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This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling. Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company. The hosts and Craig unpack the motivations behind the deal for these strange bedfellows. And finally, don't you just love a familiar, non-threatening protagonist who falls in love with a someone who embodies local virtue thanks to a Christmas adjacent inciting incident? You're not alone! The hosts and Craig discuss the booming business of Hallmark movie tours in CT and the key factors that go into these wildly popular made-for-tv movies. In the Slate Plus episode: What's your dream gift? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling. Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company. The hosts and Craig unpack the motivations behind the deal for these strange bedfellows. And finally, don't you just love a familiar, non-threatening protagonist who falls in love with a someone who embodies local virtue thanks to a Christmas adjacent inciting incident? You're not alone! The hosts and Craig discuss the booming business of Hallmark movie tours in CT and the key factors that go into these wildly popular made-for-tv movies. In the Slate Plus episode: What's your dream gift? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling. Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company. The hosts and Craig unpack the motivations behind the deal for these strange bedfellows. And finally, don't you just love a familiar, non-threatening protagonist who falls in love with a someone who embodies local virtue thanks to a Christmas adjacent inciting incident? You're not alone! The hosts and Craig discuss the booming business of Hallmark movie tours in CT and the key factors that go into these wildly popular made-for-tv movies. In the Slate Plus episode: What's your dream gift? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling. Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power company. The hosts and Craig unpack the motivations behind the deal for these strange bedfellows. And finally, don't you just love a familiar, non-threatening protagonist who falls in love with a someone who embodies local virtue thanks to a Christmas adjacent inciting incident? You're not alone! The hosts and Craig discuss the booming business of Hallmark movie tours in CT and the key factors that go into these wildly popular made-for-tv movies. In the Slate Plus episode: What's your dream gift? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
European Union leaders have agreed to loan Ukraine $100bn to cover the cost of its military and public services, but they failed to reach on a deal on using frozen Russian assets.They instead opted to secure the oan against EU borrowing rather than Russian assets. What signal does that send to Moscow?Also in the programme: We'll hear from the Ukrainian widows cut off from compensation because their soldier husbands took their own lives; excitement builds in Morocco as it prepares to host Africa's biggest football tournament; why the boxing influencer Jake Paul may be risking more than his reputation in tonight's big fight.(Photo shows Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, European Council president Antonio Costa, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium on 19 December 2025. Credit: Olivier Hoslet/EPA)
From the BBC World Service: The European Union says it's close to agreeing a trade deal with the South American economic bloc Mercosur, which represents Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The agreement covers all aspects of trade, but the most controversial area is agriculture. Farmers have been protesting because they fear a glut of cheap imports. Then, the European Commission unveiled its first-ever roadmap for tackling a Europe-wide housing affordability crisis earlier this week. We'll discuss it with the EU's housing Commissioner.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says key parts of the Ukrainian war machine will have to be scaled back unless Europe approves the use of frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv.Also on the programme: the EU's top court rules that Denmark's 2018 "ghetto law," which relocates residents from minority-heavy areas, could amount to ethnic discrimination; and what could the new documentary about Melania Trump tell us about the American first lady?(Photo: A woman holds a banner as people demonstrate outside the European Commission in support of using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Credit: Reuters)
From the BBC World Service: The European Union says it's close to agreeing a trade deal with the South American economic bloc Mercosur, which represents Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The agreement covers all aspects of trade, but the most controversial area is agriculture. Farmers have been protesting because they fear a glut of cheap imports. Then, the European Commission unveiled its first-ever roadmap for tackling a Europe-wide housing affordability crisis earlier this week. We'll discuss it with the EU's housing Commissioner.
Max and Donatienne discuss recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declaring the end of ‘Pax Americana'. Then, they preview a high-stakes European Council meeting, where leaders will discuss the Mercosur trade deal and the European Commission's proposal to leverage frozen Russian assets to provide a crucial loan to Ukraine. Finally, they turn to a conversation with Dr. Thu Nguyen, Acting Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, to discuss the state of democracy in the EU. (00:00) Intro (02:05) Friedrich Merz ‘Pax Americana' Speech (05:19) Frozen Russian Assets Loan (13:13) Mercosur Trade Deal (19:00) Interview with Thu Nguyen Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
After 25 years the Mercosur deal is reaching crunch time. The trade deal which would permit free trade between the EU and the South American countries that make up the Mercosur bloc has a deadline of December 20th.It allows the EU to export more cars, wines and spirits to South America, with goods including meat coming the other way – and that's what worries Iris, but also French, farmers.There are hopes it will be signed off at this week's two-day EU summit in Brussels; hopes at least on the part of the European Commission and Germany.France and Italy are still holding out on signing up – urging a push-back to January on any decision – while Ireland appears stuck in the middle.Mercosur countries form the world's sixth largest economy with a total population of 270 million people. It's a vast market for EU producers.So how will the Mercosur talks play out this week and what pressure will Ireland be put under to sign up to a deal that Irish farmers say would greatly injure not just them, but the economy as a whole.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Omnibus 1 agreement has finally been signed off – but what happens next? In this last episode before the Christmas break, Frank Bold's Senior Policy Officer Julia Otten and Andreas Rasche, Assistant Dean and Professor of Business in Society at Copenhagen Business School, return to the Frankly Speaking podcast, hosted by Richard Howitt, to give their final verdict on what the Omnibus 1 means for the effectiveness of sustainability legislation in the EU. Together they discussed to what extent the final Omnibus package provides certainty to businesses and broke down the key changes to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). You'll also hear more about: How the Omnibus 1 changes may impact businesses in the future – including the risk of facing heavier burdens due to less available information The significance of the Ombuswoman's finding of malpractice by the European Commission during this Omnibus 1 process, especially for future simplification packages The role of the far-right in pushing through the final Omnibus 1 text, and why companies have an obligation to speak out Whether historians writing on this period may still regard this era of simplification as a step forward, not a step back Julia and Andreas's advice to companies on what they should do now the final Omnibus 1 package has been concluded Listen in and follow us on LinkedIn and Youtube!
The DNA of organised crime is evolving, and so is Europol. In this episode, you'll find out which direction Europol is heading in and how the EU's agency for law enforcement cooperation is staying one step ahead of criminal networks. Tune in to discover why and how the EU is doubling Europol's resources, how Europol is expanding its global reach, and what that means for Europol's operations and for you. This is the fifth episode of season 3 of The Europol Podcast. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and follow Europol on social media to be notified when future episodes are released. Speakers:Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Catherine De Bolle, Europol Executive Director. Jürgen Ebner, Deputy Executive Director of Europol, Governance Directorate. Tamara Schotte, Head of Analysis & Strategic Coordination Unit at Europol.
In this special edition of our EMEA APAC regulatory insights series colleagues from the EU cover the European Commission's recent market integration and supervision legislative package - a core pillar of the Savings and Investments Union. The package is a major initiative designed to unlock the full potential of the EU Single Market.
