Thursday☕️

09 Jan 2025 — 5 min read

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California is under a state of emergency due to multiple wildfires burning across the state. Major fires like the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Woodley fires have collectively destroyed thousands of buildings, scorched tens of thousands of acres, and caused at least five deaths. The Palisades Fire, the largest, has burned over 25,000 acres and remains completely uncontained, while the Eaton Fire is forcing large evacuations as it threatens nearby neighborhoods. Smaller fires, such as the Hurst and Woodley fires, are adding to the destruction, with new fires randomly sparking across both urban and rural areas.

The situation has been worsened by strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts over 100 miles per hour, spreading flames quickly and making it nearly impossible for firefighters to keep up. These winds are also triggering new fires in unexpected places, such as highways, industrial areas, and remote regions. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighters battle to protect homes and critical infrastructure. The dry conditions, high winds, and unusually warm weather have combined to create dangerous, fast-moving fires that continue to strain emergency resources statewide.

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Military Activity:

Yesterday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted precision strikes on two underground Advanced Conventional Weapon (ACW) storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These facilities were operated by Houthi forces and were used to support attacks on U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels operating in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The facilities housed advanced weaponry intended for use against regional and international maritime targets.

These strikes are part of CENTCOM’s ongoing mission to counter Iranian-backed threats and protect U.S. forces, regional allies, and commercial shipping routes.

Environment & Weather:

Today, a strong winter storm is moving across the southern United States, bringing snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The storm is affecting Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas. In Dallas, Texas, up to 4 inches of snow is expected, prompting Winter Storm Watches and warnings about hazardous travel conditions. Ice accumulation in states like Mississippi and Alabama has raised concerns about dangerous roads and potential power outages.

Emergency measures are already in place, with state officials activating resources to prepare for the storm’s impact. In Texas, energy providers are monitoring the increased demand for electricity due to the cold weather. As the storm continues to move eastward, it is expected to bring more snow and ice, causing disruptions to travel and daily life. Residents in affected areas are being advised to stay informed and take precautions to stay safe during these challenging weather conditions.

Business:

On January 6th, 2025, Dana White, President and CEO of the UFC, officially joined Meta’s board of directors. This move is part of Meta’s strategy to leverage White’s expertise in building a global brand and expanding influence across sports and entertainment. As the largest social media company on Earth, with billions of users across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta is already a media powerhouse. Adding White to the board strengthens its ability to connect with audiences and further solidify its dominance in the global media landscape.
On the same date, Meta also announced the addition of John Elkann, CEO of Exor and chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, and Charlie Songhurst, a seasoned technology investor and former Microsoft executive, to its board. These new members bring a mix of leadership and strategic expertise, reinforcing Meta’s efforts to expand its influence across industries. With these appointments, Meta’s board now has 13 members, reflecting its focus on growth and securing its leadership as a global media and technology giant.

Space:

Yesterday, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, deploying 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. Among these, 13 satellites are equipped with direct-to-cell technology, designed to provide seamless communication directly to standard mobile devices without requiring traditional cell towers. The Falcon 9’s first stage booster completed its third flight and was recovered on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean, showcasing SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.

This launch is part of SpaceX’s effort to expand its Starlink constellation, which now comprises over 7,000 satellites—more than any government or company in the world. This unprecedented network represents the most sophisticated satellite infrastructure ever created, offering high-speed internet access across the globe, including remote and underserved areas. The advanced capabilities of the Starlink system, including its direct-to-cell connectivity, mark a significant leap in global communication technology, with the potential to reshape how the world stays connected.
Live view of Starlink satellites (click image to view):