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Melania Trumps top accomplishments as first lady include the passage of the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes nonconsensual intimate image sharing and deepfakes online. She played a significant role in its bipartisan support, hosting a Capitol Hill roundtable and advocating for victims. Her Be Best initiative focuses on childrens well-being and safe online habits. Other achievements include an executive order for foster care housing, a national AI program, and a global coalition for child welfare and family support.

In a surprising turn of events, President Putin calls President Trump to discuss Russias reevaluation of its position in Ukraine peace talks. The catalyst? Moscows claim of a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Putins residence, which Ukraine vehemently denies. Trump is reportedly taken aback, as Russia plans to reassess earlier agreements and current exchanges, potentially hindering progress in the ongoing negotiations.

Silver soars to record highs, outpacing gold and the Nasdaq, as investors seek safety and industrial demand surges. A short squeeze and stockpiling fears fuel the surge, making silver the standout story of 2025.

China condemns Israels recognition of Somaliland, launching largest military exercises around Taiwan. Beijing emphasizes support for Somalias sovereignty, urging Somaliland to drop separatist push. Taiwan praises Israels decision, viewing it as a stand for democracy and self-determination. Somalia, AU, and regional groups condemn the move. Chinas Eastern Theater Command conducts live-fire drills encircling Taiwan, putting forces on high alert.

Chinas military conducts massive drills near Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region. The exercises, involving air, navy, and missile units, follow Chinas anger over a potential US arms sale and Japans military hints. Taiwan responds with high alert drills, leading to flight cancellations and groundings. Over eighty Chinese aircraft and drones are tracked near the strait, with live-fire tests and rocket launches conducted. The drills, rooted in decades of tension, continue into Tuesday.

Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Muslim and Australian citizen, bravely tackled a gunman during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, saving lives. Despite being shot, he underwent surgeries and received over $1.6 million in donations, symbolizing his heroic act that saved countless lives.

Morris Katz, media consultant for New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, stirs up Democrat infighting in California by backing Randy Villegas, a liberal challenger to moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains and Republican David Valadao in a newly redrawn district. The new maps aim to flip Republican seats, but infighting over ideology and money between liberal and moderate wings threatens to weaken their chances against Valadao, a tough dairy farmer whos won in Democrat-leaning areas before. Labor giant SEIU California backs Bains, a physician who appeals to healthcare workers, as this internal clash underscores how Democrat wars could complicate their path back to House control.

Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt is challenging Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary, urging the party not to repeat Democrats mistake of clinging to an aging leader. Hunt, a forty-four-year-old freshman, touts his youth, ties to Trump, and fresh energy. The March primary has turned into a three-way fight, with tensions high and campaigns firing back. A December poll shows Paxton leading, with Cornyn and Hunt tied. No major Texas Republicans have endorsed Cornyn yet, leaving the race wide open.

Corporate bankruptcies surge in 2025, mirroring Great Recession levels, as companies grapple with inflation, high interest rates, and steep tariffs. Industrials and consumer-facing businesses bear the brunt, with manufacturing losing over 70,000 jobs. PosiGen, Nikola, Spirit Airlines, and Claires among casualties. Despite overall economic growth, struggling sectors face culling.