On November 19, the European Commission unveiled two major omnibus packages as part of its European Data Union Strategy. One package proposes several changes to the EU General Data Protection Regulation, while the other proposes significant changes to the recently minted EU AI Act, including a proposed delay to the regulation of so-called high-risk AI systems. Laura Caroli was a lead negotiator and policy advisor to AI Act co-rapporteur Brando Benifei and was immersed in the high-stakes negotiations leading to the AI regulation. She is also a former senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, but recently moved back to Brussels during a time of major complexity in the EU. IAPP Editorial Director Jedidiah Bracy caught up with Caroli to discuss her views on the proposed changes to the AI Act in the omnibus package and how she thinks the negotiations will play out. Here's what she had to say.
The European Union is facing growing risks linked to health emergencies, geopolitical tensions, and climate-related disasters. In response, the European Commission launched the EU Stockpiling Strategy and the Medical Countermeasures Strategy in July, as part of its wider Preparedness Union Strategy. The initiative aims to secure essential goods such as food, water, oil, fuel, and medicines during crises.This new approach brings together existing stockpiling efforts across different sectors, improves access to critical resources, and combines EU-level reserves with national contributions. While it covers a broad range of essential goods, health-related supplies such as personal protective equipment, medicines and vaccines are a key component. Public-private partnerships will help make the system more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective in responding to crises across all sectors, including public health.Created after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) plays a key role in improving the EU's readiness for future health crises. Its work focuses on the procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures (MCMs), including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medicines and vaccines. Through tools like the Joint Procurement Agreement, which allows the EU and participating countries to buy medical countermeasures together, HERA helps ensure coordinated access to essential supplies across Member States.However, challenges remain. These include limitations in national capacities, the need for robust EU-level coordination and funding (for example via HERA and the Multiannual Financial Framework), and the need to apply lessons learned from COVID-19. These lessons include improving supply chain resilience, ensuring stockpile rotation, quality and product compliance, and strengthening governance.Listen to this Euractiv Virtual Conference to explore the EU Stockpiling Strategy and its role in strengthening Europe's health resilience. Key questions to be discussed include:- How does EU legislation and funding mechanisms support health emergency preparedness? What role does the MFF proposal play?- How does local production relate to Europe's competitiveness? What can EU do to strengthen European manufacturing?- How can the EU ensure all Member States have access to high-quality, effective PPE?- How is the EU currently managing stockpiles and logistics, and is there a need for innovation?- How effective is the Joint Procurement Agreement in ensuring access to medical supplies across the EU?- What are the main challenges facing the EU in health emergency response, and how can they be addressed?
The European Commission is expected to reverse the effective ban on the sale of engine-combustion cars. This change is due to take place from 2035 after pressure from automakers across the EU. We discuss further with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent.
The European Commission is expected to reverse the effective ban on the sale of engine-combustion cars. This change is due to take place from 2035 after pressure from automakers across the EU. We discuss further with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent.
Hello Interactors,Spain's high-speed trains feels like a totally different trajectory of modernity. America prides itself on being the tech innovator, but nowhere can we blast 180 MPH between city centers with seamless transfers to metros and buses…and no TSA drudgery. But look closer and the familiar comes into view — rising car ownership, rush-hour congestion (except in Valencia!), and growth patterns that echo America. I wanted to follow these parallel tracks back to the nineteenth-century U.S. rail boom and forward to Spain's high-spe ed era. Turns out it's not just about who gets faster rail or faster freeways, but what kind of growth they lock in once they arrive.TRAINS, CITIES, AND CONTRADICTIONSMy wife and I took high-speed rail (HSR) on our recent trip to Spain. My first thought was, “Why can't we have nice things?”They're everywhere.Madrid to Barcelona in two and a half hours. Barcelona to Valencia, Valencia back to Madrid. Later, Porto to Lisbon. Even Portugal is in on it. We glided out of city-center stations, slipped past housing blocks and industrial belts, then settled into the familiar grain of Mediterranean countryside at 300 kilometers an hour. The Wi-Fi (mostly) worked. The seats were comfortable. No annoying TSA.Where HSR did not exist or didn't quite fit our schedule, we filled gaps with EasyJet flights. We did rent a car to seek the 100-foot waves at Nazaré, Portugal, only to be punished by the crawl of Porto's rush-hour traffic in a downpour. Within cities, we took metros, commuter trains, trams, buses, bike share, and walked…a lot.From the perspective of a sustainable transportation advocate, we were treated to the complete “nice things” package: fast trains between cities, frequent rail and bus service inside them, and streets catering to human bodies more than SUVs. What surprised me, though, was the way these nice things coexist with growth patterns that look — in structural terms — uncomfortably familiar.In this video
The loss of Russian gas imports, associated long-term capacity bookings and the reversal of gas flows in central and eastern Europe have led to soaring transmission tariffs and inevitably heated debates. After decades of operating on a fairly simple business model, gas grid operators, regulators, traders and consumers are faced with multiple dilemmas on how to minimise costs while also ensuring revenue to meet challenges. A patchwork of different views and approaches has emerged, often to the detriment of consumers, raising questions whether the EU's network codes still provide the answer to managing complex situations. In this interview, Walter Boltz, former head of Austrian regulator E-Control, tells ICIS senior reporter Aura Sabadus that an altogether new vision is required that will require the involvement of the European Commission, ACER and ENTSOG.
France's President called it a matter of life and death for European industry. The head of the European Commission said it has reached “an inflection point.” The Chinese have been trying to export their way out of what is now a major downturn. The truth is, neither side has much choice; the Chinese have to do it and the Europeans have to start resisting it. What China just reported in banking and the economy shows they're out of options even if it means sinking relations with an entire continent. Eurodollar University's Money & Macro Analysis---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What if your gold could actually pay you every month… in MORE gold?That's exactly what Monetary Metals does. You still own your gold, fully insured in your name, but instead of sitting idle, it earns real yield paid in physical gold. No selling. No trading. Just more gold every month.Check it out here: https://monetary-metals.com/snider------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EDU's Webinar SeriesThursday December 17, 6pm ETA Trillion-Dollar Eurodollar Bomb is going Off on Wall StreetThe most important funding system in the world is flashing warning signals, and almost no one is paying attention.https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/risks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you're a serious investor and want to capitalize on what the monetary system is signaling right now, join me at Eurodollar University's very first Live Event, President's Day Weekend February 2026. To get your spot, just go here: https://eurodollar-university.com/event-home-page------------------------------------------------------------Bloomberg China Forces Reckoning in Europe as Trade Turns Existentialhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-12/china-forces-reckoning-in-europe-as-trade-boom-turns-existentialPolitico EU European industry faces ‘life or death,' Macron says — and China needs to helphttps://www.politico.eu/article/europe-china-emmanuel-macron-foreign-investment-trade/Bloomberg China Politburo Member Misses Two Key Meetings as Mystery Buildshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-12/china-politburo-member-misses-two-key-meetings-as-mystery-buildshttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU
The social media platform X has responded after the EU Commission fined it under the new Digital Services Act. Liz Carolan, publisher of The Briefing newsletter, explains.
