Former Kamala Harris aide says Joe Biden should resign so she can serve as 47th president

USA Today,

Jamal Simmons, former communications director for Kamala Harris, recently suggested that President Joe Biden should step down to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the United States. Simmons, during a discussion on CNN’s “State of the Union,” argued that Biden could fulfill his promise of being a “transitional figure” and allow Harris to avoid overseeing her own electoral defeat. While this suggestion is unlikely to materialize, it raised interesting discussions on Biden’s future and Harris’s potential presidential bid.

Trump talks to Putin, tells Russian leader not to escalate in Ukraine

The Washington Post,

In a recent phone call, President-elect Donald Trump advised Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid escalating the war in Ukraine. The conversation, which took place at Trump’s Florida resort, covered the potential for peace in Europe, with Trump expressing interest in resolving the conflict soon. This marks a significant diplomatic move as Trump seeks to reset global relations. While Trump has indicated his preference for a deal that could involve Russia retaining some territory, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns about his approach to the ongoing war.

Netanyahu admits Israel behind pager attack in Lebanon

Euronews,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged Israel’s involvement in a September attack that targeted Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria. The explosions, which caused the deaths of 37 people and injuries to nearly 3,000, have sparked international condemnation. Lebanon has filed a complaint with the United Nations. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue, with new casualties reported in Lebanon and Gaza, as Israel deepens its military operations against Hezbollah and Hamas.

Hong Kong stocks fall as China’s stimulus package disappoints

Financial Times,

Hong Kong stocks experienced a decline following China’s announcement of a $1.4 trillion fiscal stimulus package. While there were high hopes for measures aimed at boosting consumption, investors were disappointed by the lack of targeted actions. The Hang Seng index dropped by 1.5%, reflecting investor discontent. Analysts warn that without significant stimulus to invigorate consumer spending, the economic outlook remains uncertain, particularly as China’s property market crisis continues to drag on growth.

North Korean ex-soldier says elite troops in Russia not Kim Jong Un’s best

Business Insider,

A former North Korean soldier has questioned the true status of North Korean “Storm Corps” troops deployed to Russia to support the war effort. While the troops are touted as elite, there are concerns about whether they are truly the best the North has to offer. Reports of their activities in Ukraine and the ongoing collaboration between Russia and North Korea have raised eyebrows, particularly as Ukraine claims to have attacked North Korean forces for the first time.

NASA helicopter captures eerie wreckage on surface of Mars

Ladbible,

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, which flew numerous successful missions on Mars, recently captured an intriguing sight: wreckage from a spacecraft on the Martian surface. The debris, which is part of the landing equipment used to deliver Ingenuity and the Perseverance Rover, provides a fascinating glimpse into human exploration of Mars. While not evidence of extraterrestrial life, the discovery adds to the growing pile of human-made materials littering space, a reminder of humanity’s expanding footprint in the cosmos.