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December 23, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,741 words for you today - 9 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Uber, Lyft Target London Robotaxi Launch
Uber and Lyft plan to roll out robotaxi services in London next year through separate partnerships with China’s Baidu, marking a major push into the UK autonomous market.
Takeaways:
Uber will partner with Baidu’s Apollo Go in a UK government pilot for self-driving taxis.
Lyft plans to test dozens of robotaxis, with ambitions to scale to hundreds if approved.
Testing could begin in early 2026, pending regulatory clearance.
Uber said it will participate in Britain’s accelerated autonomous vehicle pilot, which was moved up by a year to speed deployment. The company is also working separately with UK startup Wayve on self-driving technology.
Lyft CEO David Risher said the initial fleet will be limited but designed to expand quickly once regulators sign off.
The UK is emerging as a frontline market for robotaxis, drawing competition from Baidu, Waymo, and homegrown startups. Read More
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2. Trump Appoints Envoy to Pursue Greenland Control
President Donald Trump has named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, triggering a sharp diplomatic backlash from Denmark and Greenland’s leadership.
Takeaways:
Landry said he would work to make Greenland part of the US, framing the role as voluntary.
Denmark demanded an explanation from Washington, calling the move an attack on sovereignty.
Greenland’s prime minister rejected annexation, insisting the island decides its own future.
Trump revived his long-standing interest in Greenland after returning to office, citing national security, Arctic access, and mineral wealth. He has refused to rule out force, alarming allies in Copenhagen.
Greenland has broad self-rule and about 57,000 residents, with polls showing strong opposition to joining the US despite support for eventual independence from Denmark.
The appointment underscores Trump’s push to expand US influence across the Western hemisphere, as Arctic competition intensifies. Read More
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3. Trump Removes Nearly 30 Career Diplomats
[Alex Brandon/AP Photo]
The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial posts worldwide, reshaping US diplomacy to align with America First priorities.
Takeaways:
At least 29 chiefs of mission were told their terms will end in January.
All were career diplomats, not political appointees, who served under Biden.
Africa is hardest hit, with removals in 13 countries.
State Department officials said the diplomats are not being fired and may return to Washington for new assignments. Ambassadors typically serve three to four years but work at the president’s discretion.
The department defended the move as routine, stressing that ambassadors are personal representatives of the president expected to advance his agenda.
Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere are also affected, raising concerns from lawmakers and the diplomats’ union.
The shake-up signals a broader effort by Trump to tighten loyalty and control across US foreign policy. Read More
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7 Ways to Take Control of Your Legacy
Planning your estate might not sound like the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but trust us, it’s worth it. And with The Investor’s Guide to Estate Planning, preparing isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
Inside, you’ll find {straightforward advice} on tackling key documents to clearly spell out your wishes.
Plus, there’s help for having those all-important family conversations about your financial legacy to make sure everyone’s on the same page (and avoid negative future surprises).
Why leave things to chance when you can take control? Explore ways to start, review or refine your estate plan today with The Investor’s Guide to Estate Planning.
Quick Headlines
The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.6 billion after no ticket matched Saturday’s numbers, making it the fifth-largest U.S. lottery prize ever. The winner can choose a $735 million lump sum or an annuity of $1.6 billion paid over 30 years. Read More
A major winter storm with an atmospheric river will hit Southern California Tuesday night, bringing 4 to 12 inches of rain, 40–60 mph wind gusts, and flash flooding risks through Thursday. Residents near burn scars are urged to prepare for mudslides and sign up for emergency alerts. Read More
A 55-year-old woman went missing Sunday off Lovers Point, Pacific Grove, after witnesses reported a shark attack among 17 swimmers; search and rescue operations are ongoing by air and sea. Nearby beaches remain closed as authorities continue the investigation. Read More
A car bomb in southern Moscow killed Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate, the third senior Russian officer killed in just over a year, with Ukraine possibly involved. Sarvarov, 56, fought in Chechnya and Syria. The Kremlin has been informed, and Ukraine has not commented. Read More
A federal jury found the Grand Gateway Hotel in Rapid City liable for discriminating against Native Americans, awarding tens of thousands in damages and $1 to the NDN Collective. The case stems from the late owner banning Native Americans after a 2022 shooting. The hotel must comply with a Justice Department decree and the owner is barred from management for four years. Read More
California Academy of Sciences researchers discovered at least 20 potential new species in deep coral reefs near Guam, collecting 2,000 specimens from 180-330 feet below. The finds include crabs, sponges, sea squirts, and gorgonians, with genetic testing likely to reveal more. The discoveries highlight the biodiversity of the ocean’s “twilight zone” and the need to protect these habitats. Read More
Deep Dive
4. DHS Triples Self-Deportation Incentive for Undocumented Migrants
A monitor displays a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection app with "a self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country," as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a daily briefing at the White House on March 11, 2025.Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
The Department of Homeland Security has increased its voluntary departure stipend for undocumented migrants to $3,000, up from $1,000, for those leaving the United States by December 31, 2025. Participants also receive free airfare and a waiver of certain civil fines if they register via the rebranded CBP Home app.