The labor market has swung from the Great Resignation to “job hugging,” where workers cling to their roles out of fear of AI-driven layoffs and inflation, crushing engagement and accelerating burnout. At the same time, OpenAI is accused of suppressing research showing job losses, ignoring internal warnings about chatbot mental health risks, and bleeding safety staff, while state Attorneys General fire off an opening salvo likening unchecked AI harms to an opioid crisis-in-the-making.The AI boom is now colliding with reality. Environmental groups want a halt on new datacenters as power prices spike, and the industry is starting to look financially radioactive, with opaque financing schemes, hidden debt, and trillion-dollar infrastructure bets that could vaporize household wealth. Regulators are pushing back too: the EU is fining X, probing Google over training data, and floating a statutory licensing scheme for AI scraping, while Disney dives in with a billion-dollar bet on “responsible” AI storytelling that mostly translates to fewer humans on payroll.Meanwhile, everyday tech dystopia rolls on. Uber is monetizing your movement data, Instacart is quietly price-discriminating groceries, Waymo is spinning a robotaxi birth as a feel-good story, and crypto fraud finally earns real prison time. Add in AI-generated marketing slop, government sites hijacked by SEO porn, billion-dollar festival scams resurrected, and Congress kneecapping right-to-repair, and the takeaway is simple: the machines are hungry, the adults are absent, and the vibes are aggressively bad.Sponsors:CleanMyMac - Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use code OLDGEEKS for 20% off at clnmy.com/OLDGEEKSGusto - Try Gusto today at gusto.com/grumpy, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/726Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eJbLlVhIQ-YFOLLOW UP“Why ‘job hugging' can be worse than quitting”OpenAI Accused of Self-Censoring Research That Paints AI In a Bad LightOpenAI, Anthropic, Others Receive Warning Letter from Dozens of State Attorneys GeneralIN THE NEWSMore than 200 environmental groups demand halt to new US datacentersSomething Ominous Is Happening in the AI EconomyOpenAI's house of cards seems primed to collapseX shuts down the European Commission's ad account the day after major fineEU opens antitrust investigation into Google's AI practicesEU Report Distills AI-Training Lessons from Napster Piracy Era: Don't Sue, LicenseDisney Invests $1 Billion in the AI Slopification of Its BrandUber will start selling trip and takeout data to marketersInstacart Charging Customers Different Prices for Same Products, Study FindsWaymo's robotaxi fleet is being recalled again, this time for failing to stop for school busesDriverless delivery: Woman gives birth in San Francisco WaymoCrypto mogul Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years in prison for $40 billion stablecoin fraudPorn Is Being Injected Into Government Websites Via Malicious PDFsMarco Rubio bans Calibri font at State Department for being too DEI'Architects of AI' named Time Magazine's Person of the YearMEDIA CANDYThe American RevolutionWhat Happened at Billy McFarland's PHNX Festival?The Lord of the Rings trilogy returns to theaters in January for 25th anniversaryAmazon's Official ‘Fallout' Season 1 Recap Is AI Garbage Filled With MistakesSpartacus House of AshurThe Boys - Final Season Teaser Trailer | Prime VideoParadise Season 2 | Official Teaser | HuluSupergirl | Official Teaser TrailerNo Such Thing As a Fish - Ep612: No Such Thing As The Gordon Ramsay SongbookWTF Happened To Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)?!Star Trek: Starfleet Academy | Official Trailer | Paramount+ (NYCC 2025)Starfleet Academy - What Is This Garbage?APPS & DOODADSGoogle and Apple partner on better Android-iPhone switchingCongress removes right to repair language from 2026 defense billGlide Gear TMP 100 Teleprompter – DSLR, Tablet, Smartphone – 12" Glass, Carry Case, No AssemblyBetterDisplay ProTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingSplat HiFiThe History Behind All the Cuts of the Original ‘Star Wars''Rise of the Resistance | Layout Side By SideBLUE MONDAY - Analyzing the MOST BRUTAL BEAT of the '80s | Drum Patterns ExplainedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> The layoff number show no signs of a weakening labor market. Jobs are coming back to the US. The fake news will not admit that the economy is improving, but the people will feel it. The Fed cannot control employment or inflation with QE, they use it to keep their system alive. Banks are getting message, crypto will be included in the future economy of the US. The [DS] attacks will intensify as we get closer to the midterms, they will use division tactics with the people and the military. The [DS] is trying to muddy the water with the Epstein files, this has already failed. The [DS] is pushing war to keep their crimes from being exposed. Trump has initiated the cyber attack offensive strategy. Trump and we the people have the leverage and control. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Layoffs Show No Signs of a Weakening Labor Market If the labor market is weakening, it's on the job-creation side of the equation, maybe in part due to AI. the four-week average, which largely irons out the week-to-week squiggles, and which ticked up to 216,750, seasonally adjusted, which is historically low, and in the same low range that it has been in for the past four years. This is administrative data, not survey-based data. Freshly laid-off people filed these applications for unemployment insurance at state unemployment agencies, which then reported them to the US Department of Labor by the weekly deadline, which then combined the data and published it today. In a longer timespan going back to the 1970s, initial claims are very low, despite the growth of nonfarm payrolls over the decades. They were lower only during the tight labor market of 2018 and 2019 and during the labor shortages coming out of the pandemic. Layoffs show no signs of a weakening labor market. If the labor market is weakening, it's on the job-creation side of the equation. So layoffs are low, but once laid off, it takes people longer to find a job as companies have slowed their hiring, but even that has improved since the summer. Source: wolfstreet.com for having created, with No Inflation, perhaps the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country? When will people understand what is happening? When will Polls reflect the Greatness of America at this point in time, and how bad it was just one year ago? https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/1999141753442414645?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheCryptoLark/status/1999161790886711747?s=20 Political/Rights Tim Walz Vows to Bring More Somalis to Minnesota, Despite Growing Fraud Scandal Reaching Into the Billions Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is vowing to bring more Somali immigrants to his state, despite the massive fraud scandal that has unfolded in the Minnesota Somali community on his watch. The Washington Free Beacon reports: Tim Walz Pledges To ‘Welcome More' Somalis Into Minnesota as Evidence of Staggering Fraud Scheme Makes National Headlines CBS News reports: https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1999531988210909599?s=20 Source: thegatewaypundit.com Garcia. But immigration courts do not issue such a form, and Congress removed district courts from reviewing these cases nearly 30 years ago. By declaring the order “nonexistent,” she manufactured jurisdiction and granted release. Her six month obstruction of Garcia's removal shows exactly why Congress barred district judges from intervening in INA cases. Trump Admin Pulls 9,500 Truck Drivers Off The Road For Failing English Tests https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1998787357416501638?s=20 Source: zerohedge.com Democrat Rep. Attempts to Embarrass Kristi Noem by Introducing Her to a ‘Harmless' Veteran She Supposedly Deported – But the Move Backfires When the Actual Truth is Revealed (VIDEO) During the hearing, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-MA) decided to ambush Noem, first by demanding how many US military veterans she had deported. When Noem responded that she had not, the congressman then pulled out his next nasty stunt. “We are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sae Joon Park. He is a United States combat veteran who was shot twice,” Magaziner announced. “Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD, he was arrested in the 1990s for some minor drug offenses. “He never hurt anyone besides himself. He is a Purple Heart recipient; he has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have,” he added. “Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he has not lived in since he was seven.” “Will you join me in thanking Mr. Park for his service?” Noem said she would, but reiterated that America's laws needed to be enforced, which displeased Magaziner. