The Los Angeles wildfires have killed 10 people, scorched over 30,000 acres, and forced approximately 180,000 residents to flee. Economic losses are estimated at up to $150 billion, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in modern U.S. history. The Pacific Palisades fire is showing early signs of control, while a new blaze has emerged in the far west section of the city.
The Supreme Court refused to delay Donald Trump's sentencing in the New York hush money case. Trump will not serve jail time but will receive an unconditional discharge, making him a convicted felon. He can still appeal the verdict in New York state courts, and the case may return to the U.S. Supreme Court for final resolution.
Donald Trump plans to issue executive orders on immigration, energy, federal workers, and regulatory reform. These include tighter border restrictions, completing the border wall, mass deportations, withholding federal resources from sanctuary cities, a federal hiring freeze, a return-to-office mandate, and authorizing drilling on federal lands.
NVIDIA is criticizing the Biden administration for imposing last-minute chip export restrictions, which the company claims will harm the U.S. economy and fail to promote national security. NVIDIA views these rules as an attempt to undercut the incoming Trump administration.
The December jobs report forecasts a wide range of job creation, from 120,000 to 268,000, reflecting differing views on the labor market. The Federal Reserve is more concerned with the unemployment rate, as a significant rise could influence their decision to pause rate cuts.
Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his inauguration. While no specific date or time has been set, the meeting could signal a shift in U.S.-Russia relations. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed any details, and the meeting remains speculative.
Trump's sentencing, which resulted in no jail time, is seen as a political positive for him. The relatively minor consequence of the conviction, compared to the extensive legal battles, may bolster his image and rally his supporters, especially amid broader concerns about crime and governance in New York.
New York Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to create 100,000 new housing units and invest $650 million to address homelessness and mental health issues. He also proposed expanding youth mentorship, career readiness, and college preparation programs during his State of the City Address.
On today's podcast:
Firefighters begin to make progress as the death toll rises in the Los Angeles wildfires
The Supreme Court refuses to stand in the way of Donald Trump's hush money sentencing
Nvidia slams the Biden Administration for last-minute rules before Trump takes office
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