Takeaways
Financial incentive raised: DHS triples the exit bonus to $3,000 to accelerate self-deportation and reduce detention costs, which average $17,000 per person.
App-based tracking: Migrants must signal intent through the CBP Home app, modeled on the Biden-era CBP One platform, to qualify for stipends and travel support.
Limited protections: Participants are deprioritized for ICE enforcement if they make "meaningful strides" toward departure, but guidelines on compliance are vague.
Broad impact: Since January 2025, DHS claims 1.9 million self-deported, though numbers for app users and stipend recipients remain unclear.
Targeting minors: Programs also include a $2,500 stipend for voluntary departure of migrant teenagers, reflecting the administration's focus on families and unaccompanied children.
The Trump administration frames the bonus as cost-efficient, citing taxpayer savings compared with traditional deportation and detention operations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that those who do not participate could be arrested and barred from returning.
The CBP Home app has become a key tool in the administration’s strategy, providing a digital record of intent to leave and enabling DHS to monitor departures. Critics argue the program pressures vulnerable populations while providing little clarity on long-term protections or legal oversight.
DHS has yet to publish a detailed breakdown of how many self-deporting migrants receive the stipend versus departing independently. The program underscores the administration’s dual approach: aggressive enforcement alongside financial incentives to drive mass self-deportation.
The expanded stipend program signals that the administration intends to intensify migration control as 2025 ends. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Actor James Ransone Dies at 46
James Ransone (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)
James Ransone, best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka on HBO’s “The Wire,” has died at age 46, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Takeaways:
Ransone died by suicide on Friday, per official medical examiner records.
He gained cult-favorite status for his role in “The Wire,” one of TV’s most acclaimed dramas.
His recent work included “It: Chapter Two” and “The Black Phone” franchise.
Ransone built a steady career in character roles across film and television, appearing in series such as “Bosch” and “Poker Face.” He was known for portraying volatile, emotionally complex characters.
Representatives for the actor did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The medical examiner’s office confirmed the cause of death in public records.
His death renews attention on mental health challenges within the entertainment industry. Read More
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6. Nicki Minaj Praises Trump, Vance at Conservative Rally
Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a conservative conference in Phoenix, praising President Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a memorial event for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Takeaways:
Minaj called Trump and Vance “role models” for young men, signaling a clear political shift.
Her appearance at AmericaFest 2025 cements growing ties to the MAGA movement.
The rapper said “it’s OK to change your mind,” referencing past criticism of Trump.
Minaj was interviewed on stage by Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, and mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, echoing rhetoric often used by Trump. She also voiced support for Trump’s stance on religious violence in Nigeria.
The moment drew attention because Minaj previously condemned Trump’s immigration policies and identified herself as an undocumented immigrant as a child.
Her remarks underscore how celebrity voices are reshaping political coalitions ahead of 2026 and beyond. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
Van Gogh
On This Day — December 23
Van Gogh Ear Incident, 1888 – After a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh famously cuts off his left ear and sends it to a female courtesan, highlighting his troubled genius.
Wizard of Oz Fire Accident, 1938 – Actress Margaret Hamilton’s costume catches fire during filming of The Wizard of Oz, demonstrating the early hazards of Hollywood special effects.
Apollo 8 Orbits Moon, 1968 – Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders become the first humans to orbit the Moon, setting the stage for future lunar missions and the Apollo 11 landing.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🫙 🌟 Put Fairy Lights and Decors in Mason Jars
Looking to add cozy lighting to any room? Fill a mason jar with a string of fairy lights. The jar amplifies the glow, creating a warm, inviting ambiance instantly. It’s a simple, charming way to decorate for everyday or special occasions.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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