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1999200511820763484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999200511820763484%7Ctwgr%5E71b314ce22abe6b529570dbbaed5501f8b066bd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fdemocrat-rep-attempts-embarrass-kristi-noem-introducing-her%2F Park had a removal order over felony drug charges and bail jumping – and was NOT a citizen, but a green card holder. Democrats lie, lie, LIE. https://twitter.com/TriciaOhio/status/1999207164603433210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999207164603433210%7Ctwgr%5E71b314ce22abe6b529570dbbaed5501f8b066bd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fdemocrat-rep-attempts-embarrass-kristi-noem-introducing-her%2F controlled substance In 2010 an immigration judge issued him an order of removal. Park's appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals that same month was dismissed by the Board in April 2011. With no legal basis to remain in the U.S. and a final order of removal, Park was allowed to self-deport to Korea. President Trump and Secretary Noem have been clear: criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/1999451592903282965?s=20 2.5 Million Illegal Immigrants Deported Under Trump Admin: DHS More than 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States under the Trump administration, a “record-breaking achievement” in a year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a Dec. 10 statement. The 2.5 million figure includes more than 605,000 individuals deported as part of DHS enforcement operations and around 1.9 million illegal immigrants who have voluntarily self-deported since January. The rapid decline in the illegal immigrant population is showing effects nationwide, such as a “resurgence in local job markets,” DHS said. In October, 12,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, which followed 431,000 additions in September. Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1999506355548299518?s=20 DOGE In other words, AI has far more Electricity than they will ever need because, they are building the facilities that produce it, themselves. We are leading the World in AI, BY FAR, because of a gentleman named DONALD J. TRUMP! Geopolitical Unelected EU Commissioner Ursula von Der Leyen Warns Trump To Keep Away From ‘European Democracy' – But the Patriotic Wave Is Upon Her https://twitter.com/SprinterPress/status/1999360985753174112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999360985753174112%7Ctwgr%5Ea460cf825346c02faf408dfdd2869c8b434de5e3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Funelected-eu-commissioner-ursula-von-der-leyen-warns%2F Politico reported: “Donald Trump should not get involved in European democracy, Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday, days after the U.S. president launched a stinging attack on Europe. ‘It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That's the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected', the European Commission president said in an interview at the POLITICO 28 gala event in Brussels. https://twitter.com/JnglJourney/status/1999294487781326880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999294487781326880%7Ctwgr%5Ea460cf825346c02faf408dfdd2869c8b434de5e3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Funelected-eu-commissioner-ursula-von-der-leyen-warns%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/iAnonPatriot/status/1999198852717424957?s=20 https://twitter.com/Defence_Index/status/1999348521120698795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999348521120698795%7Ctwgr%5E4d8309aa196b50542667c5dfcee40655f2883cf0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fmad-maduro-after-declaring-christmas-october-embattled-venezuelan%2F War/Peace accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly. Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America. It is my Honor to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major War between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous Countries! I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter. Zelensky Floats Holding Referendum On Giving Up Land For Peace “I am definitely in favor of elections,” Ukraine’s President Zelensky said Thursday. “The most important thing is that they are held legitimately.” He’s presenting a position of willingness to compromise amid the increasing pressure from Trump. Is this but a ruse to buy time? Ceding territory by vote? WSJ continues… Zelensky has long said that as president he can't unilaterally decide the fate of Ukrainian territories, which must be approved by the Ukrainian people. In early fall, 54% Ukrainians opposed ceding land, even if it meant continuing the war and risked the country's independence, compared with 38% who were open to some territorial concessions, in a poll conducted by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Source: zerohedge.com Zelenskyy: Holding Elections in Ukraine Requires Ceasefire President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that holding elections in Ukraine during wartime would require a ceasefire. “There must be a ceasefire – at least for the duration of the election process and voting. This is what needs to be discussed. Frankly speaking, here in Ukraine, we believe that America should talk to the Russian side about this,” he told a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ group of nations. Wartime elections are forbidden by law but Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, Source: newsmax.com NATO’s Rutte warns allies they are Russia’s next target NATO chief Mark Rutte urged allies to step up defence efforts to prevent a war waged by Russia that could be “on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured”. FRANCE 24’s Dave Keating reports Source: france24.com NATO Secretary Rutte: “NATO Must Prepare for War Against Russia” Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1999270361414729766?s=20 remarks: “Things like this end up in Third World Wars, and I told that the other day. I said, you know, everybody keeps playing games like this, you’ll end up in a Third World War, and we don’t want to see that happen.” Trump’s essentially telling NATO, Ukraine, and Russia to stop the brinksmanship before proxy war becomes direct conflict. When the U.S. president is publicly warning about World War III, that’s not hyperbole, that’s acknowledgment of how close we’ve gotten to catastrophe. https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999499056133898497?s=20 The Trump administration is preparing to enlist private businesses and cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive cyberattacks against foreign adversaries, including criminal hackers and state-sponsored groups that target U.S. critical infrastructure, telecommunications, or engage in ransomware activities. This approach, detailed in a draft national cyber strategy from the Office of the National Cyber Director, aims to expand U.S. cyber capabilities by leveraging private sector expertise, allowing government agencies to focus on unique tasks. An upcoming executive order is expected to define roles for these firms and provide legal protections, though additional legislation may be needed to mitigate risks for companies traditionally focused on defense. Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999176473723191554?s=20 [DS] Agenda BREAKING: Grand Jury *AGAIN* Declines to Indict Letitia James For Mortgage Fraud A federal grand jury in Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud on Thursday. This is the second time federal prosecutors have failed to secure an indictment against Letitia James. “Federal prosecutors on Thursday failed to convince a majority of grand jurors to approve charges that James misled a bank to obtain favorable loan terms on a home mortgage, according to sources,” ABC News reported. Source: thegatewaypundit.com BREAKING: Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma Charged with Wire Fraud and Money Laundering – 25 Counts Total – Facing DECADES in Prison An executive director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. A federal grand jury on December 3 returned a 25-count indictment against Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52. Dickerson was charged with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. “On December 3, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a 25-count Indictment, charging Dickerson with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. For each count of wire fraud, Dickerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. For each count of money laundering, Dickerson faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction,” the DOJ said. According to the charging documents, Dickerson, through BLMOKC, raised more than $5.6 million, but rather than using the money to bail out George Floyd rioters, she used millions to fund her lavish lifestyle. Federal prosecutors said Dickerson funneled over $3.5 million to her personal accounts and spent it on vacations, six properties in Oklahoma City, retail shopping, and food. Per the DOJ: https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1999235340620497058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999235340620497058%7Ctwgr%5E9f29cdaa88d5635542427963418842d100b04bdd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fblack-lives-matter-executive-charged-wire-fraud-money%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/1998944940865503255?s=20 https://twitter.com/Patri0tContr0l/status/1999164831652315320?s=20 JUST IN: House Overwhelmingly Rejects Al Green's Impeachment Effort Against Trump – 70 Democrats Kill Measure (VIDEO) The House of Representatives voted on a Motion to Table Texas Democrat Al Green's resolution to impeach President Trump on Thursday, effectively killing the resolution, with many Democrats even voting against impeachment. Green has already tried several times to impeach Trump since he took office in January. Green first introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in February, just weeks after he took office. Source: thegatewaypundit.com Schumer Erupts After Senate Blocks Democrat Bill to Extend Expiring Obamacare Subsidies — Desperately Blames Republicans for the Disaster Democrats Created The Senate delivered a major blow to Democrat leadership Thursday night after rejecting Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's last-minute attempt to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, subsidies Democrats themselves voted to terminate in Joe Biden's so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” of 2022. The subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2025 because Democrats wrote the expiration date into their own bill. Yet now, as the political consequences close in, Schumer is scrambling to pin the blame on Republicans. Democrats locked the subsidy expiration date into law in 2022. They knew this would happen. They planned for it to happen. They voted for it to happen. Now, in an election year—Schumer is trying to retroactively pretend Republicans created a crisis that Democrats engineered from the beginning. Recall that in 2014, Chuck Schumer himself admitted Obamacare was a mistake and confessed that Democrats sold out the middle class to get it passed. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1999178360082301396?s=20 The Dems who voted against this SUPPORT BIG INSURANCE. UNBELIEVABLE. One GOP “no”: Rand Paul (KY). Paul says he wants the ACA gutted even further. Needs 60. DEMOCRATS = PARTY OF BIG, RICH INSURANCE. https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/1999233530694418762?s=20 President Trump's Plan Elections. Democrats have been relentless in their targeting of TINA PETERS, a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest. Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the “crime” of demanding Honest Elections. Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election! https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/1999403926316069209?s=20 Ticktin’s nine-page letter dated December 7, 2025, accuses a “criminal conspiracy” involving Dominion Voting Systems, Colorado officials like Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and foreign influences, while arguing that Peters preserved election data in compliance with federal law (52 U.S.C. § 20701). He positions her as a key witness for future investigations into election integrity, leveraging her status as a 70-year-old Gold Star mother to evoke sympathy. A core (and controversial) element of Ticktin’s legal theory is the untested claim that the U.S. Constitution allows presidents to pardon state-level convictions—a position not supported by precedent, as presidential pardons are explicitly limited to federal offenses under Article II, Section 2. This strategy aims to challenge the boundaries of executive power, potentially setting up a court battle if pursued further, while amplifying the narrative through media and conservative outlets to build public pressure. , this pardon is largely symbolic and legally ineffective because Peters was convicted and sentenced in Colorado state court on charges like attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy, and official misconduct—not federal crimes. It doesn’t vacate her nine-year prison sentence or require her release; only Colorado’s governor (currently Democrat Jared Polis) could grant clemency for state offenses, and there’s no indication he plans to do so. the pardon could indirectly help Peters in several ways: Political and Public Pressure: It elevates her case nationally among Trump supporters and election skeptics, potentially leading to fundraising for her legal defense, public campaigns for her release, or even influencing her ongoing state appeals (e.g., by highlighting perceived bias in her trial). A federal magistrate recently denied her release pending appeal, but this symbolic gesture might bolster arguments about unfair prosecution. Narrative Framing: Ticktin can use it to reinforce claims of her innocence in the court of public opinion, portraying the pardon as validation from the president that her actions were justified. This aligns with broader Republican efforts to question 2020 election security. Potential Federal Angle: If any federal investigations arise from her case (e.g., related to Dominion or election data), the pardon could preemptively shield her from future federal charges. Ticktin’s strategy also includes pushing for a DOJ review of her conviction, which Trump directed earlier in 2025. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/1999284588955468129?s=20 This refers to the DOJ’s decision, under Bondi’s leadership, to rescind regulations enforcing disparate impact liability. This action implements an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April 2025, eliminating the use of disparate impact metrics to prove discrimination against entities receiving federal funding. What is Disparate Impact Liability? It’s a legal doctrine originating from the 1971 Supreme Court case Griggs v. Duke Power Co., which interprets Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under this theory, policies or practices that disproportionately harm protected groups (e.g., based on race, even without intentional bias) can be considered discriminatory. Over decades, it expanded into a regulatory tool that penalized unintentional disparities, often requiring institutions like employers, schools, or housing providers to track and adjust for racial outcomes to avoid lawsuits or loss of federal funds. Critics (including the poster and the article) argue it incentivized racial quotas, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) mandates, and “reverse discrimination,” straying from the Civil Rights Act’s original focus on intentional discrimination. Ending