International
Israel-Hamas
Israel has reportedly intensified operations in Khan Younis and other southern cities in Gaza where there are currently 2 million displaced civilians. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 21,000.
Russia-Ukraine
In another attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet, Ukraine hit a tank landing ship in Crimea, severely damaging the vessel.
A few days later, Russia launched its biggest air attack on Ukraine, sending more than 150 missiles and drones nationwide. Hitting factories, hospitals, and schools, this attack has killed at least 30 people.
Ukraine retaliated by launching its own air attack, killing at least 24 people. Russia said 13 rockets and 32 drones have been shot down.
China and Taiwan
As China continues to pressure Taiwan both politically and economically, Taiwan gears up for a pivotal presidential election on January 13, 2024. This election could shape future relations with Beijing.
US Politics
The Supreme Court denies special counsel Jack Smith's request to expedite proceedings on the question of Donald Trump's immunity from federal prosecution for alleged offenses during his presidential tenure. Trump is advocating for a federal appeals court to dismiss the case, claiming protection under presidential immunity.
Following Colorado’s decision last week to bar Trump from appearing on the primary ballots, Maine has also blocked his candidacy for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Trump’s legal team said they would look to appeal to the Supreme Court. However, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Trump would remain on the ballot for primary elections.
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall met with top officials in Mexico to discuss how to slow the recent migration surge at the US-Mexico border. This discussion comes at a time when more than 11,000 migrants await entry at the border.
Other
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket was launched on Thursday, carrying the military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane into orbit. One study on board this mission is to find ways to sustain astronauts on future missions.