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January 16, 2025

Obama Snubs Inauguration; Gaza Ceasefire Questions Rise

Today's newsletter dives into Michelle Obama's decision not to attend Trump's second inauguration and the potential implications of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Explore the global call for better obesity measures and more stories on systemic leverage points that shape our world.

🏛️ Politics and Governance

Michelle Obama won't attend Trump's second inauguration - Axios

Michelle Obama won't attend Trump's second inauguration - Axios

11. Mindset or Paradigm | U.S. Political Traditions and Ceremonies

Non-attendance by a former first lady challenges traditional respect and engagement norms in political ceremonies.

S Korea's Yoon becomes first sitting president to be arrested - BBC.com

8. Rules of the System | Political Stability

Arresting a sitting president challenges the rules and constraints within the political system, affecting governance and public trust.

Pete Hegseth Confirmation: Key Sen. Joni Ernst Will Back Trump’s Pentagon Pick—After Senate Hearing - Forbes

8. Rules of the System | U.S. Political and Defense Appointments

The confirmation process and its associated political debates highlight the rules governing political appointments.

🌐 International Affairs

Gaza ceasefire: What can we expect? - BBC.com

10. Goals of the System | International Conflict

The potential ceasefire in Gaza reflects a shift in the overarching objectives of the involved parties, moving towards peace and stability.

Palestinians and Israelis daring to hope a Gaza deal is close - BBC.com

8. Rules of the System | Israel-Palestine conflict mediation

Ceasefire agreements and international diplomatic interventions reshape the political landscape and influence conflict resolution approaches.

Ukraine fires US, British missiles into Russia, launches one of largest drone attacks so far - CNN

6. Gain Around Positive Feedback Loops | International Security

Military escalation through retaliatory actions can amplify conflict, making it crucial to manage reinforcing feedbacks to avoid further tensions.

🩺 Health and Medicine

Global report urges more accurate definition of obesity than BMI - BBC.com

10. Goals of the System | Health and Medical Diagnosis

Redefining obesity impacts public health goals and treatment protocols.

🏢 Business and Industry

U.S. regulator accuses Capital One of ‘cheating’ customers on interest rates - The Washington Post

8. Rules of the System | Consumer financial services

Regulations and consumer protection standards directly affect business practices and consumer experiences in the financial services industry.

💻 Technology and Innovation

The great social media migration: Sudden influx of US users to RedNote connects Chinese and Americans like never before - CNN

7. Information Flows | Social Media and Communication

The migration of users to a new platform affects who has access to information and how it is shared, impacting communication dynamics between countries.

Latest Nintendo Switch 2 leaks detail GPU power and a new button - Tom's Guide

7. Information Flows | Gaming Industry

Leaks and announcements about new products influence consumer expectations and market trends.

Japan's ispace, US's Firefly launch commercial moon landers - Reuters

6. Gain Around Positive Feedback Loops | Commercial space exploration

The competition in commercial lunar exploration can lead to rapid advancements in technology, requiring a balance to ensure sustainable exploration development.

3 Actively Exploited Zero-Day Flaws Patched in Microsoft's Latest Security Update - The Hacker News

3. Structure of Stocks and Flows | Cybersecurity and software development

The structural security measures within software systems dictate vulnerability and the effectiveness of preventive updates and patches.

💰 Economy and Finance

Traders mark time ahead of US CPI, bank earnings - Reuters

7. Information Flows | Global Financial Markets

Awaiting key data such as U.S. CPI and bank earnings reflects reliance on information for market movement and decision-making.

US Inflation Data to Remain Firm, Feeding Fears of Higher Rates - Bloomberg

5. Strength of Negative Feedback Loops | Economic Policy

Maintaining interest rate stability despite inflation suggests efforts to correct market imbalances and maintain economic stability.

JPMorgan Chase is set to report fourth-quarter earnings – here’s what the Street expects - CNBC

1. Constants, Parameters, Numbers | Financial market analysis

Quarterly earnings reports and financial metrics shape market expectations and drive investment decisions.

🌍 Environment and Climate

Stilfontein body count mounts as 51 corpses hauled from mine, 106 rescued - Daily Maverick

7. Information Flows | Mining industry and governance

Modifying access and transparency of information regarding illegal mining operations can aid intervention strategies and improve miner safety.

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