disparate impact liability is framed as restoring “equality under the law” by focusing DOJ enforcement solely on provable intent, rather than statistical outcomes. Bondi stated: “This Department of Justice is eliminating its regulations that for far too long required recipients of federal funding to make decisions based on race.” this is a blow against overreaching government coercion, promoting individual liberty and meritocracy over enforced equity. They suggest skeptics “pay closer attention” to appreciate its impact on freedom from such policies. Texas Showdown: GOP’s Wesley Hunt Now Dares Dem Crockett to Face-Off The 2026 election cycle is working its way up through the gears. Candidates are announcing their intent to run for various seats; some are sure-wins, some are sure to be fights to the finish, and some are sure to be inexplicable. One of the latter is surely Democrat Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) announcing for a Texas Senate seat, the same seat being sought by Republican Representative Wesley Hunt (TX-38). My money’s on Mr. Hunt. Even more so now, that the Republican Congressman has challenged Rep. Crockett to a duel – or, rather, a debate. She may wish she’d picked swords at sunrise instead of a verbal exchange with Wesley Hunt. Texas Senate candidate Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, challenged House colleague Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, to a debate after Crockett entered the race earlier this week. Hunt, who faces incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a competitive Republican primary, was quick to challenge Crockett to a debate, saying that if the new contender agreed it would be “must-see TV.” Source: redstate.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/1999519791527207239?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/1999143399631282641?s=20 get the right people in place. VANCE: “Eventually you are gonna see prosecutions. Not just Arctic Frost related, but on a whole host of other issues. Eventually we need certain subpoenas that have to be issued by a court. Eventually you need local prosecutors, US Attorneys to go after some of these people in a court of law. If you can't get a U.S. Attorney appointed because the Democrat wont give you a blue slip. Or you can't get a judge confirmed… Republicans have gotta open up their perspective a little bit.” Everyone can complain all they want, but the DOJ would be stupid to bring charges without the right people in place. Blame the worthless Republican Senators! Frustrating, but I am confident President Trump will figure it out because he is the best problem solver I've ever seen in my life. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");
2025-12-12 | UPDATES #076 | The financial battlefield is intensifying — the hidden front where the Kremlin is taking blow after blow, and where Europe may finally, belatedly, be rediscovering its spine. Talk about leaving it to the last minute as well. We must ask whether it's Ukraine's financial issues, their budgetary gap, that spurred Europe on, or the prospect of Trump getting his hands on the Russian Central Bank assets. Because this week, the European Union has done something extraordinary — something that has Vladimir Putin rattled. The EU has triggered emergency powers to permanently immobilize Russian state assets, edging toward using them to arm and rebuild Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow's central bank is screaming “illegal!”, Russia threatens to sue Euroclear, Japan backs away, France hesitates, Orbán obstructs, and Washington quietly manoeuvres for leverage. Meanwhile Moscow is activating all its embedded assets, agents and useful idiots to try and fight the permanent seizure of its former assets. ----------SOURCES: https://kyivindependent.com/https://www.kyivpost.com/https://meduza.io/enhttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/https://www.theguardian.com/ukhttps://theins.ru/enPublic statements by:European Commission, Russian Central Bank, Vladimir Putin, EuroclearAdditional reporting from:Politico EU, Reuters, Bloomberg (paraphrased references)----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
It's been a busy first year for the EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen. The Iberian blackout, grid congestion, curtailment of renewable energy and a record number of negative prices. How does he plan to tackle some of these issues in 2026?In this episode, Richard sits down with the EU´s top energy official in the heart of the European Commission to discuss the details of his grids package released earlier this week, his stance on the future of Russian gas supplies, and how he is trying to work with member states who oppose the ban. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Fatima Sadouki - Brussel's Reporter, Montel NewsGuest: Dan Jorgensen - European Commissioner for EnergyEditor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles
Europe's demand for workers is growing across a wide range of skill levels, with more than three-quarters of small- and medium-sized enterprises struggling to find workers with the right skills. Meeting these labor needs will be essential to sustaining economic growth and competitiveness yet will prove even more challenging as workforces shrink and the digital and green transitions reshape which skills are most valued. At the same time, countries worldwide are competing to attract talent in critical sectors such as health care and construction, making it more important than ever that strategies to attract workers are designed to benefit both migrant-receiving and sending countries. To ensure that labor migration works for everyone involved, the European Union has promoted a "quadruple win" approach, aiming to benefit employers, workers, and sending and receiving countries. In addition to targeted mobility partnerships with sending countries, European governments are expressing a broader interest in the lessons from existing labor migration corridors to expand opportunities for partnerships that combine support for the movement of talent with investments in local skills development. This webinar features discussion of a study by the Migration Policy Institute and MPI Europe, commissioned by the European Commission, which examines best practices for designing and managing labor migration corridors between EU Member States and partner countries. Experts discuss findings from the research, which examines the Bangladesh-Portugal, India-Germany, Peru-Italy, Senegal-Spain, and Vietnam-Hungary corridors and offers insights on how to connect employers and workers, promote skills development, protect migrant workers, and maximize benefits for countries of origin and destination alike. Speakers: Sonam Denzongpa, Consultant, Emigration Policy & Welfare Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India Shakirul Islam, Chairperson, Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program, Bangladesh Francesco Luciani, Head of the Migration and Forced Displacement Unit, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission Ravenna Sohst, Policy Analyst, MPI Europe Moderator: Kate Hooper, Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute (MPI) Report is available at: https://bit.ly/migrationcorridorsEU More information is available at: www.migrationpolicy.org
