments.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on December 7, 2025. This launch is part of SpaceX's ongoing efforts to expand its satellite internet service, which aims to provide global coverage and connectivity.

'Apollo 1: Destination Moon' is a Channel 4 documentary that revisits the tragic accident of the Apollo 1 mission, which resulted in the loss of three astronauts during the early stages of the U.S. space program. The film explores the events leading up to the disaster and the subsequent lessons learned that influenced future Apollo missions.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are enhancing spacecraft propulsion systems, potentially paving the way for the development of nuclear-powered rockets. This innovation is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of space exploration technologies, allowing for more ambitious missions beyond current capabilities.

A recent study has raised questions about the presence of olive oil traces on Bronze Age dishes, suggesting that archaeologists may have been misled for decades regarding the culinary practices of that era. This reevaluation challenges long-held assumptions about the use of olive oil in ancient societies.

Craig Garthwaite, Director of the Program on Healthcare at Northwestern University, discusses potential reforms aimed at making healthcare more affordable and efficient, as Congress debates ACA subsidies. His insights are part of a new paper from the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, highlighting alternative approaches to healthcare policy amidst ongoing legislative challenges.

The Hepatitis B Foundation, led by Dr. Chari Cohen, has raised concerns regarding new guidance that suggests scaling back hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, arguing that there is no scientific basis for such a change. This warning highlights the potential risks associated with altering established vaccination protocols that have contributed to significant public health progress over the years.

A recent ban on feeding pigeons in Mumbai has sparked controversy, as the city's pigeon population has surged due to people providing food for the birds. While some residents view feeding pigeons as a sacred duty and a means to connect with nature, others raise concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to pigeon droppings.

In 2020, Dr. Li-Meng Yan, a Chinese virologist, fled to the United States with the assistance of allies of President Trump, who aimed to promote her unverified theories regarding the origins of Covid-19. Her husband remains unable to locate her. Dr. Yan addressed a summit in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2021, discussing early outpatient treatment for the Covid-19 virus.

California health officials have issued a warning against foraging for wild mushrooms following a fatal incident involving death cap mushrooms, which resulted in one death and 20 poisonings due to liver failure. These mushrooms can easily be mistaken for safe varieties, posing significant health risks to foragers.

Sean Payton disclosed that the Denver Broncos maintained control over the momentum during their Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, contributing to their impressive nine-game winning streak. The Broncos have emerged as one of the top teams in the NFL, particularly within the NFC, showcasing their competitive edge.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faced criticism after a crucial drop on a fourth-and-4 play during a game against the Houston Texans, leaving quarterback Patrick Mahomes and fans stunned. This moment occurred as the Chiefs were attempting to mount a comeback, highlighting the pressure on Rice in a pivotal situation.

Patrick Mahomes' knee has become a focal point during the Kansas City Chiefs' Sunday Night Football game against the Houston Texans, as he was frequently seen on the bench with a heating pad on his right knee. This has raised concerns about his health and performance as the Chiefs fight for playoff contention.

Kamari Lassiter made a crucial interception against Patrick Mahomes, potentially saving the Houston Texans' season during a pivotal game. This play not only showcased Lassiter's skills but also highlighted the intense competition between the Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs, both vying for playoff spots in the AFC.

Ohio State has dropped in the US LBM Coaches Poll following a loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, raising questions about their performance and ranking as the season progresses. This defeat marks a significant setback for the Buckeyes, who were previously considered a strong contender for the College Football Playoff.

Disney's animated sequel 'Zootopia 2' has topped the Korean box office, earning $8.3 million from 1.2 million admissions over the weekend of December 5–7, bringing its total to $25.7 million after 12 days in release. The film has maintained a significant 68.8% market share across 2,282 screens, indicating strong audience interest.

Ethan Hawke reflected on his experiences with Robin Williams during the filming of 'Dead Poets Society,' acknowledging the actor's mental health struggles. He emphasized that Williams' later challenges do not overshadow the impact of his life and work. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Hawke expressed admiration for how Williams managed his personal battles while contributing to the film's success.

Oral poetry holds a significant place in Somali culture, serving as a vital form of storytelling that resonates even in the most remote areas of the country, including among militants. This art form is not only a means of expression but also a tool for preserving history and culture in Somalia.

Kody Brown, the patriarch of Sister Wives, has publicly acknowledged his past mistakes, admitting he has been a 'bastard' for years and is embarking on a three-part apology tour to his ex-wives, particularly focusing on Janelle Brown. This admission comes as tensions within the Brown family continue to escalate.

Kody Brown publicly apologized to Janelle during the recent episode of Sister Wives, marking a significant moment three years after their breakup. This apology comes amid ongoing tensions within the Brown family, particularly concerning Kody's relationships with his ex-wives and children.