Wikipedia’s 2023-2024 annual budget report has revealed that over $50 million of its $177 million budget was allocated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This revelation has sparked widespread criticism, with calls for users to stop donating to the platform until it disbands its “woke” policies. Among the critics is Elon Musk, owner of X and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who has voiced strong disapproval of Wikipedia’s editorial practices and its perceived left-wing bias.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's "conscious choice" to launch a major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, calling the strikes "inhumane." Russia fired 184 missiles and drones, many of which were intercepted by Ukraine's air force, but some still caused casualties, with damage reported in several regions. The attack resulted in widespread power cuts, including in Kyiv, where residents took shelter in metro stations as air raid alarms sounded.
Elon Musk’s rise to prominence and wealth places him in a position where his influence stretches across various sectors, from electric vehicles with Tesla to space exploration with SpaceX, and even social media with X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s career has often mirrored that of historical figures like Jacob Fugger, a 16th-century financier who became one of the most powerful men in Europe. Both men are risk-takers who transformed industries and were disliked by the establishment for their boldness and influence.
For the first time since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime earlier this month, Syrian Christians attended Christmas Eve services in Damascus under the governance of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office is working on a new initiative designed to counteract President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated crackdown on illegal immigration. The plan, titled “Immigrant Support Network Concept,” aims to establish a regional network to assist immigrant communities in California. According to a draft obtained by Politico, the proposal outlines the creation of an "Immigrant Support Network" composed of regional hubs that will connect at-risk individuals and their families with essential community services, such as legal aid, education, labor unions, and local government support.
Speaker Mike Johnson's position is facing increasing scrutiny after a controversial handling of the government funding bill last week, which has left his future as Speaker uncertain. Several House Republicans, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration with Johnson’s leadership, saying his mishandling of the continuing resolution (CR) has severely shaken the confidence of his colleagues.
In a controversial decision just before Christmas, President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 men on federal death row, once again prioritizing convicted murderers over their victims. Among those granted mercy was Brandon Council, convicted of the brutal double murder of Donna Major and Katie Skeen during a robbery in 2017.