On Friday, the European Commission (the executive arm of the European Union, or EU) announced that it is fining the social media company X $140 million for breaching transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission accused the U.S.-based social media company of deceptive use of its “blue checkmark” validation feature, lack of advertisement transparency, and failure to provide access to public data. X owner Elon Musk responded to the European Commission's announcement of the fine by calling the post “Bullshit.”Ad-free podcasts are here!To listen to this podcast ad-free, and to enjoy our subscriber only premium content, go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast here, our “Under the Radar” story here and today's “Have a nice day” story here.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Take the survey: Do you think the EU's enforcement is an overreach, or appropriate? Let us know.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Lindsey Knuth, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The European Union has once again underlined its willingness to stand up to big technology companies after its executive arm, the European Commission, fined Elon Musk's social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 million) forbreaches of the bloc's digital regulations, known as the Digital Services Act.欧盟再次强调其对抗科技巨头的决心。欧盟执行机构欧盟委员会以违反《数字服务法》为由,对埃隆·马斯克旗下的社交媒体平台X处以1.2亿欧元(约合1.4亿美元)罚款。The 27-member bloc has had frequentrun-ins with several of the United States-based technology companies that dominate the digital landscape, over issues including market share and monopolies, but this particular case relates to noncompliance with rules on transparency about harmful or illegal content.这个由27个成员国组成的集团,在市场份额和垄断等问题上,曾多次与主导数字领域的多家美国科技公司发生冲突,但此案涉及的是违反关于有害或非法内容透明度规则的行为。The areas where the EU found shortcomings include excessive delays in providing information about advert placers, exposing X users to potentially misleading or false information, the placing of unnecessary barriers in the way of accessing public data, and blue tick accounts.欧盟发现存在缺陷的领域包括:提供广告投放者信息时过度延迟、使X用户暴露于可能误导性或虚假信息中、在获取公共数据时设置不必要的障碍,以及蓝勾认证账户问题。Under the company's former name of Twitter, a blue tick was a badge of verification of the account owner, and was particularly used by trusted or authoritative names and organizations.在该公司原名Twitter时期,蓝色认证标记是账户所有者的身份验证徽章,尤其用于可信赖或权威的个人及机构。Since the company was bought and rebranded by Musk in 2022, blue ticks have been available to anyone who pays, with no real effort made to verify the account holder, opening users up to the danger of misleading information.自2022年该公司被马斯克收购并更名后,付费用户即可获得蓝标认证,且平台并未真正努力核实账户持有者身份,这使得用户面临被误导信息的风险。A year ago, the European Federation of Journalists left X, saying the site "no longer serves the public interest at all, but the particular ideological and financial interests of its owner and his political allies", adding that it had become "the preferredvector for conspiracy theories, racism, far-right ideas and misogynistic rhetoric".一年前,欧洲记者联合会宣布退出X平台,称该网站“已完全背离公共利益,沦为其所有者及其政治盟友谋取特定意识形态和经济利益的工具”,并指出该平台已成为“阴谋论、种族主义、极右翼思想和厌女言论的首选传播载体”。Musk, who was born in South Africa and became a United States citizen in 2002, has previously used his own blue tick account to speak in support of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party, pay legal costs for other far-right activists, post statements such as "civil war in Britain is inevitable, just a question of when", and reshare images combining the EU flag with that of Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party.马斯克出生于南非,2002年入籍美国。他曾利用自己的蓝标认证账号公开支持德国极右翼政党“德国选择党”,为其他极右翼活动人士支付法律费用,发布诸如“英国内战不可避免,只是时间问题”等言论,并转发将欧盟旗帜与希特勒纳粹党徽拼接的图片。He was a close associate of US President Donald Trump, and several of Trump's inner circle joined him in his criticism of the commission's actions. Even before the ruling had been announced, US Vice-President JD Vance said X was being fined "for not engaging in censorship…The EU should be supporting free speech not attacking American companies over garbage".他是美国总统唐纳德·特朗普的亲密盟友,特朗普的几位核心幕僚也加入了他的行列,共同批评该委员会的行动。在裁决宣布之前,美国副总统詹姆斯·戴维·万斯就表示,X平台被罚款是因为“拒绝参与审查制度……欧盟应该支持言论自由,而不是因无谓之事攻击美国企业”。US Secretary of State Marco Rubio likened the fine to an attack by foreign government on the American people.美国国务卿马可·卢比奥将这笔罚款比作外国政府对美国人民的攻击。"The days of censoring Americans online are over," he added.他补充道:“审查美国人上网的日子已经一去不复返了。”But commission spokesman Thomas Regnier denied there was anything personal about the ruling, saying it was "not targeting anyone, not targeting any company, not targeting anyjurisdictions based on their color or their country of origin, absolutely not. This is based on a process, democratic process".但委员会发言人托马斯·雷尼尔否认该裁决存在任何个人因素,称其“绝非针对任何个人、任何公司或任何司法管辖区,更非基于其肤色或原籍国。这完全基于民主程序的运作”。breachv./briːtʃ/违反jurisdictionn./ˌdʒʊr.ɪsˈdɪk.ʃən/管辖范围run-insn./ˈrʌn.ɪn/冲突vectorn./ˈvek.tɚ/载体;传播媒介
-Google can add another probe to its list: The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into the company surrounding the content used for its AI tools. -NVIDIA is now allowed to sell its second-best H200 processors to China, rather than just the sanction-approved H20 model that China had previously declined to buy. -According to a statement from the Public Interest Research Group, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 has removed language that would have granted the US military the right to repair its own equipment rather than requiring it to use official defense contractors for maintenance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The European Commission is attempting to regulate American platforms, and even fine them. The commission has issued a fine to social media platform X for 120 million euros, or just over $139 million. X is refusing to comply, and this is quickly turning into an issue of global diplomacy, and a question of whether foreign countries can export their laws to the United States.Also, on the point of defending American sovereignty against European powers, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth just declared that the United States will once again be enforcing the Monroe Doctrine.We'll discuss these topics, and others, in this episode of Crossroads.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Paramount Skydance is launching a hostile bid worth more than 100 billion dollars in a last ditch effort to stop its sale to Netflix. Leanna Byrne asks, what does Netflix need to do to get the deal done? Also, China is running a massive trade surplus, and other countries aren't happy about it. And Elon Musk escalates his clash with the European Commission after an EU fine over blue tick badges.
Pete Hegseth would like to have to answer fewer questions about international military rules of engagement. Almost as much as Netflix would like to purchase Warner Bros.Also, a look at what's going on with the European Commission slapping Twitter with a fine over checkmarks, and a pilot program for Canadian police to use AI facial scanning to track "potential dangers"For all links, sources, and more information, see today's SKH Weekly Roundup: https://www.skh.news/roundup-2025-12-08/
LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured The EU Commission's sweeping fines on X highlight a deeper problem: an entrenched, unelected body that increasingly undermines competitiveness, innovation, and national sovereignty. As countries like Hungary, Poland, Italy, and Greece push back and voters grow frustrated with top-down bureaucracy, the question becomes unavoidable—has the European Commission outlived its purpose?
-Just a day after receiving a roughly $140 million fine, X has terminated the ad account of the European Commission. Nikita Bier, X's head of product, accused the European Commission of using an exploit to artificially boost the reach of its post announcing the major fine. -After Netflix announced that it was acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery last week, observers immediately wondered when or if the deal could obtain regulatory approval. -Those might not exactly be ads you're seeing on ChatGPT, at least according to OpenAI. Nick Turley, OpenAI's head of ChatGPT, clarified the confusion around potential ads appearing with the AI chatbot. In a post on X, Turley said "there are no live tests for ads" and that "any screenshots you've seen are either not real or not ads." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kroger will pay Ocado $350 million as it closes some automated warehouses. Anheuser-Busch plans to acquire BeatBox. And Mars Inc. has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its pending acquisition of Kellanova.
On Friday, the European Commission fined Elon Musk's X €120 million for breaching the Digital Services Act, delivering the first-ever non-compliance decision under the European Union's flagship tech regulation. By Saturday, Elon Musk was calling for no less than the abolition of the EU. To discuss the enforcement action, the politics surrounding it, and a variety of other issues related to digital regulation in Europe, Justin Hendrix spoke to Joris van Hoboken, a professor at the Institute for Information Law (IViR) at the University of Amsterdam, and part of the core team of the Digital Services Act (DSA) Observatory.
