Ukraine Drone Attacks Target Moscow and Western Russia, Injure One Civilian 
U.S. Questions Russia’s Claim of Ukrainian Drone Attack on Putin Residence 
Zohran Mamdani Names Steve Banks as New York City Corporation Counsel Amid Clash With Trump 
FBI Surges Resources to Minnesota Amid Fraud Investigations Linked to Somali Community 
Jazz Ensemble Cancels Kennedy Center New Year’s Eve Shows After Trump Renaming Sparks Backlash 
China Conducts Largest-Ever Live-Fire War Games Around Taiwan Amid Rising Cross-Strait Tensions 
Bukele Signals Willingness to Extend Power as El Salvador’s Term Limits Are Scrapped 
U.S. Government Agrees to Review Frozen NIH Diversity Research Grants After Legal Challenge 
Trump and Netanyahu Diverge on West Bank Policy Amid Rising Tensions 
Peruvian Shamans’ New Year Ritual Predicts Illness for Trump, Fall of Maduro, and Global Political Shifts 
Lockheed Martin Secures $92.8M AEGIS Sustainment Contract from U.S. Navy 
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Plot Against Putin as Peace Talks Face New Strain 
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Sparks U.N. Debate and Regional Tensions 
Bolsonaro Undergoes Second Medical Procedure for Persistent Hiccups While Hospitalized in Brasilia 
Kremlin Says Ukrainian Drone Attack Hardens Russia’s Stance on Peace Talks 
Australia Orders Independent Review After Bondi Mass Shooting, Albanese Resists Royal Commission Calls 
Lavrov Says Russia Holds Strategic Initiative in Ukraine as Settlement Talks Continue 
As the Biden administration is focused on promoting Joe Biden’s next major proposals, it remains to be seen what the administration is going to do when it comes to the US’ interests in space. Over the weekend, it was announced that Vice President Kamala Harris would be leading the country’s National Space Council as its chairwoman.
Senior administration officials revealed to CNN that Harris is set to be the chair of the National Space Council as the Biden administration will be maintaining the organization. Harris confirmed that she will lead the organization on Twitter over the weekend as well. Harris would be taking over for her predecessor Mike Pence, who led the NSC during the Trump era.
“As I’ve said before: In America, when we shoot for the moon, we plant our flag on it. I am honored to lead our National Space Council,” tweeted Harris.
This marks another addition to Harris’ portfolio as vice president. The official noted that Harris plans to make her mark on the council, noting that her priorities include STEM education, cybersecurity, supporting sustainable development of commercial space activity as well as diversity in the workforce, advancing peaceful norms, and responsible behavior in space.
Officials revealed that in the meantime, the National Space Council will still operate under the 2017 executive order enacted by Donald Trump and have yet to decide whether changes should be made or not. The latest iteration would involve assisting the President in coming up with national space policies and strategies and synchronizing the country’s civil commercial and national security space activities.
In other news, Harris makes history once again this week as she becomes the first vice president to have her own wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The Museum will unveil her likeness as well as Biden’s later this year. Both their wax figures would be placed in the “Oval Office experience” part of the museum.
“We’re honored to create a figure for Vice President Harris and reflect this significant moment in US history for guests inside Madame Tussauds New York,” said the museum’s spokesperson Brittany Williams. Both wax figures will be wearing replicas of their outfits from their Inauguration Day.