On Wednesday November 19 2025, the European Commission unveiled its Digital Omnibus Package, which was basically split in two proposals: a proposed Regulation on simplification for AI rules; and a proposed Regulation on simplification of the digital legislation. We will tackle the first one today.Today we are reviewing that AI-related block with Oliver Patel, who is AI Governance Lead at the global pharma and biotech company AstraZeneca, where he helps implement and scale AI governance worldwide. He also advises governments and international policymakers as a Member of the OECD's Expert Group on AI Risk and Accountability.References:* Oliver Patel, “Fundamentals of AI Governance” (now available for pre-order)* Enterprise AI Governance, a newsletter by Oliver Patel* Oliver Patel on LinkedIn* Oliver Patel: How could the EU AI Act change?* EU proposal for a Regulation on simplification for AI rules (EU Commission, covered today)* EU proposal for a Regulation on simplification of the digital legislation (EU Commission, not covered today)* Europe's digital sovereignty: from doctrine to delivery (Politico). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mastersofprivacy.com/subscribe
American officials reacted angrily to a decision by the European Commission to fine X, Elon Musk's social-media platform, €120m ($140m) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Waymo to file a voluntary software recall, Meta acquires Limitless, SpaceX targets 2026 IPO. MP3 Please SUBSCRIBE HERE for free or get DTNS Live ad-free. A special thanks to all our supporters–without you, none of this would be possible. If you enjoy what you see you can support the show on Patreon, Thank you! SendContinue reading "European Commission Fines X €120 Million – DTH"
A federal judge on Friday granted the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury transcripts from a federal investigation in Florida into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Justice Department had renewed its request for the material to be made public last month after Congress passed and President Trump signed a law that requires the attorney general to disclose records related to the government's investigation into Epstein. Friday fined Elon Musk’s social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 million) for breaches of the bloc’s digital regulations that they said could leave users exposed to scams and manipulation The European Commission said Friday it was fining Elon Musk’s social media app X with the equivalent of $140 million, saying that it had breached the bloc’s digital rulebook — a move that will likely draw the ire of the American government. .After over 30 years, Amazon may be cutting ties with the United States Postal Service as it looks to expand its own delivery network, as reported by The Washington Post. The outlet, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, cites anonymous sources who said negotiations between Amazon and Trump-appointed USPS Postmaster General David Steiner have reportedly stagnated, pushing Amazon to consider concluding the partnership altogether.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Regulators in the European Union are investigating whether Meta is gaining an unfair advantage in the artificial intelligence space by freezing out third-party apps and developers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The European Commission president and the German chancellor have held talks with the Belgian prime minister over a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Belgium has refused to endorse the proposal.
A federal judge on Friday granted the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury transcripts from a federal investigation in Florida into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Justice Department had renewed its request for the material to be made public last month after Congress passed and President Trump signed a law that requires the attorney general to disclose records related to the government's investigation into Epstein. Friday fined Elon Musk’s social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 million) for breaches of the bloc’s digital regulations that they said could leave users exposed to scams and manipulation The European Commission said Friday it was fining Elon Musk’s social media app X with the equivalent of $140 million, saying that it had breached the bloc’s digital rulebook — a move that will likely draw the ire of the American government. .After over 30 years, Amazon may be cutting ties with the United States Postal Service as it looks to expand its own delivery network, as reported by The Washington Post. The outlet, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, cites anonymous sources who said negotiations between Amazon and Trump-appointed USPS Postmaster General David Steiner have reportedly stagnated, pushing Amazon to consider concluding the partnership altogether.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Dec. 5, the European Commission announced that they are fining X (formerlly Twitter) 120 million euros for impersonation scams with “verification,” broken advertising transpaency system, and blocking researchers from its platform. On a Lawfare Live, Lawfare Senior Editor Kate Klonick and Lawfare Contributing Editor Renee DiResta analyzed the decision, what happens next, and how this fits into the geopolitical struggle over free speech.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chinese threat actors deploy Brickstorm malware. The critical React2Shell vulnerability is under active exploitation. Cloudflare's emergency patch triggered a brief global outage. Phishing kits pivot to fake e-commerce sites. The European Commission fines X(Twitter) €120 million for violating the Digital Services Act. Predator spyware has a new bag of tricks. A Russian physicist gets 21 years in prison for cybercrimes. Twin brothers are arrested for allegedly stealing and destroying government data. Our guest is Blair Canavan, Director of Alliances - PKI & PQC Portfolio from Thales, discussing post quantum cryptography. Smart toilet encryption claims don't hold water. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today on our Industry Voices segment, we are joined by Blair Canavan, Director of Alliances - PKI & PQC Portfolio from Thales, discussing post quantum cryptography (PQC). Listen to Blair's full conversation here. Selected Reading Chinese hackers used Brickworm malware to breach critical US infrastructure (TechRadar) React2Shell critical flaw actively exploited in China-linked attacks (BleepingComputer) Cloudflare blames today's outage on emergency React2Shell patch (Bleeping Computer) SMS Phishers Pivot to Points, Taxes, Fake Retailers (Krebs on Security) Threat Spotlight: Introducing GhostFrame, a new super stealthy phishing kit (Barracuda) EU issues €120 million fine to Elon Musk's X under rules to tackle disinformation (The Record) Predator spyware uses new infection vector for zero-click attacks (Bleeping Computer) Russian scientist sentenced to 21 years on treason, cyber sabotage charges (The Record) Twins with hacking history charged in insider data breach affecting multiple federal agencies (Cyberscoop) ‘End-to-end encrypted' smart toilet camera is not actually end-to-end encrypted (TechCrunch)- kicker Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: Danone's senior manager of mission and sustainability, Ginny Maceda talks with Ian Welsh about how the company is scaling regenerative agriculture through long-term, direct relationships with dairy farmers. She outlines why trust-based collaboration, flexible incentives, and farmer-led improvement plans are central to achieving both environmental and commercial outcomes. Plus: Carlsberg backs regenerative farming and urges unified metrics; new deals speed up West Balkans move to solar and storage; black friday's record sales hide a growing waste crisis; and, recycling workforce overlooked despite critical role in supply chains, in the news digest. Host: Diana Kim We'll be continuing the discussion on scope 3 and climate action at the scope 3 innovation forum in Amsterdam on 16-17 June 2026. Join alongside senior representatives from the likes of Arla Foods, The HEINEKEN Company, SBTi, Cisco, Li & Fung, Made2Flow, the European Commission, Holcim, Kraft Heinz and Ørsted. Click here for information on how to get involved.
The European Commission put forward a controversial plan to fund Ukraine by raising up to €210bn ($245bn) backed by frozen Russian state assets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The European Commission is unveiling a plan to future-proof what it calls “quality jobs,” as many firms look to ramp up the role of AI in their businesses. Roxana Minzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission with responsibility for social rights, skills and jobs, joined Stephen Carroll on Bloomberg Radio to discuss the plan and how to balance it with businesses’ desire to remain competitive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
European markets are cautiously optimistic as weaker U.S. payrolls data overnight boosted hopes of a Fed rate cut next week. It's a heavy day for geopolitics – French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, with focus centered on expanding partnership and deepening understanding amid increased trade tensions. Elsewhere, the European Commission presented the details of its plan to use frozen Russian assets to help finance Ukraine. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Adam Woods, Deputy Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, discusses European Commission recall of frozen beef from Brazil due to presence of suspected banned hormones.